Category: CAKES & PIES

SMASHED BANANA BREAD OR CAKE

Just like most people I have several banana bread recipes, but this one is one of the simplest that makes either a bread or a cake without any modification except baking time!

SMASHED BANANA BREAD

1 ½ cups flour
¾ teaspoon baking powder
¾ teaspoon baking soda
¾ teaspoon salt
2 LARGE eggs
1 ½ cups SMASHED & VERY RIPE banana
¼ cup + 2 tablespoons sour cream
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
1 teaspoon DARK rum
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 cup sugar
½ cup finely chopped walnuts
½ cup golden raisins
Powdered sugar, for dusting
FRESH whipped butter, for eating

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Grease 9×5 loaf pan OR 9X9 baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • In a small bowl whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt.
  • In a medium bowl beat the eggs with the sour cream, rum, vanilla and banana.
  • In a large bowl beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • At a low speed gradually add the wet ingredients to the butter and sugar until well blended.
  • Gradually add the flour into the mixture until well blended.
  • Foll in the raisins and nuts.
  • Pour into prepared pan, scraping bowl clean.
  • Bake. See below for times.

BAKING TIMES:

LOAF PAN
1 hour 30 minutes until tester comes out clean.
Transfer to cooling rack for 45 minutes.
Turn out onto cooling rack.
Dust with powdered sugar.
Slice and serve with FRESH whipped butter.

CAKE PAN
Bake 45-60 minutes until tester comes out clean.
Transfer to cooling rack for 45 minutes.
Turn out onto cooling rack.
Dust with powdered sugar.
Slice and serve with FRESH whipped butter.

PINA COLADA CHEESECAKE

Awhile back I found a recipe in a magazine for the BEST EVER PINA COLADA CHEESECAKE and as is my nature cut it out and set aside to make. When I went to make it, I realized I had somehow cut off some of the directions so searched the web for the recipe in hopes of finding the missing directions. I DID NOT find the exact one I was looking for, but I did find 2 others that sounded similar and quite intriguing. So, each to these recipes were be made to order and then I made a 4th picking out the best features of each for a recipe of my own.

BEST-EVER PINA COLADA CHEESECAKE version 4, my version, a compilation of ALL the best parts of the first three versions 😀 I eliminated the whipped cream all together because I felt the pineapple curd was smooth enough and a sufficiently smooth topping.

CRUST from version one added a FRESH taste to the normally pedestrian graham cracker crust.  I added the ginger for an added boost. French gallette cookies with sea salt work well also.
8 shortbread cookies, crushed
8 gingersnaps, crushed
1 cup toasted coconut
3 tablespoons butter, melted

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Wrap the outside bottom of a 9-10 inch springform pan with foil.
  • Spray insides with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Combine crushed cookies, toasted coconut and melted butter into a coarse crumb crumble.
  • Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
  • Bake 8-10 minutes until set.
  • Set aside to cool.

FILLING also from version #1, but with alterations for flavor.
(3) 8 ounce cream cheese packages, softened at room temperature
1/4 cup superfine sugar
3 LARGE eggs
1/2 cup cream of coconut
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup MALIBU pineapple rum
2 teaspoons FRESH finely grated lemon peel
(1) 8 ounce can crushed pineapple, DRAINED EXCEPTIONALLY WELL

  • In a large mixing bowl beat cream cheese with sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition JUST until combined.
  • Add cream of coconut, rum and orange peel, mixing JUST until combined.
  • FOLD in pineapple.
  • Pour over cooled crust.
  • Bake 1 hour 15 minutes until set and center ONLY slightly jiggles.
  • Run a knife around outside edge.
  • Turn off oven, leave cheesecake in oven, but open door about 4 inches and let set 30 minutues.
  • Remove from oven and cool 30 more minutes and then refrigerate AT LEAST 6 hours or preferably overnight.

The PINEAPPLE CURD from version #3 is a MUST!
1 cup granulated sugar
9 large egg yolks
1 cup canned pineapple juice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
10 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2″ pieces

  • In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and egg yolks, then whisk in pineapple juice and salt.
  • Add butter and place over medium heat.
  • Cook pineapple mixture, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom and sides of the pans, until the butter melts and mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 9 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium heatproof bowl.
  • Refrigerate until very cold, at least 1 hour.

