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    Banana Bliss: 10 Recipes for National Banana Day

    April 17 is National Banana Day, so that means it’s time to break out our favorite ways to bake with bananas. From classics like Banana Cake to new creations like Black Cocoa Banana Bread, we’re sharing ten recipes that your friends and family will go bananas over!

    This Sheet Pan Banana Split is a make-ahead dessert that is the ultimate party trick. With all the components of a banana split—jammy strawberry preserves, fresh bananas, rich ganache, and a buttery Waffle Cone Crust—packed into ready-made servings, you’ll be the magician of the kitchen with one swing of the freezer door.

    Oats in cake? Prepare to have your mind blown. Quick-cooking oats bring a revolutionary delicate crumb to this banana-and blueberry-packed layer cake. For a bright, tangy finish, we blanketed our cake with a smooth Buttermilk Frosting.

    A bite of these Mini Tropical Banana Bread loaves takes you on an island flavor getaway. Sweet pineapple, chewy coconut, and a tangy burst of Citrus Glaze combine for a sunny take on classic banana bread. 

    If there were ever a match made in heaven, it would be banana and peanut butter. Defatted peanut butter powder plays a transformative role in these tender Banana-Peanut Butter Biscuits, providing structure and all the nutty flavor you love without adding any additional oil to weigh down the biscuits.

    Ready for a bolder, more sophisticated take on the simple loaf? Time to bring out the Bundt pan. We roast the bananas and use tangy buttermilk to create an extra-smooth batter and tender crumb that translate beautifully to cake form. Buttery spiced rum paired with the gooey Roasted Bananas equals pure indulgence.

    Elegant but packing the homey, nostalgic flavor of peanut butter and banana, this braided bread is the perfect way to enjoy something classic in a gorgeous new package.

    The iconic flavors of banana and chocolate meet in our whimsical naked cake. Mashed banana adds a soft tenderness to the crumb of our buttermilk cake base while piped dollops of Chocolate Buttercream impart a boost of cocoa richness.

    Unlike regular cocoa, black cocoa is void of any acidity, so it’s able to deliver a deep cocoa punch without overpowering the banana flavor. This indulgent black cocoa banana bread is brimming with chocolate chips and smooth chunks of mashed banana.  LEGGI TUTTO

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    Crazy for Coconut: 6 Crave-Worthy Coconut Recipes

    Step into a coconut haven with our plethora of recipes all centered around this irresistible ingredient. Whether sprinkled onto a bun or stirred into a crust, the deliciousness of coconut can’t be denied. 

    Perfumed with coconut extract, swirled with silky whipped cream, and studded with sweetened coconut flakes, this Coconut Skillet Cake is the perfect finale to any meal. The coconut lover in your life is about to be your biggest fan.

    Skoleboller, or school buns, earned their name from the Norwegian tradition of including them in children’s school lunch boxes as a treat.

    The fun name for these large twisted doughnuts supposedly comes from their resemblance to the zig-zag pattern that the big cat’s swinging tail makes. If you’d like to keep the doughnut plain and get your coconut flavor through just the glaze, you can use all whole milk and vanilla extract in the dough.

    This pie isn’t French at all. In fact, it originated in United States port cities like New Orleans, Louisiana, and was first made with ingredients from French Guiana, which is likely how it got its name.

    Sometimes called Hello Dolly Bars (though no one knows why), these nostalgic treats are easy to make and perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.

    Blending one traditional Southern classic, the cloud-like coconut cake, with blushing stone fruit, this triple-layer cake is an undeniable showstopper. A final coating of toasted coconut flakes brings a dash of color to the typically snowy-white appearance. LEGGI TUTTO

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    Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

    Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is moist and tender beyond words! It’s easy to make and so indulgent with three layers of chocolate-speckled banana cake covered with whipped peanut butter frosting.

    Here’s something totally delicious and good for celebrating any happy occasion. This Banana Chocolate Chip Cake is super moist and delicious, made with 2 cups of mashed overripe bananas. I make banana bread often – mostly because I love it. But also because my husband buys bananas weekly to eat with his morning oatmeal. He only likes them when they’re a little green. (Which, I will never understand.) And once they develop brown spots, they’re left to languish on the countertop. I often use the leftover bananas to make my favorite Easy Banana Bread. These days, I always swap in mini chocolate chips for the nuts.
    That’s what drew me to this recipe. The banana and chocolate chip combo is a true favorite of mine. But add creamy peanut butter flavor to the mix? What more could you ask for. First spotted on Epicurious, I’ve adapted the recipe to fit three 8-inch cake pans. And given it distinctive studded décor simply by lining up chocolate chips on the outside of the frosted cake.

    Use Overripe Bananas
    Be sure to use very ripe or overripe bananas for the most flavorful cake with a moist crumb and balanced sweetness. But what if you want to make this cake, and don’t have time to wait for bananas to ripen? There are easy ways to ripen bananas in just a few minutes in the microwave, or about 20 minutes in the oven. See the recipe notes for these instructions.

    The flavor of this cake is just, outstanding. The cake layers are soft and tender – totally reminiscent of banana bread. But it’s the whipped peanut butter frosting that really puts this cake over the top. It doesn’t have much powdered sugar in it compared to other buttercreams. Yes – it’s sweet. But not as sweet as you might expect!

