Tasha's Artisan Foods

Chocolate Almond Ice Cream

May 6, 2025

Chocolate almond ice cream is hands down the best ice cream I’ve tasted. Creamy and rich with dark chocolate, almond butter, and cocoa powder, it’s easy to make and a must-have summer treat!

Ice cream in a pan with a scoop taken out with an ice cream scooper.

I’ve been making this eggless chocolate ice cream for years, and it never lets me down. It’s a Philly-style recipe. No eggs, no custard, no fuss. Just warm everything up in a saucepan, blend it smooth, and let your ice cream maker do the rest. This vegetarian version has been my go-to for easy, no-stress scoops.

Chocolate and almond ice cream has that deep, dark chocolate flavor you crave and a swirl of nutty almond butter that makes it SO GOOD! I adapted this recipe from David Lebovitz's The Perfect Scoop, as I also did for this mango cherry frozen yogurt. It’s my bible for all kinds of ice creams and sorbets!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Simple, creamy, and totally comforting.

No eggs, no fuss. Just heat, chill, churn.

Loaded with real dark chocolate and almond butter for creaminess and a nutty twist.

Homemade ice cream that tastes like a gourmet scoop.

Make-ahead friendly for weekend treats or weekday pick-me-up.

Almond Chocolate Ice Cream Ingredients

Ingredients for making chocolate almond ice cream.

Chocolate gives the ice cream its rich, almost fudgy flavor. I used a 55% couverture chocolate. You can use darker (70%) or lighter chocolate. Please use the best quality chocolate you can get.

Cream: The original chocolate almond ice cream recipe recommends heavy whipping cream. I couldn’t find any, so I used 25% fat cream. I’ve made the ice cream with it very successfully multiple times. It gives the ice cream a rich base that holds up beautifully after freezing.

Milk: Full-fat milk is what the original recipe uses. But I have made it multiple times with toned milk as well, very successfully!

Cocoa Powder: We add just ¼ cup, but it really deepens the chocolate flavor.

Almond Butter: The unsung hero of the chocolate almond ice cream recipe. It adds a nutty depth and extra creaminess. Homemade or store-bought works.

Sugar: Regular granulated white sugar works perfectly here.

Vanilla Extract: A splash of homemade vanilla extract rounds up the flavors.

See the recipe card for full information about the ingredients and quantities.

Variations

Chocolate: Add chocolate chips or chocolate chunks to the ice cream.

Butter: Use peanut butter or cashew butter in place of almond butter. Or try hazelnut spread or tahini. You can simply leave it out, too.

Salt: Add some sea salt to liven up the flavors!

How To Make Chocolate Almond Ice Cream?

cream, sugar,and cocoa powder in a saucepan.

Step 1: Whisk together cream, sugar, and cocoa in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat while whisking it frequently.

Chocolate and almond butter added to the cream mixture in a saucepan.

Step 2: Take it off the heat. Stir in the chocolate and almond butter.

Milk and vanilla extract added to the chocolate cream mixture.

Step 3: Once the chocolate has melted completely, mix in the milk and vanilla extract.

Chocolate cream mixture in a measuring cup.

Step 4: Cool the mixture a bit and then blend it to make sure it's completely smooth. Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator.

Chocolate ice cream getting churned in an ice cream maker.

Churned chocolate almond ice cream in ice cream maker bowl.

Step 5: Then freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.

You can eat it straight away as a soft serve or take it out in a freezer-friendly pan and freeze it till hard.

a scoop of chocolate ice cream in an ice cream scoop.

Pro Tips

Make sure the canister of your ice cream maker is frozen. You should put the canister in the freezer for at least 24 hours. I have a dedicated space in my freezer for it in summer. This way, I'm always ready to make ice cream!
It's also very very important to thoroughly chill your ice cream mixture. I highly recommend refrigerating the mixture overnight.
Once the ice cream is churned, transfer to a freezer-friendly dish and enjoy it straight away as a soft serve or freeze for at least 5-6 hours. I always prefer the latter.
The original recipe recommends heavy cream and full-fat milk, but you can use a lighter, 25% fat cream and even toned milk, without compromising on the creaminess!
If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture until it's semi-frozen. Take it out and churn it in your blender. Put it back in the freezer till it's semi-frozen again. Repeat this process 3-4 times to get a perfectly creamy ice cream.

