Pistachio Cake with Honey Vanilla Buttercream

Last Updated August 10, 2024

Pistachios remind me of Christmas.  In fact, just this morning I had my first pang of "I miss Christmas," which usually hits me around July.  My family rarely eats/buys/uses pistachios, but we always have bowls of them out for Christmas.  It's tradition.  Beyond that, I never thought too much of cooking or baking with them because they were only ever around when we were already over inundated with food.  And yes, they are expensive and you may have to shell them.  

Then I went to Europe where pistachio gelato is the best flavor and the line up of pastries always includes pistachio right next to the chocolate and vanilla.  Pistachio was this flavor, this nut, that I had not tapped into.  And I've only just started.  Oh the thrills!  This cake was a light bulb of "What have I been missing out on!?" My poor family and friends, all these years and I didn't make this for them.  How selfish of me.  Selfish no more, here is the recipe so you can revel in the glory with me!

This cake is fluffy, light, with a wonderful, nutty pistachio flavor that is not overbearing. It has a slight elegance to it, something about being more than 2 layers and the white frosting.

The cake ingredients are fairly standard aside from the pistachios. If you have pistachio flour ready-made available to you, you can save yourself step. Maybe try Amazon, you can find anything online these days! If not, pistachios should be readily available, and you can make pistachio flour yourself by grinding them for a few seconds in a food processor. I don’t have a food processor in Italy, so I get by with an electric coffee grinder which works great!

The frosting is a light and creamy, not-too-sweet cooked frosting. Ever since the first time I’ve made a cooked frosting, the raves come pouring in about how it’s the best frosting they’ve ever eaten. Between cooked frostings and Italian meringue buttercream, I’ve rarely looked back at the traditional American buttercream that is mostly sugar. It has its place, but it seems the general consensus between anyone who has tried some of my cakes and cupcakes that a not-too-sweet frosting is GREATLY appreciated. Give the cooked frosting below a try and see if you don’t fall in love with it!

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Recipe adapted from Joanne eats well with others


Pistachio Cake with Honey Vanilla Buttercream

Makes 1 three layer 6-inch round cake. Serves about 8

Ingredients:

For the Pistachio Cake

  • 1/2 cup / 63g shelled pistachios

  • 1 1/4 cups / 164g cake flour

  • scant 1/2 cup / 47g all-purpose flour

  • 1 1/2 tsp / 7g baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp / 2.5g baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp / 2.5g salt

  • scant 1/2 cup / 100g oil

  • 3/4 cup / 150g sugar

  • 1 1/2 tsp / 7g vanilla extract

  • 1 egg

  • 3/4 cup / 178g ice water

  • 1 egg white

  • 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

For the Honey Vanilla Buttercream

  • 3/4 cup / 150g sugar

  • 3 Tbsp / 20g all-purpose flour

  • 3/4 cup / 178g milk

  • 3 Tbsp / 44g heavy whipping cream

  • 3/4 cup / 170g butter, cubed

  • 1 tsp / 5g vanilla extract

  • 2 Tbsp / 42g honey

Directions:

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Grease and line the bottoms of three 6-inch cake rounds with parchment paper.

Make the Pistachio Cake

  1. Place the pistachios in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.  Set aside 2 tablespoons.  Continue to pulse remaining pistachios until finely ground, like flour in texture.  

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together pistachio flour, cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  

  3. In a normal bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, beat together oil, sugar, and vanilla.  Add egg and beat until just combined.  

  4. With the mixer on low, add the pistachio flour mixture to the batter in three additions, alternating with the ice water, beginning and ending with pistachio flour mixture.  After each addition mix until just combined.  

  5. In another medium bowl, beat the egg white with cream of tartar until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.  Gently fold the egg white into the cake batter, starting with just a spoonful to lighten the batter, then continue on with the rest.  

  6. Pour batter into prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then flip onto a wire rack to cool completely while you make the buttercream.  Remove parchment paper from bottoms.  

Make the Honey Vanilla Buttercream

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and flour.  Add milk and cream and place over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens, about 5-10 minutes.  

  2. Once thickened, pour mixture into a bowl of a stand mixer.  Beat on high until cool, 8-10 minutes.  Reduce speed to medium low and add butter, piece by piece, until fully incorporated.  Increase speed and beat a few minutes, until light and fluffy.  Beat in vanilla and honey.  

Assembly

Use a serrated knife to level off the top of the cakes.  Cut off just as much as necessary to make the top of the cake level and flat.  If you prefer domed cakes, leave one layer uncut for the top. Place one leveled layer on desired serving plate, cut side down.  Generously spread frosting over top and place second layer on top, again cut side down.  Top with more frosting.  Finish with top layer, domed side up if desired.  Frost the whole cake.  Top with remaining 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios.   

Jenny's Notes:

  • For an 8 - 9in / 20-23cm 3 layer cake, double this recipe.  

  • If your buttercream seems too thin or soupy after you've added the butter, stick it in the fridge for a few minutes, then rewhip.  Most likely it has not cooled down enough to stabilize.

  • These layers are not overly thick, so don't worry if the amount of batter in the pans seems low or they don't rise very high, you still made it right! Once all three layers are stacked on top of one another, it makes for a nicely high, but not towering, 6 inch round cake.

  • If you don’t have 3 6-inch pans, it is easier to split the batter in two and bake in two pans, instead of 3. You then have the option of making a two layer cake, or cutting each layer in two for a four layer cake.  

Pistachio Cake with Honey Vanilla Buttercream
Yield 8 servings
Author
Prep time
1 H & 25 M
Cook time
30 Min
Total time
1 H & 55 M

Pistachio Cake with Honey Vanilla Buttercream

3 layer moist pistachio cake with a light and fluffy cooked honey vanilla buttercream frosting.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Pistachio Cake
For the Honey Vanilla Buttercream

Instructions

Make the Pistachio Cake
  1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Grease and line the bottoms of three 6-inch cake rounds with parchment paper.
  2. Place the pistachios in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Set aside 2 tablespoons. Continue to pulse remaining pistachios until finely ground, like flour in texture.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together pistachio flour, cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  4. In a normal bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, beat together oil, sugar, and vanilla. Add egg and beat until just combined.
  5. With the mixer on low, add the pistachio flour mixture to the batter in three additions, alternating with the ice water, beginning and ending with pistachio flour mixture. After each addition mix until just combined.
  6. In another medium bowl, beat the egg white with cream of tartar until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Gently fold the egg white into the cake batter, starting with just a spoonful to lighten the batter, then continue on with the rest.
  7. Pour batter into prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then flip onto a wire rack to cool completely while you make the buttercream. Remove parchment paper from bottoms.
Make the Honey Vanilla Buttercream
  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and flour. Add milk and cream and place over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
  2. Once thickened, pour mixture into a bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on high until cool, 8-10 minutes. Reduce speed to medium low and add butter, piece by piece, until fully incorporated. Increase speed and beat a few minutes, until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and honey.
Assembly
  1. Use a serrated knife to level off the top of the cakes. Cut off just as much as necessary to make the top of the cake level and flat. If you prefer domed cakes, leave one layer uncut for the top. Place one leveled layer on desired serving plate, cut side down. Generously spread frosting over top and place second layer on top, again cut side down. Top with more frosting. Finish with top layer, domed side up if desired. Frost the whole cake. Top with remaining 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios.

Notes

For an 8 - 9in / 20-23cm 3 layer cake, double this recipe. If your buttercream seems too thin or soupy after you've added the butter, stick it in the fridge for a few minutes, then rewhip. Most likely it has not cooled down enough to stabilize.


These layers are not overly thick, so don't worry if the amount of batter in the pans seems low or they don't rise very high, you still made it right! Once all three layers are stacked on top of one another, it makes for a nicely high, but not towering, 6 inch round cake.


If you don’t have three 6-inch pans, it is easier to split the batter in two and bake in two pans, instead of 3. You then have the option of making a two layer cake, or cutting each layer in two for a four layer cake.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories

619.89

Fat

36.67 g

Sat. Fat

13.98 g

Carbs

68.16 g

Fiber

1.40 g

Net carbs

66.76 g

Sugar

42.85 g

Protein

6.57 g

Sodium

500.72 mg

Cholesterol

77.11 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 8 servings.

cake,layer cake,pistachio flour,pistachio,roux,cooked frosting,buttercream,honey vanilla
dessert, cake
American
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Very Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Last Updated August 10, 2024

We bakers like to stick to the four main food groups: Chocolate, chooooocolate, chocolat, and cioccolato.  Although we no longer believe, as the Aztecs did, that chocolate is a gift from the gods nor do we throw away the golden goblet once the chocolate drink has been consumed (haven't you heard about recycling?! Sheesh), we'll take it for its taste and possible health properties.  I say possible because it hasn't been scientifically proven yet.  But we know in our hearts, right?  So, let's make some Very Chooooocolate brownies.  And throw in some cherries because it's just about cherry season and I grew up in a cherry town.  National Cherry Festival, anyone?  

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Double Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Makes about 9-12 brownies

Ingredients:

  • 6 Tbsp / 85g butter

  • 1 1/3 cup / 225g chopped bittersweet or semisweet chocolate bar, or chips

  • 3/4 cup / 150g sugar

  • 1 tsp / 5g vanilla extract

  • 2 eggs

  • 1/3 cup / 40g all-purpose flour

  • 2/3 cup / 115g bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips

  • generous 1/2 cup / 110g dried cherries

Directions:

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Grease an 8x8in / 20x20cm square pan.

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat.  Add the chocolate and stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. 

  2. Remove from the heat and add sugar and vanilla.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time.  

  3. Add the flour and stir vigorously for about a minute, until the batter turns from grainy to glossy, and starts to pull away from the edges of the pan.  Add chocolate chips and cherries.

  4. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until center isn't quite set or a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.  

Jenny's Notes:

  • If using semisweet chocolate I prefer to reduce the sugar to 125g or about a generous 1/2 cup. 

  • Don't over-bake brownies!  In my opinion, brownies are always better off on the dense, slightly under-baked side than dry or crispy.  

  • Nut fan?  Add 1/2 cup walnut, pecans, or your nut of choice! 

Double Chocolate Cherry Brownies
Yield 9-12 servings
Author
Prep time
20 Min
Cook time
30 Min
Total time
50 Min

Double Chocolate Cherry Brownies

Dense, fudgy, double chocolate brownies loaded with chocolate chunks and tart dried cherries.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Grease an 8x8in / 20x20cm square pan.
  2. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Add the chocolate and stir continuously until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Remove from the heat and add sugar and vanilla. Beat in the eggs, one at a time.
  4. Add the flour and stir vigorously for about a minute, until the batter turns from grainy to glossy, and starts to pull away from the edges of the pan. Add chocolate chips and cherries.
  5. Pour into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until center isn't quite set or a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.

Notes

If using semisweet chocolate I prefer to reduce the sugar to 125g or about a generous 1/2 cup. Don't over-bake brownies! Brownies are always better off on the dense, slightly under-baked side than dry or crispy. Nut fan? Add 1/2 cup walnut, pecans, or your nut of choice!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

387.92

Fat

20.18 g

Sat. Fat

11.93 g

Carbs

54.18 g

Fiber

2.66 g

Net carbs

51.53 g

Sugar

45.56 g

Protein

3.67 g

Sodium

82.56 mg

Cholesterol

61.64 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 9 servings.

dried cherry brownies, double chocolate cherry brownies, fudgy dense chocolate brownies, chocolate chip brownies, best ever brownies, favorite brownies
dessert
American
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Chia Persimmon Pudding

Last Updated August 10, 2024

I had never eaten a persimmon before living in Italy.  I probably couldn't have even picked it out from a line up of fruit.  But if you asked me, of course I would want to try a persimmon!  I had heard good things about them, especially the elusive "persimmon pudding."  

I used to go the market several times a week for my fruit and vegetables, one of my favorite weekly errands.  It was a large market, the ground floor of the Mercato Centrale if you’ve been there, with lots of vendors, but there was this dear old man that always had the best tomatoes and lettuce.  He would say "Ciao, bella," shake my hand, and always round the price down for me.  He also had this habit of sneaking in a fruit or vegetable that I hadn't ordered.  Whether that was a sweet gesture or a marketing strategy, I may never know.  One day, after getting my usual tomatoes, I arrived home to find this strange object that looked curiously like an orange tomato, but was most definitely not.  So....squishy and lacking that earthy, pungent, tomato vine smell.  After a little research, I found I had in my possession a kaki!  Okay, now what is a kaki?  

After a little more research, I found that kaki is what the Italians call persimmons. Sweet, mysterious persimmons.  Now...how to eat it?  I quickly realized they are like jelly on the inside when ripe, and it's only the skin that holds it together.  If that skin breaks, you have a real mess if you weren't prepared with a bowl or your mouth beneath it.  I ate that first one in hurry, before it all dripped from my hands onto the floor. 

From then on I bought them in packs and beautiful things happened, including various versions of persimmon pudding.  Below is a raw and vegan version of the Persimmon Pudding.  Makes for a great dessert, snack, or breakfast!  Kaki on.  

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Recipe adapted from Blissful Basil.


Chia Persimmon Pudding

Serves 4

Ingredients:

For the Chia Pudding Layer

  • 2 cups / 474g unsweetened coconut milk or milk of choice

  • generous 1/2 cup / 90g chia seeds

  • 3 Tbsp / 60g maple syrup or honey

  • 2 tsp / 9g vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp / 1g cinnamon

  • pinch of cardamom

For the Persimmon Pudding Layer

  • 3 ripe persimmons

  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

*Note: Make the Chia Pudding the day before you want to eat the pudding, as it takes at least 8 hours to set up.  

You’ll need 4 small (about 12 oz), clear glasses or bowls.

Make the Chia Pudding

  1. In a medium bowl whisk together milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom.  

  2. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.  

Make the Persimmon Pudding

  1. Remove the stems from the persimmons and place in a food processor or blender.  Add the cinnamon and blend until smooth.  

  2. Spoon about scant 1/4 cup Persimmon Pudding into the bottom of each glass.  Top with a scant 1/4 cup Chia Pudding.  Repeat layers until both puddings are gone.  Should make three layers of each, or 6 layers total in each glass. Top with additional cinnamon, if desired.

Jenny's Notes:

  • You'll want your persimmons to be very ripe and very soft all the way through; they should be bursting when you try to remove the stems.

  • Persimmons are a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, and high in fiber.  