    The Cake Batter
    Start by creaming together butter, sugar and a little brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then, add in eggs and vanilla, followed by the dry ingredients, beating on low speed just until blended.
    Incorporate mashed overripe bananas and sour cream into the batter, mixing well to combine. You may notice my mashed bananas look really dark in the picture above – and that’s okay! When you mash bananas, you break down their cellular structure, exposing their contents to air. This exposure accelerates the enzymatic browning process that naturally occurs in bananas. While this may not be pretty to look at, it is harmless and does not affect the taste or nutrients.
    Finally, gently fold the mini chocolate chips into the cake batter.

    Bake in 8″ Cake Pans
    Prep three 8-inch cake pans. Grease them and then line the bottoms with parchment circles. Divide the batter between the pans. Then smooth the tops of the batter to ensure an even bake. Place them in a preheated 350°F oven and bake 35-40 minutes. As the cakes bake, the natural sugars from the bananas will work their magic, giving the cakes a beautifully deep brown color.
    When the cakes test done with a toothpick, remove them from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, turn them out onto wire racks, peel away the parchment circles, and cool completely.

    Make the Peanut Butter Frosting
    Beat together 1 cup of room temperature butter and 2 cups of peanut butter. Use the creamy shelf-stable kind of peanut butter. Add in just 1 1/2 cups of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla. (Or perhaps a dash of bourbon – I’m also a huge peanut butter-bourbon fan.) Whip until smooth, creamy, and fluffy.

    Assemble the Cake
    Place one cake layer on a cake board or serving platter and generously spread a layer of peanut butter frosting on top. Repeat with the remaining layers, then frost the entire cake. Be sure to reserve about 1 cup of buttercream for a piped border on top.

    Add the Chocolate Chip Decors
    This part looks more complicated than it is. Begin by ensuring the cake is well-chilled and the frosting is set. Using a soft tailor’s measuring tape as a guide, evenly space chocolate chips around the bottom edge of the cake in 1″ increments. Continue adding rows of chocolate chips, staggering them slightly above the previous row, until the entire outside of the cake is adorned with rows of chips. The measuring tape can help ensure even spacing at the start, but feel free to eyeball it once you get the hang of it. Also, if you’re slow at getting the chips on, the frosting will begin to soften. So you may need to re-chill the cake between rows.

    Pipe a Buttercream Border
     Using a large closed star tip (Ateco #849) and leftover peanut butter frosting, pipe a border of swirls around the top edge of the cake. Immediately sprinkle the swirls with mini chocolate chips.

    Storage
    This cake stores well in an airtight container such as a cake keeper. Or covered in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for several days. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to ensure the flavors and textures are most developed.

    This Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with peanut butter frosting is perfect for almost any occasion, whether it’s a casual gathering, a birthday, or even Father’s Day (my dad is going to love this!). It’s certainly a crowd-pleaser, which is a good thing because there’s plenty to go around!
    Related recipe: Easy Banana Bread

    Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

    Heather Baird

    This Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting is both easy to make and irresistibly delicious! You’ll need 4 large overripe bananas for this recipe, which will yield the 2 cups of mashed banana needed for this recipe.Use shelf-stable peanut butter for the frosting.

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    Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes mins1 hour 30 minutes cool/chill time 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    Servings 16

    Equipment8″ cake pans (3)Decorator piping baglarge closed star decorator piping tip Ateco 849
    Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Banana Chocolate Chip Cake Layers1 cup unsalted butter room temperature1 1/2 cups granulated sugar1/2 cup light brown sugar packed3 large eggs2 teaspoons vanilla extract3 cups all-purpose flour2 teaspoons baking soda2 teaspoon kosher salt2 cups mashed overripe bananas about 4 large bananas1 cup sour cream1 2/3 cups mini chocolate chips one 10 oz. bagPeanut Butter Frosting1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature2 cups creamy peanut butter1 1/2 cups powdered sugar2 teaspoons vanilla extract1 cup semisweet chocolate chips2-3 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
    Instructions Banana Chocolate Chip Cake LayersPreheat oven to 350°. Grease three 8-inch round cake pans with shortening or cooking spray and line bottom of pans with parchment rounds.In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat sugar, butter, and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating to blend between additions and occasionally scraping down sides and bottom of bowl. Beat in vanilla.In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, and salt together. Add the flour mixture to the creamed ingredients. Combine on low speed until just incorporated. Add the mashed bananas and sour cream. Beat until just combined. Beat in the mini chips on low speed.Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Smooth evenly.Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick tester inserted near the centers of the cake comes out clean. Cool the cakes in the pans for 10 minutes then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.Peanut Butter FrostingCombine the butter and peanut butter in the bowl of an electric fitted with the whip attachment. Beat until well combined. Add the powdered sugar. Mix until incorporated. Add the vanilla extract. Beat for 2-3 minutes until a fluffy buttercream forms.AssemblyPlace a cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Place about 2/3 cup of the buttercream on top; spread evenly on the cake. Add the second cake layer on top of the first; repeat frosting step. Top with the third cake layer and cover the top and sides of the cake with an even layer of frosting. Place leftover frosting (about 3/4 cup to 1 cup) in a piping bag fitted with a large closed star decorator tip (Ateco #849); set aside. Refrigerate cake until firm, about 30-45 minutes.Using a tailor’s measuring tape as a guide, evenly space chocolate chips around the bottom edge of the cake in 1″ increments. Continue pressing rows of chocolate chips into the sides of the cake, staggering them slightly above the previous row, until the entire outside of the cake is adorned with rows of chips.Using the bag of leftover buttercream, pipe a border of swirls around the top edge of the cake. Immediately sprinkle the swirls with mini chocolate chips.
    NotesWhat to expect: This cake is supremely moist, reminiscent of banana bread but perhaps not as dense. It’s studded with mini chips throughout the sponge which offers a touch more sweetness. The peanut butter frosting is rich but not overly sweet. Overall the cake is flavorful and easy to make.
     
