Desserts

Poppy Seed Cake Rolls (Presburger Style) How can I prevent the filling from leaking out of the dough while baking? Be sure the dough is rolled out evenly and sealed tightly around the filling. If using the folding method, press all edges firmly to seal. For the rolled method, roll tightly and tuck in the ends before placing seam-side down on the baking sheet. Scoring the tops allows steam to escape and helps keep the filling intact. If the dough is too thin or overfilled, it can rupture. How can I make this poppy seed cake gluten free? Substitute the … Read more

Vegan Gluten Free Lemon Cookies with Almond Glaze Can I freeze these gluten free lemon cookies? For unbaked dough, shape the cookies and freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to an airtight container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time. For baked cookies, let them cool completely, then freeze in layers separated by parchment paper. Thaw at room temperature before serving. For best results, add the lemon glaze after thawing so it retains its texture and sheen. What can I use instead of almond flour? Try hazelnut flour or cashew flour in … Read more

No Bake Pistachio Cake with White Chocolate Ganache How can I make this no bake pistachio cake without instant pudding mix? You can create a simple homemade vanilla custard using milk, cornstarch, sugar, and vanilla extract. Cook the mixture on the stove until thickened, then let it cool completely before folding it into whipped cream. This will mimic the body and structure the pudding mix provides. For added pistachio flavor, stir in pistachio butter or finely ground pistachios. The final result may be slightly less firm but still creamy and flavorful. Refrigerate the cake a bit longer to help the … Read more

Gluten Free Coffee Cake with Walnuts and Cream How can I make this gluten free coffee cake dairy-free as well? Yes! Replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative such as coconut cream or soy-based whipping cream. For the instant pudding mix, you can use a vegan version made with cornstarch and flavoring or make a simple stabilized whipped cream using cream of tartar or agar. Be sure the dark chocolate you use for both the batter and garnish is dairy-free. What can I use instead of instant pudding mix in the cream? You can stabilize the whipped cream for … Read more

Classic Pecan Caramel Bars with a Buttery Crust How can I make these pecan caramel bars dairy-free? Simply replace the butter in both the crust and topping with a high-fat vegan butter or margarine. For the heavy cream, use full-fat coconut cream or a barista-style oat cream that can withstand heat without curdling. Make sure your brown sugar and maple syrup are also certified vegan, as some brands use animal-derived processing. How do I prevent the caramel layer from becoming too hard? Avoid overcooking the topping. Once the mixture comes to a boil, remove it from the heat promptly to … Read more

White Chocolate Biscuit Cake with Vanilla Cream How can I make this chocolate biscuit cake gluten-free? You just need to replace the tea biscuits with certified gluten-free tea biscuits or graham crackers. Many brands offer gluten-free alternatives that have a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure they are sturdy enough to hold their shape after being dipped in milk. The rest of the ingredients—cream, vanilla pudding, powdered sugar, milk, and yogurt—are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels to avoid hidden gluten. Can I prepare chocolate biscuit cake in advance? Yes, this chocolate biscuit cake is ideal for making in advance. … Read more

No-Bake Chocolate Coffee Cheesecake Can I use a different biscuit instead of ladyfingers? You can certainly substitute the ladyfingers with other biscuits in this chocolate coffee cheesecake, depending on your texture and flavor preference. Petit Beurre, graham crackers, digestive biscuits, or even shortbread cookies work well. Whichever you choose, make sure they are not overly crumbly so they hold up when dipped briefly in coffee. If your substitute is drier, reduce dipping time further to avoid soggy layers. How long will this cheesecake keep in the fridge? This chocolate coffee cheesecake will keep well in the refrigerator for up to … Read more

2-Ingredient Dairy Free Coconut Ice Cream How can I sweeten the ice cream without refined sugar? You can use natural alternatives such as maple syrup, agave nectar, date syrup, or even blended Medjool dates. Maple syrup works especially well because it dissolves easily and complements the coconut flavor without overpowering it. When using thicker sweeteners like date syrup, ensure they are fully blended with the coconut cream to avoid uneven sweetness or clumping. Keep in mind that the consistency of the ice cream may slightly change depending on the type of sweetener used, but the final texture will still be … Read more

Gluten Free Pistachio Cookies Can I make gluten free pistachio cookies without Amaretto? Sure! Simply replace the liqueur with an equal amount of vanilla paste or extract. You can also use almond extract, but use only ¼ teaspoon as it’s more concentrated. If you prefer a citrus note, orange blossom water or lemon zest can also complement the pistachios well. The goal is to add aroma and depth to the cookies without changing their texture. The cookies will still hold their shape and bake well as long as the liquid amount stays about the same. How do I store the … Read more