Chia Persimmon Pudding
Yield 4
Author
Prep time
15 Min
Inactive time
8 Hour
Total time
8 H & 15 M

Chia Persimmon Pudding

Layers of spiced coconut milk chia pudding and juicy persimmons are a simple, vegan, dairy-free, gluten, raw, etc. dessert, breakfast, or snack.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Chia Pudding Layer
For the Persimmon Pudding Layer

Instructions

Make the Chia Pudding
  1. *Note: Make the Chia Pudding the day before you want to eat the pudding, as it takes at least 8 hours to set up.
  2. In a medium bowl whisk together milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and cardamom.
  3. Cover and refrigerate overnight or at least 8 hours.
Make the Persimmon Pudding
  1. You’ll need 4 small (about 12 oz), clear glasses or bowls.
  2. Remove the stems from the persimmons and place in a food processor or blender. Add the cinnamon and blend until smooth.
  3. Spoon about scant 1/4 cup Persimmon Pudding into the bottom of each glass. Top with a scant 1/4 cup Chia Pudding. Repeat layers until both puddings are gone. Should make three layers of each, or 6 layers total in each glass. Top with additional cinnamon, if desired.

Notes

You'll want your persimmons to be very ripe and very soft all the way through; they should be bursting when you try to remove the stems.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

266.73

Fat

9.61 g

Sat. Fat

2.90 g

Carbs

43.72 g

Fiber

12.46 g

Net carbs

35.76 g

Sugar

25.11 g

Protein

4.73 g

Sodium

12.43 mg

Cholesterol

0.00 mg

Nutritional information is approximate.

vegan, raw, no bake, chia pudding, persimmon pudding, dairy free, gluten free, refined sugar free
dessert, pudding
American
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Enjoy your Kaki Pudding!

Homemade Marzipan

Last Updated: August 10, 2024

Marzipan!  That weird almond dessert that no one seems to really talk about in America, but people rave about in Europe. It really should catch on in the US, because:

  1. It tastes like almonds and is delicious

  2. It's easy to make

  3. It's fun to work with and versatile

 It can be used as filling or toppings of baked goods, and it can also be colored and molded into shapes or rolled out and used to cover cakes in a fondant fashion. Fondant has it's place, but I would rather eat a marzipan covered cake any day over a fondant cake.  

marzipan.jpg

You may have seen almond paste sold in stores, and although almond paste and marzipan are made from the same ingredients, they are not usually equal. This depends on what part of the world you call home.  In many European countries the terms marzipan and almond paste are interchangeable, in other parts, such as the US, they are different products. If they are different, as in the US, marzipan is smoother, sweeter, made with egg whites and sometimes rose water, whereas almond pasted is less sweet and has a coarser texture.  When I first started dabbling in marzipan, I used almond paste as a base to make marzipan, but now I prefer to make it from scratch.

It's so simple, as you can see for yourself!

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Recipe adapted from La Cuochina Sopraffina


Marzipan

Makes about 280g of marzipan, or about 10 oz. 

Ingredients:

  • 125g / 1 1/3 cup almond flour or almonds

  • 125g / 1 cup powdered sugar

  • 1 egg white (about 30g)

  • 6 drops almond extract

  • 3 drops rose water, optional

Directions:

  1. If using whole almonds, place in a food processor and process until finely ground.   

  2. Process almond flour, powdered sugar, egg white, almond extract, and rose water until a thick dough forms.  If the consistency is too thin, add more powdered sugar.  

  3. Turn marzipan out onto a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar, knead for a few seconds.  Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed, or freeze.  

Jenny's Notes:

  • This recipe is very simple to adjust to the amount you need, especially if you scale/weigh your ingredients.  As you may have noticed, the almond flour to powdered sugar is a 1:1 ratio.  

  • If you are worried about eating or serving raw egg whites, be sure to buy pasteurized egg whites from the store.   

Homemade Marzipan
Yield 10
Author
Prep time
10 Min
Total time
10 Min

Homemade Marzipan

Marzipan is a versatile and tasty European almond sweet, often paired with chocolate, molded into fruit shapes, or used to cover cakes in place of fondant. Gluten and dairy free.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. If using whole almonds, place in a food processor and process until finely ground.
  2. Process almond flour, powdered sugar, egg white, almond extract, and rose water until a thick dough forms. If the consistency is too thin, add more powdered sugar.
  3. Turn marzipan out onto a surface lightly dusted with powdered sugar, knead for a few seconds. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until needed, or freeze.

Notes

This recipe is very simple to adjust to the amount you need, especially if you scale/weigh your ingredients. As you may have noticed, the almond flour to powdered sugar is a 1:1 ratio. If you are worried about eating or serving raw egg whites, be sure to buy pasteurized egg whites from the store.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

131.15

Fat

7.44 g

Sat. Fat

0.57 g

Carbs

14.21 g

Fiber

1.86 g

Net carbs

12.35 g

Sugar

11.43 g

Protein

3.51 g

Sodium

6.80 mg

Cholesterol

0.00 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 10 servings.

marzipan, almond paste, European sweets, marzipan fruit, fondant, gluten-free, dairy-free, raw
dessert
European
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Lemon Cream Tart

Last Updated January 3, 2025

French Lemon Tart with baked meringues, almonds, and candied orange peel

I've been on a French kick recently. This past Christmas I was gifted "The Art of French Classics" by Jacquy Pfeiffer. At first glance it seemed detailed, confusing, and lengthy. Second glance didn't get much better. This was not the type of book you would use to whip up a batch of cookies or bake a cake for dessert tonight. No, this book was going to require time, diligence, patience, determination, and careful reading.  

I decided to dissect this book by my favorite method: list making. Simple and efficient. I started employing this method when I was 13. My mom had bought me a cake mix cookbook by Betty Crocker, and I was thrilled to have my own cookbook to go through and cook all on my own.  Most of those recipes I would shudder at now (they're not completely from scratch, haha!!), but I wanted to make everything in there. Well, almost. Which is where the list came in. I wrote down every recipe I wanted to make, referencing the page numbers. When I had made a recipe, I would put a check mark by it. Much easier to glance at one page (or two or three, there were too many recipes I wanted to make!) than to go through the book every time. And oh so satisfying to make that little check mark. But, I am a nerd when it comes to baking, so you can take this as more of an anecdote than a recommendation.  :)

After initially being intimidated from reading “The Art of French Pastry” and applying my list method, I realized it wouldn’t be so difficult to make a lot of these recipes, after all. Some recipes, yes, which include making puff pastry, choux pastry, and various pastry creams and caramel all for one magnificent cake, but if French cuisine was easy we would all be making cream puffs, croissants, and eclairs everyday now, wouldn’t we? But to my pleasant surprise many of the recipes were quite manageable. This book helps you master some basic techniques that then become easier because you use them often for many of the recipes.

One of the simpler, but nonetheless delicious recipes from the cookbook is this Lemon Cream Tart. Everyone should have a good lemon tart in their repertoire. Someone once asked me, after learning I liked to bake, if I could make a good lemon tart. I had made good lemon tarts before, but sometimes I lack confidence that even if I like something, will it live up to other people's tastes buds? Until I find the recipe, that is. Then I know the search is over, although I will always be open to trying new things. I hung on to my current lemon tart recipe, but I felt like I could do better. A recipe that would be reliable, and deliver that over-the-top creamy, lemony zing. I found it in this recipe, oh yes.  

You’ll notice in my photos that the lemon tart is decorated with meringues and candied orange peels. The recipe does not include those because I feel that for the time spent making them, they don’t add significantly to the eating experience and are more for the wow factor. Don’t get me wrong, they’re yummy, but meringues do require a certain technique (mine unfortunately cracked a bit) and candying orange peel requires 10 days. So. I more than encourage you to get the book and try out those recipes yourselves, and especially the others, like the croissants, palmiers (my absolute favorite recipe from the cookbook), the brioche variations, eclairs, and on and on! Or, if all this seems a bit ambitious to you, gift the book to your favorite baking enthusiast and have them make them for you. :)

A quick tip when approaching seemingly complicated recipes like this one: break it down. Although this recipe may seem lengthy and entailed, it's actually simpler than it seems, especially if you separate it into a "crust" day and a "filling" day.  

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Recipe adapted from “The Art of French Pastry” by Jacquy Pfeiffer.


*Note:  Make the pâte sablée at least one day ahead as it needs to rest overnight in the refrigerator; two nights is ideal.    

Lemon Cream Tart

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:

For the Pâte Sablée

French Lemon Tart with baked meringues, almonds, and candied orange peel
  • 6 Tbsp / 97g butter

  • 1/4 tsp / 1g salt

  • 1 cup + 1 Tbsp / 145g all-purpose flour

  • 3 Tbsp / 18g almond flour

  • 1/2 cup / 55g powdered sugar

  • 1/4 tsp / 1g vanilla extract

  • 2 egg yolks

For the Lemon Cream

  • 1 cup / 200g sugar, divided

  • 5/8 cup / 140g lemon juice

  • pinch of salt

  • 3 eggs + 1 yolk

  • zest of half a lemon

  • 14 Tbsp / 192g butter, softened and cut into cubes

  • candied lemon peel, toasted nuts, or meringues for decoration, optional

Directions:

DAY 1:

Make the Pâte Sablée (2-3 days ahead of time you actually want the tart finished)

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add butter, sea salt, and all-purpos flour. Mix on low speed just until crumbly.  Over-mixing will activate gluten in flour and make for a tougher crust. Add almond flour and powdered sugar, mixing until just combined.  Add vanilla and egg yolks on medium speed until just combined.  

  2. Scrape dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Press into a 1/2 inch rectangle and wrap airtight in the plastic. Refrigerate overnight.  

ay 2:

Roll out Pâte Sablée

  1. Very lightly grease a tart pan with softened butter. You should barely see the butter on the pan.  If it is over-greased the dough may slip down the side as it is baking.  

  2. Remove dough from fridge, unwrap from plastic wrap, and place on a lightly floured surface.  For easier transportation to tart pan, you can roll it out on a floured silpat or piece of parchment paper.  

  3. Tap dough with a rolling pin to make sure it's pliable.  If at any point dough seems too stiff or cold, or cracks as you roll it out, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes before continuing. Roll dough 3 times in one direction, then make a quarter turn. Periodically check to make sure your dough isn't sticking to the surface.  If it is, use a thin spatula to peel it off and re-flour the surface underneath.  Repeat rolling 3 times and making quarter turns until you have an evenly rolled out, 1/4" thick round of dough.

  4. At this point your dough should be larger than your tart pan.  Carefully transfer dough to pan. You can do this by gently wrapping the dough around the rolling pin, then unrolling it over the pan. Press dough into the pan, paying careful attention to the corners and being careful not to stretch or tear the dough to do so.  Use a knife to trim away any extra dough.  Refrigerate the tart shell uncovered for at least one hour, or preferably overnight.  

Day 2, 1 hour later ~ OR ~ Day 3:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F / 160°C.  

  2. Remove crust from fridge and dock (poke holes in) bottom with a fork. This will allow steam to escape evenly during baking.  

  3. Line the shell with parchment paper or cheesecloth and pie weights, dry beans, or rice.

  4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove parchment paper and pie weights. Bake for an additional 5-15 minutes, or until crust begins to evenly color and turn golden. Allow to cool.

Make the Lemon Cream

  1. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup / 100g of the sugar with lemon juice and salt; whisk until sugar and salt have dissolved.  

  2. In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup / 200g of sugar with egg yolks and whisk for 30 seconds. Whisk the first lemon juice mixture into this mixture and add zest.  

  3. Create a water bath by simmering 1 inch of water in a medium saucepan over low heat.  Place bowl with lemon mixture over saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl isn't touching the water; whisk constantly so eggs don't scramble. Attach a digital thermometer to the bowl and continue to whisk until mixture reaches 176-179.6°F / 80-82°C.  

  4. Remove from heat and strain into a bowl through a fine-meshed sieve. Use a spatula to push mixture through strainer, if necessary. Transfer thermometer to the new bowl.  Allow mixture to cool to 140°F / 60°C, about 5 minutes.  

  5. At this point pour mixture into a blender, or leave in bowl if using an immersion blender. Add half of the butter and blend, then add second half of the butter and blend for an additional 30 seconds or so, until mixture is completely smooth.  

  6. Pour lemon cream filling into baked crust and allow to set for at least 2 hours in refrigerator. Decorate as desired, dust with powdered sugar, or leave as is. 

Buon Appetit!

Jenny's Notes:

  • The unbaked pâte sablée will keep well covered in the fridge for up to a week, or a month in the freezer.  

Lemon Cream Tart
Yield 8-12
Author
Prep time
1 H & 10 M
Cook time
30 Min
Inactive time
15 Hour
Total time
16 H & 40 M

Lemon Cream Tart

Lemony, creamy, zingy tart with a perfect butter tart crust from Jacquy Pfeiffer's "The Art of French Pastry."
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Pâte Sablée
For the Lemon Cream Filling

Instructions

Make the Pâte Sablée (2-3 Days Ahead of time)
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, add butter, sea salt, and all-purpos flour. Mix on low speed just until crumbly. Over-mixing will activate gluten in flour and make for a tougher crust. Add almond flour and powdered sugar, mixing until just combined. Add vanilla and egg yolks on medium speed until just combined.
  2. Scrape dough out onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Press into a 1/2 inch rectangle and wrap airtight in the plastic. Refrigerate overnight.
The next day:
  1. Very lightly grease a tart pan with softened butter. You should barely see the butter on the pan. If it is over-greased the dough may slip down the side as it is baking.
  2. Remove dough from fridge, unwrap from plastic wrap, and place on a lightly floured surface. For easier transportation to tart pan, you can roll it out on a floured silpat or piece of parchment paper.
  3. Tap dough with a rolling pin to make sure it's pliable. If at any point dough seems too stiff or cold, or cracks as you roll it out, let it rest at room temperature for a few minutes before continuing. Roll dough 3 times in one direction, then make a quarter turn. Periodically check to make sure your dough isn't sticking to the surface. If it is, use a thin spatula to peel it off and re-flour the surface underneath. Repeat rolling 3 times and making quarter turns until you have an evenly rolled out, 1/4" thick round of dough.
  4. At this point your dough should be larger than your tart pan. Carefully transfer dough to pan. You can do this by gently wrapping the dough around the rolling pin, then unrolling it over the pan. Press dough into the pan, paying careful attention to the corners and being careful not to stretch or tear the dough to do so. Use a knife to trim away any extra dough. Refrigerate the tart shell uncovered for at least one hour, or preferably overnight.
An hour later or the next day:
  1. Preheat oven to 325°F / 160°C.
  2. Remove crust from fridge and dock (poke holes in) bottom with a fork. This will allow steam to escape evenly during baking.
  3. Line the shell with parchment paper or cheesecloth and pie weights, dry beans, or rice.
  4. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove parchment paper and pie weights. Bake for an additional 5-15 minutes, or until crust begins to evenly color and turn golden. Allow to cool.
Make the Lemon Cream
  1. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup / 100g of the sugar with lemon juice and salt; whisk until sugar and salt have dissolved.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine remaining 1/2 cup / 200g of sugar with egg yolks and whisk for 30 seconds. Whisk the first lemon juice mixture into this mixture and add zest.
  3. Create a water bath by simmering 1 inch of water in a medium saucepan over low heat. Place lemon mixture over saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl isn't touching the water; whisk constantly so eggs don't scramble. Attach a digital thermometer to the bowl and continue to whisk until mixture reaches 176-179.6°F / 80-82°C.
  4. Remove from heat and strain into a bowl through a fine-meshed sieve. Use a spatula to push mixture through strainer, if necessary. Transfer thermometer to the new bowl. Allow mixture to cool to 140°F / 60°C, about 5 minutes.
  5. At this point pour mixture into a blender, or leave in bowl if using an immersion blender. Add half of the butter and blend, then add second half of the butter and blend for an additional 30 seconds or so, until mixture is completely smooth.
  6. Pour lemon cream filling into baked crust and allow to set for at least 2 hours in refrigerator. Decorate as desired, dust with powdered sugar, or leave as is.