    How to Quickly Ripen Bananas

    Oven Method: Preheat oven to 300°F. Place unpeeled bananas on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes (sometimes longer depending on the level of under-ripeness) until the skins turn completely black. Remove the bananas and cool before handling. Peel and mash bananas for this recipe.
    Microwave Method: Place unpeeled bananas on a microwave-safe plate. Use a knife to poke holes in the skins to allow steam to escape (don’t skip this step or they will explode!). Microwave at 100% power for 30 seconds. The skins should begin to develop dark spots. Continue to microwave in 30 second increments, checking the progress by monitoring the color. Also use a thick towel or pot holder to gently squeeze the bananas. They should be very soft. The bananas are ripened with the skins are completely blackened and feel soft when gently squeezed. 

    This recipe was adapted from Epicurious. 

    Keyword banana cake, banana chocolate chip cake, birthday cake, brown sugar, easy recipe, father’s day dessert, mashed bananas, mini chocolate chips, peanut butter frosting, semisweet chocolate chips, sour cream

    You may also enjoy: LEGGI TUTTO

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    7 Lemon Poppy Seed Recipes to Bake Now

    Step into a world of zesty delight with our collection of lemon poppy seed recipes. From cakes and cookies to bread and scones, enjoy these endlessly snackable creations. 

    We used the reverse creaming method to create a cake batter that bakes up nice and level with a delicate crumb to absorb every drop of the lemon curd between its layers.

    These soft, cake-like cookies stay moist for days thanks to a buttery dough that’s enriched with creamy ricotta cheese. Refrigerating the dough firms it up for easier scooping.

    Using candied fruits to decorate is a simple, easy way to elevate the look of your cakes as well as add another layer of texture in every bite.

    Poppy seeds are the traditional filling of these cookies, which are associated with the Jewish holiday Purim. The name refers to the villain of the Purim story, Haman.

    The delicate crunch of the streusel topping gives way to an aromatic, soft crumb. With added texture from the poppy seeds, you won’t be able to get enough of this Lemon-Poppy Seed Streusel Bread loaf. It’s great for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an anytime treat.

    This Lemon Poppy Seed Coffee Cake is summer’s sweetest wake-up call. Buttermilk in the batter gives this one-layer wonder a cakey crumb that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy streusel topping.  LEGGI TUTTO

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    Our 12 Best Bakes for Easter Weekend

    Easter weekend is almost upon us and we’re egg-cited to share 12 marvelous bakes perfect for any gathering. Whether you’re gearing up to host a lavish Easter feast, searching for a standout recipe to impress your family, or simply eager to try something new, we’ve got you covered. These bakes are guaranteed to steal the spotlight at any celebration, be it brunch, lunch, dinner, or even a simple snack time. With flavors that sing of spring and festive touches like colorful mini eggs, get ready to discover a new recipe that will become a cherished tradition in your holiday lineup for years to come.

    There’s no reinventing the lemon meringue pie, so why not reimagine it—as Lemon Meringue Nests? Taking flavor cues from its classic inspiration, this recipe puts delicate, crunchy meringue in the spotlight with a sweet-tart lemon curd centerpiece.

    Yes, from its banana-and-Vanilla Wafer base to its toasted Swiss Meringue topping, this decadent Chocolate-Hazelnut-Banana Pudding is made completely from scratch—but with a chocolate-hazelnut twist.

    If you love lemon bars, you will LOVE this Meyer Lemon-Olive Oil Coffee Cake. Meyer lemons are less acidic and slightly sweeter than the standard lemons found in the grocery store, and provide a perfect balance against the tart lemon curd swirled into this silky batter.

    With spring officially sprung, there’s no better recipe to celebrate with than this light yet luscious Hummingbird Pie with Pecan Crust. This pie’s crust may look like any other, but it packs a surprising punch of Schermer Pecans, lending a light, toasted crunch to the deliciously flaky and buttery base of this pie. The nutty, slightly rich notes of pecan act as the perfect counterpoint to the sweet, fruity flavors of the filling. Slices of fresh banana are layered on top of the crisp pecan crust and then blanketed in a smooth pineapple coconut cream. Topped with a cloud of light and fluffy Whipped Cream, this pie is a cool treat sure to satisfy all through spring and even into the dog days of summer.

    Simple, elegant, and a touch whimsical, this Almond Bundt Cake with Coconut Glaze was made with Easter in mind. Nordic Ware’s 6 Cup Heritage Bundt Pan lends a mesmerizing swirl to this sour cream pound cake, forming the perfect canvas for our rich Coconut Glaze. Plus, the pan’s 6-cup capacity also offers a perfect portion of cake for a cozy family dinner. Finish the cake off with toasted coconut and candied chocolate eggs to make a centerpiece-worthy Easter egg nest.