How To Serve

Scoop the chocolate ice cream with almond butter into your favorite bowl (or a cone—no judgment here), and top with a little extra drizzle of almond butter or vegan caramel sauce. Crushed almonds or dark chocolate chips are great too.

A little sprinkle of almond date granola on top adds the perfect crunch. Feeling fancy? Sandwich a scoop between two eggless chocolate chip cookies.

2 scoops of chocolate ice cream in a dessert cup with toasted almonds flakes on top.

Recipe FAQs

Does almond go well with chocolate?

Almond and chocolate are a classic flavor match! The nutty, slightly sweet taste of almonds pairs beautifully with the rich, slightly bitter notes of chocolate. After this homemade chocolate almond ice cream recipe, do try my almond butter cups or chocolate chip cookies with almonds.

Do I need to add almond butter to chocolate ice cream?

You don't have to add almond butter to chocolate ice cream if you don’t want the buttery almond flavor. The ice cream is fantastic without it, too!

How to store homemade chocolate almond butter ice cream?

Store the chocolate and almond ice cream in a shallow, freezer-safe container with a tight lid for 2 to 3 weeks. Freeze as soon as it's churned. Avoid repeated thawing and refreezing because it messes up the texture.

More Ice Cream Recipes

Half the joy of cooking is sharing it with others. That’s why I’m always eager to hear from you. So go right ahead & drop a comment or reach out on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook. I hope you love this chocolate almond ice cream as much as we do!

📖 Recipe

Chocolate Almond Ice Cream

Natasha Minocha

Chocolate almond ice cream is hands down the best ice cream I’ve tasted. Creamy and rich with dark chocolate, almond butter, and cocoa powder, it’s easy to make and a must-have summer treat!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45

Chilling Time 8

Total Time 8 45

Course Dessert, Ice cream

Cuisine American, World

Servings Servings

Calories 464 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Whisk together cream, sugar and cocoa in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat while whisking it frequently.
Take it off the heat. Stir in the chocolate and almond butter. Once its melted completely, mix in the milk and vanilla extract.
Cool the mixture a bit and then blend it to make sure its completely smooth.
Chill the mixture thoroughly in the refrigerator. Then churn in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
You can eat it straight away as a soft serve or take it out in a freezer-friendly pan and freeze it till hard.
If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture until its semi frozen. Take it out and churn it in your blender. Put it back in the freezer till its semi frozen again. Repeat this process 3-4 times to get a perfectly creamy ice cream.

Video

Notes

Make sure the canister of your ice cream maker is frozen. You should put the canister in the freezer for at least 24 hours. I have a dedicated space in my freezer for it in summer. This way, I'm always ready to make ice cream!

It's also very very important to thoroughly chill your ice cream mixture. I highly recommend refrigerating the mixture overnight.

Once the ice cream is churned, transfer to a freezer-friendly dish and enjoy it straight away as a soft serve or freeze for at least 5-6 hours. I always prefer the latter.

The original recipe recommends heavy cream and full-fat milk, but you can use a lighter, 25% fat cream and toned milk, without compromising on the taste and creaminess!

If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture until it's semi-frozen. Take it out and churn it in your blender. Put it back in the freezer till it's semi-frozen again. Repeat this process 3-4 times to get a perfectly creamy ice cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 464kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 7gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 21gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 57mgPotassium: 245mgFiber: 4gSugar: 32gVitamin A: 971IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 156mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

April 15, 2025

Soft and fluffy, this sourdough discard banana bread is a delicious treat! An easy, no-waste recipe that combines sweet ripe bananas and tangy sourdough discard for the best flavors!

sliced sourdough banana bread with ingredients in the background.

