Fabulous Dessert Ideas

[Anonymous]

What about a three-tiered cake where each cake is a separate flavor, and then lavishly decorate it with homemade marzipan figures and merengues?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Cake Lady again - I made the chocoflan in bundtlettes and the visual of the spread of them, rather than just one cake - was very attention-getting.

I have bundtlettes! Was it a PITA getting them out? Mine aren’t as heavy as the large bundt, and I. Have not been able to get the cakes out clean (granted, I haven’t used cake release/baking spray on them, and will this time).

I have silicone ones too, but just have never liked the texture of the outside of the cakes that are baked in them.

They came out clean, but mine aren’t crazy ornate - and I grease with shortening like crazy, then flour.

If you want to see how the patterns compares to yours as far as nooks/crannies, and how they came out/looked, I can share a link to the photo.

Would love that! My metal ones aren't particularly ornate, but the silicone ones are.

I've only tried a large silicone one (and years ago, before I'd tackled the cake list, so perhaps I'd be better with it now) but it was an absolute disaster trying to get the cakes out.

At any rate, here are the chocoflan bundtlettes https://www.instagram.com/p/CX5gnXQLnJS/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Cake Lady quoting myself to say that I just read my own Instagram caption, and while the bundtlettes did come out cleanly (I remembered that right, since the photo was good) apparently I had to steam them to get them out of the pan. Still came out perfectly clean - but it was an extra step to get them out that I had forgotten, you may want to factor in.

It's good to know. I was a little concerned they won't turn out in the smaller pans. Read somewhere about someone having problems with the flan/cake inversion, and they thought it was because the pan was too small. These are also definitely not as gooey as the Rick Bayless one; I don't know if that makes it more or less difficult to get out.

My BIL's birthday is tomorrow, and SIL was picking my brain about what to make. I suggested this! She's making Bayless's recipe, so let's see how that one goes. At least I get to see the results without doing the baking myself!

Mine definitely flipped, that was not an issue. And they were decidedly not gooey - it's quite a cakelike texture with the NYT recipe. I will be interested to hear how the Rick Bayless recipe turns out if you care to share after the fact.

And yes lol - that's what I love this page for - you get the recipe recommendations with the commentary of people who actually made it which is often equally valuable.

PP, the Bayless recipe turned out just fine. SIL just unmolded it after resting it in the refrigerator overnight, and it released without any problems. Uncut, it looks like a lot more flan than cake, but we'll see how it looks once cut.

I quite liked how it looks. It's mostly flan on the outside, and chocolate on the inside. So when you cut it, it's more dramatic, because the chocolate wasn't apparent in the unmolded dessert. Oh and it apparently tastes amazing. BIL texted to thank me for suggesting it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:the NYT plum torte

What makes NYT recipes so popular? NYT recipes are referenced here quite often, as if NYT is here pumping their recipe section.

Why so popular?

For a very long time, pre-internet, the NYT was a great non-cookbook source of recipes when there were few others. They are still a good source. Their cooking editors have always been strong, so the recipes tend to be good.

There are also no annoying ads, as on so many sites. And you can save and organize the recipes, leave notes on them for yourself, etc. It's very user-friendly in addition to having a huge range.

[Anonymous]

How about a sacher torte! Looks and tastes great!

My favorite dessert for company is profiteroles, but obviously impossible to transport.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:A number of ideas (most from Southern Living, because I'm the vintage cakes list lady):

The Little Layer Cake https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/little-layer-chocolate-cake-recipe

The Doberge Cake (this one is based off a Hungarian Dobos torte, but as someone who grew up with a Dobos torte - it's not all that similar IMO but it is visually stunning)
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/lemon-chocolate-doberge-cake-recipe

The Coconut Chiffon Cake (this is effortful, stunning if you decorate it properly, and it has been my favourite of the 49 cakes I've baked from the list so far)
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/coconut-chiffon-cake

This is last year's SL White Cake (for 25+ years they've had a white cake on the cover of their December issue) and it's not super complicated but it is delicious and by the time you bake the cookies and decorate them, and the cake, etc. it can be just beautiful.
https://www.southernliving.com/redbird-cake-8380086

There is one other SL Cake that meets your criteria but it is truly an insane amount of effort - each layer bakes individually in a cast-iron skillet, so you must have many the same size, or you are baking layers for hours. You also need specialty ingredients like sorghum syrup. I made it because I needed to, in order to complete the cake list - but I wouldn't bother making it again. And, I don't think the result visually is as ornate as what you'd want - it's not a "decorated" cake.