    With just a touch of aromatic orange zest mixed in with the creamy condensed milk and flaked coconut base, these classic macaroons pair notes of chocolate and citrus within their sweet snowball packages.

    This sheet cake is our answer to those Italian Cream Cake cravings when time is short. Each bite crunches with buttery pecans and sweet coconut flakes, complemented by a swooping layer of whipped cream on top. 

    Triple your berry intake in the morning with these richly frosted buns. Slathered with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting and packed with poppy seeds and Strawberry Cream Cheese, these Strawberry Poppy Seed Buns are the splurge that you—and your strawberries—deserve.

    Who needs cream cheese frosting when you’ve got a layer of cheesecake filling? These bars combine two of our favorite cakes in one: crumbly chunks of carrot cake baked into a velvety layer of cheesecake. Fair warning: you may not be able to have one without the other again.

    A nostalgic ode to Easter candy, this Cadbury egg-studded cookie is all about the texture. Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, and with a boost of crunch from the candy-coated chocolate eggs, it’s a new and improved way to indulge in the iconic Easter treat.

    A true Easter delight, these Resurrection Rolls are meant to represent the empty tomb of Christ after being resurrected. The magic of these rolls lies in the marshmallow. Surrounded by a soft, sweet dough, as these rolls bake, the cinnamon sugar-coated marshmallow placed inside melts away, leaving a pocket of air in its place. They’re sweet, warmly spiced with cinnamon, and incredibly fun to bake for adults and kids alike.

    This recipe for Chocolate Cherry Hot Cross Buns supports the claim that chocolate does, in fact, make everything better. Add in tangy dried cherries, apple juice, and a finishing touch of our just-tart-enough apricot glaze, and this chocolate twist on the hot cross bun gives a whole new meaning to the word “irresistible.” LEGGI TUTTO

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    Classic Carrot Cake

    With its moist crumb and creamy frosting, Classic Carrot Cake is a beloved dessert that’s perfect for celebrating the arrival of spring.

    Skies are bluer, grass is greener, and I think we all can let out a collective sigh that winter is in the rear-view. In fact, there’s been a real spring-fling happening in my kitchen already! This Classic Carrot Cake has been on the agenda for a while, and I’m so happy to finally share it with you. It’s absolutely loaded with sweet grated carrots and chopped walnuts. It also has a little crushed pineapple in the batter. Which, along with the grated carrots, makes for a truly moist crumb. It’s an anytime kind of cake, but especially good for spring occasions.
    And what about those cute candy carrots on top!? If ever there was a time to break out the marzipan, it is now just in time for Easter (one of the more important candy holidays, second only to Halloween). The carrots are fun to make and not difficult at all! See the video a little further down, just before the recipe, for the carrot-making technique in action.

    The Origins of Carrot Cake
    So, how did we get here, putting carrots into cake? I think we can all agree that the natural sweetness of carrots has an affinity for confections. Putting them into cake just makes sense. Which is probably why it has been a practice since the middle ages when carrots were used in place of expensive sugar. The more modern version of carrot cake gained popularity during World War II, when rationing made sugar scarce. Although, some wartime carrot cakes were more scone-like than the moist tender cakes we know and love today. No doubt the cake reached its full potential (and deliciousness!) in more plentiful times.

    Make the Carrot Cake batter
    Begin by adding vegetable oil (I like sunflower oil) to the bowl of an electric mixer. This cake is oil-based, which helps it retain its moist crumb. Add granulated sugar, salt, eggs, ground cinnamon and ground ginger, baking powder and baking soda. Beat it all together (with a paddle attachment, if you have one) until the mixture is smooth. Then, add in all-purpose flour and mix until well blended.
    Now, for the carrots! Grate carrots finely to feather-like shreds on a box grater. Or, you can use the grater attachment on your food processor to make speedy work of it. This cake requires 3 cups of grated carrots, or about 8 whole medium carrots (326g, if you’d like to weigh them). At this stage, also add in 1 cup of toasted chopped walnuts (or pecans), and 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple. Mix them in on low speed until dispersed throughout the batter.

    Divide the batter between three round 8″ pans. Or you could use two 9″ round cake pans if you prefer. Bake the cakes for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick tester inserted near the center comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs attached. Cool for 7-10 minutes in the pans.

    Turn the cakes out on wire racks to cool completely. This is important! Because cream cheese frosting is extremely meltable. Even if the cake is just barely warm, it will loosen the consistency of the frosting.

    Make the Cream Cheese Frosting
    You may recognize the cream cheese frosting from my Italian Cream Cake recipe. It’s my favorite cream cheese frosting recipe, because it tastes delicious and holds its shape for spreading and piping. Beat together 16 oz. cream cheese, 1/2 cup of butter and 8 cups confectioners’ sugar. Add a splash of vanilla extract and beat until smooth – that’s it!

    Frost the Cake
    Once the cake layers have cooled completely, it’s time to frost! Place one layer on a cake board or serving plate and spread a generous amount of cream cheese frosting on top. Carefully place the second layer on top and add more frosting; spread evenly. Frost the top and sides of the cake until fully covered with a thin crumb coat of frosting. Chill 20 minutes, and then cover the cake with a second coat of frosting.

