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    Fireworks & Frosting: 14 Treats for Your Fourth of July Gathering

    Fireworks, laughter, good company—and of course, delicious desserts! What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than with a spread of scrumptious treats? This year, ditch the store-bought cakes and impress your guests with homemade delights bursting with flavor and festivity.
    From light and refreshing berry bars to decadent chocolate ice cream, and even a surprising savory option, this list has 14 amazing recipes to make your Fourth of July unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue or an elegant gathering, you’ll find the perfect dessert to end the day on a sweet note.

    , we paired a slightly salty pretzel cake base with a cream filling and topped it off with a scattering of fresh berries. 

    What better way to celebrate tomato season than a savory cornbread bursting with summer flavor. Featuring a caramelized tomato top, our crisp Upside-Down Heirloom Tomato Cornbread from our May/June 2020 issue is made all the more delicious with smoked white Cheddar cheese and fresh corn in the batter. Buttermilk keeps this quick bread moist, and minced jalapeño adds just a pinch of heat. Whether serving as an impressive appetizer or stunning side dish, you can’t go wrong with this impressive dish at your table.

    Fresh, juicy peach halves give this vanilla and buttermilk Peach Almond Cake bursts of color and concentrated sweet-tart flavor, while the addition of brandy to the homemade marzipan lends just the right amount of kick. 

    Almond flour is finer than standard all-purpose. It absorbs more moisture from the dough, giving the buttermilk crusts of these Blueberry-Almond Galettes added crispness. A hint of tart lemon zest balances out the sweetness of the blueberries.

    Traditional only in method, this Strawberry Raspberry Cobbler has a Middle Eastern flare with cardamom and rosewater. This cobbler made with cake batter soaks up the fruit’s flavorful juices as it bakes and develops a light, spongy crumb. Pistachios create a slightly crunchy texture that pairs well with the tender baked fruit. 

    Traditional apple pie gets an updo with a creamy crème fraîche custard filling in this Apple Crumb Pie. Layers upon layers of crisp sweet apples are topped with a creamy base and baked until soft. With a splash of spiced rum and a crunchy Almond Streusel topping, this recipe begs for ice cream.

    In this sweet summer remake, red velvet cake gets a healthy helping of fresh strawberries added into the buttercream to create a Strawberry Red Velvet Cake that rivals the classic.

    Classic Key lime pie gets a spicy upgrade with our Gingersnap Crust flecked with crystallized ginger. The filling gets extra volume and its whipped consistency from a trio of  creamy ingredients: coconut cream, crème fraîche, and whipped cream. True to the original, this icebox pie is bursting with tangy, sweet-tart Key lime flavor.

    Ditch the extravagant garnishes and towering layers for this simple and sophisticated one-layer cake that is guaranteed to impress. With a layer of cherries baked beneath the Ginger-Lime Crumb Topping, our elevated take on the cherry-limeade cake (a summertime classic) is even more beautiful after you cut into it. You’ll get a juicy burst of cherry in every bite.

    By swapping the traditional cream cheese filling with vanilla bean-scented Mascarpone Cream and replacing the congealed topping with fresh strawberries, we’ve given this classic pastry a modern salty-sweet makeover.

    This cake may be based on the classic 1-2-3-4 cake, but it’s anything but basic! Much like pound cake, the 1-2-3-4 cake gets its name from the proportions of its base ingredients: 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 3 cups flour, 4 eggs. LEGGI TUTTO

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    Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

    Though focaccia is traditionally topped with just olive oil and herbs, we’ve found our new favorite breakfast bread by swapping savory for sugar and spice.

    Cinnamon Roll Focaccia

    Makes 1 (13×9-inch) loaf

    1¾ cups (420 grams) water, room temperature (70°F/21°C to 75°F/24°C)4 tablespoons (56 grams) extra-virgin olive oil, divided4¼ cups (540 grams) bread flour3½ teaspoons (10.5 grams) kosher salt1 tablespoon (12 grams) granulated sugar1 (0.25-ounce) package (7 grams) instant yeast*⅓ cup (73 grams) firmly packed light brown sugar2 tablespoons (12 grams) ground cinnamon3 tablespoons (42 grams) unsalted butter, melted2 ounces (57 grams) cream cheese, room temperature⅓ cup (40 grams) confectioners’ sugar2 tablespoons (30 grams) whole milk

