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    Black Forest Tiramisu

    This Black Forest Tiramisu combines rich chocolate, tart cherries, and creamy layers into one easy-to-make dessert – perfect for Oktoberfest!

    Happy Oktoberfest to all who celebrate! This year the festivities run from September 21st through October 6th, so there’s still plenty of celebrate with good food, good drinks, and good company. While beer might take center stage, the food is just as important. Traditional Bavarian treats like pretzels, sausages, and schnitzels are everywhere, but let’s not forget dessert!
    This recipe blends the iconic flavors of Black Forest Cake—cherries, chocolate, and cream—with some traditional elements of tiramisu. But instead of sticking to just coffee, this confection ups the ante with cherry-espresso soaked ladyfingers. It’s layered with mascarpone cream, sour cherries, and a rich chocolate ganache. Top it off with chocolate curls (or shavings, if you’re short on time), and you’ve got a treat that’s perfect for Oktoberfest – or any fall gathering.

    Black Forest Cake, or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, is one of Germany’s most beloved desserts. (Note: Here’s my trusty Classic Black Forest Cake Recipe, which I make all the time!) Traditionally, it’s made with layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream, cherries, and a splash of kirsch (a cherry brandy). The combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries creates a flavor pairing that’s hard to beat. I wanted to take those flavors and give them a new twist. You’ll still get all the cherry, chocolate, and cream notes you love from Black Forest Cake, but in a no-bake dessert that’s easy to assemble in an 8×8 pan.

    Make the Ganache
    This recipe has ribbons of chocolate ganache running through the layers. Make this first so it can cool a little before using it on chilled cream.
    Begin with 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Stir them together briefly in a microwave-safe bowl and heat at 100% power for about 1 minute. Or until the cream is very hot and steaming but not boiling. Let the mixture stand for about 1 minute, then blend it together until a smooth shiny ganache forms.
    Then, stir in 1 tablespoon of Kirsch liqueur; set aside to cool. I used my Homemade Cherry Liqueur which really amplifies the cherry flavor. (It’s so easy to make, and bottled, makes wonderful holiday gifts!) I use it in all kinds of baking and pastry recipes. Or, if you’d like to omit the liqueur completely, replace it with 1 tablespoon of cherry juice from the jar of cherries we’re using in the recipe (more on this in a bit).

    Make the Mascarpone Cream
    Mascarpone cream is a traditional tiramisu component, and it’s so easy to make. Whip heavy cream in a bowl while gradually adding granulated sugar. When it thickens a little, add in some more cherry liqueur (or cherry juice) and beat until combined. Then, add room temperature mascarpone cream to the mixture and whip until thick and fluffy. It’s that easy!

    Cherry Espresso Soak
    This may seem an odd flavor duo, but it works! First, you’ll need a 24 oz. jar of pitted sour cherries, such as sweetened Morello cherries in light syrup. The ingredients on the label should be: sour cherries, sugar, water. I used Marco Polo Pitted Sour Cherries.
    Pour 1/2 cup of the juice from the jar into a shallow dish. Add in 1 cup of room temperature brewed espresso or strongly brewed coffee and stir well. Add in 1 tablespoon of cherry liqueur, or just omit it if you’re avoiding alcohol.

    Start Building
    Now that all the components are ready, it’s time to start assembling! At this point I realized all of my 8×8 pans look boring – but even so, this dessert still turned out pretty! But if you have a fancy ceramic 8×8 dish, now’s the time to use it.
    Quickly dip the bottoms of each lady finger in the cherry-espresso liquid and line the bottom of the pan with them. Don’t let them swim around; just a quick dip. You may have to trim some of the lady fingers short to get an even layer in the pan.

    Cream and Ganache Layers
    Next, spread 1/3 of the mascarpone cream over the lady fingers evenly. Then, drizzle on half of the ganache; again, spread evenly.

    Repeat the Layers
    Add half of the cherries from the jar on top of the ganache and tamp down with the back of a spoon. Repeat the layers of lady fingers, 1/3 of the cream, the ganache, and the remaining cherries. Top the dessert with the remaining 1/3 of mascarpone cream.

    Chocolate Shavings or Curls
    Finish the top with homemade chocolate curls for an extra touch of fancy. But if that feels like too much effort, then chocolate shavings are just as pretty and give the same delicious payoff. A third option for a topping would be a dusting of cocoa powder. Whatever suits your mood or time constraints.

    Cherries on Top (Or Not!)
    If you can find fresh cherries at the market, then a few on top will look picture-perfect. But they’re not always available, and this dessert is perfectly fine without.

    Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, so the lady fingers will soften and become cake-like. Overnight is better if time allows.

    Black Forest Tiramisu is such a delicious dessert, and unbelievably easy to make – really! There’s no baking, just some whipping and assembling. You can spoon it out of the dish with a big server, but it slices beautifully when it’s well-chilled (as shown above).
    I hope you love this fun fusion of German and Italian cuisine as much as I do.
    Related recipe: Throw the Ultimate Backyard Oktoberfest Party with a Feast of German Fare

    Black Forest Tiramisu (No-Bake)

    Heather Baird

    This Black Forest Tiramisu combines cherry-espresso soaked ladyfingers with rich mascarpone cream, tart sour cherries, and a luscious layer of chocolate ganache. You’ll need a 24 oz. jar of sweetened Morello or other sour cherries in light syrup for the filling. To finish, top with either chocolate curls or easy chocolate shavings. See recipe notes for these instructions.Brew espresso or strong coffee ahead of time. It needs to be room temperature before using.

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    Prep Time 20 minutes minsHands off, 3-4 hours chill time 3 hours hrsTotal Time 3 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine German, Italian

    Servings 12

    EquipmentElectric mixer8×8 inch baking dish
    Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Chocolate ganache1 cup chocolate chips1/2 cup heavy cream1 tablespoon cherry liqueur or cherry juice from the jarMascarpone cream1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream1/3 cup granulated sugar1 tablespoon cherry liqueur or cherry juice from the jar8 oz. mascarpone cheese at room temperatureCherry-espresso soak1/2 cup cherry juice from the jar of sour cherries1 cup cold espresso or cold strongly brewed coffee1 tablespoon cherry liqueur optionalAssembly1 package crisp lady fingers 24 cookies24 oz. jar sour cherries in light syrupChocolate curls or shavings see recipe notes3-4 fresh cherries with stems optional
    Instructions Chocolate ganacheIn a medium microwave-safe bowl combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Stir until chips are coated with the cream. Microwave at 100% power for 1 minute, or until the cream is hot and steaming but not boiling.Allow the mixture to stand for 1 minute, then whisk together until a shiny ganache forms. Stir in the cherry liqueur or cherry juice. Set aside to cool slightly while you make the mascarpone cream.Mascarpone creamAdd the whipping cream to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium speed while gradually adding in the granulated sugar. When the mixture thickens slightly, beat in the cherry liqueur or cherry juice. Add the room temperature mascarpone cheese. Beat until thick and fluffy.Cherry-espresso soakCombine the cherry juice and espresso in a shallow dish. I used a pie plate.Stir in the cherry liqueur if using.AssemblyDip one side of each lady finger into the cherry-espresso soak and line the bottom of an 8×8-inch baking dish. You may need to trim some of the lady fingers with a serrated knife to fit in an even layer.Top the lady fingers with 1/3 of the mascarpone cream. Smooth evenly.Top the mascarpone cream with half of the chocolate ganache. Remove half of the cherries from the jar and pat dry with paper towels. Add them on top of the ganache; tamp down slightly.Repeat layers of dipped lady fingers, 1/3 of the cream, remaining ganache and remaining cherries (patted dry). Top with the remaining 1/3 mascarpone cream and spread from the center outward creating swirls with your spatula. This cream layer doesn’t have to completely cover the top. Garnish with chocolate curls or shavings. (See recipe notes for instructions.) Refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or overnight (recommended).Add fresh cherries with stems to the middle of the dessert just before serving, if desired.
    NotesHow to make chocolate curls: Melt 1 cup of chocolate chips at 30 second intervals in the microwave; stir until smooth. Pour onto cookie sheet and spread evenly with an offset spatula. Place in refrigerator for 5-7 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm and has a matte appearance.
    Remove from refrigerator and let stand for a few minutes (3-5ish) at room temperature. With a small, sharp spatula, begin scraping chocolate at one edge in a thin strip. If chocolate breaks into pieces it is too cold, so allow it to stand a few minutes more at room temp. Chocolate should curl easily as you run your spatula under the chocolate and down the length of the cookie sheet. This may take a few attempts – everyone’s room temperature and humidity conditions will differ. Place curls in a small bowl and store in refrigerator until ready for use. 
    How to make chocolate shavings:  Place a block or bar of chocolate in the freezer, and when it’s good and cold use a vegetable peeler to shave the edge of it onto a plate. Use the plate to transfer the shavings to the top of the dessert; fingers will melt the thin pieces of chocolate.
    Top with cocoa powder: Instead of chocolate curls or shavings,  you could opt for the traditional tiramisu topping – a dusting of unsweet cocoa powder. Sieve 2 tablespoons over the top cream layer.
    Cherry liqueur: Kirshwasser is the usual cherry liqueur used in Black Forest desserts, but most any cherry brandy or other cherry liqueur will elevate the flavor. My homemade cherry liqueur is linked in the blog post, and is very easy to make. Although it needs to steep at least 30 days before using. 
    Instant espresso powder: Instead of brewed espresso or strongly brewed coffee, you can use reconstituted instant espresso powder. Follow the directions on the container and let cool to room temperature. 