GLAZE – next time I will be adding a kiwi and a couple raspberries to the glaze for color
8 ounce can crushed pineapple, DRAINED juice reserved
1/4 cup superfine sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon FRESH lemon juice

  • In a medium saucepan whisk together pineapplejuice, sugar and lemon juice.
  • Add cornstarch, whisking until smooth.
  • Stir in pineapple.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil over medium heat, stirring CONSTANTLY. Boil just 1 minute until slightly thickened, still CONSTANTLY stirring.
  • Cool 20 minutes at room temperature.

ASSEMBLY
Pineapple slices, cherries or raspberries for garnish
Toasted coconut, for garnish

  • Spoon curd over cheesecake.
  • Top with glaze.
  • Top with cherries or raspberries and coconut garnish.
  • Cut into pieces and serve.

BEST-EVER PINA COLADA CHEESECAKE #1 – unknown source
A rum spiked coconut filling on a toasted coconut crust topped with pineapple creates a decadent dessert reminiscent of the classic tropical drink.

CRUST
15 shortbread cookies, crushed
1 cup toasted coconut
3 tablespoons butter, melted

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Wrap the outside bottom of a 9-10 inch springform pan with foil.
  • Spray insides with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Combine crushed cookies, toasted coconut and melted butter into a coarse crumb crumble.
  • Press evenly into the bottom of the pan.
  • Bake 8-10 minutes until set.
  • Set aside to cool.

FILLING
(3) 8 ounce cream cheese packages, softened at room temperature
1/4 cup superfine sugar
3 eggs
3/4 cup cream of coconut
1/4 cup light rum
2 teaspoons finely shredded orange peel
(1) 8 ounce can crushed pineapple, DRAINED WELL

  • In a large mixing bowl beat cream cheese with sugar until light and fluffy.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition JUST until combined.
  • Add cream of coconut, rum and orange peel, mixing JUST until combined.
  • FOLD in pineapple.
  • Pour over cooled crust.
  • Bake 1 hour 15 minutes until set and center ONLY slightly jiggles.
  • Run a knife around outside edge.
  • Turn off oven, leave cheesecake in oven, but open door about 4 inches and let set 30 minutues.
  • Remove from oven and cool 30 more minutes and then refrigerate AT LEAST 6 hours or preferably overnight.

GLAZE
8 ounce can crushed pineapple, DRAINED, juice reserved
1/4 cup superfine sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon FRESH lemon juice

  • In a medium saucepan whisk together pineapple juice, sugar and lemon juice.
  • Add cornstarch, whisking until smooth.
  • Stir in pineapple.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil over medium heat, stirring CONSTANTLY. Boil just 1 minute until slightly thickened, still CONSTANTLY stirring.
  • Cool 20 minutes at room temperature.

ASSEMBLY
Cherries or raspberries for garnish
Toasted coconut, for garnish

  • Spoon glaze over cheesecake.
  • Top with cherries or raspberries and coconut garnish.
  • Cut into pieces and serve.

Pina Colada Cheesecake #2 which I adapted from COOK FOR SMILES  is a smooth and creamy cheesecake that tastes JUST like a piña colada, except that you cannot drink it, but have to eat its layers of pineapple chunks and coconut topped with coconut flavored cheesecake that has been baked to a smooth perfection.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Rest and chill time 8 hours
Servings 8

CRUST
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
½ cup brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
5 Tbsp melted unsalted butter
4 pineapple rings canned
2/3 cup sweetened coconut flakes

  • In a small bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, vanilla extract and brown sugar, mixing very well.
  • Spread crumb mixture in the bottom of the spring form pan evenly, pressing it over the bottom and half way up the sides.
  • Spread chopped pineapple slices evenly over the bottom and then coconut flakes all over the pineapple chunks. Set aside.

CHEESECAKE
24 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons sour cream
2 eggs
2/3 cup Cream of Coconut Goya*
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2/3 cup white granulated sugar
2 tablespoons corn starch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

  • In a bowl of an electric mixer, beat cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and fluffy.
  • Scrape sides and bottom of the bowl and beat for another minute.
  • Add corn starch and sugar and mix until combined.
  • Beat in eggs one at a time, until incorporated.
  • Add sour cream, vanilla extract, heavy cream and Cream of Coconut and beat until all mixed well.
  • Transfer batter into the springform and spread it evenly.
  • Pour the batter all over the pineapples and coconut and not just in the center. (If you are not sure about your springform holding up in water, you can wrap the springform in heavy duty aluminum foil from bottom up to the sides.)
  • Place roasting pan into the oven and place springform with cheesecake inside the roasting pan.
  • Carefully add water to the roasting pan, about half way up the side of the springform.
  • Bake for 70-75 minutes.
  • Turn off the oven and open the oven door half way.
  • Let cheesecake rest for about 10 minutes and take it out of the oven.
  • Let it rest on the counter for 10 minutes and then gently run a butter knife between sides of the cheesecake and the springform, to carefully separate it. (You don’t actually have to take the cheesecake out of the pan until ready to serve.)
  • Cool cheesecake for an hour to get it to room temperature and then cool it for about 2 hours in the refrigerator so it is cold when adding whipped topping.