The sourdough discard is what gives this banana quick bread its unique flavor and texture. Simple to make, this banana bread is perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert. So if you have any lying around, do make this soon! I know you'll absolutely love it!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You'll Love This Recipe

With just 2 bowls, a whisk, and a spatula, this sourdough banana bread recipe comes together so quickly. Just like my banana carrot bread!
This is a no-waste recipe that uses overripe bananas and sourdough starter discard! The bananas give it a wonderful sweet taste, and the sourdough discard adds moisture and tang to this flavorful sourdough quickbread.
This banana bread is perfect for breakfast or anytime snacking. We LOVE it for dessert too!
The bananas and sourdough discard keep the bread so soft and moist. It doesn't dry out even after 3 days in the refrigerator!

What Is Sourdough Discard

The very nature of feeding sourdough starter means you must discard some of it with every feeding. And that’s called sourdough discard. It's called "discard," but please, by no means should it be thrown. Perfectly usable, you can add the sourdough discard to so many of your recipes, like in these peanut butter brownies, plum & apricot sourdough galette, and sourdough oatmeal cookies. Use it to make crispy sourdough waffles and sourdough crackers! It adds a ton of flavor and moisture to your baked goodies!

A slice of bread being picked up from a stack of bread slices.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for making sourdough banana bread.

Flour: I used all-purpose flour for this recipe, but you can easily swap it for whole wheat flour, as I did in my walnut & fig banana bread recipe. Or you can mix the two flours as I did in my miso banana bread recipe.

Sugar: Brown sugar works the best here. It has a wonderful caramel flavor that goes well with bananas. Use dark brown or light brown sugar. I used a mix of the two!

Bananas: Use ripe bananas. The riper they are, the sweeter and flavorful they taste.

Sourdough discard: I used unfed sourdough discard. The older the discard, the tangier the flavor.

Oil: I used sunflower oil, but feel free to use any neutral-tasting oil you prefer. You can add coconut oil too, like in this coconut banana bread. Melted, cooled butter can also be used.

Eggs: Give structure and add richness to the quick bread. To make an eggless sourdough banana bread, add an equivalent quantity of yogurt.

Cinnamon powder and Vanilla extract: I simply cannot make banana bread without these two ingredients! They make the banana bread smell and taste so warm and cozy!

Walnuts and Chocolate chips: While the sourdough banana bread tastes incredible without any add-ins, I love the flavors of walnuts and chocolate in this recipe. Feel free to leave these out or add nuts and dry fruits of your choice.

Please see the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Sourdough Banana Bread

Step 1: Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Mix well.

Wet ingredients for the banana bread in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: In another bowl, mash the bananas well. Add the oil, sugar, eggs, sourdough discard, and vanilla extract and mix well.

Dry and wet ingredients in a mixing bowl to make a batter.

Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients. Mix until no white streaks are visible. Don't overmix.

Chopped walnuts and chocolate chips on top of banana bread batter.

Step 4: Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. These are completely optional.

Step 5: Transfer the batter into a greased loaf pan.

Baked sourdough banana bread in a loaf pan.

Step 6: Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the sourdough banana bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before turning it out on a cooling rack. Allow the bread to cool before slicing it. This helps the bread set and gives cleaner slices.

Enjoy the warm slices of this delicious bread as-is or with butter. It's also so good with tangy cream cheese or creamy cashew ricotta cheese!

2 halves of a slice of banana bread stacked on a plate.

Top Tips

This recipe uses sourdough discard ( which is unfed sourdough starter), straight from the fridge. But you can use active sourdough starter as well.
The older the sourdough starter, the better the flavor of this unique bread.
For the softest, fluffiest bread, don't overmix the wet and dry ingredients.
Make sure you use spotty, ripe bananas for the best flavor.
Since this recipe yields a large loaf of banana bread, please use a 9" x 5" loaf pan or a 9" square pan.
If the sourdough banana bread starts browning a lot and isn't cooked through, cover it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil.
Allow the banana bread with sourdough discard to cool completely before slicing it.

Recipe FAQs

How can I ripen bananas quickly?

If you don't have ripe bananas for making banana bread, you simply bake them!
Place the unpeeled bananas on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes at 180 °C or 350°F or until they are browned. Cool before using.