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    Pumpkin Biscoff Poke Cake

    This Pumpkin Biscoff Poke Cake is a delicious departure from ordinary pumpkin cake. Made with Biscoff cookie butter spread, it’s baked, cooled, and frosted in a 13×9 pan for the easiest seasonal treat.

    I love traditional pumpkin recipes for fall, such as my favorite no-frills Pumpkin Bread. Or Classic Pumpkin Roll (posted to this blog 15 years ago!) That’s a dessert I’ll never, ever tire of. But I also don’t mind breaking with tradition. Exploring new flavor combinations is totally my jam, and that’s how this cake came to be. It’s based on a traditional flavor combo – pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting – but with a Biscoff twist.
    This cake is so easy to whip up in a 13×9 pan, but the real magic happens after baking. You’ll poke holes in the cake, pour in warm, melted Biscoff spread, then top it off with fluffy Biscoff cream cheese frosting. Crushed Biscoff cookies are the only decoration it needs. This cake is the answer for anyone hosting a fall feast, because it serves more than a dozen people. And it’s something that stands out from the ordinary pumpkin spice crowd.

    Biscoff: The Cookie and the Spread
    If you haven’t fallen in love with Biscoff yet, let me introduce you to – or initiate you into – the Biscoff fan club. Biscoff cookies originated in Belgium, where they were first created by the Lotus Bakeries company in 1932. These spiced, caramel-flavored cookies quickly became a favorite to serve alongside coffee. It wasn’t until decades later that Biscoff spread made its debut. In 2007, the spread was invented, transforming the cookie into a creamy, spreadable treat also known as ‘cookie butter’.

    Dry Ingredients
    First thing, in a big bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, leavens, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk it together well to incorporate everything together. This also aerates the dry mixture.

    Wet Ingredients
    In another bowl, place 15 oz. of pumpkin puree (1 can), vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. I like using sunflower oil for its neutral, light taste. But regular vegetable oil will work just fine, too! Mix everything together well – a hand mixer works for this – and combine the wet and dry ingredients together.

    Bake in a 13×9 Pan
    Who doesn’t love the ease of baking in a 13×9-inch pan? Grease and flour it first. Or if you have flour-based baking spray then give it a good coating. Then pour the batter in and spread evenly. Bake for about 35 minutes at 350°F.

    Poke Holes in the Cake
    Cool the cake in the pan, then use a wooden spoon handle to poke holes all over the cake. Here I’m using a honey wand handle – whatever works!

    Melt Biscoff Spread
    Place 1 cup of Biscoff spread in a microwave-safe bowl and heat for about 1 minute at 100% power. It should be entirely melted. Stir well to remove lumps. If it’s not completely melted, heat for another 30 seconds.
    Pour the melted Biscoff spread over the cake and use a spoon to push it into the holes in the cake. Refrigerate the cake while you make the frosting. This will set the melted Biscoff and make the cake easier to cover in frosting.

    Biscoff – Cream Cheese Frosting
    Oooh, this is good. And too easy to make! Biscoff spread, 8 oz. of cream cheese and stick of butter. Get these into a big mixing bowl and cream together until well combined and fluffy. Then, beat in a little confectioners’ sugar. Whip until light and creamy.

    Spread the frosting over the cake. I used an ice cream scoop to dollop out the frosting (and you can too!). Spread it evenly first, then create swirls with the end of your spatula.

    Biscoff Cookie Crumble
    Add crushed Biscoff cookies around the edge of the cake. They’ll be crunchy at first, which is nice. But covered with plastic wrap or stored air-tight, the cookies will soften. Which I actually like even better!

    The lightly spiced pumpkin cake and caramelly-flavor of Biscoff spread is a match made in heaven. I urge you to try this Pumpkin Biscoff Poke Cake for yourself!

    I love that this cake is baked, cooled, frosted, and decorated right in the pan. It’s so easy to whip up and requires no fussy decorating. In the photo above, I tried to capture the tunnels of Biscoff created from the ‘poke’ technique. (Do you see it?) It’s so nice to get a forkful of cake with an extra bite of cookie butter in it. This cake generously serves about a dozen people or more, which is perfect for a dinner crowd.
    In the words of my mom via text message: “The pumpkin Biscoff cake is awesome!” I hope you love this cake as much as we do!
    Related recipe: Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

    Pumpkin Biscoff Poke Cake

    Heather Baird

    This cake is so easy to make, feeds a crowd, and takes an ordinary pumpkin cake to the next level with melted Biscoff spread and a rich cream cheese frosting. Crushed Biscoff cookies around the edges add an extra layer of flavor. Biscoff spread comes in two varieties: creamy and crunchy. Be sure to use creamy for this recipe. The 25.4 oz. family size jar will provide the 2 cups of Biscoff spread you’ll need, with a little leftover for snacking on.

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    Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 35 minutes mins1 hour hands off, cooling resting time 1 hour hrTotal Time 1 hour hr 50 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    Servings 12

    Equipment13×9 inch cake panor glass Pyrex baking dish
    Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Pumpkin cake2 cups all-purpose flour1 1/2 cups granulated sugar2 teaspoons baking powder1 teaspoon baking soda2 teaspoons ground cinnamon1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt15 oz. pumpkin puree 1 can1 cup sunflower oil or vegetable oil3 large eggs at room temperature1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup creamy Biscoff spreadBiscoff cream cheese frosting1 cup creamy Biscoff spread at room temperature8 oz. cream cheese at room temperature1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature2 cups confectioners’ sugar10 whole Biscoff cookies coarsely crumbled
    Instructions Pumpkin cakePreheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 13×9 inch baking pan.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Whisk well to combine.In separate mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix well with an electric mixer until the ingredients are well incorporated.Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix on low speed until well combined. Use a rubber spatula to turn over the batter to make sure there are no hidden pockets of flour. Mix again briefly.Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick tester inserted near the center comes out clean.Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke holes all over the top of the cake.Place the 1 cup of Biscoff spread in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals at 100% power until melted and smooth (about 1 minute to 1 minute 30 seconds total).Pour the melted Biscoff over the top of the cake and use a spoon to smooth it into the holes in the cake. Refrigerate the cake while you make the frosting.Biscoff cream cheese frostingPlace the Biscoff spread, cream cheese, and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until light and creamy. Add the confectioners’ sugar. Beat until well incorporated on low speed.Once the sugar is incorporated, beat on high speed until fluffy and billowy. Dollop the frosting on top of the cake and spread evenly. Use the end of an offset spatula to create swirls in the frosting.Immediately sprinkle the edges with the coarsely crumbled Biscoff cookie pieces.Refrigerate leftovers. Bring cake to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
    NotesWhat to expect: This moist pumpkin cake has tunnels of Biscoff spread throughout the sponge. Fluffy Biscoff-cream cheese frosting is light and billowy, with a creamy cookie butter flavor. Biscoff cookies are the décor around the edges of the cake; they’ll be crunchy at first, but over time in storage they will soften up – which is also really nice!
    Pumpkin Puree – Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are the same thing – one 15 oz. can will do the trick for this recipe. Or, you can always roast and puree your own pumpkin if you like. Weigh out 15 oz. on a scale, or measure out a scant 2 cups (about 1 7/8 cups to be exact). 
    Sources: If you can’t find Biscoff spread locally, you can always purchase some online. You can also use other brands of cookie butter, such as Speculoos, but the flavor will be slightly different.  