WHIPPED TOPPING
1 cup heavy whipping cream cold
1/2 cup Cream of Coconut
2 tablespoons white granulated sugar

  • Add the cold heavy whipping cream into the cold mixing bowl. Use whisk attachment. Starting at low speed, start whisking, gradually raise to speed to high.
  • Slowly pour in the Cream of Coconut and then sugar. Beat until stiff peaks appear (don’t walk away far or you might overmix).
  • Spread whipped topping over the cooled cheesecake, evenly. (Keep the cheesecake in the springform.)


TOPPING
3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes
4 pineapple rings canned
Maraschino cherries

  • Preheat the oven to 325 degrees and grease a 9 inch springform pan. You will need a large roasting pan that’s bigger and longer than the springform pan. (I use the aluminum foil disposable ones). 
If you are not sure about your springform holding up in water, you can wrap the outside of the springform pan in heavy duty aluminum foil from bottom up to the sides. (I recommend wrapping the outside of the springform in foil before adding the crust and cheesecake batter.)
    Spread coconut flakes gently over the whipped topping. Decorate with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries.
    Cover the cheesecake and springform with saran wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Piña Colada Cheesecake Bars #3 was adapted from DELISH.  The pineapple curd on these bars is what makes them SO SO good. Your very first bite will transport you right onto the beach with a piña colada in hand. 

Yields: 16 servings
Prep Time: 0 hours 20 mins
Total Time: 4 hours 30 mins

CRUST
12 graham crackers – 1 1/2 cup finely ground crumbs
1/4 cup granulated sugar 6 tablespoons butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat oven to 325°.
Line a 9″ square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. I like to use my square springform pan.
In a medium bowl, combine graham crackers with sugar, melted butter, and salt.
Transfer to prepared pan, and gently press in to make an even crust.
Bake until lightly golden, about 12 minutes.
Let cool on a wire rack while making the filling.

FILLING
2 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup coconut Thai Kitchen coconut milk
3 LARGE eggs
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 cup sweetened coconut flakes

  • In a large bowl, beat cream cheese with sugar until light and fluffy, 2 minutes.
  • Beat in coconut milk, eggs, and salt until smooth.
  • Stir in coconut flakes.
  • Pour mixture over crust and bake until just set, about 45 minutes.
  • Cool completely in pan.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours. 

PINEAPPLE CURD
1 cup granulated sugar
9 large egg yolks
1 cup canned pineapple juice
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
10 tablespoons butter, cut into 1/2″ pieces

  • In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and egg yolks, then whisk in pineapple juice and salt.
  • Add butter and place over medium heat. 
  • Cook pineapple mixture, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom and sides of the pans, until the butter melts and mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 9 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a medium heatproof bowl.
  • Refrigerate until very cold, at least 1 hour.

ASSEMBLY
2 cups whipped cream topping
3/4 cup toasted sweetened coconut flakes
16 maraschino cherries with stems

  • Spread cooled pineapple mixture evenly over cooled bars and spread whipped cream on top.
  • Sprinkle with toasted coconut and keep chilled until ready to serve.
  • Use parchment paper overhang to lift cheesecake out of pan or remove ring if using springform pan.
  • Cut into 16 squares.
  • Top each square with a maraschino cherry before serving.

HARVEST APPLE CAKE & PINEAPPLE VANILLA RUM SAUCE

One of the things I look for when we’re antiquing is old recipe boxes. Not just any old recipe boxes, but old recipe boxes FULL of handwritten recipes. This recipe came from one of those boxes. I have no idea who owned the box, just that MANY of their recipe’s were in the same handwriting and referenced Mrs. Gibson who must have been an excellent cook based on the recipes I’ve tried so far!

