Ever since I began the Baking Basics Series, I’ve been fascinated with different types of buttercreams. After I posted the Italian Meringue Buttercream, many readers asked for an eggless alternative with a similar texture. I experimented with a boiled flour buttercream for a red velvet cake. At first it was simple and tasty but too … Read more

Easy pumpkin cake made in ramekins for two. Two mini pumpkin cakes with a how-to video available on the original page. This simple pumpkin cake baked in small ramekins has quickly become a fall favorite. It’s compact, adaptable, and perfect for using the last bit of canned pumpkin puree. The recipe yields two individual cakes, … Read more

If you love pecan pie, these easy Pecan Squares are a must-try. They’re sweet, sticky bar cookies that capture all the familiar flavors of pecan pie in an easy-to-serve form. These bars, often called Pecan Pie Bars or Pecan Squares, are a favorite at holiday gatherings. They’re simple to make and easy to transport, making … Read more

Plan the perfect girls’ trip to Texas Antiques Week with these insider tips for Warrenton. I cover transportation, what to know before you go, and a handful of favorite stops in Round Top and Warrenton to help you make the most of your day. I’ve been strolling the fields of Warrenton since I was a … Read more

I don’t know about you, but I love a good cheeseball. This Carrot Shaped Cheeseball uses the same four simple ingredients as my classic recipe with a few small tweaks to make it fun and festive for Easter. Serve it with an assortment of crackers and fresh vegetables, and it’s always a hit at family … Read more

Pastry Cream, also known as Crème Pâtissière, is an essential component in many beloved desserts. It’s straightforward to make, stores well, and can be prepared ahead of time to reduce hands-on work when assembling tarts, éclairs, cakes, or other pastries. This pastry cream recipe is versatile and reliable. I often make a double batch and … Read more

These extra-fudgy marshmallow-fluff brownies are studded with chocolate chips and chopped pecans. Rich and indulgent, these rocky-road-style brownies take about 20 minutes to prepare and bake to a glossy, crackly top with a tender, molten interior. Note: This recipe was originally published in February 2021 and has been updated with refined measurements and new photos. … Read more

This caramel apple upside-down cake is the ideal fall dessert. Serve it plain or elevate each slice with a spoonful of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special finish. For me, apple desserts beat pumpkin every time in autumn. Paired with warm cinnamon and a drizzle of homemade caramel, apples … Read more

This gluten-free Crumbl Cookies copycat recipe delivers a bakery-style sugar cookie whenever you crave one but can’t visit the store. These cookies capture the same soft, chewy texture and rich flavor of the Crumbl originals while being safe for a gluten-free diet. Whether you bake often or are trying this for the first time, the … Read more