    Keyword 13×9 cake, Biscoff cream cheese frosting, Biscoff spread, cream cheese frosting, easy pumpkin cake, Fall cake, poke cake, Pumpkin Biscoff Poke Cake, pumpkin sheet cake, thanksgiving cake

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    Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

    Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies take the classic Little Debbie snack cake to a whole new level! Two chewy, brown sugar-oat cookies surround a cream filling that’s sweet and irresistibly fluffy.

    Who doesn’t love an oatmeal cream pie? My dad sure does. It’s his absolute favorite snack cake. For his 80th birthday last year, we gave out little boxes of his favorite treats as party favors: popcorn, candy bars, and of course, Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies.
    I’ve been meaning to try a scratch made version for ages. And let me tell you, I’ve been missing out! This homemade version is irresistibly chewy and soft, with a fluffy cream filling that’s just the right amount of sweet. Better late than never, right? I can’t wait to surprise my dad with these.

    Did you know that Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Pies were the very first snack cake sold under the Little Debbie brand? The recipe was created in 1960, and with its soft, chewy oatmeal cookies and sweet, creamy filling, it quickly became a nationwide favorite.
    My version is much like the original, but with a little more oat texture and a touch of cinnamon flavor. These are so perfect for fall – and they’re lunchbox friendly! Or, save them for an after-school snack. You can’t beat a chewy oatmeal cream pie with a glass of cold milk.

    Make the Oat Cookies
    First, get those dry ingredients together. You’ll need all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon and – get this – cocoa powder (really!). Whisk together well.
    When I researched and tested recipes to make my own version, the cookies made with cocoa powder had no detectable chocolate flavor. But rather, an earthier deep flavor and golden caramel color. The cookies without cocoa powder were not as flavorful and the color was too pale. Trust me – that little touch of cocoa makes a big difference!

    Wet Ingredients
    Start with melted butter, light brown sugar, vanilla extract, 1 large egg and 1 egg white; combine them with an electric hand mixer in a big mixing bowl.

    Mix the Batter
    Once the mixture is smooth, add in the dry ingredients all at once.

    Mix until a consistently smooth batter forms.

    Stir in the Oats
    Add in the oats and stir in by hand. You can use quick cooking oats or rolled oats. Regular rolled oats will have more texture, which I like best. But you can use whatever you have on hand.
    At this stage, let the batter rest for 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice that it will thicken quite a bit. This makes the batter more scoop-able.

    Scoop the Dough
    I recommend using a cookie scoop for this. Or, portion the dough by the 2.5 tablespoons (approx.). Place the dough balls – well spaced (this is important) – onto large parchment-lined cookie sheet. The cookies will spread quite a bit so give ’em room to grow.

    Bake for 9-11 minutes. Mine were done at 10 minutes, but the best way to gauge doneness is to keep a sharp eye on them. The cookies should look golden at the edges, craggy on top, and just slightly under baked in their centers. They’ll be super soft just out of the oven, so let them firm up on the baking sheet as they cool, about 5-7 minutes.

    Make the Cream Filling
    It seems to be the overall consensus that, when attempting a duplicate Little Debbie cream pie filling, that vegetable shortening provides the most accurate end result. But I didn’t do that. Yes, shortening is more shelf-stable. But these homemade pies are not making long treks on delivery trucks. So you’ll be safe to use real butter. And it just tastes better!
    In the bowl of an electric mixer, place softened butter and confectioners’ sugar. Beat until lightened in color and fluffy. Then, add in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream. This lightens the filling even further.

    Spread or pipe the filling onto the flat size of one cookie at top with another. This is where the virtues of the cookie scoop come into play – it’s easy to find matching tops and bottoms because they are all pretty much the same size.

    You can adjust the filling to your taste – spread on a little or a lot. I prefer a modest serving, just like the filling-to-cookie ratio in classic Little Debbie pies.
    I really just want to take a stack of these with a thermos of coffee on a fall picnic. Seems the best activity to do while watching leaves sail on the wind. Enjoy!

    Related recipe: Pumpkin Oatmeal Creme Pie Trifle

    Homemade Oatmeal Cream Pies

    Heather Baird

    For anyone who grew up with a love for Little Debbie’s Oatmeal Creme Pies, you’re sure to love this homemade version. Inspired by the classic snack cake, these soft sandwiches are made with two chewy, brown sugar and oat-filled cookies that sandwich fluffy homemade cream filling. You can use both rolled oats or quick cooking oats in this recipe. I prefer rolled oats, which give the cookies a little more texture.

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    Prep Time 25 minutes minsCook Time 12 minutes mins20 minutes resting/cooling 20 minutes minsTotal Time 57 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    Servings 14 snack cakes

    Equipmentlarge cookie sheetsparchment paperElectric mixer
    Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Oatmeal cookies1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour3/4 teaspoon baking soda3/4 teaspoon baking powder1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon2 teaspoons unsweet cocoa powder10 tablespoons unsalted butter melted1 1/4 cups light brown sugar1 large egg1 egg white1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 1/4 cup rolled oats or quick cooking oatsCream filling1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature2 cups confectioners’ sugar2-3 tablespoons heavy cream1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Instructions Oatmeal cookiesPreheat the oven to 350°F. Line one or more large cookie sheets with parchment paper.In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. Whisk well to combine.In the bowl of an electric mixer, add the butter, brown sugar, egg, egg white, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and consistently caramel colored throughout. Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture. Beat until well combined.Add the oats to the bowl; fold in by hand with a rubber spatula. When the oats are well dispersed throughout the batter, let it rest for 5-7 minutes at room temperature. As the batter rests it will firm enough to scoop into balls.Use a cookie scoop to portion out the batter, or use a tablespoon to scoop about 2.5 tablespoons of batter into mounds, widely spaced, onto the prepared cookie sheets. Be sure to give these cookies plenty of room, because they will spread.Bake for 9-11 minutes or until golden around the edges and just slightly underdone in their centers. Cookies will be very soft when first taken out of the oven. Cool on the pan(s) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cookies are firm enough to move. You can also let the cool on the pans completely, or cool on wire racks.Cream fillingIn the bowl of an electric mixer, place the butter and confectioners’ sugar. Beat until lightened in color and well combined. Add heavy cream 1 tablespoon at a time; beat until light fluffy. Mix in the vanilla extract.Transfer the cream filling to a piping bag, and pipe onto half of the cookies. Or, spoon and spread cream filling onto half the cookies. Top each filled cookie with another cookie.Store assembled snack cakes between waxed paper in airtight containers, or package individually in small zip-top bags for lunchbox or after school snacks.
    NotesWhat to expect: These homemade oatmeal cream pies are made with two chewy brown sugar and oat cookies with craggy tops, golden edges, and a soft, tender center. Each bite offers a balance of texture. Sandwiched between them is a vanilla cream filling, made even lighter and fluffier by whipping in tablespoons of heavy cream. The filling is rich and sweet, so you can adjust how much you add based on your taste—spread just a thin layer for a more balanced sweetness, or pile it on thick for an extra indulgent treat.
    Keep an eye out during baking: The best way to gauge doneness is to keep a sharp eye on them. The cookies should look golden at the edges, craggy on top, and just slightly under baked in their centers. Since portioning dough and baking temps can vary from baker to baker – keep under close watch. 

    Keyword brown sugar, buttercream filling, homemade oatmeal cream pies, little debbie oatmeal cream pies, lunchbox snacks, nostalgic dessert recipes, oatmeal cookies, oatmeal cream pie copycat recipe, oats, soft oatmeal cookie recipe, vanilla buttercream filling

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    Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

    These Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts capture the essence of fall with their tangy apple flavor and cinnamon-sugar coating. Baked instead of fried, they offer a lighter take on the classic.

    It may seem a smidge early, but this recipe marks the beginning of my fall baking this year. And gosh, are these ever good. Baked apple cider doughnuts are the perfect welcome to September, which is peak apple season.
    I’m eager for fall and its comforts. Summer has been an absolute blur. July was hard. Sometimes life goes so fast, I struggle to feel present in the season I’m living in. But there’s one sure-fire way I can always connect with fall. (Spoiler alert: It’s not pumpkin spice.) I like to keep a big jug of apple cider on hand, for mulling and baking. Gallon jugs are popping up at the market – some filtered to a glowing amber, others cloudy with pulp. Both will work in this recipe. You’ll need a doughnut pan to bake the batter into shape. However, if you don’t have one, you can always use a greased muffin pan for Apple Cider Doughnut Muffins.

