Impressive dessert for dinner party

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand the trifle posts.
Maybe if served in individual footed bowls. Otherwise it looks like a sloppy dump of ingredients. Like you tried to make a layer cake, failed, and made trifle.

A trifle done well looks like beautiful individual layers. Plus, it is so easy. Perfect combo with the right trifle dish/bowl.

If you throw it together half-a**, then sure, it looks like a sloppy mess.

But how do you serve it so it's not sloppy looking?

[Anonymous]

Lava cakes are messy and too hot to serve to kids. They always burn their tongues.

[Anonymous]

strawberry shortcake always looks nice- would you have a few minutes to assemble them? Make shortbread cakes, cut strawberries and stir in a bit of sugar and vanilla, buy a couple of cans of REAL whipped cream.

[Anonymous]

I've had this amazing cake a couple of times- it looks and tastes wonderful
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/blackberry-jam-cake-recipe

[Anonymous]

Pavlova. This Nigella Lawson recipe has been my go to for years. It’s easy and delicious. You can make the pavlova in advance but just whip up the whip cream shortly before serving. https://www.nigella.com/recipes/chocolate-raspberry-pavlova

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've had this amazing cake a couple of times- it looks and tastes wonderful
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/blackberry-jam-cake-recipe

I've made that one too, and it's not overly difficult.

[Anonymous]

I would do an apple crisp or cobbler and bring good quality vanilla ice cream. Way less fussy to prepare than a cake.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pavlova. I made this for Easter dessert and it was pronounced 5 star. It is easy to make. I would make individual ones.

I would love to try and make one. But these seems really intimidating. Give some tips please! Any pattern recipe you like to use? Does it transport well?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I've had this amazing cake a couple of times- it looks and tastes wonderful
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/blackberry-jam-cake-recipe

I've made that one too, and it's not overly difficult.

Omg, that sounds sooooo good! I doubt I would be able to make it look impressive, but it would certainly taste great!

[Anonymous]

Profiterole tower! (Croquembouche?)

Drizzled with white chocolate and sprinkles! Maybe some little fruits like 🫐 and 🍓 if you want to be fancy. The secret is you buy those frozen pre made profiteroles. Looks fancy, is easy, except obvi careful with the transport

[Anonymous]

Flourless chocolate cake, lava cakes, trifles, etc these all feel a little dated…like 90s Silver Palate / Ruth Reiscl ish. Not a bad thing but I think you can do better. A layer cake is always impressive, and you can improvise with the fillings and frosting based on what you love and/or what’s in season right now.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:strawberry shortcake always looks nice- would you have a few minutes to assemble them? Make shortbread cakes, cut strawberries and stir in a bit of sugar and vanilla, buy a couple of cans of REAL whipped cream.

In February? No.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with the other poster that Wegmans is good for pretty looking desserts. The fruit tarts are very nice. For cakes, go to any Korean bakery in your area. They’ll have beautiful cakes that aren’t overly sweet.

If you want to put something together yourself that’s impressive, consider a trifle. I usually make everything from scratch, but you can use good quality store bought pound cake and instant custard. Get a pretty dish, and layer your cake, custard, and fruit. Top with home made whipped cream. Decorate with fruits.

Burnt Basque Cheesecake is delicious and easy to make. Because it is rustic looking, it’s fine if there are imperfections.


If you’re willing to go to a little bit of trouble, make meringue nests or pavlova. You can fill it with whatever you want, but berries are super easy and look amazing. I usually glaze my berries for a better look.

+1 for trifle. It looks very fancy and is easy to make.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't understand the trifle posts.
Maybe if served in individual footed bowls. Otherwise it looks like a sloppy dump of ingredients. Like you tried to make a layer cake, failed, and made trifle.

You’re doing it wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My favorite thing to bake is the plum torte from NYT. I’ve heard it is their most requested recipe of all time.

It is incredibly good. And it is as easy as it gets. The only things I’d mention is that it really is best to use an springform pan (although if you don’t have one a regular cake pan can work), and do remember to sift the flour. Oh, and don’t feel like you did something wrong when the batter is thick like cookie dough and only makes a thin layer in the pan. Plums are perfect but you can use any fruit you want—I used frozen blueberries recently.

For guests I’d serve with vanilla ice cream.

I make this recipe also. Agree it’s wonderful.