HARVEST APPLE CAKE & PINEAPPLE VANILLA RUM SAUCE

CAKE
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup CRISCO*
2 eggs, unbeaten
1/3 cup WHOLE milk
2 cups all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 heaping teaspoon QUALITY cinnamon
4 cups peeled, cored and chopped apples
1/2 cup golden raisins

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Cream together the sugar and crisco, it will be a bit grainy.
  • Add milk until smooth.
  • Add in the eggs until well blended.
  • Sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.
  • Blend flour mixture into the creamed mixture.
  • Fold in apples and raisins.
  • Pour into 9×13 baking dish and spread even.
  • Bake 60 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
  • COOL to lukewarm before pouring sauce over top and serving.

SAUCE
1 stick (8 tablespoons butter)
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon pineapple vanilla
1 teaspoon Malibu pineapple rum
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup heavy cream

  • In a small saucepan melt butter.
  • Whisk in sugar until dissolved.
  • Whisk in remaining ingredients until smooth and heated through. DO NOT BOIL.

NOTES:

  • Based on the age of the recipe card and style of writing I decided whole milk and PURE vanilla extract were a MUST for the texture and flavor of this recipe to be best.  Her original recipe was extremely flavorful, but also extremely dense.  The milk helped lighten it and made it fluffier too.
  • I use the crisco sticks.
  • The cinnamon, raisins, flavored rum and flavored vanilla are MY additions and I sometimes alternate them with craisins for even more oomph in flavor.

PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH APPLE SLAB PIE, CANDIED WALNUTS & A NEW TOY, ER KITCHEN GADGET, ER TIME SAVER

My sister-n-law found this new apple slicer.  It peels, cores AND makes long spiral slices of apple.  I LOVE my new tool 😀

PENNSYLVANIA DUTCH APPLE SLAB PIE
1 large batch of your favorite pie crust

FILLING
5-6 Granny smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3 tablespoons WONDRA flour
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 cup golden raisins

  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • Toss apple pieces with lemon juice and set aside for 15 minutes.
  • Whisk together the sugars, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Drain apples.
  • Toss apples and raisins in dry mixture until evenly coated.
  • Arrange pie crust on jelly roll pan.
  • Top with apple mixture and spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle topping evenly over apples.
  • Bake 25-30 minutes. WATCH edges and cover in foil if necessary so they don’t burn.
  • Serve with vanilla bean ice cream.

TOPPING
3/4 cup all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/3 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 cup finely chopped candied walnuts

  • Use a pastry blender to create a coarse crumble.

CANDIED WALNUTS or PECANS
1 cup chopped walnuts
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons butter

  • In a non-stick skillet melt butter.
  • Add brown sugar, stirring to dissolve.
  • Add nuts, continuously stirring to coat well and cook for 5 minutes.
  • Transfer to parchment paper and separate nuts immediately so they don’t clump.
  • COOL COMPLETELY.
  • Store in air tight container.

FLOATING FRUIT CAKE – PEACH

This is a super fun recipe in that the batter and fruit actually trade places during the baking process ending with a crunchy biscuit topping over sweet, juicy fruit.   My favorite flavor is peach, but it works just as well with cherries, blackberries, blueberries, apples or ANY fruit combo you can think of!

PEACH COBBLER

FILLING
8 cups about 10 peaches peeled and sliced OR 32 ounces of sliced frozen peaches, thawed
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon QUALITY cinnamon

In a large mixing bowl toss peaches with 2 and cinnamon and set aside.

TOPPING
12 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup + 2 tablespoons milk
4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt

  • Preheat oven to 300°.
  • Spray 9×13 baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
  • In another large mixing bowl whisk together the butter, flour, 2 cups sugar, baking powder, salt and milk.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan.
  • Layer evenly with peach slices.
  • Bake for 1 hour or until browned and bubbly.

NOTE: You can use other fruits, but omit the cinnamon if using berries such as blueberries, blackberries or raspberries.

POMEGRANATE PINEAPPLE CHEESECAKE

POMEGRANATE PINEAPPLE CHEESECAKE

FILLING
1 small can crushed pineapple drained WELL, reserve juice
1 (3-oz.) box pineapple Jell-O
3/4 cup pomegranate juice
1/4 cup reserved pineapple juice
2 cup whipped topping (thaw 5-10 minutes)
2- 8 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt

  • Place juices in a measuring cup and heat in microwave for 2 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together orange Jell-O and heated juices until Jell-O is completely dissolved.
  • Set aside to cool completely.
  • In another large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
  • Fold whipped topping into cream cheese mixture, then pour half of mixture into cooled Jell-O.
  • Whisk until smooth.