Notes

The unbaked pâte sablée will keep well covered in the fridge for up to a week, or a month in the freezer.  

Nutrition Facts

Calories

496.27

Fat

33.28 g

Sat. Fat

19.43 g

Carbs

38.08 g

Fiber

0.79 g

Net carbs

37.28 g

Sugar

8.06 g

Protein

4.42 g

Sodium

311.86 mg

Cholesterol

197.83 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 1 serving if sliced into 8 pieces.

lemon tart, lemon cream, lemon curd, french tart, dessert, lemon bars, Jacquy Pfeiffer
dessert
French
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French Lemon Tart with baked meringues, almonds, and candied orange peel

Coconut Scones

Last Updated August 9, 2024

Scones come in all different shapes and sizes.  Whether they're flat or fluffy, dry or moist, sweet or savory, round, square, or triangular.  I've never had the honor to eat a real British or Scottish scone, but I have a few favorite recipes that I only hope the real thing could live up to.  

This particular recipe is not too sweet, with only a 1/4 cup sugar aside from the glaze, and lovely with a cup of tea or coffee, although drinking liquids with them isn’t necessary because they are moist enough by themselves.  I always think bright citrus flavors are marvelous in scones, but you can never go wrong with coconut.

If you’re familiar with making biscuits, this recipe is very similar to a biscuit recipe. In fact, you may be wondering what the difference is between a biscuit and a scone. The main differences that I’ve understood, is that scones are a bit drier than biscuits, and biscuits have more acidity and are considered “flaky” where scones might be more described as “crumbly.” This also appears to be much debated, with everyone having their own opinion. I, for one, want my scones to be just as moist and flaky/crumbly as my biscuits. Plus, biscuits are usually just buttery, maybe flavored with some cheese or herbs, or with a touch of sugar to be served as stawberry shortcakes. Scones? So many flavors!

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Recipe adapted from Food Network.


Coconut Scones

Makes about 20

Ingredients:

For the Scones

  • 4 1/4 cups / 510g all-purpose flour

  • 2 Tbsp / 30g baking powder

  • 1 tsp / 5g salt

  • 1/4 cup / 50g sugar, plus more for sprinkling

  • 2 cups / 160g shredded unsweetened coconut

  • 1 1/2 cups / 339g butter, cubed, or 1 1/4 cups / 277g oil

  • 1 cup / 237g unsweetened coconut milk

  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten

  • 1 tsp / 5g coconut extract

  • 2 cups / 250g pecans, finely chopped, plus more for sprinkling, optional

For the Glaze

  • 1 cup / 125g powdered sugar

  • 2-3 Tbsp / 30-45g unsweetened coconut milk

  • 1/4 tsp / 1g coconut extract

  • 1/4 tsp / 1g vanilla extract

Directions:

Oven 400°F / 205°C.  Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.

Make the Scones

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and coconut.  Add the butter or oil, and beat until mixture is coarse and crumbly.  

  2. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and coconut extract.  Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.  Do not over mix.  Gently stir in pecans.  

  3. Scoop dough onto prepared baking pans into approximately 3 in / 7cm mounds, leaving enough space between scones so that they can brown evenly, about 2 in / 5cm.  Sprinkle with extra sugar and pecans, if desired.   

  4. Bake for 13-16 minutes, until starting to turn golden and the center no longer feels doughy to the touch.  

Make the Glaze

  1. In a small bowl whisk together powdered sugar, extracts, and 2 tablespoons of milk.  Add more milk to get a drizzling consistency, if needed.  

  2. Drizzle over scones while they are still warm.  

Jenny's Notes:

  • When you first add the liquid into the flour mixture, you may notice the dough seems too wet/soupy. Let it sit just for a minute or two (great time to prepare your pans), and it will magically thicken. My biscuit recipe is like this too. I always think it’s too wet when I first stop mixing, but then it ends up being fine.

  • You might notice I don't always give the weight for measurements less than 1 tsp and never for eggs.  Unless a recipe needs to be very exact (such as plenty of French classics), I find eggs don't need to be weighed.  A little less or extra egg in a recipe like this one is not going to make a world of difference, and the 1/4 of an egg you had to remove to get an exact weight would probably go to waste.  That’s a shame, so I always round the egg measurements or weight to the nearest whole egg.  As far as the teaspoon measurements, I find scales tend to be less precise than an actual teaspoon, unless you have one of those smaller and more precise (to the nearest .001g) scales.

  • Some family members of mine don't appreciate nuts in their baked goods, so I omit the nuts in the batter and sprinkle some on half of the scones.  

  • An ice cream/cupcake scoop works great to transfer the dough onto the baking sheets.  

  • Don't have coconut milk?  Use any kind of milk you have on hand! 

Coconut Scones
Yield about 20 scones
Author
Prep time
25 Min
Cook time
16 Min
Total time
41 Min

Coconut Scones

Moist coconut scones with a coconut glaze and pecans.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Scones
For the Glaze

Instructions

Make the Scones
  1. Oven 400°F / 205°C. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and coconut. Add the butter or oil, and beat until mixture is coarse and crumbly.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and coconut extract. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Do not over mix. Gently stir in pecans.
  4. Scoop dough onto prepared baking pans into approximately 3 in / 7cm mounds, leaving enough space between scones so that they can brown evenly, about 2 in / 5cm. Sprinkle with extra sugar and pecans, if desired.
  5. Bake for 13-16 minutes, until starting to turn golden and the center no longer feels doughy to the touch.
Make the Glaze
  1. In a small bowl whisk together powdered sugar, extracts, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Add more milk to get a drizzling consistency, if needed.
  2. Drizzle over scones while they are still warm.

Notes

When you first add the liquid into the flour mixture, you may notice the dough seems too wet/soupy. Let it sit just for a minute or two (great time to prepare your pans), and it should thicken.


Some family members of mine don't appreciate nuts in their baked goods, so I omit the nuts in the batter and sprinkle some on half of the scones. An ice cream scoop works great to transfer the dough onto the baking sheets. Don't have coconut milk? Use any kind of milk you have on hand!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

410.68

Fat

29.69 g

Sat. Fat

14.90 g

Carbs

33.36 g

Fiber

3.25 g

Net carbs

30.11 g

Sugar

9.93 g

Protein

5.89 g

Sodium

384.66 mg

Cholesterol

73.64 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 20 servings and includes pecans.

coconut scones, moist scones, pecan, coconut, coconut glaze, scones,
breakfast, bread
American
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Quinoa Coconut Date Rolls

IMG_4728.jpg

Last Updated August 8, 2024

These little morsels are so named because they are rolled, and no, these will not get you a date nor would I suggest bringing them on a first date.  Not because these aren't scrummy (that’s scrumptious and yummy combined), but because "healthy" baking should always be treated warily.  You must already have a well established relationship with that person, preferably have treated them to some normal sugary delicious desserts so that they understand that you understand what a dessert "should" be, and can trust your taste buds when you then try to sell them on your spinach-spirolina-turmeric-kale-ginger-wasabi-moringa bars that are also dairy-free and refined-sugar free.  Whew, I'm out of breath.  But that relationship is important.  So if I've never eaten anything that you've made before, know that I might distrust you at first, in the most genial way possible.  And you should distrust me, until I gain your trust.  

Also understand what your taste preferences are, and if you don't like healthy desserts, well then, may I ask why are you reading this particular recipe? May I kindly redirect you to this decadent Peanut Butter Brownie Trifle?  Or if you don't like dates, we might have a problem.  But if you like healthy desserts, or are exploring in this arena, then you probably know what you're getting yourself into.  The quinoa provides protein and grains, the almonds provide good fats and more protein, while the dates give sweetness and carbs and coconut brings flavor to the party. 

So now, using your own best judgment, allow me to introduce my friends, the Quinoa Coconut Date Rolls.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. Where possible, links are prioritized to small businesses and ethically and responsibly made items. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Recipe adapted from Skinny Ms.


Quinoa Coconut Date Rolls

Makes about 10-12 rolls

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup / 60g dry quinoa

  • 2/3 cup / 158g water

  • 1 cup / 160g pitted dates

  • 1/2 cup / 70g almonds

  • 1/3 cup / 33g grated unsweetened coconut, plus more for rolling

  • 2-3 tsp / 10-15g water

  • 1/4 cup / 42g chocolate chips, optional

Directions:

  1. Combine quinoa and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.  Bring to a boil and reduce heat.  Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until all the water is absorbed.  Set aside to cool completely.  If you already have quinoa made, you'll need about 1 cup.  

  2. Place dates in a food processor and blend until they stick together in a ball.  Add the almonds, coconut, and quinoa; pulse until well combined.  Add water, if necessary, until the mixture holds together.  Shape into balls or roll.  Place extra coconut on a plate and roll the rolls around until completely covered in coconut.  

  3. *Optional:  Heat chocolate chips over a double boiler or in the microwave for 30 second bursts, until melted.  Drizzle chocolate over rolls.

  4. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze.  

Jenny's Notes:

  • For a chunkier roll, process for a shorter period of time.  

  • These rolls are also delicious if you add a 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. They could become autumnal if you add cinnamon along with a dash of nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Yum!  

Quinoa Coconut Date Rolls (Vegan)
Yield 10-12 rolls
Author
Prep time
25 Min
Cook time
15 Min
Total time
40 Min

Quinoa Coconut Date Rolls (Vegan)

Nutritious Lara-bar like rolls made with quinoa, dates, coconut, and almonds with optional chocolate drizzle. Great for breakfast, snacks, on the go, and after workouts!
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Combine quinoa and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and reduce heat. Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes, until all the water is absorbed. Set aside to cool completely. If you already have quinoa made, you'll need about 1 cup.
  2. Place dates in a food processor and blend until they stick together in a ball. Add the almonds, coconut, and quinoa; pulse until well combined. Add water, if necessary, until the mixture holds together. Shape into balls or roll. Place extra coconut on a plate and roll the rolls around until completely covered in coconut.
  3. *Optional: Heat chocolate chips over a double boiler or in the microwave for 30 second bursts, until melted. Drizzle chocolate over rolls.
  4. Store in an airtight container for up to a week, or freeze.

Notes

For a chunkier roll, process for a shorter period of time. These rolls are also delicious if you add a 1/2 tsp of cinnamon. They could become autumnal if you add cinnamon along with a dash of nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Yum!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

151.00

Fat

7.49 g

Sat. Fat

2.97 g

Carbs

20.79 g

Fiber

3.25 g

Net carbs

17.54 g

Sugar

13.01 g

Protein

3.11 g

Sodium

37.86 mg

Cholesterol

0.00 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 10 servings and includes chocolate drizzle.

quinoa, coconut, almonds, gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, vegetarian, healthy, nutritious, clean eating, egg-free
snack, breakfast
American
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Tourte Milanese

Last Updated August 8, 2024

Tourte Milanese, also known as Tourte Milanaise.  No, the second version does not include mayonnaise.  Part of the family en croute, or encased in dough.  Who doesn't want to eat food, soup, and anything edible wrapped in flaky, buttery dough? In this case, roasted peppers, herbed scrambled eggs, cheese, spinach, and meat.

The green from the spinach, the white (ish) from the eggs, and the red from the roasted peppers is supposed to be an ode to the Italian flag. You can use whichever kind of sweet peppers you like, and as you can see from my photos, I used multi-colored peppers that time!

This tourte is a showstopper piece for sure. You will feel quite accomplished pulling this out of the oven, and taking your first bite into the explosion of hot, flaky layers, melty cheese, herbs, sweet peppers, smoky meat, and garlicky spinach. It may look intimidating, but you can adjust this recipe to how much time and effort you want to put into it. For example, you can make your own puff pastry, or you can pick it up at the store. You could roast your own peppers, or buy a jar of already roasted peppers. I enjoy making everything as home-made and from scratch as possible, but sometimes life just doesn’t allow that. 

I recommend reading through the recipe once or twice and taking a peek at my notes at the bottom to make your game plan.  For example, if you’re making your own puff pastry, that in and of itself can easily be a two day recipe, so you'll want to make that a day ahead, or way ahead, and freeze it until you have the urge to make a recipe like this.  

Want some inspiration?  Watch this fun video of Julia Child and Michel Richard making Puff Pastry and Tourte Milanese!

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Tourte Milanese

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:

For the Crust

  • 1 lb. / 450g puff pastry, home-made or store bought

  • Egg wash made from 1 egg beaten with 1 Tbsp water

For the Eggs

  • 10 eggs

  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onion

  • 1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil

  • 2 tsp snipped fresh tarragon or fresh oregano

  • salt and ground pepper, to taste

  • 3 Tbsp / 42g butter

For the Rest of the Filling

  • 6 large red bell peppers (or use a 16oz jar or two of roasted red peppers)

  • 1 1/2 lbs / 680g spinach

  • 1 Tbsp / 14g olive oil

  • 1 Tbsp / 14g butter

  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

  • salt and pepper, to taste

  • 1/4 tsp grated nutmeg

  • 8 oz / 225g Swiss cheese

  • 8 oz / 225g smoked turkey or ham

  • about 1/2 cup each of bread crumbs and shredded parmesan cheese, optional

Directions:

Generously grease an 8in / 20cm springform pan.  

Make the Crust

  1. Cut off 1/4 of the puff pastry, cover, and set aside.

  2. Roll out the remaining pastry to roughly 1/8'‘. If working with store-bought, you may have two squares that you will have to press together at the edges as close to a square as you can for rolling out. Be sure to roll it thin enough so it will have a chance to be baked all the way through in the oven.  It should be big enough to cover the bottom and sides of your springform pan with an overhang.  Carefully press into pan, being sure to press all the way into the corners.  Cover and refrigerate.

  3. Roll out the remaining 1/4 of puff pastry until it is roughly 1/8" thick. Again, you may have to cut and press together to get as close to a square as you can before rolling out. Cut out an 8 in / 20cm circle, using an 8 in / 20cm pie plate or cake tin as a template.  Place on a plate or baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate.  

Make the Eggs

  1. Whisk eggs, herbs, salt and pepper together.  Melt butter in a skillet over low heat and pour in eggs.  Gently stir, continuously moving the setting eggs towards the center and allowing runny eggs to reach the bottom of the pan.  When the whole mixture has started to thicken, but still a bit runny, remove from heat and pour onto a plate. Cover and refrigerate and until ready to use.  

