Desserts

Mascarpone Orange Pastry How do I prevent the phyllo from drying out while making orange pastry? Keep the stack of dough covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap while working. Phyllo dries out very quickly when exposed to air, becoming brittle and difficult to handle. Always brush each sheet with melted butter as soon as you lay it down, which not only adds flavor but also prevents cracking. Working efficiently and covering unused sheets ensures smooth, flexible dough for wrapping the filling. Can I prepare this orange pastry ahead of time? You can assemble the pastries and … Read more

Russian Honey Cake (Medovik) How can I make Russian honey cake ahead of time? Russian honey cake is an excellent dessert to prepare in advance because it improves with time. Once assembled, the layers soften as they absorb the cream, creating a tender texture. Ideally, make the cake at least one day before serving to allow the flavors to develop fully. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container. If you want to prepare earlier, you can bake the cake layers and freeze them for up to two months, then thaw and … Read more

Grain-Free Pumpkin Pie Bars with Shortbread Crust How can I make pumpkin pie bars with shortbread crust dairy-free? You do not need to change much, since the recipe already avoids butter and cream by using coconut oil and coconut milk. If you prefer a lighter option, substitute the full-fat coconut milk with oat milk or cashew cream to maintain creaminess without altering the flavor too much. Make sure your maple syrup and coconut sugar are pure and not processed with additives. This ensures the bars remain fully dairy-free while still holding the smooth and silky texture expected in pumpkin pie … Read more

Easy Chocolate Puff Pastry Rugelach How can I make the chocolate puff pastry rugelach ahead of time? You can assemble the rugelach, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a sealed container and store for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, brush with egg wash and bake directly from frozen, adding about 5 extra minutes to the baking time. Another option is to bake them fully, let them cool, and store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. Reheating in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes … Read more

Raw Vegan Cashew Cheesecake with Berries How can I make this vegan cashew cheesecake nut-free? Substitute the cashews and walnut base with seeds such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or a combination of oats and coconut flakes. Soak the seeds to soften them for the filling, similar to how cashews are prepared. For the base, blend seeds with dates and coconut oil until sticky. Can I prepare the cheesecake without a high-speed blender? You can, but you will need a strong food processor or a powerful regular blender. Soak the cashews longer, at least overnight, to ensure they soften completely, … Read more

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