    The Dry Ingredients
    This is a cake doughnut recipe, so frequent cake bakers will find this batter formula familiar. Combine all-purpose flour, baking powder, fine grain sea salt, ground cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a big bowl. Whisk well to combine the mixture, then set it aside.
    Apple Pie Spice Substitute: If you don’t have a bottle of apple pie spice, combine 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon round allspice for the 1 teaspoon needed for this recipe. (This info will be in the recipe notes as well.)

    The Wet Ingredients
    Next, in the bowl of an electric stand mixer, beat together room temperature unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Whip until well combined. This will take about 3 minutes. Once fluffy, add the eggs one at a time. Beat well after each addition. You should see the mixture increase in volume and become even fluffier.

    Make a Cohesive Batter
    When everything is looking nice and uniform, add the flour and mix on low. I used the paddle attachment but nothing bad will happen if you continue with the whisk attachment on low speed. Once the mixture is thick and just moistened, add in the apple cider with the mixer running on low. Stop to scrape down the beater and the bowl as needed. When it’s looking mostly incorporated, scrape down the bowl and mix together with a large rubber spatula. There’s no better way to feel if the batter is still hiding lumps than by hand mixing.

    Spoon or pipe the batter into the cavities of a greased standard size doughnut pan. Bake for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown and risen. Turn the doughnuts out on a wire rack to cool.

    Butter is Key
    After the doughnuts cool, brush each one – back and front- with melted butter. This adds flavor and helps the sugar coating to stick. Immediately toss in cinnamon-sugar.

    These baked apple cider doughnuts are so tender and the cinnamon-sugar coating gives a satisfying crunch. This recipe makes about 2 dozen doughnuts if baked in a standard size doughnut pan. Since I have three sizes of doughnut pans, I couldn’t help myself! I just had to make them in all sizes. And I’ll tell you this – those mini doughnuts are dangerously easy to eat one after another!
    Here are the doughnut pans I used: Nordic Ware Formed French Twist Donut Pan, Wilton Donut Pan 2-Piece Set.
    I must say, the Nordic Ware French Twist pan is quickly becoming a favorite. It never ever sticks and creates a beautiful twist doughnut reminiscent of a cruller.

    The texture is so gorgeous – it’s fluffy, cakey, crunchy with cinnamon sugar. The flavor is buttery, spiced, with lingering apple notes. I think you’re going to love this recipe.
    Related recipe: Apple Fritter Bread with Boiled Cider Glaze

    Baked Apple Cider Doughnuts

    Heather Baird

    These Baked Apple Cider Donuts are the perfect fall treat, bursting with the flavors of apple cider and warm spices. This recipe makes 2 dozen donuts, so there’s plenty to share! No donut pan? No problem — just use muffin tins instead. Check out the recipe notes for easy instructions.

    #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #5A822B; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }No ratings yet

    Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 17 minutes minsTotal Time 47 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    Servings 24 doughnuts

    EquipmentStandard size doughnut panDisposable piping bag or zip-top bag
    Ingredients US CustomaryMetric Cider doughnuts3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder1 1/2 teaspoons fine grain sea salt2 teaspoon ground cinnamon1 teaspoon apple pie spice *see notes for sub1 1/4 cups unsalted butter at room temperature1 1/2 cups light brown sugar1/2 cup granulated sugar4 large eggs at room temperature1 cup apple ciderSugar coating1 cup granulated sugar2 teaspoons ground cinnamon3/4 cup unsalted butter melted
    Instructions Cider doughnutsPreheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spritz one or more 6 cavity doughnut pans with nonstick cooking spray.Place the flour, baking powder, fine salt, cinnamon, and apple pie spice in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk to combine. Set aside.In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes on high speed. Reduce speed to medium and add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. After all the eggs are incorporated, scrape the bowl down and beat again briefly.Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture and beat on low speed until just incorporated. (Batter will be thick.) With the mixer on low, slowly pour in the apple cider. Mix until the batter loosens considerably; scrape down the bowl and beat again briefly. Use a rubber spatula to fold in any visible pockets of flour or butter. When consistent throughout, place half of the batter in a disposable piping bag with the end snipped. Or, place it in a large zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Cover the remaining batter in the mixing bowl with a damp towel.Pipe the donut pan(s) cavities about 2/3 full of batter. Bake them for 15-17 minutes, or until the doughnuts are risen and golden. A toothpick tester inserted into the thickest part of the doughnuts should come out clean. Repeat process with remaining batter.Turn the doughnuts out on a wire rack to cool 5-7 minutes, or until still warm but cool enough to handle.Sugar coatingCombine the granulated sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Whisk well to combine.Working one at a time, brush the doughnuts with the melted butter, front and back. Immediately roll/coat the doughnuts in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.Serve warm or at room temperature. Doughnuts will keep about 3-4 days in an airtight container. Let them cool completely before storing.
    NotesWhat to expect: These doughnuts are soft and fluffy, with buttery flavor and lingering apple cider notes. The cinnamon-sugar coating gives a satisfying sugar crunch. Great alone, but even better with coffee.
    Up the apple flavor: If you have bottled boiled cider on hand, stir 1 tablespoon into the apple cider before adding it to the batter. Boiled cider imparts pure concentrated apple flavor. You can find it on King Arthur Baking‘s website. 
    Bake as muffins: Divide the batter evenly between two 12 cavity standard size muffin tins. Bake as directed for 15-17 minutes, or until a toothpick tester inserted in their centers comes out clean. Brush with butter and roll in cinnamon-sugar. Store air-tight. Mini muffins are also good – bake for 10-12 minutes, or until they test done.
    Bake different sizes of doughnuts: I have three sizes of doughnut pans – one is large with a decorative fluting motif, another is standard size with no decoration, and I also have a plain mini doughnut pan. The large fluted doughnuts baked in 15-17 minutes. The plain standard size pan baked in 12-15 minutes. The minis bake in about 7-10 minutes. Only fill the pans 2/3 full of batter for best results. 
    Apple Pie Spice Substitute: If you don’t have a bottle of apple pie spice, combine 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon allspice for the 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice needed for this recipe.
    This recipe was created with research and recipes from King Arthur Baking’s website and New York Times cooking.

    Keyword apple cider, apple cider doughnuts, apple cider muffins, baked apple cider doughnuts, brown sugar, cinnamon sugar coating, easy doughnut recipe, fall baking recipe, melted butter

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    Frozen Caramel Macchiato Pie

    Caffeinate your summer in the sweetest way possible with this Frozen Caramel Macchiato Pie. Espresso-infused ice cream is layered in a chocolate cookie crust and topped with loads of salted caramel and whipped cream.

    Happy July! Predictably, it’s hotter than blazes outside. When I take my four little dogs outside at 5:30 a.m. each morning, it’s already warm and muggy. If there’s a breeze, it’s neither cool nor fresh. It feels like a hairdryer blowing right in my face. Perhaps I shouldn’t complain when there’s so many sweet antidotes to this weather (plus air conditioning). And really, it’s given me a new playground to explore with ice box cakes, frozen custards, and other chilled desserts. Like this coffee house-inspired Frozen Caramel Macchiato Pie.
    This pie is made with a homemade chocolate cookie crust that holds espresso-infused ice cream. It’s layered with the most delicious homemade salted caramel. Then, it’s topped with a big mound of whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Even though this pie is pretty easy to make as written, there are a few additional shortcuts you can take. Which I’ll be sure to mention and include in the recipe notes.

    Sweet Inspiration: Caramel Macchiato
    I am a true coffee enthusiast so I love making desserts with a caffeinated kick. Caramel Macchiatos are so delicious, made with espresso, vanilla syrup, milk, and caramel sauce. This coffee drink is practically dessert you can sip! Served both hot and cold, I just knew it would translate well in a chilly ice cream pie.

    Chocolate Cookie Crust
    Start this recipe by mixing up some chocolate cookie crumbs and butter. Then bake it for just a few minutes to set it. If you’re not into firing up your oven on a hot day, the no-bake option is to refrigerate it for 15 minutes to stiffen the butter in the crust.
    Or, you can simply pick up a ready-made deep dish pie crust at the grocery store. If you can’t find a deep dish pie crust, then pick up two regular 9″ chocolate cookie crusts. The caramel macchiato ice cream mixture will fill two standard pie crusts. Which means you’ll have one pie to give and one to keep!