    In a large bowl, combine 1¾ cups (420 grams) room temperature water and 2 tablespoons (28 grams) oil; add flour, salt, granulated sugar, and yeast. Stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until a cohesive dough forms. (Dough will be shaggy and tacky.) Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) for 1½ hours, folding dough in bowl every 30 minutes. (To fold, use wet or oiled hands to reach under one side of dough; gently stretch up, and fold over center; repeat on all sides of dough. (See more below))Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting excess extend over sides of pan. Brush remaining 2 tablespoons (28 grams) oil onto parchment.Turn out dough into prepared pan; using just your fingertips, gently stretch dough to about a 10×8-inch rectangle. (If dough is tight and will not stretch completely, let stand for 5 to 10 minutes and then try again.)In a small bowl, stir together brown sugar and cinnamon. Sprinkle half of sugar mixture (about ¼ cup or 43 grams) onto dough. Starting at one short side, carefully roll up dough into a log. Place dough lengthwise, seam side down, in pan. Let stand for 10 minutes. Using your fingertips, gently stretch dough to fill pan. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size and jiggly, 45 minutes to 1 hour.Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).Dimple dough using your fingertips, touching pan through dough without tearing dough.Add melted butter to remaining brown sugar mixture, whisking until combined. Spoon onto dough.Bake until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers 190°F (88°C), 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Using excess parchment as handles, remove from pan.In another bowl, whisk together cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar; whisk in milk until smooth. Drizzle onto warm focaccia. Serve warm. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

    NO NEED TO KNEAD
    The traditional practice of kneading is replaced with a simple folding technique in focaccia dough

    Oil a large bowl. Place dough in bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) for 1½ hours, folding dough in bowl every 30 minutes. As the name implies, a high-hydration dough is relatively wet, so before folding, wet or oil your hands to prevent sticking. Reach under one side of dough, and gently stretch the edge of the dough as high as you can without tearing. Once you reach the top, fold the dough over the center. This motion strengthens the gluten network and is the preferred method to build elasticity for doughs that have high hydration levels. Repeat three more times around bowl to complete one round of folding. Fold the dough in the bowl every 30 minutes for a total of 1½ hours. By the last fold, you should notice the dough has become smooth and elastic. LEGGI TUTTO

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    Harissa and Brie Focaccia

    The soft and chewy interior makes this loaf perfect for an afternoon snack or even as a sandwich bread. Drizzled with hot honey, this cheesy focaccia is bursting with rich, spicy flavor in every bite.

    Harissa and Brie Focaccia

    Makes 1 (13×9-inch) loaf

    1¾ cups (420 grams) water, room temperature (70°F/21°C to 75°F/24°C)6 tablespoons (84 grams) extra-virgin olive oil, divided4¼ cups (540 grams) bread flour3½ teaspoons (10.5 grams) kosher salt1 (0.25-ounce) package (7 grams) instant yeast*½ cup (120 grams) harissa paste½ cup (80 grams) ¼-inch-sliced onion4 ounces (113 grams) Brie cheese, cut into small wedgesFlaked sea salt, for sprinkling¼ cup (85 grams) honey1 teaspoon (5 grams) apple cider vinegar¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

    In a large bowl, combine 1¾ cups (420 grams) room temperature water and 2 tablespoons (28 grams) oil. Add flour, kosher salt, and yeast. Stir with a large rubber spatula or wooden spoon until a cohesive dough forms. (Dough will be shaggy and tacky.) Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) for 1½ hours, folding dough in bowl every 30 minutes. (To fold, use wet or oiled hands to reach under one side of dough; gently stretch up, and fold over center; repeat on all sides of dough. (See more below))Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, letting excess extend over sides of pan. Brush 2 tablespoons (28 grams) oil onto parchment.Turn out dough into prepared pan; using just your fingertips, gently stretch dough to about a 10×8-inch rectangle. (If dough is tight and will not stretch completely, let stand for 5 to 10 minutes and then try again.) Spread harissa onto dough. Starting at one short side, carefully roll up dough into a log. Place dough lengthwise, seam side down, in pan. Let stand for 10 minutes. Using your fingertips, gently stretch dough to fill pan. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size and puffed, 45 minutes to 1 hour.Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).Dimple dough using your fingertips, touching pan through dough without tearing dough. Drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons (28 grams) oil. Top with onion and cheese; sprinkle with sea salt.Bake until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers 190°F (88°C), about 20 minutes. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Using excess parchment as handles, remove from pan.In a small microwave-safe bowl, heat honey, vinegar, and red pepper on high in 10-second intervals, stirring between each, until honey is fluid. Drizzle onto warm focaccia. Serve warm. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

    NO NEED TO KNEAD
    The traditional practice of kneading is replaced with a simple folding technique in focaccia dough

    Oil a large bowl. Place dough in bowl. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) for 1½ hours, folding dough in bowl every 30 minutes. As the name implies, a high-hydration dough is relatively wet, so before folding, wet or oil your hands to prevent sticking. Reach under one side of dough, and gently stretch the edge of the dough as high as you can without tearing. Once you reach the top, fold the dough over the center. This motion strengthens the gluten network and is the preferred method to build elasticity for doughs that have high hydration levels. Repeat three more times around bowl to complete one round of folding. Fold the dough in the bowl every 30 minutes for a total of 1½ hours. By the last fold, you should notice the dough has become smooth and elastic. LEGGI TUTTO

