Desserts

Cherry Cake with Mascarpone Cream How do I keep the mascarpone cream from turning runny? Always use full-fat mascarpone straight from the fridge; it should be cold when mixed. Avoid overmixing—whisk just until the mascarpone and sweetened condensed milk are fully blended and smooth. If you whip the cream for too long or at too high a speed, the mascarpone can break and become grainy or watery. Make sure any components added to the cream (like condensed milk or flavorings) are also cold or at room temperature. Once the cream is spread onto the cherry cake, refrigerate it immediately. If … Read more

Gluten Free Basque Cheesecake Can I make this gluten free Basque cheesecake without cornstarch? You can omit the cornstarch entirely, especially since it is used in small amounts mainly for structure. The eggs and cream cheese provide enough stability for the cake to set properly. The result may be slightly softer in the center, but the texture will still be rich and custardy. If you want to keep a similar structure without using cornstarch, you can substitute with potato starch or tapioca starch, which are also naturally gluten free. What type of cream cheese works best for this cake? Full-fat … Read more

Classic Marble Pound Cake Best way to swirl the batters in a marble pound cake Begin by pouring the plain vanilla batter into the pan first and smoothing the top gently. Next, carefully spoon the chocolate batter on top in a few even sections. Then, use a thin knife or skewer to create figure-eight motions or wide swirls throughout the batter. Don’t overmix—four to six passes is usually enough to create a distinct marbled effect. The goal is to blend the two batters just enough to create visible contrast while maintaining their separate colors. Can I use butter instead of … Read more

Strawberry Chia Pudding What kind of milk works best in this pudding? For a creamy texture, whole milk or canned coconut milk will provide richness and body. If you’re aiming for a lighter, plant-based option, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk are all excellent choices. Just be aware that thinner milks like rice milk may result in a looser set, so you might want to increase the chia seeds slightly. Choose unsweetened milk if you want full control over sweetness, since the fruit and maple syrup already provide natural sugar. The flavor of the milk will subtly influence the … Read more

Classic Paris Brest with Hazelnut Mousseline Cream What is the origin of the Paris Brest? The Paris Brest is a classic French pastry created in 1910 by pastry chef Louis Durand to commemorate the Paris–Brest–Paris bicycle race. Its circular, wheel-like shape is a nod to the bicycle tire, symbolizing the endurance and prestige of the race. Originally, it was designed as a high-energy pastry for cyclists, made with rich choux pastry and calorie-dense praline cream. Over time, it became a staple of French patisserie and is now enjoyed as a luxurious dessert rather than a sports snack. The shape is … Read more

Pistachio Tart with Whipped Ganache and Praline Can I make this pistachio tart in advance? The shortcrust pastry dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in the refrigerator, or frozen for up to a month. The tart shell itself can be blind baked and stored in an airtight container for 1 to 2 days at room temperature before filling. The baked pistachio cream layer should be cooled and chilled fully before topping with ganache. The pistachio ganache can be prepared a day ahead and kept in the refrigerator until whipped and piped. Once the pistachio … Read more

Almond Galette with Summer Fruit Can I make the almond galette dough in advance and freeze it? The galette can be frozen for up to 2 months. Once the dough has been mixed and shaped into discs, wrap each disc tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to use it, transfer the dough to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Before rolling it out, allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so it becomes pliable. Freezing the dough in advance is a great way to streamline … Read more

Almond Sticky Buns with Salted Toffee Glaze Can I prepare almond sticky buns in advance? Yes! The most efficient method is to prepare the dough and complete the first rise, then refrigerate it overnight. This long, cold fermentation improves both flavor and texture. You can also shape the buns, place them in the baking dish over the toffee glaze, and refrigerate them overnight for a second rise in the fridge. The next morning, allow them to come to room temperature and rise further, if needed, for about 30 to 45 minutes before baking. What is the best way to store … Read more