Desserts

Salted Caramel Donuts with Pastry Cream Can I bake the donuts instead of frying them? Traditional salted caramel donuts are fried because the hot oil creates a tender interior and golden exterior that baking cannot fully replicate. While baked versions exist, the texture is closer to brioche or sweet rolls than to classic donuts. If you prefer baking, you can shape the dough, place it in a muffin pan or baking sheet, and bake at 350°F/175°C until golden brown, then fill and glaze as directed. Just note the final result will not have the same airy crumb or flavor of … Read more

No Bake Chocolate Coconut Roll How can I make this chocolate coconut roll dairy-free or vegan? Replace the milk chocolate with a high-quality dairy-free dark chocolate or vegan milk chocolate. Substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, which gives richness and blends well with the coconut filling. Use vegan butter or a cashew-based butter alternative for both the chocolate layer and the filling. Make sure your biscuits are dairy-free, as some tea biscuits contain butter or milk powder. What is the best way to store the chocolate coconut roll? The roll should be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in … Read more

Mint-Lemon Grape Sorbet How can I make this grape sorbet without a food processor? You can still prepare grape sorbet using a high-powered blender. Freeze the grapes overnight as directed, then blend them with the mint and lemon juice in small batches to prevent overloading the machine. Stop frequently to scrape down the sides and keep the mixture moving. If your blender struggles, add a tablespoon or two of cold water to help achieve a smooth texture. Once blended, serve immediately or freeze for a firmer consistency. Can I use red grapes for this grape sorbet? Red grapes work well … Read more

Chocolate Hazelnut Eclair How can I make these chocolate hazelnut eclairs ahead of time? Prepare the choux pastry shells and hazelnut pastry cream separately. Bake the shells fully, then let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or freeze for longer storage. The hazelnut pastry cream should be kept refrigerated in a sealed container for up to three days. Assemble the chocolate hazelnut eclairs with the cream and ganache no more than a few hours before serving to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy. What is the best way … Read more

Caramel Brownie Cookies with Hazelnut Crunch How do I prevent the caramel from becoming too hard? It is important to control both cooking time and temperature. When heating the sugar, avoid letting it get too dark, as this produces a bitter flavor and a firmer texture. Once the cream is added, the mixture should bubble vigorously but only briefly before being removed from the heat. Adding butter at the end helps emulsify the sauce, ensuring it stays soft after cooling. Storing the cookies in an airtight container also helps maintain a chewy caramel center. How can I make the cookies … Read more

Double Chocolate Babka Bliss What makes this babka different from regular babka? This one stands out because it combines two types of chocolate layers, often a cocoa-based filling with additional chocolate or Nutella spread, resulting in a richer and more indulgent loaf compared to traditional babka. Regular babka typically uses a single chocolate filling or even cinnamon sugar, but the double version intensifies both texture and flavor. The layering of melted chocolate, cocoa butter filling, and Nutella gives the bread a moist interior with distinct swirls. This makes double chocolate babka particularly appealing for those who love a dessert-like bread … Read more

3-Ingredient Crunchy Banana Roti in Under 5 Minutes What type of pastry is best for making banana roti? The best pastry is thin, crisp spring roll pastry sheets. These sheets are delicate yet strong enough to hold the banana filling and crisp up nicely when fried. Using thicker or doughier pastry like traditional roti dough will not provide the desired crunchy texture. How thin should I slice the banana? Banana slices should be thin, approximately 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick, to ensure they cook quickly and fold neatly within the spring roll pastry. Thinner slices also prevent the banana from … Read more

Cream Filled Vanilla Cruffins Can I make the cruffins ahead of time and store them? Sure. After baking and cooling completely, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain flakiness. For longer storage, freeze the baked cruffins individually wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to one month. Thaw at room temperature before filling with pastry cream and serving for the best taste and texture. What is the best way to roll out the dough? Use a pasta machine set to a medium thickness, typically setting 5, … Read more