How can I make this banana bread without sourdough discard?

You can use an equivalent amount of Greek yogurt instead.

How to store banana bread with sourdough discard?

Allow the bread to cool completely, wrap it in plastic wrap or beeswax paper, and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
You can also freeze the banana bread for up to 1 month. Cool the loaf, then slice it. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a ziplock bag.
Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the microwave.

More Sourdough Discard Recipes

📖 Recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls

April 8, 2025

Strawberry cream cheese rolls are buttery brioche buns topped with tangy cream and jammy strawberries. Super easy to make, they are soft, fluffy, and baked to golden perfection with simple pantry ingredients!

strawberry buns on a cake stand with ingredients and props in the background.

These strawberry cream cheese brioche buns look gorgeous and taste so fresh! The golden tops are soft, filled with delicious cheesecake filling, and are wonderful with tea or coffee. Grab one warm, let the filling melt in your mouth, and try not to eat the whole batch in one go!

The recipe for strawberry cream buns is a variation of my very easy-to-make eggless brioche buns (which is an even easier take on my brioche bread). If strawberries are your favorite, you must try my strawberry jam donuts and strawberry swirl cheesecake.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These rolls are light, pillowy, and irresistibly soft.

The mix of strawberry jam and cream cheese is just so tasty!

Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients and no fancy technique!

Great for breakfast, snack, dessert, or anytime!

Fresh, delicious, and homemade goodness that everyone will love.

Strawberry Buns Ingredients

Ingredients for strawberry cream cheese rolls.

All-purpose flour gives a soft, fluffy texture. You can use bread flour, too. It will make the rolls chewier and fluffier as it has a higher protein content.

Yeast: I used dry active yeast. But instant yeast works as well. Always test your yeast before adding it to the ingredients. I always like to activate yeast in a little water to check if it's fresh.

Milk adds moisture, makes the dough tender, and helps the yeast bloom. Use warm milk with a temperature between 105°F and 110°F ( 40.5°C to 43°C). Hot milk kills yeast. Full-fat milk is best. Use plant-based milk for vegan buns.

Butter makes the strawberry brioche buns rich and flavorful. I used softened salted butter. You can use unsalted butter for this strawberry cream cheese roll recipe. Just add half a teaspoon of salt to the dough. Use a plant-based butter for vegan strawberry rolls.

Cream cheese: Store-bought or homemade, both work. It’s best at room temperature because it mixes easily and makes for a smoother filling.

Vanilla extract for a little extra warmth and sweetness. You can use homemade vanilla extract or store-bought.

Strawberry jam: My last jar of sweet, fruity, and packed with-flavor strawberry jam finished a while ago, so I used storebought jam.

Please see the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls

Frothy milk and yeast mixture in a measuring cup.

Step 1: Combine the milk and yeast in a small bowl. Keep in a draft-free place for 5 -10 minutes until frothy.

water-yeast mixture, flour, and butter in a stand mixer bowl.

Step 2: Combine the flour, sugar, butter, and yeast milk mixture in the bowl of your stand mixer. Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic.

Step 3: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and place in a draft-free area to rise for an hour or until doubled in size.

8 dough balls on a paper-lined baking tray.

Step 4: Once the dough has doubled, turn it out on your work surface and gently deflate it. Divide the dough into 8 equal-sized pieces.

Proofed dough balls on a paper-lined baking tray.

Step 5: Cover and allow to proof for 30 minutes or until slightly puffy.

Dough balls with indents in the center on a baking tray.

Step 6: Using the bottom of a glass or your hands, make a deep well in each of the buns.

Dough balls filled with cream cheese and jam.

Step 7: Whisk together the cream cheese, icing sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spoon a dollop of the cream cheese filling into each of the indents. Top with 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam.

Baked strawberry cream cheese rolls on a paper-lined baking tray.

Step 8: Brush the sides of the rolls with egg wash. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the rolls are golden brown.

Strawberry cheesecake bun topped with fresh strawberries.