    Make the Marzipan Carrots
    For an extra-special touch, make some homemade marzipan carrots. They’re not only cute, but they’re tasty, too! You’ll need 8 oz. of ready-made marzipan, which can be found at most grocery stores in the baking aisle. Or, if you can’t find marzipan, almond paste will work (such as Solo brand).
    With gloved hands, tint the marzipan with orange gel food color and knead together to combine. Divide the marzipan into 8 equal balls, 1 oz. each. Next, roll each ball into a carrot shape under your palm. See the video just before the recipe card for the technique. Use the back of a butter knife to lightly press lines onto the surface of the marzipan carrot. Lastly, poke a hole in the blunt end of the carrot and insert a stem of fresh flat-leaf parsley for the carrot tops.

    If you’re making this cake in advance, wait to garnish the marzipan carrots with the parsley until just before serving. The parsley looks best fresh because it does wilt a little over time (curly parsley would also work, and may stay fresher longer). Affix each carrot on top of the cake with a little leftover cream cheese frosting.

    How to Store the Carrot Cake
    To keep your carrot cake fresh and moist, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Or well-covered with plastic wrap. Make sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.
    Freezing Instructions
    This Classic Carrot Cake can also be frozen for longer storage (without the marzipan carrots). Just wrap the frosted chilled cake in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. It will keep for 3 months. To thaw, transfer the wrapped frozen cake to the refrigerator and let thaw overnight. Slow is the way to go here. Because the cream cheese frosting can become a little runny if it thaws too fast at room temperature. Also, if you’re planning to freeze the cake – do not substitute nonfat or low fat cream cheeses (also Neufchatel cheese) for the frosting. The high fat content in regular cream cheese is what helps it keep well in the freezer.

    If you’re looking for the quintessential Classic Carrot Cake recipe with cream cheese frosting – this may be your winner. It’s timeless, and always a crowd-pleaser. The supremely moist crumb holds a wealth of carrots, nuts, and crushed pineapple. However, if you’d like to mix things up, you can find instructions for adding raisins and shredded coconut in the recipe notes. Happy Spring!

    Related recipe: Carrot Cake Cupcakes

    Classic Carrot Cake

    Heather Baird

    This traditional carrot cake is a timeless favorite with a moist crumb and flavor bursting with the natural sweetness of grated carrots. Topped with a decadent cream cheese frosting, a slice is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. I’ve used English walnuts in this recipe, but pecans could also be used. The crushed pineapple can be replaced with an equal amount of raisins, if you prefer. See recipe notes for other variations and substitutions.

    #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #5A822B; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }No ratings yet

    Prep Time 45 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    Servings 12

    Equipment8 inch cake pans, 3
    Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Carrot cake layers1 1/2 cups vegetable oil or sunflower oil2 cups granulated sugar1 teaspoon fine grain sea salt4 large eggs1 tablespoon ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon ground ginger1/4 teaspoon ground cloves1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder1/2 teaspoon baking soda2 cups all-purpose flour1 cup chopped toasted walnuts1/2 cup drained crushed pineappleCream cheese frosting16 oz. cream cheese at room temperature1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature8 cups confectioners’ sugar2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/2 cup chopped walnuts toastedMarzipan carrot decors8 oz. prepared marzipanOrange gel food color8 sprigs flat leaf parsley with long stems
    Instructions Carrot cake layersPreheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease three 9” round cake pansIn the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the oil, sugar, salt, eggs, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix well to combine. Add the flour and mix until just combined.Add in the grated carrot, nuts, and crushed pineapple. Mix until just blended.Divide the batter between the three pans. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until a toothpick tester inserted near their centers comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs attached. Allow the cakes to cool 7-10 minutes in the pans, and then turn out to a wire rack to cool completely.Cream cheese frostingCream together the cream cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer. Add the powdered sugar in two additions. Beat until smooth.Add vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl and beat again until combined. Cover frosting with a damp towel to keep it from drying out while you work.Place a cake layer on a serving plate or cake stand. Top with a generous layer of frosting; stack another layer and frost. Top with the third cake layer. Apply a thin crumb coat of frosting to the outside of the cake. Refrigerate until set, about 15 minutes. Cover the cake with the remaining frosting. Smooth top and sides using a cake smoother or bench scraper. Immediately press the chopped walnuts onto the bottom edge of the cake. Reserve any small amount of leftover frosting for attaching marzipan carrots to the top of the cake.Marzipan carrotsPlace the marzipan in a bowl and add in 1/4 teaspoon of orange gel food color. Knead with gloved hands until the marzipan is consistently orange. If the color is not rich enough, knead in a little more color. The marzipan should not be sticky because of the naturally present almond oil in the dough, but if you find the mixture sticky, knead in a little powdered sugar.Roll the orange marzipan into 8 equal walnut-sized balls (1 oz. each). Place a ball on a flat work surface, from the center of the ball, roll it under your palm until one side becomes cone-shaped/pointed. Roll into a carrot shape to 4” length. Use the back of a butter knife to make lines in the marzipan carrot (see video for method). Repeat with remaining marzipan balls.Use a toothpick to make a small deep hole in the blunt end of each marzipan carrot. Insert a sprig of parsley into each hole for the carrot greens.Use leftover frosting, to attach the carrots to the top of the cake. Place carrots around the top edge of the cake in a radiating fashion with the pointed ends of the carrots meeting in the center of the cake.
    NotesWhat to expect: This cake is supremely moist with the classic carrot cake texture, lightly spiced flavor, and sweetness from grated carrots. The cream cheese frosting is a wonderful creamy contrast to the textured interior. 