Roast the Peppers

Skip this step if you bought roasted red peppers.  

Method 1: Place peppers over an open flame on your stove top until blackened.  Flip and allow second side to roast.  Repeat until all peppers have been roasted.  

Method 2: Place all peppers onto a tinfoil lined sheet pan.  Place under broiler in your oven, checking every few minutes, until peppers are blackened.  Turn peppers over and roast second side.  

Once peppers have been roasted, place in an airtight container or ziploc bag for about 20 minutes.

Remove peppers and rub the skin off.  Cut out the stems and slice from top to bottom, laying them flat.  Remove seeds and trim away any inside veins.  

Place peppers on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess liquid, cover, and refrigerate.

Blanch and Sauté the Spinach

  1. Bring a large amount of salted water to a boil.  Add spinach and blanch for 1 minute.  Drain in a colander and rinse in cold water to stop it from cooking.  Press the spinach to remove excess liquid.  

  2. Place oil, butter, and garlic in a large frying pan over medium heat.  When garlic starts to sizzle, add blanched spinach and sauté for 3 minutes.  Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.  Remove from heat and transfer spinach to a plate lined with paper towels.  Cover and refrigerate until needed.  

Assemble the Tourte

Preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C.  

Remove the pastry lined pan from the fridge, along with your eggs, peppers, spinach, cheese, and turkey/ham.  Layer your ingredients in this order, laying them flat and spreading to the edge:

  1. Bread crumbs and grated parmesan, optional

  2. Half of eggs

  3. Half of spinach

  4. Half of turkey/ham

  5. Half of cheese

  6. All the peppers

  7. Other half of cheese

  8. Other half of turkey/ham

  9. Other half of spinach

  10. Other half of eggs

Trim the pastry overhang to within 1 in / 2.5cm of the pan. Brush the inner side of with egg wash and fold over filling. Brush the other side with more egg wash. 

Remove the round pastry top from fridge, re-rolling if it has shrunk any. Place over the folded edges of the tourte, pressing down to seal. Brush with more egg wash. Cut a vent in the center of the dough, or use a knife to trace a design. Or, you can cut out shapes from the puff pastry scraps to decorate the top. Brush shapes with more egg wash.

Optional: Chill assembled tourte in fridge for 30 minutes or more prior to baking. It will require more baking time if chilled.

Place tourte on a tinfoil lined baking sheet and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes, or until pastry is puffed and a deep golden brown.  

Cool for 30 minutes before releasing from pan and serving.

To reheat leftovers, place in an oven preheated to 350°F / 177°C for 20-30 minutes. 

Jenny's Notes:

The recipe above is pretty traditional, however, it can easily be adjusted to your tastes.  

No soggy bottoms here!

No soggy bottoms here!

  • Can be assembled a day ahead.  

  • Store-bought puff pastry is usually pre-rolled quite thin, so as you roll it out it will get even thinner. When I made my own, and as you can see in the video of Julia Child and Michel Richard, homemade is more delicate to roll out and won’t get as thin, more like 1/4”.

  • Before layering in the filling, I suggest sprinkling the bottom with a grated hard cheese, such as parmesan, or bread crumbs, to avoid the soggy-bottom syndrome. I did a combo of cheese and bread crumbs.

  • For the herbed scrambled eggs, chives, parsley, and tarragon combo is more traditional, but I prefer green onion, basil, and oregano.

  • Feel free to use whichever color peppers you like! I roasted multi-colored mini sweet peppers in these photos.

  • Instead of using paper towels to absorb extra liquid from the spinach and peppers, you can also place them in a strainer over a bowl.

  • 1 1/2 lbs of spinach may seem outrageous, but it really cooks down. I have used a scant pound before when that’s all I had, but the spinach is surprisingly delicious and I wouldn’t modify the recipe down if I had a choice.

  • Play around with cheeses! You'll want softer cheeses, ones that melt well. Think cheddar, gruyère, havarti, gouda, brie...I enjoy half Swiss and half dill havarti, or another favorite is smoked gruyère.

  • When I made homemade puff pastry, this tourte required the longer bake time. With store-bought pastry it often only requires the lower end of the baking time. But again, this will also vary depending on your oven.

Tourte Milanese
Yield 8-12 Servings
Author
Prep time
1 H & 30 M
Cook time
1 H & 30 M
Inactive time
30 Min
Total time
3 H & 30 M

Tourte Milanese

Layers of turkey, cheese, spinach, roasted red peppers, and eggs encased in flaky puff pastry.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Crust
For the Eggs
For the Rest of the Filling

Instructions

Make the Crust
  1. Generously grease an 8in / 20cm springform pan.
  2. Cut off 1/4 of the puff pastry, cover, and set aside.
  3. Roll out the remaining pastry to roughly 1/8'‘. If working with store-bought, you may have two squares that you will have to press together at the edges as close to a square as you can for rolling out. Be sure to roll it thin enough so it will have a chance to be baked all the way through in the oven. It should be big enough to cover the bottom and sides of your springform pan with an overhang. Carefully press into pan, being sure to press all the way into the corners. Cover and refrigerate.
  4. Roll out the remaining 1/4 of puff pastry until it is roughly 1/8" thick. Again, you may have to cut and press together to get as close to a square as you can before rolling out. Cut out an 8 in / 20cm circle, using an 8 in / 20cm pie plate or cake tin as a template. Place on a plate or baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate.
Make the Eggs
  1. Whisk eggs, herbs, salt and pepper together. Melt butter in a skillet over low heat and pour in eggs. Gently stir, continuously moving the setting eggs towards the center and allowing runny eggs to reach the bottom of the pan. When the whole mixture has started to thicken, but still a bit runny, remove from heat and pour onto a plate. Cover and refrigerate and until ready to use.
Roast the Peppers
  1. Skip this step if you bought roasted red peppers.
  2. Method 1: Place peppers over an open flame on your stove top until blackened. Flip and allow second side to roast. Repeat until all peppers have been roasted.
  3. Method 2: Place all peppers onto a tinfoil lined sheet pan. Place under broiler in your oven, checking every few minutes, until peppers are blackened. Turn peppers over and roast second side.
  4. Once peppers have been roasted, place in an airtight container or ziploc bag for about 20 minutes to steam.
  5. Remove peppers and rub the skin off. Cut out the stems and slice from top to bottom, laying them flat. Remove seeds and trim away any inside veins.
  6. Place peppers on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess liquid, cover, and refrigerate.
Blanch and Sauté the Spinach
  1. Bring a large amount of salted water to a boil. Add spinach and blanch for 1 minute. Drain in a colander and rinse in cold water to stop it from cooking. Press the spinach to remove excess liquid.
  2. Place oil, butter, and garlic in a large frying pan over medium heat. When garlic starts to sizzle, add blanched spinach and sauté for 3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and transfer spinach to a plate lined with paper towels. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
Assemble the Tourte
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C.
  2. Remove the pastry lined pan from the fridge, along with your eggs, peppers, spinach, cheese, and turkey/ham. Layer your ingredients in this order, laying them flat and spreading to the edge:
  3. Bread crumbs and grated parmesan, optional
  4. Half of eggs
  5. Half of spinach
  6. Half of turkey/ham
  7. Half of cheese
  8. All the peppers
  9. Other half of cheese
  10. Other half of turkey/ham
  11. Other half of spinach
  12. Other half of eggs
  13. Trim the pastry overhang to within 1 in / 2.5cm of the pan. Brush the inner side with egg wash and fold over filling. Brush the other side with more egg wash.
  14. Remove the round pastry top from fridge, re-rolling if it has shrunk any. Place over the folded edges of the tourte, pressing down to seal it. Brush with more egg wash. Cut a vent in the center of the dough, or use a knife to trace a design. Or, you can cut out shapes form the puff pastry scraps and decorate the top. Brush shapes with more egg wash.
  15. Optional: Chill assembled tourte in fridge for 30 minutes or more prior to baking. It will require more baking time if chilled.
  16. Place tourte on a tinfoil lined baking sheet and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes - 1 hour 30 minutes, or until pastry is puffed and a deep golden brown.
  17. Cool for 30 minutes before releasing from pan and serving.
  18. Can be assembled a day ahead.
  19. To reheat leftovers, place in an oven preheated to 350°F / 177°C for 20-30 minutes.

Notes

The recipe above is pretty traditional, however, it can easily be adjusted to your tastes.  

  • Can be assembled a day ahead.  
  • Store-bought puff pastry is usually pre-rolled quite thin, so as you roll it out it will get even thinner. When I made my own, and as you can see in the video of Julia Child and Michel Richard, homemade is more delicate to roll out and won’t get as thin, more like 1/4”.
  • Before layering in the filling, I suggest sprinkling the bottom with a grated hard cheese, such as parmesan, or bread crumbs, to avoid the soggy-bottom syndrome. I did a combo of cheese and bread crumbs.
  • For the herbed scrambled eggs, chives, parsley, and tarragon combo is more traditional, but I prefer green onion, basil, and oregano.
  • Feel free to use whichever color peppers you like! I roasted multi-colored mini sweet peppers in these photos.
  • Instead of using paper towels to absorb extra liquid from the spinach and peppers, you can also place them in a strainer over a bowl.
  • 1 1/2 lbs of spinach may seem outrageous, but it really cooks down. I have used a scant pound before when that’s all I had, but the spinach is surprisingly delicious and I wouldn’t modify the recipe down if I had a choice.
  • Play around with cheeses! You'll want softer cheeses, ones that melt well. Think cheddar, gruyère, havarti, gouda, brie...I enjoy half Swiss and half dill havarti, or another favorite is smoked gruyère.
  • When I made homemade puff pastry, this tourte required the longer bake time. With store-bought pastry it often only requires the lower end of the baking time. But again, this will also vary depending on your oven.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

686.27

Fat

45.9 g

Sat. Fat

16.93 g

Carbs

42.33 g

Fiber

5.69 g

Net carbs

36.63 g

Sugar

6.64 g

Protein

28.54 g

Sodium

494.18 mg

Cholesterol

281.18 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 8 servings, including bread crumbs and parmesan.

Tourte Milanese, Julia Child, Michel Richard, spinach, roasted red peppers, en croute, scrambled eggs, cheese, puff pastry,turkey, Italian flag
breakfast, dinner
Italian, French
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New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies

Last Updated October 25, 2024

IMG_4755.jpg

Going back to the classics. American classics. Chocolate chip cookies. And not just any chocolate chip cookies, chocolate chip cookies the NY Times way. Want me to say chocolate chip cookies one more time? Chocolate. Chip. Cookies.  

Why do we need one more chocolate chip cookie recipe floating around?  

When it comes to the kitchen, I'm not one much for routine. I like to explore, to try and constantly better what it is in my power to improve. And as I am constantly learning about foods and why ingredients act the way they do, the more I can apply that to recipes. When you have a classic such as chocolate chip cookies (yes, chocolate chip cookies) it may seem unnecessary to improve upon it. Chances are, even if your recipe isn't that great, they probably will taste great anyway. They're pretty hard to mess up. That's also why there are so many chocolate chip cookie recipes out there. People are satisfied with "good" when they don't know they're missing out on "great".  

I have three recipes for chocolate chip cookies that I love, including the one I am about to share with you. The other two include a classic recipe a.k.a. my mom’s famous chocolate chip cookies, and one with browned butter. You can find that one here. I'm sure there are more out there that are wonderful. But for now, I share with you another truly good recipe.  Courtesy of the NY Times, they knew what they were doing with this one.

The recipe includes bread flour and cake flour, lending a wonderful chew and delicate crumb, respectively.

Then there is the long refrigeration, which allows all the ingredients to marry and the flavor to concentrate as the dough dries out ever so slightly.

When the cookies are finally baked, the sugar is able to crystallize easier resulting in beautiful golden edges with a center still soft, and an extra caramel nutty flavor.

Even if the refrigeration has to be skipped due to a time constraint, the cookies will still turn out delicious, although I would urge you to try the refrigeration for yourself to taste that extra special result!

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Recipe adapted from the NY Times


New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes about 40-70 cookies, depending on size.

Ingredients:

  • 220g / 2 cups cake flour

  • 200g / 1 2/3 cup bread flour

  • 6g / 1 1/4 tsp baking soda

  • 6g / 1 1/4 tsp baking powder

  • 5g / 1 tsp salt

  • 283g / 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter

  • 250g / 1 1/4 cups light brown sugar

  • 225g / 1 generous cup granulated sugar

  • 2 eggs

  • 9g / 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 566g / 20 oz. 60% bittersweet chocolate chips or chunks

Directions:

  1. Whisk together cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.  

  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla.  

  3. Add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Carefully incorporate chocolate chips by hand using a spoon, as a stand mixer can crush chocolate chips.

  4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate dough for 24 - 72 hours. 

  5. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C. Scoop cold dough out onto cookie sheets in 1" balls, or desired size. Sprinkle with a touch of sea salt, if desired.  Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges turn a nice golden brown and centers still look a bit soft.  

Jenny's Notes:

  • Why bread and cake flour?  Bread flour has a higher gluten content and lends more crisp and chew to the cookies.  Cake flour is finer and lends a delicate crumb.  

  • If you need these cookies the same day you are making the cookies, the refrigeration is not absolutely essential.  When you place a dough in the fridge, the moisture in the dough is able to be evenly absorbed, then after a time begins to dry out, concentrating the flavors.  Then, when you bake the cookies, the sugar is able to caramelize better.  That is the beautiful golden brown color you see, and nutty flavor you taste.  Also, a cold or refrigerated dough won't spread as much.    

NY Times Chocolate Chip Cookies
Yield 40-70 cookies
Author
Prep time
30 Min
Cook time
20 Min
Inactive time
24 Hour
Total time
24 H & 50 M

NY Times Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate Chip Cookies get a remix with bread flour, cake flour, and the magic trick of refrigeration, resulting in nothing short of amazing cookies.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Whisk together cake flour, bread flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream butter and sugars together until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add vanilla.
  3. Add dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Carefully incorporate chocolate chips. You may want to use a spoon as a stand mixer can crush the chocolate chips.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate dough for 24-72 hours.
  5. When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F / 177°C. Scoop cold dough out onto cookie sheets in 1" balls, or desired size. Sprinkle with a touch of sea salt, if you like. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until edges turn a nice golden brown and centers still look a bit soft.