Final step: Top with fresh strawberries while the buns are still warm. Allow the strawberry cheesecake rolls to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips

The dough for these strawberry brioche buns will be quite soft and slightly sticky, which will make the buns super soft and fluffy. So, avoid adding extra flour to your dough.
Always test your yeast before adding it to other ingredients. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of yeast with warm water. Set aside for 5-10 minutes in a warm place. If the mixture gets bubbly and foamy, your yeast is good to use.
I have included ingredient measurements in cups, but for more consistent and better results, it's best to use metric measurements. A kitchen scale is your best friend for all your baking!
You can easily make the dough ahead of time. Refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours, shape and bake the next day. Allow the dough to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before using. I like to prepare the dough the night before and then refrigerate it. This also makes handling the soft, sticky dough easier.
Use room temperature cream cheese. This helps in making a smoother filling quickly. It's important that you don't leave the cream cheese out for more than 2 hours otherwise it can spoil.

strawberry rolls on a cake stand with one roll cut in half to show the texture.

How To Serve

These strawberry cream cheese rolls work anytime! Breakfast, evening tea, coffee break, or as after after-dinner dreamy dessert!

The soft, buttery brioche and sweet, creamy filling are best enjoyed warm and fresh from the oven.

For more sweet and fruity bakes, try my orange brioche rolls, strawberry Madeleines or fig bread.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make strawberry cream buns ahead of time?

Yes! You can make these strawberry cream cheese rolls ahead of time. Prep the dough the night before and let it rise in the fridge overnight (till step 4). Shape and bake fresh in the morning.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam?

Absolutely! You can add chopped fresh strawberries on top of the cream cheese filling before baking, and they taste delicious!

What else can I add to strawberry buns?

You can play with the filling of strawberry cream cheese buns! Use a different jam or preserve—blueberry, raspberry, persimmon jam, cherry jam or mulberry jam would be fantastic. Whatever jam you use, use the same berries on top so the flavors match.

How do I store leftover buns?

Strawberry cream cheese rolls are best eaten the day they are baked. If you have leftovers (and that’s a big if), store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Let a bun sit on the countertop for a few minutes or reheat in a microwave or toaster oven before serving.

Half a roll on a small plate to show the fluffy texture.

More Easy Buns & Rolls Recipes

📖 Recipe

Fig Bread

March 11, 2025

Super moist, soft, and studded with pretty figs, this fig bread is easy to make, not too sweet, and baked without yeast! The quick bread feels special enough for a brunch or a high tea and fast enough for a weekday breakfast!

Fig bread on parchment paper with a knife on the side.

This recipe for fig bread is warm with cinnamon, lightly sweet from the figs, and just a little rich from the sugar. Its texture is perfect for pairing with your morning coffee or tea. Like a fig cake, you’ll want to slice off a thick piece, slather it with apple butter (or top it with a smear of cream cheese ), and savor every last crumb!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Figs keep this bread soft and tender for days.
Easy to make. No mixer, no fuss. Just mix, bake, and enjoy.
Perfectly sweet. Less sugar, more figgy goodness.
Customizable with nuts or spices. And, of course, chocolate chip!
Perfect anytime. For breakfast, after-school snack, or dessert.

Fig Bread Recipe Ingredients

Flour: All-purpose flour gives the fig quick bread the best and softest crumb, but whole wheat flour works very well, too. If you love baking with whole wheat, try this miso banana bread.

Baking powder and baking soda are the dynamic duo that helps the bread rise, creating a soft and fluffy texture.

Salt: Just a pinch rounds off all the other flavors.

Cinnamon brings out the figs' natural sweetness and ups the bread's flavor.

Sugar: I used granulated sugar, but coconut, cane, or brown sugar will also work. Please note that the color of the bread will change based on the sugar you use.

Eggs: They help bind everything together while adding richness.

Buttermilk: Keeps the bread extra moist and adds a subtle tangy flavor. Use homemade or store-bought.

Oil: I used sunflower oil. You can add any neutral-tasting vegetable oil to keep the bread soft, tender, and moist.

Vanilla extract enhances the flavors and sweetness. You can use homemade vanilla extract, but a good-quality store-bought one.