    Homemade Salted Caramel
    Nothing compares to homemade salted caramel, if you ask me. It’s not hard to make, but it does require your full attention. Here’s the gist of caramel-making.
    Pour granulated sugar in a saucepan and cook it until a deep amber color forms. Then add a stick of butter into the mixture all at once. The caramel will boil and sputter with this addition, so be very careful! Turn the heat off, then whisk in heavy cream (which will boil and sputter also). Followed by vanilla extract (again, boil sputter). Add in fine grain sea salt and stir well. Transfer it to a bowl to cool before using in this recipe.
    If you’ve never made homemade caramel before, then watch the video just before the recipe card in this blog post. It gives important visual cues to look for as the sugar melts and the amber color forms.

    Speed the cooling process by transferring the caramel to the refrigerator. Stir intermittently as it cools. The caramel should still be just warm enough to drizzle, but not hot enough to melt the ice cream.
    Alternatively, you could purchase a jar of ready-made salted caramel. I personally think it’s the homemade caramel that makes this recipe extra-special. But I’m not a snob when it comes to shortcuts. Do what fits into your skill set and time frame.

    Make the Coffee Ice Cream
    For the ice cream, pour 1/4 cup of espresso powder into a small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons hot water and stir well. It will be a little pasty and first – just keep stirring until dissolved. Set aside to cool down.

    Purchase two pints of your favorite vanilla ice cream and place it in a big bowl. Stir well to soften it.

    Add the cooled espresso mixture and stir well until incorporated, and the ice cream is lightly coffee hued.
    You could also use two pints of your favorite coffee ice cream here, but I really like the flavor the concentrated espresso powder gives the pie. If you do opt for coffee ice cream, stir in a little vanilla extract. Because it’s an important element of the Caramel Macchiato flavor.

    Layer into the Pie Crust
    Pour half of the espresso ice cream mixture into the prepared pie crust. Drizzle over a generous 1/4 cup of the salted caramel. Then, pour the remaining espresso ice cream on top, smooth evenly into the crust.

    Whipped Cream and more Caramel
    Drizzle more salted caramel on top of the pie, then top with unsweetened whipped cream. Drizzle caramel over the cream. You don’t need to sweeten the whipped cream because the caramel will add the sweetness. Swirl the caramel into the whipped cream with a spoon (see video for action).

    Finish with chocolate shavings, which can be made using a bar of chocolate and a vegetable peeler. I added a few roasted coffee beans to the top of the pie for food styling purposes, but this is completely optional.

    Frozen Caramel Macchiato Pie is made for sharing! Serve it any time you need a cold, refreshing sweet. I particularly love this as an ending to a rich Italian dinner.
    You will have a little leftover salted caramel. So transfer it to a small pitcher and serve it alongside the pie. This pie is definitely indulgent, but also refreshing. Happy Summer!

    Related recipe: Tiramisu Semifreddo

    Frozen Caramel Macchiato Pie

    Heather Baird

    Enjoy a chilly caffeinated summer treat with this Frozen Caramel Macchiato Pie. It’s made with a homemade chocolate cookie crust, luscious espresso-infused ice cream, and generous layers of homemade salted caramel. Topped with fluffy whipped cream and delicate chocolate shavings, this pie captures all the flavors of your favorite coffeehouse drink in a cool, refreshing slice.Use 2 pints of your favorite vanilla ice cream in this recipe. See recipe notes for shortcuts and substitutions.

    #wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-full svg * { fill: #5A822B; }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50); }#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0 .wprm-rating-star.wprm-rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66); }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-33 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-50 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user-rating-0-66 stop { stop-color: #5A822B; }No ratings yet

    Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 17 minutes mins4 hours freeze time 4 hours hrsTotal Time 4 hours hrs 22 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American, Italian-inspired

    Servings 10

    Equipment9 inch deep dish pie dish
    Ingredients  Chocolate cookie crust2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs such as pulverized Oreo cookies or packaged chocolate cookie crumbs8 tablespoons unsalted butter meltedCaramel sauce1 cup granulated sugar8 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed1/2 cup heavy cream1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract1/4 teaspoon fine grain saltCoffee ice cream filling and toppings2 tablespoons hot water4 tablespoons instant espresso powder32 oz. vanilla ice cream 2 pints or about 5 2/3 cups1 cup heavy cream whipped to stiff peaksChocolate shavings
    Instructions Chocolate cookie crustPreheat the oven to 375°F.In a large bowl, stir together the cookie crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until all of the crumbs are coated with the butter.Pour the crumbs into an ungreased 9’inch deep dish pie plate and pack them evenly into the bottom of the pan and up the sides.Bake for 7 minutes to set. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.Caramel sauceMelt the sugar over medium-high heat in a medium saucepan. Gently prod the sugar as it melts to promote even cooking. Once the sugar is melted with just a few lumps of sugar remaining, whisk briefly to disperse the lumps.Cook until the sugar turns deep amber and add the butter all at once, using a whisk to combine. Be very careful with this addition because the butter will cause the caramelized sugar to bubble and sputter.Keep whisking until the butter incorporates (this make take a minute or two). Turn the heat off and remove the pan from stove eye. Pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly. When the mixture is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract and the salt.Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let thicken slightly in the refrigerator, about 30-40 minutes. Stir intermittently to speed cooling.Espresso ice cream filling and toppingsIn a small bowl, combine the hot water and instant espresso powder, mix until dissolved. Set aside to cool 5 minutes.Pour the ice cream into a large bowl and stir until softened but still very thick. Add the espresso mixture and stir well.Transfer half of the ice cream mixture into the bottom of the cooled chocolate crust. Drizzle with about 1/4 cup of the salted caramel.Top with the remaining ice cream mixture. Spread evenly to the edges of the crust. Drizzle with more salted caramel.Place the whipped cream in the center of the pie and drizzle on salted caramel. Swirl the caramel into the cream using a spoon.Add one last drizzle of caramel to the top of the pie, then sprinkle on chocolate shavings.Transfer to the freezer to chill until firm. Freeze the pie uncovered, until firm, 4 to 6 hours.
    NotesWhat to expect: This pie has zippy espresso flavor with layers of salted caramel and whipped cream. The filling is reminiscent of a chilled caramel macchiato coffee drink. The chocolate crust adds richness and a study base for the pie. You may have salted caramel sauce leftover; serve it alongside the pie in a small pitcher.
    Make chocolate shavings by running a vegetable peeler down the side edge of a bar of chocolate. If your kitchen is particularly warm, freeze the chocolate bar first before shaving it.
     
    Shortcut This Recipe:

    Purchase a ready-made deep dish chocolate cookie pie crust at the grocery store, or if you can’t find deep dish, you can purchase two standard 9-inch pie crusts. The espresso ice cream mixture will fill two pie crusts.
    Coffee ice cream may be substituted for the vanilla ice cream. Just omit the espresso and water concentrate. While softening the coffee ice cream in a mixing bowl, add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to give the mixture the vanilla note in the café macchiato drink.
    Use a jar of your favorite ready-made salted caramel in place of homemade. However, I must urge you to try to the homemade caramel when you have to time to make it.

     
    This recipe is original to sprinklebakes.com.

    Keyword caramel macchiato, chocolate cookie crust, homemade salted caramel, ice cream pie, summer dessert, vanilla ice cream

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    Ice Cream Sandwich Sheet Cake (13×9)

    If you’re looking for an easy summertime dessert, Ice Cream Sandwich Sheet Cake is it! Assembled with purchased ice cream sandwiches and all your favorite ready-made ice cream toppings.

    I love to bake sweet things for every season, but summer? Not my fave. However, I love all things ice cream. Which is summer’s unofficial dessert (second only to Strawberry Shortcake). It’s easy to get excited about making something delicious, cold, and creamy to enjoy in this sweltering summer heat.
    I decided to whip up an easy ice cream cake with no baking required. It’s not my first ice cream sandwich cake, (see the first one here) but it is the most decadent. It’s layered in a 13×9-inch dish (easy!) and loaded up ice cream sundae-style with strawberry and caramel toppings. Along with hot fudge, nuts, and plenty of sprinkles, of course. I think it would be absolutely perfect to serve at a kid’s birthday party – or even a pool party! This cake is a sugar rush, so any event that kids expend lots of energy running, swimming, or playing.

