Desserts

Caramel Pecan Brownies How can I make the caramel pecan brownies dairy-free? Replace the butter with a plant-based butter or a neutral oil such as refined coconut oil. Be sure to choose a dairy-free dark chocolate and milk chocolate substitute—many brands offer vegan versions of both. For the caramel topping, use dairy-free butter and confirm the honey substitute, if needed, aligns with your dietary preference (maple syrup or agave are good options). How do I keep the brownies moist for several days? Let them cool completely before slicing, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Line the … Read more

Gluten Free Chocolate Tart How can I make this gluten free chocolate tart dairy-free? Replace the butter with a plant-based butter that stays firm when cold, such as a soy- or cashew-based stick butter. Avoid margarine spreads, which contain too much water. For the ganache, use full-fat coconut cream or a cashew-based cream alternative in place of heavy cream. Make sure the dark chocolate you use is dairy-free, as some brands include milk fat or whey. When all components are substituted properly, the result is still smooth, rich, and holds its shape well after chilling. Can I use almond flour … Read more

White Chocolate Matcha Balls (Gluten Free) How can I make these matcha balls dairy-free? Replace the white chocolate with a dairy-free version made from cocoa butter and plant-based milk powders. Many vegan white chocolates are now widely available in specialty stores or online. Ensure your cashew or almond butter contains no added milk solids. This adjustment keeps the creamy texture and flavor intact while making the entire recipe suitable for those avoiding dairy. Also, check your matcha powder to ensure it’s pure and not blended with milk powder, which is sometimes added to culinary matcha blends. Can I use coconut … Read more

Vanilla Puffs with Cocoa Crumble and Whipped Ganache How can I make these vanilla puffs ahead of time? Bake the choux shells and let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, freeze the baked, unfilled shells in a single layer, then transfer to a zip-top bag once frozen. Thaw at room temperature and re-crisp in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 5 to 10 minutes. Prepare the diplomat cream and whipped ganache in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble the … Read more

Berry Almond Danish How can I make this almond Danish ahead of time? Prepare the dough a day in advance and let it rise overnight in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the almond cream up to three days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Once the dough is shaped and filled, the unbaked Danishes can be refrigerated for a few hours before baking. If you need a longer hold, assemble the Danishes and freeze them unbaked. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time, or let them thaw and … Read more

4-Ingredient Vegan Pistachio Ice Cream Bites Can I use regular dates in vegan pistachio ice cream? You can use regular Medjool dates instead of frozen ones, but you’ll need to chill the mixture longer before freezing to ensure it sets properly. Frozen dates help the vegan pistachio ice cream blend into a thick texture quickly without warming the coconut cream. If using soft room-temperature dates, reduce the coconut cream slightly or refrigerate the blended mixture for 1 to 2 hours before freezing. What can I use instead of a silicone ice cube tray? If you don’t have a silicone ice … Read more

Pistachio Ice Cream Cake with Kataifi Crunch How can I make this pistachio ice cream cake without kataifi? You can substitute kataifi with shredded phyllo dough, which is essentially the same product under a different name. If neither is available, use crisp, golden-baked phyllo sheets crumbled into shards for a textural base, though it won’t have the same finely shredded appearance. Another option is to use crushed baklava-style nut and phyllo layers for a similar Middle Eastern flavor profile. However, these alternatives may change the texture and presentation of the pistachio ice cream cake, so be sure to keep the … Read more