Notes

Why bread and cake flour? Bread flour has a higher gluten content and lends more crisp and chew to the cookies. Cake flour is finer and lends a delicate crumb. If you need these cookies the same day you are making the cookies, the refrigeration is not absolutely essential. When you place a dough in the fridge, the moisture in the dough is able to be evenly absorbed, then after a time begins to dry out, concentrating the flavors. Then, when you bake the cookies, the sugar is able to caramelize better. That is the beautiful golden brown color you see, and nutty flavor you taste. Also, a cold or refrigerated dough won't spread as much.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

235.01

Fat

13.56 g

Sat. Fat

8.26 g

Carbs

24.83 g

Fiber

2.61 g

Net carbs

22.22 g

Sugar

11.36 g

Protein

3.66 g

Sodium

122.36 mg

Cholesterol

24.84 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 1 cookie from a 40-cookie batch.

chocolate chips, bread flour, cake flour, NY Times, cookies
Dessert
American
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Buttermilk Bread

Last Updated August 7, 2024

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone says, "Buttermilk"?  

For me, that would be buttermilk pancakes. The lightest and fluffiest of all pancakes. If you live in the south, maybe that's buttermilk biscuits. Maybe your favorite cake recipe or scone recipe calls for buttermilk. Whatever it may be, these delectable food items all have one thing in common: Their light crumb, a.k.a. fluffiness. The high acidity in the buttermilk reacts with the leavening agent, like baking soda, thus creating a beautiful rise, and a nice, light product.  

I don't often have buttermilk on hand; I find it much easier to make my own as I always have milk and lemon juice/vinegar on hand. Lemon juice or vinegar are both very acidic and will have a similar effect on the leavening agent. However, there is something so satisfying about using true buttermilk in a recipe. After all, Milk and Lemon Juice Pancakes don't sound nearly as appealing as Buttermilk pancakes.   

So, a trip to the store, a carton of buttermilk bought, pancakes made and eaten.  Now, there is only 7/8 of a carton of buttermilk left in your fridge.  The likelihood of making 7 or more batches of buttermilk pancakes before the buttermilk goes bad is, well, not likely.  (But if you do, let me know, I’ll come live at your house!)  

The question remains, what I can do with the rest of this buttermilk without being wasteful?  Make buttermilk bread! (Another side note, if you like to drink buttermilk straight, well then.  You just can't relate with our buttermilk overload predicament, can you?)  The fluffiness factor we were talking about earlier still plays a role in this bread.  So fluffy.  Makes great toast.  And did I mention french toast?  Now you can serve buttermilk french toast! Oh yes. Full circle, baby. Actually, I don't really know where the circle started, so it's hard to tell if we actually came full circle...

On to the recipe! 

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Recipe adapted from Jane's Sweets and Baking Journal


Buttermilk Bread

Makes 2 approx. 9x5 inch loaves

Ingredients:

  • 5-6 cups / 620-740g all-purpose flour

  • 1 Tbsp / 9g instant yeast

  • 2 tsp / 10g salt

  • 2 cups / 474g buttermilk

  • 1 Tbsp / 20g maple syrup or honey

  • 2 Tbsp / 28g oil or melted butter

Directions:

Oven 375°F / 190°C.  Grease two approx. 9x5in / 24x13cm loaf pans.

  1. In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, place 5 cups of flour, yeast, and salt. Mix together. Add buttermilk, maple syrup, and oil, mixing well.  Switch to the dough hook if using a stand mixer.  

  2. Knead in the stand mixer or by hand on a lightly floured surface, until a smooth dough is formed, adding more flour as needed. This should take about 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer, 10 minutes by hand. If using a stand mixer, still knead a few rounds on a lightly floured surface at the end.

  3. Lightly grease a bowl and place your dough in it, flipping once so that all the dough is lightly coated in oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in volume, about one hour.  

  4. When bread has risen, punch or press down to degas it. Dump back onto your floured surface and divide the dough into two even pieces, using a scale for accuracy.  

  5. Starting with one half, form dough into a ball by flattening in a small square, then folding 3-4 times to create a ball, stretching as you do to create some tension. Move to a part of your work surface that has minimal flour. Place the ball between your two floured hands, loosely cupped. Move the ball between your hands in a circular motion while gently pulling the dough in a downward action. The bottom of the dough should stick to your surface a bit, and as you gently stretch it down in a circular motion you are creating surface tension. If the dough starts to tear lighten up on the pressure; the dough should look taught and smooth.  The surface tension will create a nice crust for your dough. This is called shaping a "Boule." If you're as confused as I would be reading this for the first time, this demonstration from King Arthur Flour is very helpful, the technique we're going for is shown starting at about 0:30.  

  6. Repeat with other half of dough.  Place towel or plastic wrap over the two boules and let rest for 15 minutes.

  7. Shape each round into a loaf and place in prepared pans.  Place back in a warm place to double, about 1 hour.  Preheat your oven towards the end of this time.  

  8. When dough has risen for the second time and the oven is hot, spray the inside walls of your oven with water to create steam.  A spray bottle works well.  Place loaves in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reads 200-210°F / 93-99°C.  Allow to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack.  

Buttermilk Bread
Yield 20
Author
Prep time
40 Min
Cook time
30 Min
Total time
1 H & 10 M

Buttermilk Bread

A soft white bread made extra fluffy with the use of buttermilk. Great for toast and french toast.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Oven 375°F / 190°C. Grease two approx. 9x5in / 24x13cm loaf pans.
  2. In a large bowl or bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, place 5 cups of flour, yeast, and salt. Mix together. Add buttermilk, maple syrup, and oil, mixing well. Switch to the dough hook if using a stand mixer.
  3. Knead in the stand mixer or by hand on a lightly floured surface, until a smooth dough is formed, adding more flour as needed. This should take about 5-7 minutes with a stand mixer, 10 minutes by hand. If using a stand mixer, still knead a few rounds on a lightly floured surface at the end.
  4. Lightly grease a bowl and place your dough in it, flipping once so that all the dough is lightly coated in oil. Cover with a clean towel or plastic wrap and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in volume, about one hour.
  5. When bread has risen, punch or press down to degas it. Dump back onto your floured surface and divide the dough into two even pieces, using a scale for accuracy.
  6. Starting with one half, form dough into a ball by flattening in a small square, then folding 3-4 times to create a ball, stretching as you do to create some tension. Move to a part of your work surface that has minimal flour. Place the ball between your two floured hands, loosely cupped. Move the ball between your hands in a circular motion while gently pulling the dough in a downward action. The bottom of the dough should stick to your surface a bit, and as you gently stretch it down in a circular motion you are creating surface tension. If the dough starts to tear lighten up on the pressure; the dough should look taught and smooth. The surface tension will create a nice crust for your dough. This is called shaping a "Boule." If you're as confused as I would be reading this for the first time, this demonstration from King Arthur Flour is very helpful, the technique we're going for is shown starting at about 0:30.
  7. Repeat with other half of dough. Place towel or plastic wrap over the two boules and let rest for 15 minutes.
  8. Shape each round into a loaf and place in prepared pans. Place back in a warm place to double, about 1 hour. Preheat your oven towards the end of this time.
  9. When dough has risen for the second time and the oven is hot, spray the inside walls of your oven with water to create steam. A spray bottle works well. Place loaves in oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until internal temperature reads 200-210°F / 93-99°C. Allow to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and transfer to a wire rack.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

161.19

Fat

2.00 g

Sat. Fat

0.28 g

Carbs

30.42 g

Fiber

1.12 g

Net carbs

29.30 g

Sugar

2.10 g

Protein

4.79 g

Sodium

239.83 mg

Cholesterol

0.95 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 1 slice from 20 servings.

bread, white bread, carbs, buttermilk, toast, french toast bread
Bread
American
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Whole Wheat Bread

Last Updated August 7, 2024

Simple, delicious, whole wheat bread. No batons, bread machines, or rocket scientists required. Actually, if you have a bread machine your bread making life is probably a lot simpler than mine. I enjoy working the bread with my own hands, though.  It's very therapeutic and gives you a nice upper body workout. Which means you could then eat more bread, yes?

Anyway, this is a simple, versatile bread, good for sandwiches, toast, and...bread.  

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. Where possible, links are prioritized to small businesses and ethically and responsibly made items. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Recipe adapted from The Frugal Girl


Whole Wheat Bread

Makes 2 approx. 9in / 23cm loaves

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp / 14g instant yeast

  • 2 1/2 tsp / 13g salt

  • 3 cups / 384g whole wheat flour

  • 2 3/4 cups / 330g all-purpose flour

  • 2 1/3 cups / 552g warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)

  • 1/4 cup / 80g maple syrup or honey

  • 1/4 cup / 56g oil or melted butter

Directions:

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Grease 2 approx. 9x5in / 23x13cm bread pans. 

  1. Combine yeast, salt, 1 cup / 128g whole wheat flour, and 1 cup / 120g all-purpose flour in the bowl of a stand mixer on low speed, or mix by hand.  

  2. Add warm water, maple syrup, and oil.  Mix until ingredients are combined, then increase speed to medium, beating for 3 minutes, or vigorously by hand.  

  3. Add remaining whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour until a soft but kneadable dough is formed.  

  4. Switch to dough hook and knead for 5-7 minutes, turning out on to a lightly floured surface to knead for 1-2 minutes more, until dough looks smooth and elastic. Or, knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes.  

  5. Grease a large bowl and place dough in it.  Flip the dough over once so that both sides are lightly greased.  Cover bowl with a clean towel and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in volume, about 45-60 minutes.  

  6. When dough has risen, punch down and knead on a lightly floured surface for 4-5 minutes.  

  7. Separate dough into two equal pieces.  Roll or press one piece out into a small rectangle.  It does not have to be exact or very big, the width of it should be a touch smaller than your bread pan, or 9 inches.  Starting from the short end, roll the dough up and place in your prepared pan.  Repeat with second piece.  

  8. Place towel back over loaves and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.  

  9. When loaves have risen, bake for about 30 minutes.  They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom or internal temperature should read about 205°F / 96°C.  

  10. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing and allowing to cool completely.  

Jenny's Notes:

  • If you use oil to make this bread, it will be dairy-free. If you use oil and maple syrup, it will also be vegan.

  • I have also made this bread with great success substituting part of the all-purpose flour with wheat germ. Gives it an extra nutty flavor profile.  

  • The rolling step creates surface tension in the bread, and therefore a prettier loaf.

Whole Wheat Bread
Yield 20
Author
Prep time
35 Min
Cook time
30 Min
Total time
1 H & 5 M

Whole Wheat Bread

Classic everyday whole wheat bread, great for sandwiches, toast, or anyway you like to eat bread!
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Grease 2 approx. 9x5in / 23x13cm bread pans.
  2. Combine yeast, salt, 1 cup / 128g whole wheat flour, and 1 cup / 120g all-purpose flour in the bowl of a stand mixer on low speed, or mix by hand.
  3. Add warm water, maple syrup, and oil. Mix until ingredients are combined, then increase speed to medium, beating for 3 minutes, or vigorously by hand.
  4. Add remaining whole wheat flour and all-purpose flour until a soft but kneadable dough is formed.
  5. Switch to dough hook and knead for 5-7 minutes, turning out on to a lightly floured surface to knead for 1-2 minutes more, until dough looks smooth and elastic. Or, knead by hand on a lightly floured surface for about 10 minutes.
  6. Grease a large bowl and place dough in it. Flip the dough over once so that both sides are lightly greased. Cover bowl with a clean towel and place in a warm place to rise until doubled in volume, about 45-60 minutes.
  7. When dough has risen, punch down and knead on a lightly floured surface for 4-5 minutes.
  8. Separate dough into two equal pieces. Roll or press one piece out into a small rectangle. It does not have to be exact or very big, the width of it should be a touch smaller than your bread pan, or 9 inches. Starting from the short end, roll the dough up and place in your prepared pan. Repeat with second piece.
  9. Place towel back over loaves and let rise until doubled, about 30-45 minutes.
  10. When loaves have risen, bake for about 30 minutes. They should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom or the internal temperature should read about 205°F / 96°C.
  11. Cool in pans 10 minutes before removing and allowing to cool fully.

Notes

If you use oil to make this bread, it will be dairy-free. If you use oil and maple syrup, it will also be vegan. I have also made this bread with great success substituting part of the all-purpose flour with wheat germ. Gives it an extra nutty flavor profile. The rolling step creates surface tension in the bread, and therefore a prettier loaf.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

162.77

Fat

3.50 g

Sat. Fat

0.30 g

Carbs

29.38 g

Fiber

2.69 g

Net carbs

26.69 g

Sugar

2.54 g

Protein

4.53 g

Sodium

254.58 mg

Cholesterol

0.00 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 1 slice from a 10-slice loaf.

vegan, dairy-free, whole wheat bread, wheat germ, honey, maple syrup, toast, french toast, whole wheat sandwich bread, homemade bread, loaves
Bread
American
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Ratatouille

Last Updated August 7, 2024

Rat patootie.  Ratatouille.  Only one of my favorite Pixar films AND one of my favorite foods.  A cartoon that takes place in Paris, is all about cooking, French accents, chefs, crispy baguettes....ah yes.  Never fails to make me hungry for cheese, saffron, bread, and maybe some wine.  From the day I first saw it, in the theatre in New York City with my mom back in 2008, I wanted to make ratatouille.  I didn't know what it was before the movie, but Pixar animation made it look delicious.  

After some research and googling, I soon learned that there were many different versions of ratatouille, originally a hearty peasant dish from the region of Provence, France.  (Remember Igor's flashback to his mother's cooking and country home when he firsts tastes the ratatouille?) One source likened it to stew in America. What kind of stew you ask? This is exactly the point, as every region and cook in America has their own version of stew, and it can vary widely. Apparently this is also true of ratatouille.  

After making this many times over the years, I came down to two favorite recipes.  

One involved sautéing the eggplant first for 10 minutes with the spices, then adding it to the bottom of the baking dish. The remaining sliced vegetables were then layered over the eggplant, with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese between each layer of vegetables.

The second involved spreading a seasoned tomato sauce in the bottom of the baking dish and then alternating the vegetables around the dish in a pretty spiral, like it’s served in the film.

I could never decide which version I wanted to make, so finally I combined the two for the best of both worlds.  I omitted sautéing the eggplant, kept the tomato sauce on the bottom, and kept the cheese and the pretty spiral.

That combination is what follows.

Looking for an oval baking dish? I use this Le Creuset pan and couldn’t love it more for casseroles and baking! It’s prettier than a 9x13 rectangular pan and is so easy to clean, even the baked on cheese from this dish!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. Where possible, links are prioritized to small businesses and ethically and responsibly made items. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!


Ratatouille

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

IMG_4690.JPG
  • 1 1/2 cups / 355g tomato purée or sauce (unseasoned)

  • 1/2 onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 tsp fresh oregano or 1/4 tsp dried

  • 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

  • 2 Tbsp / 28g olive oil

  • 8 oz / 240g mushrooms, thinly sliced

  • 1 medium eggplant

  • 1 medium zucchini

  • 1 medium yellow squash

  • 1 bell pepper, optional

  • 1 cup / 110g shredded parmesan cheese

  • fresh or dried thyme

  • salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Oven 375°F / 177°C.  Ungreased oval baking dish, about 10in / 25cm long, or 9x13in / 23x33cm pan. 