    Make the Whipped Cream
    Whip up a big bowl of heavy cream to stiff peaks. Don’t be tempted to sweeten it! It’s already a little sweet, plus the ice cream toppings will bring plenty more sweetness to the party.

    Ice Cream Sandwiches
    Purchase 2 boxes (or 20) of your favorite rectangular ice cream sandwiches. I used Neapolitan-filled, which gives this cake all the flavors of an ice cream sundae. Unwrap them and layer 8 whole sandwiches in the bottom of a 13×9-inch pan. Trim two of the sandwiches and fit them into the empty space to completely fill the pan.

    Layer Up!
    Next, spread on a layer of whipped cream, then add the strawberry topping. Try to drizzle it evenly over the cream. Don’t worry too much about spreading it out. I just left the drizzle as-is.

    More Layers
    Place more ice cream sandwiches over the strawberry layer. Trim 2 sandwiches as before and fill in the blanks. Next, drizzle over the caramel ice cream topping. Again, try to do this as evenly as possible.

    All-Important Hot Fudge
    Add another layer of whipped cream over the caramel layer, carefully spreading it to the top edges of the pan.
    Warm a jar of hot fudge sauce in the microwave until it loosens considerably. Stir it well and let it cool slightly. Then, drizzle it over the whipped cream. Or, do as I do. Transfer it to a piping bag and drizzle it on in zigzag patterns.

    Even More Toppings!
    Sprinkle toasted chopped nuts over the hot fudge. To shortcut the work of chopping nuts, you can find some, ready to sprinkle, right in the ice cream toppings aisle (I used Fisher Nut Topping).
    Use a standard size ice cream scoop to dollop whipped cream on top of the cake. It looks like scoops of vanilla ice cream, doesn’t it? Too cute!

    Don’t Forget the Sprinkles!
    Add maraschino cherries to each mound of whipped cream. And follow up with colorful confetti sprinkles. You could also use ice cream sprinkles found in the ice cream toppings section of the grocery store. These sprinkles won’t bleed or melt. Although pretty, rainbow nonpareils will bleed color with moisture. So avoid them this time.

    This is one delicious, ooey-gooey ice cream sandwich sheet cake! I tried my best to get a good cross section picture of the cake, but I’m a bit slow when it comes to photography. So it looks a bit melty.

    I’ve said it before – summer – especially in the south – makes me feel lazy in my bones. No wonder southerners have been observed to move slower, talk slower, and generally take our time. Spend an August here. Then you’ll know why. 😊 Desserts like these will always have a place on my menu. Because there’s not a lot of work to do, just some assembly required. It can be made ahead and stored in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.
    Related Recipe: Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake

    Ice Cream Sandwich Sheet Cake (13×9)

    Heather Baird

    The recipe is an easy fix for hot summer days. It’s the easiest kind of ice cream cake to make with purchased ice cream sandwiches and toppings. Assemble it in a trusty 13×9 inch baking dish. Busy moms will love serving this for birthdays, pool parties, and other summer kid-friendly events – it’s so easy, kids can even help assemble the cake!I used Neapolitan ice cream sandwiches, but feel free to just use any rectangular variety of ice cream sandwich. You’ll need 20, which is usually a couple of boxes. Strawberry, caramel, and hot fudge toppings can all be found in the ice cream toppings aisle at the grocery store. I used Smucker’s brand toppings, and Fisher mixed nut topping.

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    Prep Time 25 minutes mins2 hours freeze time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    Servings 16

    Equipment13×9 inch baking dish with deep sidesIce cream scooppiping bag or zip-top bag
    Ingredients  3 1/2 cups heavy cream20 whole ice cream sandwiches unwrapped11.75 oz. strawberry ice cream topping 1 jar12.25 oz. caramel ice cream topping 1 jar11.75 oz. hot fudge ice cream topping 1 jar1/2 cup chopped mixed nuts8 maraschino cherries patted dry1/2 cup confetti sprinkles or other ice cream sprinkles
    Instructions Beat the heavy cream in a large chilled mixing bowl with an electric mixer until thickened to stiff peaks, about 4 minutes.Layer 8 whole ice cream sandwiches in the bottom of a 13×9 inch pan. Trim two ice cream sandwiches width-wise and fill in the empty space in the pan, so that the ice cream sandwiches completely fill the pan.Spread a layer of whipped cream over the sandwiches, a little less than 1/4 inch thick. Stir the strawberry ice cream topping in the jar to loosen. Drizzle it over the whipped cream layer.Layer on 8 more whole ice cream sandwiches atop the strawberry layer. Trim two ice cream sandwiches and layer to fill the pan as before. Drizzle on the caramel ice cream topping. Add another layer of whipped cream over the caramel; spread evenly.Stir the hot fudge sauce in the jar; microwave for 30 seconds or more, until loosened. Let cool slightly. Transfer to a piping bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped. Drizzle the hot fudge over the whipped cream layer in zig-zag fashion.Sprinkle chopped mixed nuts over the hot fudge. Using a trigger ice cream scoop, scoop remaining whipped cream in well-spaced mounds top of the hot fudge and nuts, about 8 mounds total – see video for action.Immediately top each scoop of whipped cream with a maraschino cherry; toss on confetti sprinkles.Transfer to the freezer to set, about 2 hours. Cover and keep frozen until ready to serve.
    NotesWhat to expect: This cake is pure nostalgic childhood bliss. It’s a sugar rush, with flavors and textures of an ice cream sundae. The softened ice cream sandwich wafers are cakey and give it chocolaty flavor as well as a sliceable texture.
    Banana Split: Make the recipe as written, except layer in two sliced bananas on top of the strawberry topping layer.
    Pan Size: Some 13×9 inch pans flare at the top. If you can, use a pan that is the same size from the base to the top. Otherwise, you may have to do some creative re-arranging of the ice cream sandwiches. 
    Remix: Give this cake a makeover with your favorite ice cream toppings and ingredients. Add peanut butter ice cream topping, magic shell, or other candy elements to this cake (snickers, M&M candies, Reese cups).

    Keyword 13×9 sheet cake, caramel ice cream topping, coconut whipped cream, heavy cream, hot fudge topping, ice cream cake, ice cream sandwich cake, ice cream sandwiches, ice cream sundae cake, july fourth recipe, no bake dessert, strawberry ice cream topping, summer recipe

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    American Flag Cake

    This American Flag Cake has a show-stopping interior with cake layers assembled to create a flag design in every slice. Serve it for any patriotic holiday or event.

    I’ve seen many beautiful American Flag Cakes over the years, and this one is the one I’ve always wanted to attempt. It’s so striking. The simple white exterior gives no hint to the show-stopping flag design inside. Last week I decided to try it with a white sour cream cake batter. The food color took so well, and the sour cream in the batter helped the sponge keep its moist, tender texture. As I sliced it for the first time – with bated breath – I was pleased to see the interior did indeed resemble ‘Old Glory’ – hooray!
    This cake would be so fun for July Fourth, or for other patriotic holidays and events. Full disclosure: it does take some time to put together. But it’s really not hard to do. The real work is in getting the cake layers torted and shaped for assembly. Once that business is handled, you’ll simply stack and frost.

    This American flag cake is definitely something to make on a day you’re feeling crafty in the kitchen (a.k.a. getting your bake on). The design inspiration is from a Betty Crocker cake, which was posted more than a decade ago. I think this scratch-made version is well worth the extra effort.
    The thing I didn’t expect was all the cake scraps left over from trimming the layers. And there’s a LOT, I tell ya! Those scraps made some fine cake pops, or you could cube the leftovers for a few very patriotic-looking trifles.

    White Sour Cream Cake Batter
    Start by mixing up the white cake batter. This recipe requires 9 egg whites from large eggs. So add an extra dozen to the shopping list. Divide the cake batter between two bowls. Next, tint one of the bowls with red food color.
    Next, divide the remaining bowl of batter into two bowls. Then tint one bowl with blue food color. Leave the other half white/plain. Transfer the red batter to a greased and floured 9″ round cake pan. Then transfer the blue and white batters each to prepped 9″ round cake pans. You’ll notice that the red batter pan will be much fuller than the blue and white batter pans. There’s no mistake; you’re on the right track.

    Bake and Cool
    Bake the thinner blue and white layers at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. The red layer needs longer in the oven, about 30-35 minutes or until it tests done with a toothpick.