Outside of SL, one year I did a Mexican themed menu for Christmas and did the Dulce de Leche Chocoflan (el pastel imposible/the impossible cake) that flips in the pan as it bakes). It was very popular.
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021761-dulce-de-leche-chocoflan?unlocked_article_code=1.fE4.zsOX.cj_IV1LPXyQC&smid=share-url

I had looked at that cardinal cookie, and settled on making that as a cookie! This one from SL was my runner up:

https://www.southernliving.com/white-poinsettia-layer-cake-8744900

I'm going to take a closer look at that choco flan. Flan was on the list of things I was considering, that that is just beautiful, for something that looks fairly simple (and I have that exact bundt pan)

I do have a winner! It's a simple cake, but the decorating is complicated. The original recipe does not call for stabilized whipped cream, but I think I will make it that way, since it has to travel a little and hold up.

As of now, I'm making the following, in addition to the cake above.

1. Fruit Tart - https://natashaskitchen.com/fruit-tart-recipe/
2. Fruit Pie - Probably Cherry. Could be the NYT cardamom one. Want to be able to do an elaborately decorated one.
3. Maida Heatter's Tiramisu
4. Cream Puffs - one set with chocolate filling and caramel, and another with vanilla filling and chocolate coating
5. NYT Cranberry Curd Tart
6. Choco Flan (probably)

I'll add some ginger biscotti from Maida Heatter, those cardinal cookies, home made marshmallows, and probably a few more I haven't figured out yet. Oh, and cake pops. I have a cake in the freezer that I can't use for anything else.

If someone sees gaps (too much of the same type, texture, flavors, omitted something that is seasonal etc.) do point it out.

For lack of a better word, you have a lot of “wobbly” desserts from a texture perspective. Not many of these would strongly appeal to me. You’re missing nuts entirely and I love desserts that have chocolate, praline, caramel, etc.

You sounds like my brother! He calls them baby food. Would you consider the fruit tart, the cream puffs, the choco flan, and the cake to be wobbly? What are some of your favorite desserts? I can always add my pecan bars. They're always a hit, but I get so tired of making them all the time.

Also, there will be cookies. So far, I have ginger biscotti, maple thumbprint, Dark Chocolate Orange Slice & Bake Cookies, Frosted Cashew Cookies, and chocolate crinkles. Maybe Chocolate Candy Cane Peppermint Whoopie Pies, millionaire's shortbread, or caramel swirl cookies too.

lol yes, your brother is funny. I love your energy and enthusiasm. The pecan bars would be a huge hit for me personally since they have more bite to them and less goo filling. I like all kinds of bars and cookies with shortbread and oat bottoms. Pralines. Your cookie list is great!

Are you willing to share the pecan bar recipe?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about cranberry tart? I think it looks gorgeous and festive, and I don't see other fruit desserts on your list. You could further fancy it up with some sparkling candied cranberries.

https://www.blossomtostem.net/cranberry-curd-tart/

I would also vote for a cranberry curd tart. I use the NYT recipe. It has some wow factor with the vibrant red color, and makes a fabulous canvas for decorating with meringue, sugared cranberries, etc. and it tastes great, too, which can’t always be said for desserts with a visual wow factor.

Yes, it’s appealing.