    Grate Fresh Carrots: For the best flavor and moisture, use freshly grated carrots rather than pre-packaged ones. This ensures that the carrots are at their peak freshness and will impart the best flavor to the cake.
    Inclusions and Substitutions: In place of the walnuts and crushed pineapple, which equals 1 1/2 cups combined, you may add in any combination of add-ins you like, such as raisins, coconut, and nuts. Just keep all the add-ins to 1 1/2 cups total.
    Drain Excess Liquid from Pineapple: If using canned crushed pineapple, drain it first, then measure to 1/2 cup before adding it to the batter. Too much liquid can make the cake soggy.
    Toast the Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the batter enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the cake. Simply spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F in a preheated oven until fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
    Chill the Cake Before Frosting: For easier assembly and frosting, chill the cake layers in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before adding the cream cheese frosting. This helps firm up the cake and prevents the frosting from melting.
    Add the Parsley to the Marzipan Carrots Last: The marzipan carrots can be sculpted and pierced with their toothpick holes then assembled on top of the cake in advance. But hold off inserting the parsley stems for the carrot greens until just before serving the cake. The parsley will wilt slightly over the course of about 2 hours.

    See blog post for freezing and thawing instructions.
    The cake layers for this recipe were adapted from King Arthur’s Carrot Cake. 

    Keyword carrot cake, classic carrot cake, cream cheese frosting, crushed pineapple, english walnuts, grated carrots, homemade carrot cake, marzipan carrots, spring dessert, traditional dessert

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    10 Sweet Treats to Bake for Spring

    March 19th marks the official first day of spring in the U.S., and we’re welcoming in the new season with 10 spring-inspired bakes that will brighten any day. From the zing of lemon to the burst of fresh berries, each recipe is crafted to infuse your kitchen with the vibrant essence of spring. So, grab your apron and embark on a flavorful journey that promises to bring the joys of the new season, no matter what the weather outside may hold.

    Sticky-sweet strawberry filling is smeared, rolled, and twisted into a buttery brioche dough, and a final sprinkling of pearl sugar offers an element of elegant crunch to this loaf.

    With spring officially sprung, there’s no better recipe to celebrate with than this light yet luscious Hummingbird Pie with Pecan Crust. This pie’s crust may look like any other, but it packs a surprising punch of Schermer Pecans, lending a light, toasted crunch to the deliciously flaky and buttery base of this pie. The nutty, slightly rich notes of pecan act as the perfect counterpoint to the sweet, fruity flavors of the filling. Slices of fresh banana are layered on top of the crisp pecan crust and then blanketed in a smooth pineapple coconut cream. Topped with a cloud of light and fluffy Whipped Cream, this pie is a cool treat sure to satisfy all through spring and even into the dog days of summer.

    Who needs cream cheese frosting when you’ve got a layer of cheesecake filling? These bars combine two of our favorite cakes in one: crumbly chunks of carrot cake baked into a velvety layer of cheesecake. Fair warning: you may not be able to have one without the other again.

    By swapping the traditional cream cheese filling with vanilla bean-scented Mascarpone Cream and replacing the congealed topping with fresh strawberries, we’ve given this classic pastry a modern salty-sweet makeover.

    These party-perfect bars are creamy, crumbly, and crispy all at once. For the best results, we suggest refrigerating overnight. But if you’re in a hurry, you can cut that time down to at least 1 hour before serving.

    A tender almond cake speckled with earthy poppy seeds and a strawberry-dappled top dusted with confectioners’ sugar, this simple yet chic one-layer stunner embodies the flavors of spring. We call it “a counter cake” because you’ll want to keep it on your counter all season long as a sweet treat for impromptu guests (and yourself).

    Inspired by the busy bees of spring, we paired chopped honeycomb and orange blossom water to create a delicate floral and honey scone. Crowned with golden honeycomb chunks and a generous drizzle of white chocolate, these baked goods offer a surprising flavor combination you didn’t know you needed until now.

    Cheesecake is a dessert for all seasons, but this one is geared directly toward spring. We traded the traditional graham cracker crust for a spicy gingersnap crumb base that complements a sunny citrus cheesecake filling. But the coup de grâce is the bright and beautiful blueberry topping, a glistening crown that offers jammy berries in every bite.

    Combining a double-dose of zippy lemon flavor in both the cookie and the glaze tastes like spring baking at it’s finest. Add the crunchy finish of sweet sparkling sugar and you’ve got one knockout cookie. LEGGI TUTTO

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    Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake

    This layered Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake is bursting with tart citrus and sweet red raspberry flavors. It’s perfect for a springtime soiree or any special occasion.