    Prep the White Layers
    Torte (a verb in the pastry kitchen that means to cut horizontally) the white layer into two even pieces. Keep one of the pieces whole. Cut a 5″ circle from the center of the other piece. Do this with a large pastry ring, or make yourself a 5″ round template cut from parchment paper.
    Reserve the 5″ white cake center for assembling the cake, and put the outer ring in a scrap bowl.

    Prep the Blue Layer
    Do not torte the blue layer. Cut a 5″ round from the middle of the cake. Keep the outer ring for cake assembly, and put the center 5″ round in the scrap bowl.

    Prep the Red Layers
    Torte the red layer, which is thicker, into three even layers. Keep the two bottom layers whole for cake assembly. Flip the layer that was the top of the cake cut-side up (pictured above). Trim a 5″ round circle from the center and keep the round for cake assembly. Put the outer red ring into the scrap bowl.

    Assemble the Layers
    The delicious spackle that holds this cake together is simple American vanilla-almond buttercream. It’s easy to whip up, spreads evenly, and pipes like a dream. The recipe provided makes a big batch, which is plenty to use on this cake and leftovers that can be used to make the cake scraps into cake pops.
    Place a whole red cake layer on a serving plate or cake board. Top with 1/2 cup of buttercream and spread evenly. Next, top with a whole white layer. Repeat frosting. Top with another whole red layer; frost.

    Place the blue cake ring on top of the frosted red layer. Gently frost the inside ring of the blue cake.

    Fill with the 5″ white cake circle. Gently fit it into the hole and press down with your fingertips. Cover with a thin layer of buttercream.

    Finally, the small red cake circle is layered into the hole. Press down gently to make sure all the layers sandwich together well.

    Save the Scraps for Cake Pops
    As I stated earlier – holy cake scraps, Batman. I had no idea I’d be dealing with so much, so let this be fair warning. See recipe notes for turning these into cake pops or trifles. My vote is for cake pops. Because sprinkled with red, white, and blue sprinkles, they make a fun accompaniment to this American flag cake.

    Decorate (Just a Little)
    Frost the entire cake and then pipe swirls of buttercream around the top edge. Immediately scatter on some patriotic colored nonpareils. I kept the outside of the cake relatively simple. Because the most import part of the cake’s design is on the inside! The simple white exterior really lets the interior shine.

    I decided that candles would be the perfect way to say Happy Birthday America, for July Fourth (the red and blue ones from this Meri Meri pack). You could do the same, but it’s just as nice without.

    I really learned a lot making this American flag cake. But slicing it made my inner perfectionist squirm a little. Because you’re going to have some red and blue crumbs visible on the white stripes when you cut it. But hey – it’s cake! It’s supposed to do that. However, I did remove them with the end of a butter knife for these beauty shots.
    There’s no form over function – or design over deliciousness here. This is a very moist, delicious scratch-made white cake with bright tasting vanilla almond buttercream. Tasting it with my eyes closed, it could be wedding cake.
    Related recipe: Red White and Blue Firecracker Cake

    American Flag Cake

    Heather Baird

    Celebrate July Fourth, Memorial Day, or any event that calls for some patriotic colors with this American Flag Cake. Scratch-made white cake is tinted, trimmed, and layered so that there’s a flag design in every slice. This recipe white cake base requires 9 egg whites, so stock up on eggs! Once the cake is assembled, you’ll have a big bowl of leftover cake scraps. See recipe notes for ideas on how to turn them into additional treats.

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    Prep Time 1 hour hrCook Time 35 minutes mins2 hours cooling and chilling 1 hour hr 30 minutes minsTotal Time 3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine American

    Servings 12

    Equipment9” cake pans (3)Offset spatulaLarge closed star piping tip #849Small star tip #21Piping bags
    Ingredients US CustomaryMetric White Cake4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour1 1/2 tablespoons baking powder3/4 teaspoon fine grain salt2 1/4 cups granulated sugar3/4 cup unsalted butter softened9 egg whites from large eggs1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 teaspoons almond extract1 1/2 cups full fat sour cream **full fat only1/2 cup whole milkRed gel food colorBlue gel food colorAmerican Vanilla-Almond Buttercream1 lb. unsalted butter at room temperature2 lb. confectioners’ sugar1/4 cup milk or cream plus more if needed1 teaspoon vanilla extract2 teaspoons almond extractPatriotic nonpareils
    Instructions CakePreheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.In a large mixing bowl combine the flour, baking powder and salt. Whisk together. Set aside.In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the sugar and butter together until creamy. Add egg whites, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the extracts and mix again.Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the creamed mixture. Add in half of the sour cream; mix well. Pour in another 1/3 of the flour; mix until just combined. Add the remaining sour cream and milk. Mix to combine. Finally add the final 1/3 of the flour mixture. Beat until just combined. Scrape down the bowl and mix again briefly to make sure no pockets of flour remain.Divide the cake batter into two big bowls. Tint one of the bowls with the red food color. Add a little at a time while mixing until a vibrant red hue is achieved.Divide the remaining white batter into two bowls. Tint one bowl with the blue food color. Add a little at a time until a deep vibrant blue is achieved. Leave the remaining bowl untinted.Pour each batter into a separate prepared baking pan. There will be more batter in the red pan than in the blue and white batter pans.Bake the blue and white batter pans for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick tester comes out clean. Bake the red batter pan for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick tester inserted near the center comes out clean.Let the cakes cool in the pans 10 minutes, and then turn them out onto wire racks to cool completely.Level the blue cake layer using a serrated knife or cake leveler, if needed. Use a 5” round pastry cutter (or 5-inch round parchment template) to cut a round from the center. Keep the outer ring for cake assembly. Save the inner circle for cake scraps.Using a cake leveler or a serrated knife evenly cut the red cake layer horizontally (torte) into three even (same thickness) layers. Flip the top layer over cut-side-up. Cut a 5-inch round from the center of the cake. Keep the 5” middle piece and two red layers for assembly. Save the outer ring for cake scraps.Cut the white cake layer in half horizontally using a serrated knife or cake leveler. Cut a 5-inch round from the center of the cake. Keep the 5” middle piece and whole white layer for cake assembly. Save the outer ring for cake scraps.Vanilla-Almond ButtercreamCombine the butter and confectioners’ sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whip attachment. Beat on low speed until crumbly.Add the milk or cream to thin. Beat in the extracts.Beat on high speed until light and fluffy. If mixture is dry add more milk or cream a little at a time until whip-able. Beat until the frosting lightens in color to opaque white, about 5 minutes.Transfer one cup of the buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a large closed star decorator piping tip. Transfer 1/2 cup of buttercream to a piping bag fitted with a small star decorator piping tip. Set aside.Assemble the CakePlace a 9” red cake layer on a cake board or serving plate. Top with 1/2 cup of buttercream and spread evenly. Top with a 9” white cake layer. Spread on 1/2 cup of buttercream. Next, add a 9” red layer, again frosting evenly with 1/2 cup buttercream.Top with the 9” blue cake ring. Frost the inside of the ring with buttercream. Layer in the 5” white cake layer; cover with buttercream. Finally, layer in the 5” red cake round with the cut-side down.Crumb coat the entire cake with a thin layer of buttercream. Save leftover buttercream for cake pop making (see notes). Refrigerate the cake until the frosting firms, about 15 minutes.Apply a final even coat of buttercream all over the cake. Smooth evenly with a cake smoother or bench scraper. Refrigerate until firm, about 15 minutes. Then, pipe swirls of buttercream around the top edge of the cake with the reserved bag of frosting. Immediately cover with nonpareils.Pipe a shell border around the bottom edge of the cake and immediately cover with the nonpareils.Refrigerate the cake to firm the frosting, another 15-20 minutes. Bring the cake to room temperature before serving. Or, cut the cake while still chilled for very neat slices, but bring to room temperature before enjoying.
    NotesWhat to Expect: This cake’s eye-popping interior is second only to the moist texture and flavor of the white almond sour cream cake. It tastes much like American wedding cake. Take your time with assembling the layers. It takes some time but is worth the effort. 
    Cake Pops: crumble cake scraps in a large bowl. Add leftover buttercream a little at a time and mix together just until the clumps stick together (mixture may turn purple-ish). Scoop cake pop batter into balls using a cookie scoop. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheets. Chill until firm. Melt 1 lb. of vanilla candy coating; dip lollipop sticks into the melted candy then insert into the cake pops. Refrigerate until set, about 5 minutes. Dip cake pops into the melted candy coating and add sprinkles.
    Other Uses for Cake Scraps: Make patriotic trifles or ice cream parfaits.
    Food Color: I used Chefmaster soft gel food color in the colors super red and neon brite blue.
    Sources: This recipe is inspired by the Betty Crocker Red, White and Blue Layered Flag Cake, with recipe adaptations from All Recipes American Flag Cake and Land O’Lakes American Flag Cake

    Keyword american buttercream, American Flag Cake, blue gel food color, election day dessert, July Fourth Cake, layer cake, Memorial Day dessert, red gel food color, sour cream cake layers, white cake flavor

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    Strawberry Pistachio Shortcakes

    These Strawberry Pistachio Shortcakes are layers of sweet, juicy berries, fluffy whipped cream, on a perfectly tender pistachio shortcake.