For experienced bakers, do you think a pistachio crust would work on the NYT cranberry tart? Would you think you could swap in pistachios instead of hazelnuts?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A number of ideas (most from Southern Living, because I'm the vintage cakes list lady):

The Little Layer Cake https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/little-layer-chocolate-cake-recipe

The Doberge Cake (this one is based off a Hungarian Dobos torte, but as someone who grew up with a Dobos torte - it's not all that similar IMO but it is visually stunning)
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/lemon-chocolate-doberge-cake-recipe

The Coconut Chiffon Cake (this is effortful, stunning if you decorate it properly, and it has been my favourite of the 49 cakes I've baked from the list so far)
https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/coconut-chiffon-cake

This is last year's SL White Cake (for 25+ years they've had a white cake on the cover of their December issue) and it's not super complicated but it is delicious and by the time you bake the cookies and decorate them, and the cake, etc. it can be just beautiful.
https://www.southernliving.com/redbird-cake-8380086

There is one other SL Cake that meets your criteria but it is truly an insane amount of effort - each layer bakes individually in a cast-iron skillet, so you must have many the same size, or you are baking layers for hours. You also need specialty ingredients like sorghum syrup. I made it because I needed to, in order to complete the cake list - but I wouldn't bother making it again. And, I don't think the result visually is as ornate as what you'd want - it's not a "decorated" cake.

Outside of SL, one year I did a Mexican themed menu for Christmas and did the Dulce de Leche Chocoflan (el pastel imposible/the impossible cake) that flips in the pan as it bakes). It was very popular.
https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1021761-dulce-de-leche-chocoflan?unlocked_article_code=1.fE4.zsOX.cj_IV1LPXyQC&smid=share-url

I had looked at that cardinal cookie, and settled on making that as a cookie! This one from SL was my runner up:

https://www.southernliving.com/white-poinsettia-layer-cake-8744900

I'm going to take a closer look at that choco flan. Flan was on the list of things I was considering, that that is just beautiful, for something that looks fairly simple (and I have that exact bundt pan)

I do have a winner! It's a simple cake, but the decorating is complicated. The original recipe does not call for stabilized whipped cream, but I think I will make it that way, since it has to travel a little and hold up.

As of now, I'm making the following, in addition to the cake above.

1. Fruit Tart - https://natashaskitchen.com/fruit-tart-recipe/
2. Fruit Pie - Probably Cherry. Could be the NYT cardamom one. Want to be able to do an elaborately decorated one.
3. Maida Heatter's Tiramisu
4. Cream Puffs - one set with chocolate filling and caramel, and another with vanilla filling and chocolate coating
5. NYT Cranberry Curd Tart
6. Choco Flan (probably)

I'll add some ginger biscotti from Maida Heatter, those cardinal cookies, home made marshmallows, and probably a few more I haven't figured out yet. Oh, and cake pops. I have a cake in the freezer that I can't use for anything else.

If someone sees gaps (too much of the same type, texture, flavors, omitted something that is seasonal etc.) do point it out.

For lack of a better word, you have a lot of “wobbly” desserts from a texture perspective. Not many of these would strongly appeal to me. You’re missing nuts entirely and I love desserts that have chocolate, praline, caramel, etc.

You sounds like my brother! He calls them baby food. Would you consider the fruit tart, the cream puffs, the choco flan, and the cake to be wobbly? What are some of your favorite desserts? I can always add my pecan bars. They're always a hit, but I get so tired of making them all the time.

Also, there will be cookies. So far, I have ginger biscotti, maple thumbprint, Dark Chocolate Orange Slice & Bake Cookies, Frosted Cashew Cookies, and chocolate crinkles. Maybe Chocolate Candy Cane Peppermint Whoopie Pies, millionaire's shortbread, or caramel swirl cookies too.

lol yes, your brother is funny. I love your energy and enthusiasm. The pecan bars would be a huge hit for me personally since they have more bite to them and less goo filling. I like all kinds of bars and cookies with shortbread and oat bottoms. Pralines. Your cookie list is great!

Are you willing to share the pecan bar recipe?