CRUST
24 whole Lemon Oreo cookies, crushed
6 tablespoons melted butter
Pinch of kosher salt

  • In a medium bowl, mix together Oreo crumbs, butter, and salt. Press into the bottom of an 8″ spring form pan and partially up the sides.

ASSEMBLY

  • Alternate dollops of cream cheese mixture, Jell-O mixture and crushed pineapple into the crust. You can also do this in layers if you are in a hurry.
  • With a butter knife, gently swirl the layers as desired.
  • Cover and refrigerate for AT LEAST 6 hours, or until firm.

GARNISH (optional)
1 cup whipped topping
pineapple tidbits

  • When firm, pipe dollops of whipped topping around the outside of the cheesecake. Top each dollop with a clementine segment, garnish with orange zest, and serve.

NOTE:

  • The batter might feel kind of loose as you’re adding it to the pan—don’t worry! After a couple hours in the refrigerator the cheesecake mixture will be perfectly firm and creamy.
  • Also good as a mix of cherry and pineapple jellos as well as blueberry and lime.  What flavor combination do you like?  Use your imagination!

BLUEBERRY LIME CHEESECAKE

BLUEBERRY LIME CHEESECAKE

FILLING
1 (3-oz.) box lime Jell-O
1 cup SMALL wild blueberries, thawed and drained WELL
1 cup boiling water
2 cup whipped topping (thaw 5-10 minutes)
2- 8 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt

  • Place juices in a measuring cup and heat in microwave for 2 minutes.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together orange Jell-O and boiling water until Jell-O is completely dissolved.
  • Set aside to cool completely.
  • In another large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
  • Fold whipped topping into cream cheese mixture, then pour half of mixture into cooled Jell-O.
  • Whisk until smooth.

CRUST
24 whole Lemon Oreo cookies, crushed
6 tablespoons melted butter
Pinch of kosher salt

  • In a medium bowl, mix together Oreo crumbs, butter, and salt. Press into the bottom of an 8″ spring form pan and partially up the sides.

ASSEMBLY

  • Alternate dollops of cream cheese mixture ,Jell-O mixture and blueberries into the crust. You can also do this in layers if you are in a hurry.
  • With a butter knife, gently swirl the layers as desired.
  • Cover and refrigerate for AT LEAST 6 hours, or until firm.

GARNISH (optional)
1 cup whipped topping
blueberries

  • When firm, pipe dollops of whipped topping around the outside of the cheesecake. Top each dollop with several blueberries, garnish with orange zest, and serve.

NOTE:

  • The batter might feel kind of loose as you’re adding it to the pan—don’t worry! After a couple hours in the refrigerator the cheesecake mixture will be perfectly firm and creamy.
  • Also good as a mix of cherry and pineapple jellos as well as orange and vanilla.  What flavor combination do you like?  Use your imagination!

CREAMSICLE CHEESECAKE

WARNING! This recipe must chill at least 6 hours!
CREAMSICLE CHEESECAKE
This Cheesecake Tastes EXACTLY Like A Creamsicle! adapted from Delish US

FILLING
1 (3-oz.) box orange Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
2 cup whipped topping (thaw 5-10 minutes)
2- 8 ounce blocks cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup sour cream
1 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
Pinch of kosher salt

  • In a large bowl, whisk together orange Jell-O and boiling water until Jell-O is completely dissolved.
  • Set aside to cool completely.
  • In another large bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream until smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt.
  • Fold whipped topping into cream cheese mixture, then pour half of mixture into cooled Jell-O.
  • Whisk until smooth.

CRUST
24 whole Lemon Oreo cookies, crushed
6 tablespoons melted butter
Pinch of kosher salt

  • In a medium bowl, mix together Oreo crumbs, butter, and salt. Press into the bottom of an 8″ spring form pan and partially up the sides. 

ASSEMBLY

  • Alternate dollops of cream cheese mixture  and Jell-O mixtures into the crust. You can also do this in layers if you are in a hurry.
  • With a butter knife, gently swirl the layers.
  • Cover and refrigerate for AT LEAST 6 hours, or until firm. 

GARNISH (optional)
1 cup whipped topping
1 clementine orange, peeled and separated into segments

  • When firm, pipe dollops of whipped topping around the outside of the cheesecake. Top each dollop with a clementine segment, garnish with orange zest, and serve.