Figs are the star of the show! They add little bursts of natural sweetness and a delicious jammy texture. Please choose fresh, ripe ones as they work best. Although you can use dried figs as well.

Pecans: For a little crunch and to balance the soft texture of the figs. They add a lovely nutty taste, like in my pecan tassies.

Please see the recipe for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

Eggless: Substitute each egg for a flax egg. One flax egg equals one regular egg. To make a flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed powder in 3 tablespoons of water.

Nuts: I love adding a little crunch to my quick breads with nuts. That’s why I added almonds to my stollen recipe and walnuts to my cranberry bread. Don’t have pecans? Try walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts in the fig bread recipe. Or add a banana to make walnut banana fig bread.

How To Make Fig Bread

Dry ingredients for fig bread in a mixing bowl.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180 c/ 350 f. Grease a loaf pan. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon powder, and salt in a large bowl.

Wet ingredients for fig bread in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: In another bowl, combine the buttermilk, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix well.

Wet and dry ingredients to make batter in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry ingredients and mix well.

Chopped figs and pecan on top the bread batter with a silicone spatula.

Step 4: Toss the chopped figs with 1 tsp of flour and fold them into the batter with the pecans.

Step 5: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan.

fig bread batter in a loaf pan topped with chopped figs and pecans.

Step 6: Top with chopped figs and pecans, and sprinkle sugar on top. Bake at 180 c/ 350 f for 50-60 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before turning it out on a cooling rack. Let the loaf cool completely, then slice and serve.

Pro Tips

Make your own buttermilk! Simply mix 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice into the milk. Stir and keep aside for 5-10 minutes until the milk curdles.
Toss the chopped figs with a teaspoon of flour. This prevents the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
Use ripe figs for the best flavor. They add sweetness and also keep the fig bread moist.
If your bread is overbrowning, tent it loosely with a piece of aluminum foil.
Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing. This helps the loaf to firm up, and you'll get neater slices!
As always, I highly recommend using a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients, as it ensures a better and consistent result.

Sliced fig bread on parchment paper to show the cross section.

How To Store Fig Bread

You can keep fig bread at room temperature the day it is baked. Any leftovers should be refrigerated due to the bread's high moisture content.

This loaf keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an air-tight container.

Enjoy it cold or bring it to room temperature. You can also reheat it in the microwave or toaster oven.

How To Serve

Fresh out of the oven, this fig bread is dreamy! It is best eaten the day it is baked. Make the fig bread more figgy by heaping a spoonful of fig jam on top. Warm up a slice and slather it with cinnamon honey butter or a drizzle of honey.

For breakfast, toast it and top it with cashew ricotta cheese.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a smear of Nutella for dessert.
Turn it into a full meal with some fresh peach mozzarella salad and cheese.
Leftovers? Pop slices in the toaster for a quick snack anytime. Or use it to make French toast!

2 halves of a slice of fig bread stacked on a plate.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use dried figs to make fig bread?

Yes! While fresh figs have the best flavor, you can use dried figs as well. Soak the dried figs in hot water for 10-15 minutes, drain, and use in the recipe.

What is quick bread?

Quick bread, like this fig bread made with fresh figs, is a type of bread that doesn’t require yeast. Instead, it uses baking powder or baking soda as a leavening agent. This means no kneading, no rising time, and no waiting. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!

Why should you use buttermilk for baking?

Buttermilk makes your baked goodies softer, moister, and fluffier. It also adds a subtle tang. Since it is acidic, it reacts with baking soda, helping the batter rise for a lighter texture.
Buttermilk is often a better choice over yogurt because it doesn’t make the batter too heavy. It keeps bakes tender, like these wonderful flaky chocolate chip buttermilk scones. Plus, it keeps baked goods fresh longer!

More Easy Quick Breads

📖 Recipe

Strawberry Matcha Latte

March 7, 2025

The strawberry matcha latte is fruity, creamy, and earthy. The 4-ingredient drink is as stunning as it is delicious. The perfect balance of refreshing and cozy, it takes just 10 minutes to make!

matcha strawberry latte in a glass placed on a plate with ingredients in the background.