Absolutely! It's a favorite around here, and my pecan pie loving cousin has decided that it's better than any pecan pie he has ever had. He'll happily take his lactaid pills to eat them (and his wife and son who do not eat sweets will eat this, so I bake an extra batch just for them to keep in the freezer). It's from the Joy of Baking.

https://www.joyofbaking.com/barsandsquares/PecanSquares.html

Do NOT substitute for the Golden Syrup. Corn syrup absolutely detracts from the taste.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about cranberry tart? I think it looks gorgeous and festive, and I don't see other fruit desserts on your list. You could further fancy it up with some sparkling candied cranberries.

https://www.blossomtostem.net/cranberry-curd-tart/

I would also vote for a cranberry curd tart. I use the NYT recipe. It has some wow factor with the vibrant red color, and makes a fabulous canvas for decorating with meringue, sugared cranberries, etc. and it tastes great, too, which can’t always be said for desserts with a visual wow factor.

Yes, it’s appealing.

For experienced bakers, do you think a pistachio crust would work on the NYT cranberry tart? Would you think you could swap in pistachios instead of hazelnuts?

That's a terrific idea! I have definitely made cranberry pistachio cookies and that works very well, so I don't see why this would not. So much easier to work with than hazelnuts, and more easily available. If you have good Middle Eastern stores around, they'll have some really high quality pistachios.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about cranberry tart? I think it looks gorgeous and festive, and I don't see other fruit desserts on your list. You could further fancy it up with some sparkling candied cranberries.

https://www.blossomtostem.net/cranberry-curd-tart/

I would also vote for a cranberry curd tart. I use the NYT recipe. It has some wow factor with the vibrant red color, and makes a fabulous canvas for decorating with meringue, sugared cranberries, etc. and it tastes great, too, which can’t always be said for desserts with a visual wow factor.

Yes, it’s appealing.

For experienced bakers, do you think a pistachio crust would work on the NYT cranberry tart? Would you think you could swap in pistachios instead of hazelnuts?

That's a terrific idea! I have definitely made cranberry pistachio cookies and that works very well, so I don't see why this would not. So much easier to work with than hazelnuts, and more easily available. If you have good Middle Eastern stores around, they'll have some really high quality pistachios.

Thanks, I might give it a try. Pistachios seem less oily than hazelnuts to me so I hope it works.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What about cranberry tart? I think it looks gorgeous and festive, and I don't see other fruit desserts on your list. You could further fancy it up with some sparkling candied cranberries.

https://www.blossomtostem.net/cranberry-curd-tart/

I would also vote for a cranberry curd tart. I use the NYT recipe. It has some wow factor with the vibrant red color, and makes a fabulous canvas for decorating with meringue, sugared cranberries, etc. and it tastes great, too, which can’t always be said for desserts with a visual wow factor.

Yes, it’s appealing.

For experienced bakers, do you think a pistachio crust would work on the NYT cranberry tart? Would you think you could swap in pistachios instead of hazelnuts?

That's a terrific idea! I have definitely made cranberry pistachio cookies and that works very well, so I don't see why this would not. So much easier to work with than hazelnuts, and more easily available. If you have good Middle Eastern stores around, they'll have some really high quality pistachios.

Thanks, I might give it a try. Pistachios seem less oily than hazelnuts to me so I hope it works.

Just adjust the butter. The difference in fat works out to about 2.5 - 3 tablespoons of butter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you make the ladyfingers in the tiramisu from scratch? Wow, that sounds delicious.

I love this for a Christmas dessert: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/coconut-cake/

This SCREAMS Easter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you make the ladyfingers in the tiramisu from scratch? Wow, that sounds delicious.

I love this for a Christmas dessert: https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/coconut-cake/

This SCREAMS Easter.

I am now picturing a coconut cake with big eyes and a little skewed up mouth screaming "Easter! EASTER!"

[Anonymous]

Saw at a party/shower the host had out 'Tirimisu in a Jar' . Didn't try but wondering if it is any good. Small portion and better than making the whole thing and no one eating it. Have you tried tirimisu in a jar in America?