NOTE:

  • The batter might feel kind of loose as you’re adding it to the pan—don’t worry! After a couple hours in the refrigerator the cheesecake mixture will be perfectly firm and creamy.
  • Also good as a mix of cherry and pineapple jellos.  What flavor combination do you like?  Use your imagination!

CARROT CAKE CUPCAKES with LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING

This makes a wonderful bundt cake for any holiday!

CARROT CAKE CUPCAKES with LEMON CREAM CHEESE FROSTING adapted from Al Made It For You yield 10 cupcakes

CUPCAKES
1½ cups grated carrots
½ cup WELL DRAINED crushed pineapple
1 cup (120g) cake flour
¼ cup (31g) all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ heaping teaspoon QUALITY ground cinnamon
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
⅛ teaspoon ground ginger
⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
⅛ teaspoon ground cardamom
2 LARGE eggs
¾ cup (150g) light brown sugar
½ cup (120ml) Avocado oil
1 (5 ounce) (142 grams) OUI lemon Greek yogurt
½ teaspoon PURE vanilla extract
1/3 cup crushed finely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup golden raisins

  • Preheat the oven to 325°.
  • Line a muffin pan with paper liners, and set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine the cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and spices. Set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, sugar, oil, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract.
  • Combine the flour mixture, crushed pineapple and grated carrots mixing just until combined.
  • Add to wet mixture and blend well.
  • Fold in raisins and all but 2 tablespoons of walnuts.
  • Scoop out the batter evenly into 10 paper liners, and bake for 18-20 minutes.
  • Let them cool in the pan for a couple minutes before taking them out to a wire rack to cool completely.

FROSTING
8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened at room temperature
½ cup (113g) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
1½ cup (188g) powdered sugar
½ teaspoon grated lemon zest

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter until it becomes fluffy.
  • Add the cream cheese and continue to beat.
  • Add powdered sugar and lemon zest, beating to incorporate until smooth.
  • Add frosting to piping bag and pipe cupcake tops as desired. The frosting recipe makes the right amount for piping swirls. You’ll only need two-thirds of the recipe is needed if piping bursts instead.
  • Sprinkle with reserved walnuts.

NOTE:  This makes a WONDERFUL small bundt cake.  Adjust the baking time from 18-20 minutes to 35-45 minutes.

BLUEBERRY LEMON CHEESECAKE CAKE

I was originally saving this recipe for Easter, but then we had a good friend who had a birthday.  Can I just say he is very hard to buy for?  His wife suggested I just bake him something and this recipe immediately came to mind.  I sent the big cake to him to share with Heather and the munchkins, but I did have to make 2 small ones for hubby and I also. SHHH don’t tell 😀

BLUEBERRY LEMON CHEESECAKE CAKE adapted from Cafe Delites

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Lightly grease an 8-inch round springform pan with cooking oil spray and set aside.

BLUEBERRY CAKE
1/4 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice (juice from 1 LARGE lemon)
1/2 cup WHOLE milk
1/2 cup butter, room temperature
3/4 cup sugar
2 LARGE eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest (zest of 1 LARGE lemon)
1 1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
5 ounces FRESH** blueberries (I like SMALL wild blueberries)

  • Whisk lemon juice with the milk and set aside to sour creating your “buttermilk”.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the butter and sugar until light and creamy.
  • Beat in the eggs and zest until light and creamy.
  • Beat in the lemon juice and milk mixture.
  • Add the flour, baking powder and salt, mixing them first on top of the wet ingredients, before folding them in to combine the batter.
  • GENTLY Fold in 3/4’s of the blueberries.

CHEESECAKE
1 cup light cream cheese, at room temperature
1/3 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt
1/3 cup powdered sugar
1 heaping tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 LARGE egg
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice

  • Beat the cheesecake ingredients together until smooth and lump free, about one minute on low speed.

ASSEMBLY

  • Preheat oven to 350°.
  • Evenly pour half of the cake batter into the prepared pan.
  • Pour 1/3 of the cream cheese mixture over blueberry cake layer (DO NOT SWIRL).
  • Pour the remaining cake batter over the cream cheese; then pour the remaining cream cheese mixture over the top to evenly cover the cake.
  • Sprinkle remaining blueberries over the top.
  • Bake in preheated oven 65 – 70 minutes, until the center is just set (it will have a very slight wobble to it). If you find it is browning after 30 minutes, tent with foil being careful the foil does not stick to the cheesecake.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for an hour or so.
  • Once cake has chilled, remove from pan onto a serving dish.
  • Pour the glaze evenly over the top and allow to drizzle down the sides of the cake.
  • Cover and refrigerate for AT LEAST 6 hours or over night BEFORE serving.