  1. Add tomato purée to a small bowl.  Stir in onion, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, and pepper.  Spread in the bottom of the baking dish.

  2. Layer sliced mushrooms over tomato sauce.

  3. Using a mandolin or by hand, slice eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper into 1/4 inch slices.

  4. Working in concentric circles, alternate and arrange the vegetables over the mushrooms.  You may have a small handful of misfit vegetables left over.  Save for another use (stir fry!) or lift a layer of your vegetables in the pan and sneak the excess underneath where the eye can't see. 

  5. Drizzle vegetables with remaining tablespoon of oil, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle cheese evenly over top.  Sprinkle thyme over cheese. 

  6. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until tomato sauce is bubbling around edges of the pan and vegetables are tender when pierced with a knife.  

  7. Eat as is, or served over quinoa, rice, couscous, or with some crusty French bread!

Jenny's Notes:

  • 1 6oz can / 170g tomato paste mixed with 3/4 cup / 170g water can be substituted for the tomato purée.

  • Sometimes I omit the red pepper flakes and use a spicy oil in place of the plain olive oil.

  • If you want to save time assembling the vegetables you can layer them instead of alternating and making circles. i.e. layer all the eggplant slices, then squash, zucchini, etc.  

  • You could add an extra layer of cheese between the mushrooms and vegetables.  

  • Feel free to add or substitute vegetables! 

Ratatouille
Yield 4-6 servings
Author
Prep time
40 Min
Cook time
55 Min
Total time
1 H & 35 M

Ratatouille

A classic French peasant dish made famous by the Pixar animated film "Ratatouille." This version has a tomato base, plenty of eggplant, zucchini, squash, and mushrooms, with thyme and parmesan cheese. Naturally gluten-free.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Oven 375°F / 177°C. Ungreased oval baking dish, about 10in / 25cm long, or 9x13in / 23x33cm pan.
  2. Add tomato purée to a small bowl. Stir in onion, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, 1 tablespoon of oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in the bottom of the baking dish.
  3. Layer sliced mushrooms over tomato sauce.
  4. Using a mandolin or chopping by hand, slice eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, and bell pepper into 1/4 inch slices.
  5. Working in concentric circles, alternate and arrange the vegetables over the mushrooms. You may have a small handful of misfit vegetables left over. Save for another use (stir fry!) or lift a layer of your vegetables in the pan and sneak the excess underneath where the eye can't see.
  6. Drizzle vegetables with remaining tablespoon of oil, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle cheese evenly over top. Sprinkle thyme over cheese.
  7. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until tomato sauce is bubbling around edges of the pan and vegetables are tender when pierced with a knife.
  8. Eat as is, or served over quinoa, rice, couscous, or with some crusty French bread!

Notes

1 6oz can / 170g tomato paste mixed with 3/4 cup / 170g water can be substituted for the tomato purée.Sometimes I omit the red pepper flakes and use a spicy oil in place of the plain olive oil. If you want to save time assembling the vegetables you can layer them instead of alternating and making circles. i.e. layer all the eggplant slices, then squash, zucchini, etc. You could add an extra layer of cheese between the mushrooms and vegetables. Feel free to add or substitute vegetables!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

319.11

Fat

15.92 g

Sat. Fat

6.00 g

Carbs

33.75 g

Fiber

9.15 g

Net carbs

24.60 g

Sugar

15.12 g

Protein

16.35 g

Sodium

571.85 mg

Cholesterol

19.80 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 4 servings.

ratatouille, Pixar Ratatouille, thyme, eggplant, zucchini, yellow squash, vegetables, healthy, gluten-free, parmesan cheese, tomato, mushrooms, peasant dish
Lunch, Dinner, Side Dish
French
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IMG_4693.JPG

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Last Updated August 6, 2024

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. Think a delicate crumb, super moist with swirls of cream cheese making the coffee cake even softer, and a sweet crumble on top.

Coffee cakes (and scones) often get a bad rap for being dry. No one likes to eat something that makes their mouth feel like it’s full of sawdust. There is no need to make dry baked goods when there are so many good recipes out there! A good example? This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake recipe. I already have a few favorite NOT dry recipes like this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, but today’s Cream Cheese Coffee Cake really uh, takes the cake on the moist scale. I apologize if you don’t like the word “moist”, but I struggle finding suitable synonyms that get the same point across. If you have any ideas, I’m open to suggestions so I don’t offend some people’s sensibilities. :)

Now, post Valentine's Day, or Galentine's Day, you may need to take a break from chocolate.  No wait, never mind, that's silly.  Chocolate is always necessary.  What was I thinking?  But I'm sure you already have plenty of chocolate on your hands (maybe literally, put that candy bar down and get busy making this coffee cake) in the form of heart boxes, Dove dark chocolate with those hidden messages, Hershey's kisses, or in my case, Toblerone.  So instead, let's make a very white dessert (or breakfast, hey) with a delicate crumb and cheesecake filling. Yes? Yes.

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Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Serves 12-16

Ingredients:

For the Filling

  • 8 oz / 225g cream cheese, softened

  • 1/4 cup / 50g sugar

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 egg

For the Cake

  • 1 1/2 cups / 180g all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 3 Tbsp / 42g oil

  • 1/2 cup / 100g sugar

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 tsp vanilla

  • 1/2 cup / 123g yogurt or sour cream

For the Streusel

  • 1/4 cup / 50g sugar

  • 1/4 cup / 30g all-purpose flour

  • 3 Tbsp / 42g cold butter, cubed

Directions:

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Greased 8x8in / 20x20cm square baking pan.

For the Filling

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer beat cream cheese until smooth, about 30 seconds. 

  2. Add sugar, vanilla, egg and beat on medium-low speed until combined.  Pour into another bowl and set aside. 

For the Cake

  1. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 

  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine oil and sugar.  Beat in eggs one at a time.  Add vanilla. 

  3. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and yogurt to the oil and sugar mixture.  Dry, yogurt, dry, yogurt, dry.  Mix only until just combined after each addition. 

For the Streusel

  1. Combine sugar, flour, and butter in a small bowl with a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands until crumbles the size of pebbles appear.

Assembly

  1. Spread half of the cake batter in the bottom of prepared pan. 

  2. Pour and spread cream cheese filling evenly over batter; gently swirl.

  3. Spread remaining half of cake batter over cream cheese filling. 

  4. Evenly sprinkle streusel over the top.

  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. 

Jenny's Notes:

  • Love coffee cake or serving at a party?  You can double this recipe and bake in a 9x13 inch pan.  Increase baking time to about 40 minutes.

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake
Yield 12-16 Servings
Author
Prep time
45 Min
Cook time
25 Min
Total time
1 H & 10 M

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Super moist coffee cake with a thick cream cheese swirl and delicate streusel topping.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Filling
For the Cake
For the Streusel

Instructions

For the Filling
  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer beat cream cheese until smooth, about 30 seconds.
  2. Add sugar, vanilla, egg and beat on medium-low speed until combined. Pour into another bowl and set aside.
For the Cake
  1. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine oil and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla.
  3. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and yogurt to the oil and sugar mixture. Dry, yogurt, dry, yogurt, dry. Mix only until just combined after each addition.
For the Streusel
  1. Combine sugar, flour, and butter in a small bowl with a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands until crumbles the size of pebbles appear.
Assembly
  1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Greased 8x8in / 20x20cm square baking pan.
  2. Spread half of the cake batter in the bottom of prepared pan.
  3. Pour and spread cream cheese filling evenly over batter; gently swirl.
  4. Spread remaining half of cake batter over cream cheese filling.
  5. Evenly sprinkle streusel over the top.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.

Notes

Love coffee cake or serving at a party? You can double this recipe and bake in a 9x13 inch pan. Increase baking time to about 40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

269.85

Fat

13.92 g

Sat. Fat

6.21 g

Carbs

31.96 g

Fiber

0.47 g

Net carbs

31.48 g

Sugar

18.21 g

Protein

4.58 g

Sodium

270.60 mg

Cholesterol

58.08 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 12 servings.

cream cheese, coffee cake, streusel, cream cheese filling, swirl, moist
Breakfast, Dessert
American
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Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Muffins

Do you like my snowman liners? :)

Do you like my snowman liners? :)

Muffins are great, aren’t they? So American and so versatile. They can be savory or sweet and just about any flavor you could desire. They can be calorie bombs or nutrition bombs. These Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Muffins are actually pretty good for you, considering how delicious they are.

The sugar content is low, only whole wheat flour is used, and they’re rich in peanut butter and chocolate!

Sometimes I think muffins don’t get the recognition they deserve. Each country has its specialty and maybe of all the things that my country could’ve invented I would’ve chosen croissants or pastries, but muffins have their place on the table for sure! I am not ashamed.

The world is a beautiful place full of diverse people, traditions, and food.  The beauty of the age we live in is how accessible it has become to travel.  You no longer have to rely on magazines and other people's experience, or weigh the cost of time it takes to get places and the chance of death as you voyage on a ship or whatnot.  Even if you remain right where you are, chances are the other people around you are coming and going.  The world is opening up more and more, we are no longer isolated from each other.  We are exposed to different ways of thinking, culture, languages, ideals.  Sometimes we agree, and sometimes we don't, and as long as we know how to do those two things humbly and lovingly, it can be a beautiful thing.  Even when it seems the disagreements outweigh the agreements, there will always be one thing we have in common: Food. 

Never underestimate the power of food.  We can thank France for flaky, buttery pastries, crepes, chocolate mousse, and baguettes, Italy for pizza, pasta, gelato, and panettone, Germany for pretzels and bratwurst, Greece for Gyros and tzatziki, the middle east for hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, pita, and shawarma, Turkey for Turkish delight and baklava, Japan for sushi, China for wontons, spring rolls, and dumplings, Ireland for Shepherd's pie, Mexico for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, Canada for Poutine, U.S. for macaroni and cheese, apple pie, s'mores, buffalo wings, jambalaya, annnnnnd muffins. 

Basically, while the French are making pastries, Americans are making muffins.  Hm.  That's fine.  Taking two days to make something does not necessarily mean it will be automatically better.  (In this case, however, I think it does.)  But we don't always have the luxury of taking two days to make pastries when the fancy strikes.  Life and work happens.  Enter the humble muffin.  Simple, humble, delicious, and quick to whip up.  It has its place in the kitchen.

They tend to get a bad rap for being high in calories, unhealthy, and associated with muffin tops.  I promise, their sole intent in life is not give you a muffin top.  Poor muffins.  I am here today to show you that muffins can be nutritious, not 500 calories a pop, and enjoyable to make.  I hope I don't have to tell you they are also enjoyable to eat.  Especially these ones. :)

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Recipe adapted from Culinary Adventures in the Kitchen


Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Muffins

12-14 muffins

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/4 cups / 270g whole wheat or white whole wheat flour

  • 1 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • 3 Tbsp / 42g oil

  • 1/4 cup / 61g yogurt

  • 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar

  • 3/4 cup / 195g peanut butter

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 2 eggs

  • 1 cup / 237g buttermilk

  • 1 cup / 175g chocolate chips

Directions:

Oven 375°F / 190°C.  Muffin tin lined with cupcake liners or greased.  You may need two pans.

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. 

  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine oil, yogurt, and brown sugar.  Add peanut butter and mix until incorporated.  Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. 

  3. Add 1/3 of flour mixture to the stand mixer, mixing just until combined.  Add half of the buttermilk, again mixing until just combined.  Repeat with another third of the flour, the remaining half of the buttermilk, and finally the last third of flour.  Gently stir in 3/4 cup / 130g chocolate chips with a spoon or spatula. 

  4. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full, and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup / 44g chocolate chips over the tops. 

  5. Bake until lightly golden around the edges and/or a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, about 16-18 minutes. 

Jenny's Notes:

  • Whole wheat flour is not necessarily healthier than white whole wheat flour, they are simply different kinds of wheat.  Whole wheat flour is a red wheat, which gives it the darker color and slightly heavier texture.  Think of it like a Granny Smith apple and a Macintosh Apple, they are different varieties of apple but equally nutritious for you. 

  • Using either plain yogurt or a sweetened yogurt like vanilla is fine in this recipe. 

  • These muffins are not overly sweet, (I think they're perfect for breakfast so you don't start your day with a sugar coma) so feel free to up the sugar if you prefer sweeter muffins. 

Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Muffins
Yield 12-14 Muffins
Author
Prep time
30 Min
Cook time
18 Min
Total time
48 Min

Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Muffins

Lightly sweet, whole wheat peanut butter muffins with a healthy sprinkling of chocolate chips.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Oven 375°F / 190°C. Muffin tin lined with cupcake liners or greased. You may need two pans.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine oil, yogurt, and brown sugar. Add peanut butter and mix until incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
  4. Add 1/3 of flour mixture to the stand mixer, mixing just until combined. Add half of the buttermilk, again mixing until just combined. Repeat with another third of the flour, the remaining half of the buttermilk, and finally the last third of flour. Gently stir in 3/4 cup / 130g chocolate chips with a spoon or spatula.
  5. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full, and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup / 44g chocolate chips over the tops.
  6. Bake until lightly golden around the edges and/or a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, about 16-18 minutes.

Notes

Whole wheat flour is not necessarily healthier than white whole wheat flour, they are simply different kinds of wheat. Whole wheat flour is a red wheat, which gives it the darker color and slightly heavier texture. Think of it like a Granny Smith apple and a Macintosh Apple, they are different varieties of apple but equally nutritious for you. Using either plain yogurt or a sweetened yogurt like vanilla is fine in this recipe. These muffins are not overly sweet, (I think they're perfect for breakfast so you don't start your day with a sugar coma) so feel free to up the sugar if you prefer sweeter muffins.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

329.90

Fat

17.53 g

Sat. Fat

4.88 g

Carbs

39.14 g

Fiber

4.20 g

Net carbs

34.95 g

Sugar

18.61 g

Protein

9.13 g

Sodium

328.68 mg

Cholesterol

32.10 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 12 servings.

muffins,snack,nutritious, chocolate chips, whole wheat, dark chocolate, peanut butter, buttermilk,yogurt
Breakfast, Bread
American
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Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark

Last Updated August 6, 2024

Pretzels. Homemade caramel. Chocolate. And salted. This bark has only 5 ingredients, it’s super easy to make, and you keep going back for more.

Oh yes.  For the sugar lovers, sweets devotees, and when you want to whip up something delicious with precious little effort, this bark is it.  Some people even refer to it as crack bark. Maybe because you break, or crack it, at the end?  (Just kidding everyone, I know what they mean when they call it that.)  Plus all 5 ingredients are pretty easy to have on hand. 

Now, if this were Pinterest, you could call it "5 Ingredient Crack Bark."  Remember my thing with Pinterest names?  Yep.  Still there.  Keep it classy, people, keep it classy.  It already bothers me that this recipe has as many words in its title as it does ingredients.  If you have any better and more concise ideas for the title, please, let me know!