The first time I made a mango matcha latte, I couldn’t get enough. Adding fruit to matcha? Absolute game-changer. So, of course, I had to try it with fresh, juicy strawberries. And let me tell you—it did not disappoint. Sweet, creamy, and packed with that signature matcha kick, this is the kind of drink that makes an ordinary afternoon feel just a little extra.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s easy. It’s gorgeous.

Refreshing, energizing, and a little indulgent.

Perfect for a morning boost or an afternoon pick-me-up! Try it with my soft and fluffy baked matcha donuts, such a fabulous combo!

You only need a handful of ingredients. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps.

It's customizable to fit your vibe: dairy or non-dairy, extra sweet or just a hint—you do you!

Strawberry Matcha Latte Ingredients

Ingredients for strawberry matcha latte.

Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are best. Not in season? Frozen works, too. Just thaw them first. If you have extra, try these fabulous strawberry turnovers.

Sweetener: A little bit of sugar enhances the strawberries’ flavor. Swap with honey, maple syrup, or your favorite sweetener if you prefer.

Milk: I love almond milk for its nutty flavor, but oat milk, cashew milk, or regular dairy milk all work.

Matcha: High-quality matcha gives the best flavor. Sift it first to avoid clumps in the iced strawberry matcha latte! If you love matcha, you’ll also enjoy this matcha chia pudding.

Please see the recipe for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Strawberry Matcha Latte

Chopped strawberries and sugar in a small bowl.

Step 1: Hull and chop the strawberries. Mix them with sugar and let them sit for 5 minutes. Mash them with a fork as you mix them.

Matcha powder mixed with water in a small ceramic creamer.

Step 2: Whisk together the matcha powder and hot water until foamy.

chopped, mashed strawberries in a glass with ingredients in the background.

Step 3: Spoon the macerated strawberries into a serving glass.

chopped strawberries topped with ice in a glass.

Step 4: Top the strawberries with ice.

Almond milk on top of ice and chopped strawberries in a glass.

Step 5: Add almond milk to the strawberries.

Matcha mixture on top of milk and strawberries in a glass.

Step 6: Top with the matcha mixture and serve immediately!

Pro Tips

Chop the strawberries into small pieces. It will be easier to mash them.
Allow the strawberries to macerate with sugar for 5 -10 minutes. They become softer, sweeter, and more flavorful.
The amount of sugar you add here depends on how sweet your berries are and your preference for sweetness.
You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.
You can use a fork to mash the strawberries for a chunkier texture or blend them into a smooth puree if you prefer a smooth texture.
Please use quality matcha powder. I prefer using ceremonial-grade matcha.
Make sure you whisk the matcha liquid well. You can use a small whisk, a matcha whisk, or an electric whisk as I did.

matcha latte with strawberries in a glass with ice.

Recipe FAQs

Do strawberries go well with matcha?

Strawberries and matcha are a perfect match. The natural sweetness and slight tartness of strawberries balance matcha’s earthy notes. Together, they create a refreshing, well-rounded flavor. It’s vibrant and creamy.

How to serve a strawberry matcha latte recipe?

The ombré effect of matcha latte with strawberry is absolutely stunning, making it a treat on its own. For extra indulgence, top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of freeze-dried strawberries. Feeling fancy? A drizzle of honey or vanilla syrup takes it up a notch.

This latte is best enjoyed cold, served immediately, or on the same day. Sip through a straw so you get a bit of everything in each sip.

You can even pair it with a salted butter roll, a slice of walnut-fig banana bread, or a white chocolate cranberry cookie.
For breakfast, serve it with fluffy cinnamon pancakes or peanut chocolate protein balls for a nice healthy snack.

What does a matcha strawberry latte taste like?

Poured over a tall glass of ice, the strawberry matcha latte tastes delicious. It’s naturally sweet from the strawberries, with a hint of tartness. The matcha adds depth and a subtle grassy note. Combined, it is smooth, refreshing, and the best summer drink!

More Refreshing Drinks

Half the joy of cooking is sharing it with others. That is why I’m always eager to hear from you. So go right ahead and drop a comment or reach out on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook. I hope you love this strawberry matcha latte as much as we do!