    For me, classic strawberry shortcake is the ultimate summer dessert. Fresh, sun-ripened strawberries piled on a tender, biscuit-like shortcake and topped with homemade whipped cream — it’s so simple. The best things are! This is my slightly new take on the classic dessert. It seems that pistachios are having a real moment right now – on social media, on restaurant menus, and beyond.
    I’ve always adored pistachios. And I always keep them on hand to incorporate in my favorite desserts – like these affogatos. I’m glad they are having a new moment – it inspired me to make these Strawberry Pistachio Shortcakes. That little pop of roasted, salted pistachio flavor is so nice in both the shortbread dough and sprinkled over freshly whipped cream.

    Shortcake and its Southern Cousin
    Forget about those spongy, yellow cake pucks that you find in the grocery store produce section next to the strawberries. This is the real deal. Shortcake is so much like the tender, flaky, southern buttermilk biscuit, it feels like a southern thing to me. But shortcakes have history traced back to England. That’s where they began as a lightly sweetened biscuit, served with cream and fruit. A version of the dessert crossed the Atlantic when British settlers arrived in the American southeast. It’s such an un-fussy, homey, slightly rustic dessert, that it is right at home here in Appalachia.

    It’s Berry Time!
    First, toss freshly chopped strawberries with granulated sugar. Cover them and let them stand at least two hours. Longer is better. Ideally, you’ll do this the night before serving the shortcakes. This gives the berries ample time to macerate, and give off plenty of juices for pouring over the finished shortcakes.

    Make the Shortcakes
    Next, make the shortcake dough. Grate butter in a big bowl, then freeze it so those little butter pieces are all super cold. Then, add a flour mixture that contains leavens and salt. Add some chopped roasted, salted pistachios. Stir everything together until the flour mixture has fine pieces of butter and pistachio pieces throughout. Then, add some cold heavy cream. Stir together until a stiff dough forms.
    Roll the dough out onto a lightly floured surface to about 1/2″ thickness. Next, stamp out rounds using a 3″ cookie cutter or pastry ring. Re-roll scraps for as many rounds as possible -I usually get about 8. Brush each round with heavy cream, and then bake at 375° for about 16 minutes. Cool them completely before filling.

    Make the Whipped Cream
    Whip heavy cream until slightly thickened. Then add just two tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar as you continue to beat the cream to stiff peaks. This dessert isn’t overly sweet. The biscuit shortcake base and cream are just barely sweet. Which makes the syrupy sweet strawberries the true star of the show.

    Assemble the Shortcakes
    Use a serrated knife to cut a shortcake in half horizontally. Spoon the macerated strawberries over the bottom half, along with some of the strawberry juices.

    Layer On
    Dollop or pipe on a nice big swirl of the whipped cream. Follow up with a generous sprinkle of chopped pistachios.
    Side note: Food Network recently asked me to whip up a pistachio-centric dessert video for their audience, which you can see it right here on Facebook, if you’re interested.

    Toppings
    Place the shortcake top on the whipped cream and press down slightly. Add another little swirl of whipped cream on top, with another sprinkle of chopped pistachios. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a strawberry half with the greens still attached.

    Although rustic, I find these little shortcakes to be quite beautiful. The red strawberries flecked with green pistachios – it’s so pretty together! This is not a difficult dessert to make, and if you ask me, it’s pure summer on a plate.
    Related recipe: Strawberry Cream Pie with Chocolate Crust

    Strawberry Pistachio Shortcakes

    Heather Baird

    This recipe for Strawberry Shortcake uses all the dessert’s classic elements with the addition of chopped pistachios in the shortcake dough and for garnish. This gives the dessert beautiful, nutty flavor and the salty note from the pistachios really enhances the sweetness of the strawberries. If you’re a purist, you can simply omit the pistachios from this recipe for truly authentic strawberry shortcake as close to the original as it can possibly get. Plan ahead. The strawberries need to macerate with sugar for at least 2 hours, but overnight is better.

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    Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 16 minutes mins2 hours chill time 2 hours hrsTotal Time 2 hours hrs 46 minutes mins

    Course DessertCuisine British

    Servings 8

    Equipment3” round cookie cutter of pastry cutterSmall grater or box graterpiping bag with large open star tip optional
    Ingredients  Strawberry filling1 1/2 lbs. fresh strawberries hulled and sliced1/2 cup granulated sugarPistachio shortcakes4 tablespoons unsalted butter chilled1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour1 tablespoon baking powder1/4 teaspoon fine grain salt1 tablespoon granulated sugar1 cup heavy cream plus more if for brushing pastries1/4 cup roasted salted whole pistachios finely choppedWhipped cream and garnish1 1/2 cups heavy cream chilled3 tablespoons powdered sugar1/4 cup roasted salted whole pistachios finely chopped4 whole strawberries halved with greens intact
    Instructions Strawberry fillingPlace the berries in a large bowl and pour the sugar over them. Toss the berries in the sugar to coat.Refrigerate the berries for at least two hours to macerate, stirring them occasionally. Longer is better, if you have time, let them stand in the fridge overnight for optimal syrup from the berries.Pistachio shortcakesPreheat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.Grate the butter in a large bowl using the large side of a box grater. Freeze for about 15 minutes, or until the butter pieces are completely frozen.Meanwhile, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a separate bowl Whisk to combine.When the butter is frozen, pour the flour over the butter and work together with a fork, until fine pieces of butter are visible throughout the dough. (You can also use your fingertips, but make it quick! You don’t want to warm the butter too much.)Pour the pistachios in the mixture and stir them in with a fork to combine. Add the cream and stir until a stiff dough forms. If the dough seems too dry, add additional heavy cream to the bowl 2 tablespoons at a time, mixing well, until a thick coherent dough forms.On a floured work surface or sheet of parchment, pat the dough into a round about 1/2-inch thick. Using a 3” cookie cutter or pastry ring, stamp as many shapes as possible from the dough. Re-roll scraps and cut again. Do this as many times as possible until all the dough is used.Transfer the rounds to the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with heavy cream. Transfer to the oven and bake for about 16 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and brown the tops for 2 minutes, watching the shortcakes the entire time to prevent burning.Remove the shortcakes from the oven; transfer to a wire rack to cool.Whipped creamAdd the cream to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until slightly thickened. Gradually add in the powdered sugar. Whip until stiff peaks form. Transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large French pastry tube (open star tip). Or simply grab a spoon to dollop it on the cakes.Assemble the shortcakesCut the shortcakes in half horizontally so that you have a flat bottom and top. Fill them with the strawberry mixture, including some of the strawberry juices. Top with a swirl or dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with the chopped pistachios.Place the shortcake ‘lid’ on top of the whipped cream. Pipe another small swirl or dollop of whipped cream on top of the shortcake, followed by more chopped pistachios. Finish with a strawberry half on top of each cake.Just before serving, spoon strawberry syrup over the tops.
    NotesWhat to expect: All the flavors of classic strawberry shortcake are in this dessert, along with the nutty flavor of pistachios. It’s an authentic shortcake with a biscuit-like base (made from dough with short gluten strands) sweet, syrupy berries, and whipped cream to tie it all together. 
    Assemble these right before serving. If making ahead, it’s easy to store each element separately, with the strawberries and cream kept cool in the fridge. The shortcakes can be kept at room temp in an airtight container. You’ll notice in the video that the finished shortcake gets a generous drizzle of strawberry syrup – don’t skip this part! It’s so delicious and the traditional way to eat strawberry shortcake.

    Keyword chopped pistachios, classic dessert recipe, coconut whipped cream, fresh strawberries, macerated strawberries, shortcake dough, strawberry pistachio shortcakes, unsalted butter

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