CREAM CHEESE GLAZE
1/2 cup cream cheese, at room temperature
1 cup natural powdered sugar
3-4 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
2 tablespoons water as necessary for a thinner consistency

  • Beat all glaze ingredients together until smooth.

FINAL ASSEMBLY

  • Prepare glaze.
  • Once cake has chilled, remove from pan onto a serving dish.
  • Pour the glaze evenly over the top and allow to drizzle down the sides of the cake.
  • Add a few fresh blueberries for garnish.
  • Cover and refrigerate for AT LEAST 6 hours or over night BEFORE serving.

NOTES: Frozen blueberries can be used, but MUST be completely thawed and drained WELL.

 

APPLE SLAB PIE – 3 WAYS – APPLE CARAMEL, APPLE CHEDDAR & APPLE STREUSEL

I’ve been working on this post since last July when I promised to find my slab pie recipes for my nieces.  Katie and Lulu I am so sorry this took so long – I sure hope you enjoy them!  I hope having all 3 versions together inspires you to make your own.

Today I made “half” pies in the same pan so they almost looked more like a galette, but they tasted perfect! 😀

APPLE CHEDDAR SLAB PIE
Pie Crust dough for a 2 crust pie (homemade or Pillsbury)
3/4 cup + 1/4 cup + 1/4 cup finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4 inch slices
1/2 cup sugar
Juice of 1 LARGE lemon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
4 tablespoons COLD unsalted butter, cubed
1 LARGE egg, beaten

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Lightly flour your work surface.
  • Unroll first pie crust and sprinkle with 1/4 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese. Top with second crust and roll out to a 17×12 inch rectangle.
  • Place crust in a 15×10 jelly roll pan. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
  • In a large mixing bowl toss apple slices with lemon juice, salt, sugar and 1/4 cup of the flour.
  • Remove piecrust from refrigerator.
  • Spread apple mixture evenly into crust.
  • Sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheddar cheese.
  • In food processor pulse together the brown sugar, rolled oats, 1/4 cup flour and cold butter until crumbly.
  • Sprinkle evenly over pie.
  • Fold crust edges over pie like a Galette.
  • Brush with egg.
  • Bake 35-45 minutes until browned.
  • Cool 1 hour.
  • Cut into squares and serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

APPLE STREUSEL SLAB PIE
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 teaspoon +1 teaspoon QUALITY cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon FRESH ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 3/4 cups all purpose flour
12 ounces COLD unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup + 2/3 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup golden raisins
3 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4 inch slices

  • Preheat oven to 400°.
  • Lightly flour your work surface.
  • Unroll first pie crust and sprinkle with 1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
  • Top with second crust and roll out to a 17×12 inch rectangle.
  • Place crust in a 15×10 jelly roll pan.
  • Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
  • Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt.
  • Combine 3/4 cup of the sugar mixture with 1 1/2 cups of the flour, the butter and 2/3 cup chopped walnuts cutting in butter until coarse crumbs form. Set aside.
  • Combine remaining sugar with apples and 1/4 cup flour.
  • Spread apple mixtures over crust evenly.
  • Fold crust edges over pie like a Galette.
  • Sprinkle with crumb mixture.
  • Bake 35-45 minutes until browned and bubbly.
  • Cool 1 hour.
  • Cut into squares and serve with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

I did save the BEST for last, at least in my opinion.  This pie tastes just like a caramel apple! The beauty though is that there is a thin and flaky crust that houses the juicy apples and crispy crust and is drizzled with a luscious homemade caramel for a melt in your mouth tasty treat.

CARAMEL APPLE SLAB PIE

CRUST
2¼ cups all-purpose flour
¾ teaspoon salt
⅔ cup CRISCO butter-flavored shortening
8 tablespoons cold water

  • Spray a 15x10x1 inch jelly roll pan with non stick cooking spray and set aside.
  • In a large bowl combine flour and salt. Using a pastry blender cut in the shortening until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of the cold water over the mixture and toss with a fork. Repeat using 1 tablespoon of water at a time until it is moistened and knead the dough into a ball.
  • Preheat oven to 375°.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll dough into a 19×13-inch rectangle.
  • Wrap it around the rolling pin and unroll it into the prepared baking pan.
  • Ease dough into the pan and up the sides, being careful not to stretch it.
  • Trim dough to ½ inch beyond edge of pan.
  • Fold dough edge over and flute as desired.

