Desserts

Olive Oil Carrot Cake with Brown Butter & Cream Cheese How can I make this olive oil carrot cake dairy-free or vegan? You can keep the cake batter as written since it uses olive oil instead of butter. For the frosting, substitute the cream cheese with a cashew-based cream cheese or an oat-based version, and replace the brown butter with a dairy-free browned butter alternative made from plant butter. To make the recipe fully vegan, replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) or a commercial egg replacer. Can I … Read more

Chocolate Chip Pistachio Cookies How can I make the chocolate chip pistachio cookies dairy-free or vegan? Replace the butter with an oat or cashew-based spread suitable for baking. Use plant-based chocolate for drizzling and ensure the pistachio paste contains no dairy additives. Substitute the large egg with a flax or chia egg by mixing one tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and letting it sit until gel-like. How do I adjust baking these cookies for high-altitude baking? Reduce baking powder and baking soda by about 15–25% to avoid excessive rise and collapse. Increase flour … Read more

Dairy Free Vanilla Biscoff Roll Cake How do I prevent my Biscoff roll cake from cracking when rolling? It is important to roll the sponge while it is still warm and pliable, immediately after baking. Once inverted onto parchment paper, roll it up gently with the paper inside and allow it to cool in that shape. This technique helps the cake “remember” its rolled structure, making it easier to fill and reroll later without breaking. If the sponge is overbaked or left to cool flat, it will lose elasticity and crack when rolled. Can I serve a Biscoff roll cake … Read more

Gluten Free Chocolate Brownie Cookies How do I store the gluten free chocolate brownie cookies? Let them cool completely on a wire rack before transferring them to an airtight container. At room temperature, they will stay fresh for about 3 days, keeping their chewy centers and crackly tops. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week, though they may firm up slightly. If you prefer to freeze, arrange the baked cookies in a single layer, freeze until solid, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months. Why is my cookie batter runny? A … Read more

Kinder Cheesecake Cups with Bueno Topping How can I make this Kinder cheesecake dairy-free or vegan? Replace the cream cheese with a plant-based alternative such as cashew cream, almond-based cream cheese, or soy cream cheese. Use coconut cream, oat cream, or cashew cream instead of heavy cream for whipping. Substitute the Kinder chocolate and Kinder Bueno bars with vegan chocolate bars and vegan hazelnut cream-filled chocolate bars. Ensure all sugar and chocolate ingredients are vegan-certified. Can this Kinder cheesecake be prepared in advance? Yes, Kinder cheesecake can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer for up to two … Read more

Nutella Challah How can I make this Nutella challah in advance? You can make the dough a day ahead and let it rise slowly in the refrigerator overnight, which also develops flavor. The next day, shape, fill, and braid the dough before letting it rise again at room temperature. Another option is to fully bake the challah, cool it completely, and freeze it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through. Can I make the challah with whole wheat flour? Yes, though the texture will be denser and less … Read more

No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars How to slice these no bake peanut butter chocolate bars It’s important that they are fully set in the freezer for at least two hours. Remove the pan from the freezer and use a sharp knife, preferably warmed under hot water and wiped dry before cutting. Cut slowly with gentle pressure, cleaning the knife between slices if needed. This prevents the layers from smearing or sticking. Using parchment paper in the pan also helps lift the bars out easily, reducing breakage and preserving the smooth layered appearance of the no bake peanut butter chocolate … Read more

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