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    Greek Feta Bread

    In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat flour, 1½ cups (360 grams) warm water, ¼ cup (56 grams) oil, sugar, salt, and yeast at low speed until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.Switch to the dough hook attachment. Bead at medium-low speed until a smooth, elastic dough forms, about 10 minutes. (Dough will be very soft but should not be overly sticky.)Oil a large bowl. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease top. Cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, about 30 minutes.Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and pat into a 15-inch circle that is thinner around edges than in center. Crumble feta onto dough, leaving a 1-inch border around edges; sprinkle with parsley and dill. Lightly press into dough to adhere. Fold sides of dough over filling to center, pinching seams to seal.Carefully turn dough over, and place on prepared pan. Press dough into a 13×10-inch rectangle. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until puffed, about 45 minutes.Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).Brush remaining 2 tablespoons (28 grams) oil onto dough; sprinkle with sesame seeds. Using your fingertips, dimple dough and flatten any air pockets. LEGGI TUTTO

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    Yeasted Bavarian Plum Cake

    Known as pflaumenkuchen or zwetschgenkuchen depending on what variety of plums are used, this coffee cake-meets-flatbread is popular throughout Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and it’s frequently served with a cup of strong coffee for breakfast, a sweet wine for dessert, or a spiced beer for an afternoon snack. Peaches, plumcots, and apricots all work well in place of plums. LEGGI TUTTO

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    Roasted Strawberry Bubble Bread

    For dough: In a small saucepan, heat milk and ½ cup (120 grams) water over medium heat until bubbles begin to form around sides of pan and an instant-read thermometer registers 180°F (82°C). Remove from heat, and add butter. Let cool, stirring occasionally, until butter is melted and an instant-read thermometer registers 120°F (49°C) to 130°F (54°C).In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine 2 cups (250 grams) flour, granulated sugar, salt, and yeast. Add warm milk mixture, and beat at low speed until combined. Add egg, beating until combined. With mixer on low speed, gradually add 2 cups (250 grams) flour, beating just until a shaggy dough comes together and stopping to scrape sides of bowl.Switch to the dough hook attachment. Beat at low speed until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms, about 24 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl and dough hook; add up to remaining ¼ cup (31 grams) flour, 1 tablespoon (8 grams) at a time, if dough is too sticky. Turn out dough onto a clean surface; knead 5 to 6 times, and shape into a smooth round.Lightly oil a large bowl. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until doubled in size, 1 to 2 hours.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).For strawberries: On a small rimmed baking sheet, stir together strawberries, 2 tablespoons (24 grams) granulated sugar, and salt until well combined; spread in a single layer.Bake until berries are very soft and fragrant and have released ample juices, about 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Strain strawberries and juices through a fine-mesh sieve set over a small saucepan. Let strawberries cool for 15 to 20 minutes. Cut into ¼-inch pieces. Transfer any additional berry juices to saucepan.In a medium bowl, stir together chopped strawberries, ¼ cup (57 grams) melted butter, and vanilla bean paste.In a small bowl, place ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons (124 grams) granulated sugar.Add 3 tablespoons (45 grams) water, remaining ¼ cup (57 grams) melted butter, and remaining ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar to juice in saucepan.Lightly punch down dough. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Spray a 3-quart baking dish with baking spray with flour.Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface, and divide in half (about 495 grams each). Roll each portion into a 30-inch rope. Cut each rope into 1-inch-long pieces (about 16 grams each). Working in batches, dip dough pieces in strawberry mixture; dredge in granulated sugar, gently shaking off excess. Place dough pieces in pan in even layers. Pour remaining strawberry mixture all over dough. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until puffed, 30 to 45 minutes.Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).Bring juice mixture in saucepan to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until butter is melted and sugar dissolves; cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Pour all over dough.Bake until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers 190°F (88°C), 30 to 35 minutes, loosely covering with foil to prevent excess browning, if necessary. Let cool on a wire rack for 20 minutes.For glaze: In another medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, melted butter, and vanilla bean paste until smooth. Drizzle all over warm bread. Serve immediately. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. LEGGI TUTTO