    This layered cheesecake has been in development for a long time – more than a year, actually! It’s inspired by Cheesecake Factory’s Lemon Cream Cheesecake, but it’s not an exact copycat recipe (like this one, for example). The flavors are much the same as the inspiration cake, but it’s pared down in size and more manageable for the home baker. I’ve made three different versions of it, and had even teased one iteration ‘coming soon’ on Instagram stories months ago. However, after a little more scrutinizing, I decided it still wasn’t exactly right. The first version was too tart. The second one was too tall to fit in a standard 9×3-inch springform pan. It’s like they say, third time’s a charm!
    Yes – at long last! I’m ready to share this Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake just in time for spring holidays and warm weather. It isn’t hard to make, but it does take some time to put together. Start a couple of days ahead, because the cheesecake layer needs to chill overnight. And then the assembled cake also needs to chill overnight. So the most time-consuming part is the hands-off, waiting around!

    This cheesecake-cake is made of one vanilla cake layer, raspberry coulis-dipped lady fingers, zesty lemon cheesecake, and lemon whipped cream. The recipe is designed to have leftover raspberry-coulis, which should be served in a pitcher for drizzling on each cheesecake slice.

    Make the Raspberry Coulis
    Mix together 12 oz. raspberries (fresh or frozen and thawed) and granulated sugar. Cook for 2 minutes in the microwave and stir until the sugar is melted. You can also do this on the stove top. When the sugar is melted, let it cool slightly, then transfer it to a food processor or blender. Process until the mixture is pureed. There will be seeds visible in the mixture.
    Next, pour the mixture through a sieve. Use the back of a spatula to press the pulp through the screen, leaving only the seeds behind. And just like that, you’ve just made raspberry coulis! Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for later use.

    Make the Vanilla Cake Layer
    This layered cheesecake starts with a vanilla cake layer. Mix all of the ingredients up in a bowl with a hand mixer. Grease and flour your most reliable 9-inch springform pan with high sides (at least 3″ tall). Why? Because we’ll be using the same springform pan to bake and assemble the layers. Pour the batter into the springform pan and bake for about 18 minutes. At the end you should have a tender cake layer that requires no leveling. It bakes up perfectly flat and that’s just what we need.
    Allow it to cool completely an then cover it in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until needed. This will firm the crumb and it will be easier to handle.

    Make the Lemon Cheesecake Layer
    Wash the springform pan you used to bake the cake in and line the bottom with a parchment paper round. Mix up the crustless cheesecake ingredients (which includes tangy lemon zest- yum!) and pour the batter into the springform pan. Place a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven and place the cheesecake on the center rack above it. This steams the cheesecake as it cooks. And helps it develop a smooth surface. I like this technique because it’s a little less messy that immersing the pan directly into a water bath.
    After an hour or so, when the timer sounds, prop open the oven door with a wooden spoon and let the cheesecake stay in the oven while it cools. This will prevent the cheesecake from having high edges with a deeply sunken center. After another hour, remove it from the oven. Refrigerate the cheesecake overnight. Then remove it from the pan and onto a plate; cover and keep refrigerated.

    Assemble the Layers
    In the same springform pan (once again!) begin assembly. Place the vanilla cake layer in the bottom of the pan. Remember that raspberry coulis? Grab a package of crisp lady fingers, and dip each one into the coulis. Then, line them up over the cake. You may have to trim some of the cookies to cover the entire cake. You can see how I arrange them in the video before the recipe card a little further down.

    Add the lemon cheesecake layer. Turn it upside down over the lady fingers and gently press down. Then, cover and refrigerate the entire thing overnight. This gives the lady fingers a chance to soften and become cake-like. Like I said before, this cheesecake isn’t complicated, but it does take some time.

    Lemon Cream Topping
    This Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake has a double dose of lemon, thanks to the lemon cream topping. After the cheesecake has chilled overnight, gently press the cheesecake layer down evenly with a flat hand. This will compress the lady finger layer slightly and make room in the pan for the lemon cream layer.
    Combine heavy cream and sugar in a mixer fitted with a whip attachment, and beat until soft peaks form. Add just a kiss of lemon extract, and beat in some bloomed and melted unflavored gelatin. This stabilizes the whipped cream and gives it a mousse-like texture which slices cleanly. Spread the whipped lemon cream over the cheesecake and refrigerate for one hour.

    After the cheesecake is chilled, remove the springform collar and transfer to a cake plate or stand. All that’s left? Scatter a few fresh raspberries on top and a couple of lemon slices, if you like. I added a few ribbons of lemon zest as well.

    Transfer the leftover coulis to a small pitcher and serve it alongside the cheesecake. An extra drizzle makes it so nice!
    I think this is a wonderful dessert to welcome the spring season. And it will also be a much appreciated cold and creamy treat throughout summer months, too. Enjoy!

    Related recipe: Chocolate-Raspberry Bavarian Torte

    Lemon Raspberry Cheesecake

    Heather Baird

    This layered confection stars with a base of vanilla cake and raspberry coulis-dipped lady fingers. It’ stopped with a tangy lemon cheesecake layer, followed by a fluffy lemon whipped cream topping. The flavors and some components of this cake are inspired by The Cheesecake Factory’s famous Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheesecake.Begin this cake 2 days ahead of serving, as the lemon cheesecake layer by itself needs to firm overnight. The assembled cheesecake will also benefit from an overnight chill.