APPLES
⅔ cup sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons QUALITY ground cinnamon
1/2 cup golden raisin, optional
3½ pounds granny smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ¼-inch-thick slices (about 10 cups)

  • In an extra large bowl combine the sugar, ⅓ cup flour, cinnamon, raisins and apples.
  • Toss until coated.
  • Spoon the mixture on the dough and spread evenly.

CRUMB TOPPING
1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
1 cup packed brown sugar
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup butter, cold

  • In a large bowl, stir together quick-cooking rolled oats, packed brown sugar, and all-purpose flour.
  • Using a pastry blender, cut in butter until topping mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Sprinkle EVENLY on top of apples.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender.
  • Cool slightly.

NOTES:

  • IF you are in a hurry, melting the butter and using a fork to mix it all together works well too.
  • IF TOP IS BROWNING TOO QUICKLY, COVER LIGHTLY WITH A PIECE OF FOIL.

CARAMEL
1 cup PACKED brown sugar
4 tablespoons butter
½ cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon PURE Vanilla
Pinch of salt

  • Mix all ingredients together until smooth in a medium saucepan over medium-low to medium heat.
  • Cook while whisking gently for 5 to 7 minutes, until thicker.
  • Turn off heat.
  • Serve warm or refrigerate until cold.
  • Drizzle on top of apple slab pie.

NOTE:  If you don’t use all your streusel topping, it stores perfect in the freezer.

HONEYED BOGS

So I woke up this morning and really wanted to bake even though I can’t personally eat any of it. 😀  I’ve been itching to try something out of my new cookbook from the Prohibition Bakery. All the recipes are boozy and sound absolutely delectable!  I love their slogan, please eat responsibly.

Unfortunately, I don’t have on hand all the ingredients to make any one of their recipes EXACTLY as written so right out of the gate I’m improvising. This recipe is going to be “loosely” based on their PINK LADY recipe on page 181 AND their CARAMEL APPLE recipe from page 277.  I wasn’t thrilled with their PINK LADY frosting so I’m using the basic frosting from their CARAMEL APPLE but replacing the applejack brandy with the honey brandy I’m using to make the fruit puree.

HONEYED BOGS – yields 18 cup cakes

CAKE
1 2/3 (208g) cup flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup yogurt (240g) (I used a black cherry)
1/3 cup (70g) avocado oil
1 cup (200g) sugar
1/4 cup (60g) lemon juice
2 teaspoons lemon zest
2 eggs

  • Preheat oven to 325°.
  • Line tins with liners
  • Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
  • Combine the yogurt, avocado oil, sugar, lemon juice and zest with mixer until well incorporated.
  • Add eggs one at a time, blending well after each addition.
  • With mixer on low, gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until JUST combined. DO NOT OVER BEAT.
  • Fill cup cake liners two-thirds full.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
  • Cool COMPLETELY before filling or icing.

PUREE
12 ounces cranberries
3/4 cup sugar*see note
1 1/4 cup honey brandy

  • Combine fruit and brandy in a saucepan.
  • Bring to a SLOW boil over a medium heat.
  • Simmer 10-15 minutes until fruit breaks down and mixture starts to thicken.
  • Remove from heat and transfer to food processor, blending until smooth.
  • Store in refrigerator until ready to use.

NOTE:

  • *Cranberries are tarter than most fruits and require a bit of sugar to tame them.
  • Cranberries also require more time to break down the skins so a nice SLOW boil and simmer gives them this time.

FILLING
1 cup (230g) cranberry puree
1/4 cup honey brandy

  • Whisk the puree until smooth.
  • Slowly add in the brandy 1 tablespoon at a time, stirring thoroughly after each spoonful until desired consistency reached.
  • Transfer to a squeeze bottle.

ICING
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
1 pound powdered sugar
1/3 cup Honey Brandy

  • Cream butter until fluffy.
  • Slowly add the powdered sugar until JUST incorporated.
  • Slowly stream in the brandy until icing is smooth and fluffy.
  • Transfer to a piping bag.

ASSEMBLY

  • Core each cupcake with a pastry tip.
  • Fill the cavity with puree. DO NOT OVERFLOW.
  • Frost each cupcake.
  • Decorate to your liking.