Desserts

5-Ingredient Personal Chocolate Lava Cake (Fondant) What is the key to getting the center to stay molten? Achieving a molten center in a personal chocolate lava cake depends on controlling temperature, timing, and batter consistency. The batter must contain enough fat and chocolate so the center remains fluid while the edges set. Using high-quality dark chocolate helps because its cocoa butter content melts smoothly and stays soft even after brief baking. Oven temperature should remain steady, ideally at 375°F/190°C with convection if available, because rapid, even heat sets the exterior quickly while protecting the middle. Underbaking by one to two … Read more

Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Banana Cake How can I make this chocolate chip banana cake more moist? Start with very ripe bananas, as their natural sugars and moisture contribute significantly to the texture. Incorporate a combination of oil and plant milk, such as oat milk, which helps retain moisture during baking. Avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flours; overmixing can develop gluten even in gluten-free flours, leading to a dense texture. Consider folding in extra banana puree or unsweetened applesauce if desired. What is the best way to slice and serve the cake? Allow the chocolate chip banana cake to … Read more

Gluten Free Amaretti Cookies (Almond Cookies) How can I make gluten free amaretti cookies softer or chewier? You can slightly adjust the nut-to-sugar ratio and avoid overbaking. Using freshly ground almonds and hazelnuts helps maintain moisture, while folding the nut mixture gently into whipped egg whites preserves a light, airy texture. Reducing baking time by one or two minutes and removing the cookies from the oven when edges are just golden ensures a soft interior. Storing the cookies in an airtight container with a slice of bread or apple can also help maintain chewiness by retaining moisture. Is it possible … Read more

Rolled Date Cookies (Ma’amoul-style) What is the best filling for date cookies? The best filling for date cookies is a smooth, thick date spread made from high-quality Medjool or Deglet Noor dates. The filling should be sweet but balanced, with optional additions such as chopped walnuts, pecans, or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Store-bought date paste can be used for convenience, but homemade filling made by simmering pitted dates with a splash of orange juice or water often yields better texture and aroma. The key is to use a spreadable consistency that won’t leak while baking. How … Read more

Lebanese Nights Dessert (Layali Lubnan) What is Lebanese nights dessert made of? Lebanese nights dessert, also known as Layali Lubnan, is a traditional Middle Eastern sweet made from semolina, milk, sugar, and fragrant flavorings such as orange blossom water or rose water. The base is a lightly cooked semolina pudding that’s poured into a dish and chilled until firm. Once set, it’s topped with a rich, whipped cream layer made with light cream and instant vanilla pudding mix to create a velvety contrast. The dessert is finished with crushed pistachios and a drizzle of lemon-scented syrup, giving it a combination … Read more

Easy Gluten Free Brookies with Cookie Swirl Can I make gluten free brookies dairy free as well? Yes! All you need to do to make this recipe dairy free is to use dairy-free chocolate chips made with cocoa butter instead of milk solids. How should I store the gluten free brookies to keep them fresh? Allow them to cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days if your kitchen is warm. The almond and oat flours tend to absorb moisture differently than wheat … Read more

Rich Gluten-Free Almond Flour Brownies How can I make these almond flour brownies even fudgier? Start by slightly reducing the amount of almond flour or adding a small extra portion of melted chocolate to the batter. Using brown butter, as in this recipe, naturally enhances the rich and moist texture. Avoid overmixing after adding dry ingredients, as this can incorporate too much air and make the brownies more cake-like. Chilling the brownies completely before cutting allows them to set and intensifies the fudginess. You can also underbake slightly, removing them when the center is just set, which results in denser, … Read more

Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bites What oil is best for frying churro bites? The best oil for frying churro bites is one with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, such as canola, sunflower, or vegetable oil. These oils allow the churro bites to fry evenly and become crisp without imparting any unwanted taste. The oil should be heated to 320°F/160°C, which is the optimal temperature for achieving a golden exterior while ensuring the inside cooks through without becoming greasy. It is important to maintain a consistent temperature, so use a kitchen thermometer and avoid overcrowding the pot. What is … Read more