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    Prep Time 45 minutes minsCook Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes minsChill overnight twice, 48 hours 2 days dTotal Time 2 days d 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    Servings 12

    Equipment9×3-inch springform pan
    Ingredients  Raspberry coulis12 oz. frozen raspberries thawed3/4 cup granulated sugarVanilla cake layer1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar1 large egg1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract3 tablespoons vegetable oil2/3 cup all-purpose flour1/2 teaspoon baking powder1/8 teaspoon salt1/4 cup whole milkLemon cheesecake16 oz. cream cheese at room temperature1/2 cup granulated sugar1/4 cup heavy cream2 tablespoons lemon juice1 tablespoon all-purpose flour1 tablespoon grated lemon zest1 teaspoon lemon extract5 drops yellow food color optional3 large eggs at room temperatureAssembly and lemon cream topping12 crisp lady fingers1 tablespoon cold water1 teaspoon unflavored powdered gelatin1 cup heavy whipping cream1/4 cup granulated sugar1 teaspoon lemon extractAdditional toppingsFresh raspberriesLemon slicesLemon zest ribbons
    Instructions Raspberry coulisCombine the berries and sugar in a microwave-safe bowl. Cook at 100% power in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stir well until the sugar is completely melted. You may also do this in a saucepan on the stove top. Allow the mixture to cool slightly. At this stage, give the cooked mixture a taste-test. If it is very tart, add up to 1/4 cup of sugar and cook again. (Berries vary in sweetness.)Place the mixture in the bowl of a food processor or the pitcher of a blender. Puree until smooth. Pass the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl; discard the seeds and solids.Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.Vanilla cake layerPreheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment paper.Beat the sugar, egg, vanilla, and oil in a large bowl using an electric mixer on medium-high speed. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat in half of the flour mixture into the wet ingredients.Add all of the milk and mix until combined. Add the remaining flour and beat until incorporated. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18 minutes or until a toothpick tester inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan 5 minutes. Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.When the cake is completely cool, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to use.Lemon CheesecakePreheat the oven to 325°F. Set a 9×13-inch pan filled half full of water on the bottom rack of your oven.Grease and line the same springform pan used for the cake layer; set aside.In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in the cream, lemon juice, flour, lemon zest, lemon extract, and food color if using. Add the eggs; beat on low speed until well combined.Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place on the middle rack of the oven above the pan of water. Bake for 65 minutes. When the timer sounds, turn the oven off and prop open the oven door with a wooden spoon. Let the cheesecake stand in the oven for an hour. Remove the cheesecake in the pan to a wire rack to cool completely, then cover and refrigerate in the pan overnight.Assembly and lemon cream toppingRemove the springform collar and carefully transfer the cheesecake to a plate; do not remove the parchment paper. Keep refrigerated.Wash and dry the springform pan. Place the vanilla cake layer in the springform pan. Quickly dip each lady finger in the raspberry coulis, and cover the vanilla cake with the cookies (see video for technique). You may have to trim the lady fingers to evenly cover all of the cake. Reserve the leftover coulis in a small pitcher for serving with slices of cheesecake.Carefully transfer the cheesecake layer, upside-down (parchment bottom-up) onto the layer of lady fingers. Press down gently then remove the parchment paper round from the cheesecake. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.The next day, with the pan still covered in plastic wrap, gently press the cheesecake down to slightly compress the lady fingers layer (it will have softened) and to make room for the lemon cream topping.For the lemon cream topping, place the cold water in a small microwave-safe condiment cup and sprinkle the gelatin evenly over the surface. Let stand until the gelatin is bloomed.Whip the heavy cream in a large bowl of an electric mixer until slightly thickened, and then gradually add in the granulated sugar. When soft peaks form, beat in the lemon extract.Microwave the gelatin for 10 seconds, or until liquid. While beating the cream, pour in the gelatin. Whip until stiff peaks form. Immediately top the cheesecake with the cream. Refrigerate for one hour.Remove the collar from the springform pan and transfer the cake to a cake stand or serving plate. Top with fresh berries, lemon slices, and lemon zest ribbons, if desired.Store the cheesecake covered in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Serve slices of cheesecake with an additional drizzle of raspberry coulis.
    NotesWhat to expect: This cheesecake has bright, fresh flavors with citrus and raspberries. It has tart-tangy elements that are well balanced with sweet, creamy elements. It is reminiscent of The Cheesecake Factory’s Lemon Raspberry Cream Cheesecake.
    Fresh or frozen: Use fresh or frozen raspberries for the coulis. 
    Spread out the work: As I’ve mentioned in the post, this cheesecake is not difficult to make. But it requires a lot of hands-off time and overnight chilling. Make the cake layer, coulis, and the cheesecake layer on the first day. Then assemble the cake, lady fingers, and cheesecake the second day. On the day of serving, top with the lemon cream and decorate.
    Extra coulis: If you’re serving this cheesecake buffet-style to a crowd, you may want to double the coulis recipe. Having extra will allow guests to have a little drizzle or more to taste.
    Gelatin: You may omit adding the bloomed and melted gelatin to the lemon cream if you prefer. The gelatin stabilizes the whipped cream and makes it more mousse-like. Without the gelatin added, it will just be lemon whipped cream (but still tasty!).

    Keyword cheesecake cake, freeze dried raspberries, fresh lemon, lemon cheesecake filling, Lemon cream cheesecake, lemon juice, lemon raspberry cheesecake, lemon zest, raspberry coulis, spring dessert, springform pan, stabilized whipped cream, The Cheesecake Factory Copycat Cheesecake, vanilla cake

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