Slightly adapted from Where the Cookies Are

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. Where possible, links are prioritized to small businesses and ethically and responsibly made items. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!


Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark

Makes approximately one 11x17in / 28x43cm sheet of bark

Ingredients:

  • Enough mini pretzels to cover an approximately 11x17in / 28x43cm jelly roll pan, about half of a 15oz bag / 200g.

  • 1 cup / 226g butter

  • 1 cup / 200g brown sugar

  • 2 cups / 340g semi-sweet chocolate chips

  • coarse salt

Directions:

Oven 375°F / 190°C.  Line an approximately 11x17in / 28x43cm jelly roll pan with tinfoil. 

  1. Cover pan with an even layer of pretzels.

  2. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter and brown sugar.  Stir until mixture starts to simmer, then allow to cook, without stirring, until mixture turns a nice golden-brown.  This should take 3-5 minutes after the mixture has started to simmer. 

  3. Remove mixture from heat and immediately pour evenly over pretzels. 

  4. Place in the oven and bake for 6 minutes. 

  5. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over pretzels and caramel. 

  6. Wait a few minutes, then use a spatula to spread now melted chocolate chips over pretzels.  Sprinkle with salt. 

  7. Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces.  You can place your pan in the fridge or freezer to speed up the process. 

Jenny's Notes:

  • Don't have tinfoil?  You can always use wax or parchment paper, but I would recommend greasing them beforehand as I have had the bark stick to both of those products. 

  • Want to go crazy?  Use any kind of chips in place of the semisweet chips, such as milk, peanut butter, bittersweet...or a combination! 

  • Once you have spread the melted chocolate, feel free to add some extra toppings if you wish.  Coconut, chopped peanuts, finely chopped coffee beans...

Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark
Yield 12-15 servings
Author
Prep time
25 Min
Cook time
6 Min
Total time
31 Min

Salted Chocolate Caramel Pretzel Bark

Salty, crunchy, chocolatey, caramelly, and only 5 ingredients to whip up this addicting bark!
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Oven 375°F / 190°C. Line an approximately 11x17in / 28x43cm jelly roll pan with tinfoil.
  2. Cover pan with an even layer of pretzels.
  3. In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine butter and brown sugar. Stir until mixture starts to simmer, then allow to cook, without stirring, until mixture turns a nice golden-brown. This should take 3-5 minutes after the mixture has started to simmer.
  4. Remove mixture from heat and immediately pour evenly over pretzels.
  5. Place in the oven and bake for 6 minutes.
  6. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle chocolate chips over pretzels and caramel.
  7. Wait a few minutes, then use a spatula to spread now melted chocolate chips over pretzels. Sprinkle with salt.
  8. Allow to cool completely before breaking into pieces. You can place your pan in the fridge or freezer to speed up the process.

Notes

If you’re wondering what a jelly-roll pan is, it’s merely a baking sheet with about a 1in side around it, which in this case keeps the bark contained. Don't have tinfoil? You can always use wax or parchment paper, but I would recommend greasing them beforehand as I have had the bark stick to both of those products. Want to go crazy? Use any kind of chips in place of the semisweet chips, such as milk, peanut butter, bittersweet...or a combination! Once you have spread the melted chocolate, feel free to add some extra toppings if you wish. Coconut, chopped peanuts, finely chopped coffee beans...

Nutrition Facts

Calories

398.37

Fat

24.26 g

Sat. Fat

14.77 g

Carbs

47.86 g

Fiber

2.24 g

Net carbs

45.63 g

Sugar

31.99 g

Protein

3.04 g

Sodium

384.00 mg

Cholesterol

40.49 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 12 servings.

salted caramel, salted chocolate, bark, butter, toffee, caramel, chocolate chips, crack bark
dessert, snack
American
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Orange Chocolate Chip Scones

Last Updated August 5, 2024

Do you know what goes great with cold weather?  Hot beverages, like tea and coffee. 

And do you know which carbs goes best with tea and coffee? Scones. 

That's not to say that scones are dry and should only be served with hot liquids to help re-salivate your mouth. If that's your past experience, then you need to find a new scone recipe or scone baker. I like the sound of that. Scone baker. Sconed baker.  The scorned baker. Maybe not. Moving on. These scones are wonderful!! Light and flaky. Not too sweet, with a nice burst of citrusy orange that pairs beautifully with the bitterness of the chocolate.

January is for baking.  Not dieting.  (Whole30 I'm looking at you.  In a very kind way.  Maybe not.)  Particularly breads, scones, cookies...winter and carbs are good buddies.  Love handles are an awkward third wheel.  But we get to wear big cozy sweaters and sit by fireplaces if we want to. I love winter. I love baking. I love these scones. Without further ado….

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. Where possible, links are prioritized to small businesses and ethically and responsibly made items. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Recipe adapted from Joy the Baker


Orange Chocolate Chip Scones

Makes about 12 scones

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups / 360g all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup / 50g sugar

  • 4 tsp orange zest

  • 4 1/2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 1 tsp salt

  • scant 3/4 cup / 150g oil

  • 1 egg

  • 3/4 cup / 180g buttermilk

  • 1 cup / 170g chocolate chips or chunks

Directions:

Oven 425°F / 218°C.  Baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2019-05-18%2B10.08.01-2.jpg
  1. In a large bowl whisk together flour, sugar, zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  Add oil and mix until texture resembles coarse crumbs.

  2. Whisk together egg and buttermilk.  Add to dry mixture until evenly moistened but being careful not to overmix.  Fold in chocolate chips. 

  3. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few rounds, 12-14 times.  Roll or pat out into a rectangle of about 1-inch thickness.  Cut into 12 squares.

  4. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until scones no longer look doughy in the center and the bottoms are a light golden brown.  

  5. Best served same day, with tea and coffee and butter and jam, if you wish.   



Jenny's Notes:

  • In place of chocolate chips you can also break up a chocolate bar. Last time I used a chocolate bar with hazelnuts in it for Orange Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Scones and it was scrumptious.

  • Scones are so great, and there are many different varieties and recipes for them.  As long as they aren't too dry, I think they all have merit.  In fact, I have several different scone recipes, this is just one of them.  They are similar, but with slight differences that make each one valuable.

Orange Chocolate Chip Scones
Yield 12 servings
Author
Prep time
25 Min
Cook time
15 Min
Total time
40 Min

Orange Chocolate Chip Scones

Light, moist, orange and chocolate chip scones.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Oven 425°F / 218°C. Baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl whisk together flour, sugar, zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add oil and mix until texture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Whisk together egg and buttermilk. Add to dry mixture until evenly moistened but being careful not to overmix. Fold in chocolate chips.
  4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for a few rounds, 12-14 times. Roll or pat out into a rectangle of about 1-inch thickness. Cut into 12 squares.
  5. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, until scones no longer look doughy in the center and the bottoms are a light golden brown.
  6. Best served same day, with tea and coffee and butter and jam, if you wish.

Notes

In place of chocolate chips you can also break up a chocolate bar. Last time I used a chocolate bar with hazelnuts in it for Orange Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Scones and it was scrumptious.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

317.34

Fat

17.57 g

Sat. Fat

3.59 g

Carbs

37.50 g

Fiber

1.72 g

Net carbs

35.78 g

Sugar

12.69 g

Protein

4.72 g

Sodium

465.72 mg

Cholesterol

16.10 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 12 servings.

Scones, quick bread, orange, chocolate
bread, breakfast
American, British
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Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

image.jpg

Last Updated August 5, 2024

Some people are adverse to the word healthy when it comes to desserts.  This recipe today is to help you see you don't need to be one of those people. 

Oh, but what I would give to have a little slice of this pie right now, healthy or not!  Actually, I wouldn't give much.  But that doesn't mean I don't want it.  Yes, Whole30January is still happening.  It has gotten easier in recent days...but you can ask my mom, who is doing it with me, if that's a true statement.  So here is yet another recipe you can make and eat in my stead.  Please, for my sanity.  Just don't tell me how delicious it is.  I like to ask the people around me who are eating delicious nonWhole30food to tell me how disgusting it is.  It almost makes me feel better.  Won't you be glad when Whole30January is over so you won't have to hear any more of my sardonic complaining? 

What do I mean when I say healthy? I mean, aside from the chocolate chips (which have some health benefits in and of themselves aside from the sugar), that you could eat this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and nut free. Just keep in mind you may need to use certified ingredients, i.e. certified GF oats (even though oats are a gluten-free food, they are almost always processed in facilities that also process foods that contain gluten, and there is a high risk of cross-contamination) and check your other ingredients for stowaway unwanted allergens! Chocolate chips, as long as they are semi-sweet or dark chocolate, should not contain any dairy, yet I’ve seen brands that do contain dairy. Reading labels is very important for so many reasons!

Yes ok, on to this nutritious pie that somehow tastes like dessert!

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Recipe adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie


Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

12-16 servings

Ingredients:

  • 2 15oz cans / 500g cooked white beans (navy, great northern, cannellini) or garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 cup / 90g oats or 180g ground flax seeds

  • 1/4 cup / 63g applesauce

  • 3 Tbsp / 42g oil

  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/2 tsp baking soda

  • 2 tsp baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar

  • 3 tsp stevia powder

  • 1 cup / 170g chocolate chips or chunks, plus more for sprinkling

Directions:

image.jpg

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Greased 8 - 9in / 20 - 23cm pie dish.

  1. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in a food processor and blend until smooth.  Stir in chocolate chips. 

  2. Scrape dough into prepared pan and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips. 

  3. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes.  Allow to cool before slicing and serving. 

Jenny's Notes:

  • If you don’t have applesauce, you can use oil instead. That means you would be adding a total of 7 Tbsp / 98g oil, or a scant half cup.

  • I adapted this recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie.  She is very good about giving lots of options if you are gluten-free, vegan, have a nut allergy, etc.  I simply narrowed it down to my favorite combination of ingredients from her options, and preferred amount of sweetener so that it tastes like dessert without giving in to your sugar dragon too much. 

  • Feel free to add more sugar if you feel the need! 

  • If for whatever reason your batter comes out too thick or thin, (didn't drain the beans as much, the applesauce brand you use is soupier, etc.) you can add more oats or flax to thicken, or applesauce, maple syrup, or milk to thin. 

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie
Yield 12-16
Author
Prep time
15 Min
Cook time
35 Min
Total time
50 Min

Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

A healthy and somehow still delicious cookie pie that is gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Greased 8 - 9in / 20 - 23cm pie dish.
  2. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in a food processor and blend until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips.
  3. Scrape dough into prepared pan and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips.
  4. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

Notes

If you don’t have applesauce, you can use oil instead. That means you would be adding a total of 7 Tbsp / 98g oil, or a scant half cup. I adapted this recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie. She is very good about giving lots of options if you are gluten-free, vegan, have a nut allergy, etc. I simply narrowed it down to my favorite combination of ingredients from her options, and preferred amount of sweetener so that it tastes like dessert without giving in to your sugar dragon too much. Feel free to add more sugar if you feel the need! If for whatever reason your batter comes out too thick or thin, (didn't drain the beans as much, the applesauce brand you use is soupier, etc.) you can add more oats or flax to thicken, or applesauce, maple syrup, or milk to thin.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

280.72

Fat

10.08 g

Sat. Fat

3.02 g

Carbs

44.03 g

Fiber

7.02 g

Net carbs

37.01 g

Sugar

20.13 g

Protein

7.85 g

Sodium

533.19 mg

Cholesterol

0.00 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 12 servings.

vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, healthy, cookie pie,
dessert
American
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image.jpg

Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Last Updated February 17, 2025

Pumpkin Bread. No, not that wonderful, dense, quick-bread pumpkin bread, but a light, yeasted bread made with PUMPKIN and spiced with nutmeg and ginger!!! And a beautiful cinnamon swirl. It makes a-may-zing toast. I may say that about all my bread recipes. But it’s the truth. And I love toast.

This may look beautiful with an impressive swirl, but it’s not as hard as it may look! It’s like making cinnamon rolls, but even easier, since after the dough gets rolled up, you just place it in a loaf pan instead of slicing.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. Where possible, links are prioritized to small businesses and ethically and responsibly made items. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Recipe adapted from Cooking Classy


Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Makes 1 loaf

Ingredients:

For the Bread

  • 2 1/4 tsp / 7g active dry yeast

  • 1/4 cup / 60g warm water, 110°F / 43°F

  • 1/4 cup / 50g + 1/2 tsp sugar

  • 1/4 cup / 60g warm milk, 110°F / 43°C

  • 2 Tbsp / 42g molasses

  • 3/4 tsp salt

  • 1 Tbsp / 14g oil

  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

  • 1/4 tsp ginger

  • 1 egg

  • 1 cup / 246g pumpkin puree

  • 3 1/2 - 4 cups / 420g - 480g all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1 1/2 Tbsp / 21g butter, melted

  • 1/3 cup / 67g brown sugar

  • 2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

Make the Bread

Oven 375°F / 190°C.  1 greased bread pan, approximately 9x5in / 23x13cm.

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine yeast, water, and 1/2 tsp of sugar.  Allow to sit until yeast starts to bubble, about 5 minutes.

  2. Stir in the milk, molasses, remaining sugar, salt, oil, nutmeg, ginger, egg, and pumpkin until combined. 

  3. Switch to a dough hook and slowly add flour.  Continue adding flour until a soft, but not too sticky dough is achieved. 

  4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes. 

  5. Place in an oiled bowl, flip so that both sides are oiled, and cover with a towel. Allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour. 

  6. While the bread is rising, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Set aside.

  7. When the bread is doubled in size, punch down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface.  Roll out into a rectangle, about 22x8in / 56x20cm. 

  8. Spread melted butter over dough, going within 1/2in / 1cm of edge.  Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over butter.

  9. Starting from one of the short sides (the approximate 8in / 20cm) roll dough into a loaf.  Place in prepared loaf pan seam side down. 

  10. Cover with a towel and let rise again until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. 

  11. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until bread sounds hollow to the tap and an internal temperature reaches about 190°F / 88°C. 

Jenny's Notes:

  • If using instant yeast instead of instant active dry yeast, you can skip step 1. and add all the ingredients from step 1. and 2. together, then proceed to step 3. The reason for this is because active dry yeast is dried and needs to be reactivated in some warm liquid and a bit of sugar before adding to the rest of the ingredients. Instant yeast is ready to be added in without any extra prep.

  • This bread is delicious toasted!  And if you're really a pumpkin fan, might I mention pumpkin butter?

Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Yield 12-14
Author
Prep time
50 Min
Cook time
40 Min
Total time
1 H & 30 M

Pumpkin Cinnamon Swirl Bread

Light, yeasted pumpkin bread spiced with ginger and nutmeg with a beautiful cinnamon swirl.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Bread
For the Cinnamon Swirl

Instructions

Make the Bread
  1. Oven 375°F / 190°C. 1 greased bread pan, approximately 9x5in / 23x13cm.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine yeast, water, and 1/2 tsp of sugar. Allow to sit until yeast starts to bubble, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in the milk, molasses, remaining sugar, salt, oil, nutmeg, ginger, egg, and pumpkin until combined.
  4. Switch to a dough hook and slowly add flour. Continue adding flour until a soft, but not too sticky dough is achieved.
  5. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Place in an oiled bowl, flip so that both sides are oiled, and cover with a towel. Allow to rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  7. While the bread is rising, whisk together brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside.
  8. When the bread is doubled in size, punch down and turn out onto a lightly floured surface. Roll out into a rectangle, about 22x8in / 56x20cm.
  9. Spread melted butter over dough, going within 1/2in / 1cm of edge. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar mixture evenly over butter.
  10. Starting from one of the short sides (the approximate 8in / 20cm) roll dough into a loaf. Place in prepared loaf pan seam side down.
  11. Cover with a towel and let rise again until doubled in size, about 45 minutes.
  12. Bake in preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until bread sounds hollow to the tap and an internal temperature reaches about 190°F / 88°C.

Notes

If using instant yeast instead of instant active dry yeast, you can skip step 1. and add all the ingredients from step 1. and 2. together, then proceed to step 3. The reason for this is because active dry yeast is dried and needs to be reactivated in some warm liquid and a bit of sugar before adding to the rest of the ingredients. Instant yeast is ready to be added in without any extra prep.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

219.22

Fat

3.60 g

Sat. Fat

1.28 g

Carbs

41.35 g

Fiber

2.07 g

Net carbs

39.28 g

Sugar

9.02 g

Protein

5.33 g

Sodium

170.35 mg

Cholesterol

19.66 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 12 servings.

yeasted bread, yeast, pumpkin puree, canned pumpkin, pumpkin bread, cinnamon swirl
bread, breakfast
American
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What lurks in the darkness...

What lurks in the darkness...


Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Last Updated Septemer 6, 2024

IMG_4443.jpg

Last Updated August 4, 2024

Think of a delicately moist coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl and a crunchy, sweet streusel on top. That’s what we’re making today.

If the first thought that comes to your mind when you think of coffee cake is dry-crumbly-use-up-a-week's-worth-of-saliva-in-one-bite-cake, then think again.  No, no, no.  Coffee cake is supposed to be sweet, but not quite as sweet as regular cake, flavorful, and with a beautifully dense crumb.  That's fancy talk for moist.  But for the mental care of some readers who have an avid dislike for that term, I tried to avoid using it.  But I still did to explain myself.  Just can't win. 

Oh, and for some people who may be confused, there is (most often) no coffee involved in the batter.  The final product, however, pairs beautifully with a mug of coffee.  Hence the name.  (Speaking of words we don't like...mug?  No thanks.  It's like your mouth was too lazy to talk - "mmmm" - then made a huge effort and ended up with "ug."  Mmmmmmug.) 

On to more delicious sounding, looking, and tasting things!! 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. Where possible, links are prioritized to small businesses and ethically and responsibly made items. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!


Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Serves 9-12

Ingredients:

For the Cake

  • 1/2 cup / 112g oil

  • 1/2 cup / 100g sugar

  • 1/4 cup / 50g brown sugar

  • 1 1/4 tsp baking powder

  • 3/4 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 egg

  • 1/2 cup / 122g plain yogurt

  • 1/2 cup / 119g milk

  • 2 cups / 240g all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Swirl

  • 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar

  • 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon

  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Streusel

  • 1/3 cup / 67g sugar

  • 1/4 cup / 30g all-purpose flour

  • 1/4 cup / 23g rolled oats

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • 2 Tbsp / 28g butter, melted

Directions:

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Greased 8x8in / 20x20cm square baking pan, or 8in / 20cm round cake pan.

Make the Cake

  1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat oil, sugars, baking powder, salt, and vanilla until well combined.  Beat in egg. 

  2. In a separate small bowl mix together yogurt and milk. 

  3. Add a third of the flour to the oil mixture, mixing until almost combined.  Add half of the yogurt mixture.  Continue adding flour and yogurt mixture to oil mixture until everything is just combined. 

  4. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading all the way to edges; set other half aside. 

Make the Cinnamon Swirl

  1. In a small bowl combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. 

  2. Sprinkle evenly over batter in pan. 

  3. Pour remaining batter over cinnamon filling and use a spatula to gently spread to edges.

Make the Streusel

  1. In another small bowl, combine sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon.  Add the melted butter and mix until crumbles form. 

  2. Evenly distribute crumble over batter in pan. 

  3. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 

Jenny's Notes:

  • Watch that bake time.  Toothpicks are your best friend.  I was testing this recipe using my Italian oven that didn't like to bake things on the bottom, so you may need less time.

  • REALLY like coffee cake?  Double this recipe and put in a 9x13 inch pan or two cake pans.  You can always freeze one pan!

  • Don't have plain yogurt on hand? You can also use sweetened yogurt and reduce sugar by 1/4 cup / 50g, or try Greek yogurt, fresh ricotta, sour cream, or mascarpone.  The dairy options are endless!!!!  I really liked fresh ricotta in this recipe. 

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake
Yield 9-12 servings
Author
Prep time
30 Min
Cook time
45 Min
Total time
1 H & 15 M

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Delicate, moist coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl and streusel to top it all off.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Cake
For the Cinnamon Swirl
For the Streusel

Instructions

Make the Cake
  1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Greased 8x8in / 20x20cm square baking pan, or 8in / 20cm round cake pan.
  2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat oil, sugars, baking powder, salt, and vanilla until well combined. Beat in egg.
  3. In a separate small bowl mix together yogurt and milk.
  4. Add a third of the flour to the oil mixture, mixing until almost combined. Add half of the yogurt mixture. Continue adding flour and yogurt mixture to oil mixture until everything is just combined.
  5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading all the way to edges; set other half aside.
Make the Cinnamon Swirl
  1. In a small bowl combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder.
  2. Sprinkle evenly over batter in pan.
  3. Pour remaining batter over cinnamon filling and use a spatula to gently spread to edges.
Make the Streusel
  1. In another small bowl, combine sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and mix until crumbles form.
  2. Evenly distribute crumble over batter in pan.
  3. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Notes

  • Watch that bake time. Toothpicks are your best friend. I was testing this recipe using my Italian oven that didn't like to bake things on the bottom, so you may need less time.
  • REALLY like coffee cake? Double this recipe and put in a 9x13 inch pan or two cake pans. You can always freeze one pan!
  • Don't have plain yogurt on hand? You can also use sweetened yogurt and reduce sugar by 1/4 cup / 50g, or try Greek yogurt, fresh ricotta, sour cream, or mascarpone. The dairy options are endless!!!! I really liked fresh ricotta in this recipe.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

402.38

Fat

16.42 g

Sat. Fat

2.95 g

Carbs

59.80 g

Fiber

1.55 g

Net carbs

58.24 g

Sugar

35.85 g

Protein

5.08 g

Cholesterol

29.23 mg

Sodium

311.45 mg

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 9 servings.

coffee cake, cinnamon swirl, brunch, streusel topping
breakfast, cake, dessert
American
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Homemade Snickers Bars

Last Updated October 25, 2024

Let’s make Snickers! 

If you just thought, "Why would I want to make Snickers when I can just buy them and save a whole lot of time?" I'm actually with you on that one. While I (and my famiy) are known for making just about anything homemade, I'm not normally the first one to jump on making things homemade that have already been perfected. Homemade Reese's?  Samoas? Oreos? Nah, I'll let Nabisco and the Girl Scout Foundation of America do that. I did make homemade Oreos once, but after a couple hours of work and ending up with less cookies than a package of Oreos that didn't even taste like an Oreo, I decided to be more discerning with such recipes in the future. They tasted good...but they were saving neither time nor money. The exception is, if you can make something that tastes like the original or better, even if it takes longer, because homemade means less chemicals and preservatives! Yay. 

That's where these Snickers come in. Delicious layers of milk chocolate, homemade nougat with marshmallow fluff, salty peanuts, and that decadent caramel layer.

And you know what? They’re not even as hard to make as you might think.

You can melt some chocolate in a pan? Yes you can. Boil a few ingredients together for a few minutes, without even needing a candy thermometer? Sure. Chop up some peanuts? Yep, just watch your fingers! And for the caramel layer, you have your pick between making a homemade caramel (also linked in the recipe), or simply unwrapping a bag of caramel squares and melting them with a bit of heavy cream. Then melt more chocolate, at which you will already be a pro. There you have it, homemade, can’t-keep-your-hands-off-of-them, Snickers bars.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. Where possible, links are prioritized to small businesses and ethically and responsibly made items. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Recipe adapted from Brown Eyed Baker


Homemade Snickers Bars

Makes 42-48 small bars

Ingredients:

For the Top and Bottom Chocolate Layer

  • 2 1/2 cups / 425g milk chocolate chips (about 1 1/4 bags or 15oz)

For the Nougat Layer

  • 1/4 cup / 56g butter

  • 3/4 cup / 150g sugar

  • 1/4 cup / 59g milk

  • 1 1/2 cups / 128g marshmallow fluff

  • 1/4 cup / 65g creamy peanut butter

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 1/2 cups / 233g salted peanuts, roughly chopped

For the Caramel Layer

  • 1/2 batch caramel sauce, recipe found here

or

  • 14 oz / 396g caramel squares, unwrapped

  • 1/4 cup / 59g heavy whipping cream

Directions:

Lightly grease a 9x13in / 23x33cm pan and line with parchment paper.  Grease the parchment paper. 

Make the Bottom Chocolate Layer

  1. Place 1 1/4 cups / 213g of the milk chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until melted.  Spread evenly in the bottom of the 9x13 pan.  Place in fridge or freezer to set until next layer is ready.

Make the Nougat Layer

  1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.  Add sugar and milk, stirring until dissolved.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. 

  2. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth.  Fold in peanuts.  Spread evenly over cooled chocolate in pan and return to fridge or freezer. 

Make the Caramel Layer

  1. Make a half batch of the caramel sauce as directed. 

or

  1. Melt caramel squares with heavy cream in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth.  Once melted, cook for 4 more minutes, stirring frequently. 

  2. Pour caramel over cooled nougat layer and return to fridge or freezer.

Make the Top Chocolate Layer

  1. Melt the remaining 1 1/4 cups / 212g of milk chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often.  Spread evenly over cooled caramel layer. 

  2. Place back in fridge or freezer until completely set, 10-30 minutes.

  3. Keep in pan or remove using parchment paper; slice and serve.

  4. Can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, two weeks in the fridge, or three months in the freezer. 

Jenny's Notes:

  • Really like peanut butter?  You can add 1/4 cup / 65g smooth peanut butter to each the top and bottom chocolate layer after melting the chocolate.  Or, use part peanut butter chips instead of all milk chocolate chips.  

  • Don't need a whole 9x13 pan of Snickers?  You can always halve this recipe and put everything in an 8x8 pan.  But since you're putting the time in, I would recommend making the whole 9x13 pan and simply freezing whatever you won't eat right away.   

  • The first greasing of the pan before you put in the parchment paper may seem redundant, but it helps the paper to stick to the pan and not move all over while you are trying to spread chocolate and such.  Ironic, though, isn't it?  Usually you grease something to help it move, not keep it in place.

Snickers Bars
Yield 42-48 small bars
Author
Prep time
30 Min
Cook time
45 Min
Total time
1 H & 15 M

Snickers Bars

Possibly better than the real thing, these homemade Snickers Bars are made with glorious layers of caramel, marshmallow-y nougat, and salty peanuts sandwiched between two layers of milk chocolate.
Cook modePrevent screen from turning off

Ingredients

For the Top and Bottom Chocolate Layer
For the Nougat Layer
For the Caramel Layer

Instructions

Make the Bottom Chocolate Layer
  1. Lightly grease a 9x13in / 23x33cm pan and line with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper.
  2. Place 1 1/4 cups / 213g of the milk chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until melted. Spread evenly in the bottom of the 9x13 pan. Place in fridge or freezer to set until next layer is ready.
Make the Nougat Layer
  1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add sugar and milk, stirring until dissolved. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Remove from heat and stir in marshmallow fluff, peanut butter, and vanilla until smooth. Fold in peanuts. Spread evenly over cooled chocolate in pan and return to fridge or freezer.
Make the Caramel Layer
  1. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium sauce over high heat. Allow to cook without stirring until the mixture turns a beautiful amber color. (If it turns an ugly amber color, I can't help ya. Just kidding. Proceed.) This could take anywhere from 10-20 minutes, depending on how hot your stove top cooks. Keep a watchful eye on it, as it goes fast from light golden, perfectly amber, to burnt.
  2. Remove from heat and carefully pour in cream, a little at a time, as it will bubble up and spatter at you. Stir until all the cream is mixed in.
  3. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and return to the heat. Cook until mixture reaches 238 degrees Fahrenheit, about 2-5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in salt. Stir in butter, one tablespoon at a time, until completely smooth. Transfer to a bowl and allow to cool completely before using. Spread over cooled nougat layer and return to fridge or freezer.
  5. OR
  6. Melt caramel squares with heavy cream in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. Once melted, cook for 4 more minutes, stirring frequently.
  7. Pour caramel over cooled nougat layer and return to fridge or freezer.
Make the Top Chocolate Layer
  1. Melt the remaining 1 1/4 cups / 212g of milk chocolate chips in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often. Spread evenly over cooled caramel layer.
  2. Place back in fridge or freezer until completely set, 10-30 minutes.
  3. Keep in pan or remove using parchment paper; slice and serve.
  4. Can be stored at room temperature for up to a week, two weeks in the fridge, or three months in the freezer.

Notes

Really like peanut butter? You can add 1/4 cup / 65g smooth peanut butter to each the top and bottom chocolate layer after melting the chocolate. Or, use part peanut butter chips instead of all milk chocolate chips. Don't need a whole 9x13 pan of Snickers? You can always halve this recipe and put everything in an 8x8 pan. But since you're putting the time in, I would recommend making the whole 9x13 pan and simply freezing whatever you won't eat right away. The first greasing of the pan before you put in the parchment paper may seem redundant, but it helps the paper to stick to the pan and not move all over while you are trying to spread chocolate and such. Ironic, though, isn't it? Usually you grease something to help it move, not keep it in place.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

169.11

Fat

9.76 g

Sat. Fat

4.49 g

Carbs

18.93 g

Fiber

0.90 g

Net carbs

18.03 g

Sugar

16.15 g

Protein

2.67 g

Sodium

57.84 mg

Cholesterol

11.41 mg

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 42 servings using the homemade caramel recipe.

homemade Snickers bars, nougat, homemade caramel, peanuts, Snickers
dessert, cookies and bars
American
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