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    Deep-Dish Pizza Bread

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)Using a paring knife, cut ¼ inch off top end of garlic, keeping cloves intact. Place garlic, cut side up, on foil. Drizzle with 1 teaspoon (5 grams) oil, and sprinkle with ¼ teaspoon salt. Wrap in foil.Bake until deep golden brown, about 40 minutes. Unwrap garlic, and let cool completely. Squeeze pulp into a small bowl, and mash with a fork. (You should have about 2½ teaspoons or 25 grams roasted garlic paste.)In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, place ¾ cup plus 1 tablespoon (195 grams) room temperature water and 3 teaspoons (15 grams) oil. Add roasted garlic paste, flour, parsley, 1½ teaspoons (4.5 grams) salt, rosemary, and yeast. Beat at low speed for 4 minutes; scrape paddle and bottom and sides of bowl. Beat at medium speed until dough pulls away from sides of bowl and forms a smooth, slightly sticky ball around paddle, 3 to 4 minutes, stopping to scrape sides of bowl and paddle. (Dough should be elastic enough to not tear when gently pulled.)Oil a medium bowl. Place dough in bowl, turning to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) for 1½ hours, folding dough in bowl every 30 minutes. (To fold, use wet or oiled hands to reach under one side of dough; gently stretch up, and fold over center. Repeat 3 more times around bowl.) (Dough will double in size.)Brush a 6-cup charlotte cake pan with remaining 2 teaspoons (10 grams) oil. Turn out dough into prepared pan, and using greased fingertips, gently stretch dough to completely fill pan. (If dough is tight and will not stretch completely, let stand for 5 to 10 minutes and then try again.) Cover and let rise in a warm, draft-free place (75°F/24°C) until dough fills pan about halfway, 30 to 45 minutes.Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).Bake until top of dough starts to brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted in center registers 205°F (96°C), 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from oven, and let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Leave oven on. Invert bread onto a baking sheet. Top with Pizza Sauce and cheese.Bake until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes. Top with basil leaves. Let cool on pan for 5 to 10 minutes.For topping: In a small bowl, stir together tomatoes, basil, and oil; spoon onto cheese. Serve immediately. LEGGI TUTTO

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    World Baking Day: Editor’s Picks & Reader Favorites!

    Today is a day to celebrate all things baking—it’s World Baking Day! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, there’s no better excuse to get your hands covered in flour and create some delicious magic.
    To inspire your baking adventures, we’re pulling out all the stops! Some of our editorial team members are sharing their all-time favorite recipes from the pages of Bake from Scratch. Plus, we’re revisiting some of our most popular creations from the past few years, as determined by you, our amazing readers!
    Get ready to roll up your sleeves, preheat your ovens, and celebrate World Baking Day in the sweetest way possible!
    Editorial Favorites

    Nancy Meeks, Editorial DirectorMimicking the crisp, flaky texture of croissants, these Croissant French Bread loaves are everything you love about puff pastry without the intensive time and labor. The layers of buttery goodness rise throughout the length of the baguettes, creating a golden-brown crust meant for tearing and sharing.

    Kile Pointer, Graphic Designer Made up of a layer of chewy, lightly crisp dough, a melty blend of cheeses, sautéed vegetables, sausage, pepperoni, and homemade Pizza Sauce, this is a pizza that eats like a multicourse dinner. Although locals of the Windy City may argue whether this pizza is a knife-and-fork ordeal or a handheld meal, we say that as long as you enjoy every bite, you’re doing it right.

    Meg Lundberg, Senior Copy Editor, FoodWe’re big fans of an ambitious holiday crossover, and these Gingerbread Cookie Cheesecake Bars are just that. An indulgent layer of cheesecake filling is sandwiched between chewy, delicately spiced gingerbread dough. It’s a simple formula, but when that molasses-rich gingerbread meets that vanilla-scented cheesecake, you’ll get flavor fireworks. It packs all of the richness you could want—but in a neat gluten-free package. Our Most Popular Recipes per Year

    Much like pound cake, the 1-2-3-4 cake gets its name from the proportions of its base ingredients: one cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, four eggs. It’s so straightforward, you may not even have to write it down—making it easy to impress friends and family with, oh, just a little something you whipped up.

    Almond-scented cake batter is swirled with traditional frangipane, which adds nutty flavor and tenderness to the crumb of this cake. Studded with berries and gently dusted with confectioners’ sugar, this Berry Frangipane Cake is simple but gorgeous. As a bonus, this recipe calls for frozen berries, meaning this recipe is always in season for baking.

    A staple in most Mediterranean kitchens, this light, and barely sweet Classic Olive Oil Cake is perfect for an afternoon snack or late-morning tea. A final brush of olive oil just before serving brings the fruity flavor to the front of your palate as soon as you take a bite.

    We took the classic French one-layer cake (our editor-in-chief’s favorite!) from round to rectangle in this Gâteau Basque Loaf. A tender, golden crust encases a surprise center of thick, velvety Custard Filling, a defining factor of the original gâteau Basque, with a thin layer of fresh blueberries to bring brightness to every slice.

    These cakes bring the ever-popular combination of strawberries and cream to each decadent slice. With homemade strawberry sauce swirled into each loaf, they’re just as beautiful as they are delicious.  LEGGI TUTTO