📖 Recipe

Strawberry Matcha Latte

Natasha Minocha

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Course Drinks

Cuisine Asian, Japanese

Servings Serving

Calories 92 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Hull the strawberries and finely chop them.
6-7 Strawberries
Combine the chopped strawberries and sugar in a small bowl and set aside for 5 minutes. Mash the strawberries with a fork as you're mixing them.
6-7 Strawberries,2 tsp Sugar
In another small bowl, whisk together the matcha powder and hot water until frothy.
1 tsp Matcha powder,1/4 cup Hot water
Spoon the macerated strawberries into a glass, and top with ice.
Pour over the almond milk and then the matcha mixture.
3/4 cup Almond milk
Serve and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Chop the strawberries into small pieces. It will be easier to mash them.

Allow the strawberries to macerate with sugar for 5 -10 minutes. They become softer, sweeter, and more flavorful.

The amount of sugar you add here depends on how sweet your berries are and your preference for sweetness.

You can use honey or maple syrup instead of sugar.

You can use a fork to mash the strawberries for a chunkier texture or blend them into a smooth puree if you prefer a smooth texture.

Please use quality matcha powder. I prefer using ceremonial-grade matcha.

Make sure you whisk the matcha liquid well. You can use a small whisk, a matcha whisk, or an electric whisk as I did.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 92kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.01gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 251mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 209IUVitamin C: 42mgCalcium: 242mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Irish Soda Bread

March 3, 2025

This Irish soda bread is as simple as it gets. The 4-ingredient bread recipe needs no yeast, waiting, and kneading. Just mix and bake. Within an hour, you have warm, delicious, and crusty bread ready!

Sliced bread on a board with cubed butter in a bowl with a butter knife.

Whether you slather it with apple butter, drizzle it with cinnamon honey butter, or dunk it into a cozy bowl of roasted carrot soup, this traditional Irish bread is fantastic. Dense yet not heavy, the no-yeast bread has a crisp crust and a soft, tender crumb.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What Is Irish Soda Bread?

Traditionally, Irish soda bread is made with flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. Since this quick bread has no yeast, you don’t have to wait for it to proof or knead it.

Instead, the bread rises from the reaction between the baking soda and buttermilk. That’s how it gets its name. Although in Ireland, it’s called cake-bread.

The result is denser than regular yeast breads like everyday bread or easy olive bread. It’s a hearty, rustic loaf with a golden crackly crust!

Loaf of bread with a bowl of butter on parchment paper.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Only 4 ingredients: just the basics you already have in your kitchen.

No yeast, no waiting: Mix, shape, and bake. That’s it!

Ready in under an hour: This recipe is perfect when you need fresh, homemade bread in a pinch.

Crispy crust, soft inside: The perfect balance of hearty and tender.

Versatile and delicious: Serve it warm with butter, dunk it in soup, or toast it for breakfast!

Irish Soda Bread Ingredients

Labelled ingredients for making Irish soda bread.

Flour: All-purpose flour gives the soda bread a great texture and a lovely crumb. The bread is just as good with half whole wheat flour and half all-purpose flour. You can also make the recipe for Irish soda bread with just whole wheat flour. Increase the amount of buttermilk, as whole wheat absorbs more moisture.

Baking soda is key to this traditional Irish soda bread recipe. In the absence of yeast, it acts as the leavening agent. When it mixes with buttermilk, it releases carbon dioxide that helps the bread rise.

Salt is necessary to flavor the bread. I used regular sea salt, but kosher salt works, too.

Buttermilk is essential. It’s the acid you need to react with the baking soda, and it also gives the bread a very slight tang. Store-bought works like a charm, but you can easily make it at home. Mix 1.5 tablespoons of white vinegar in 1.5 cups of milk. Let the mixture stand for a few minutes at room temperature till it curdles.

Please see the recipe for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

My recipe is for a traditional Irish soda bread. But if you’re in the mood to switch things up, go for it! Stir in raisins, black currants, or caraway seeds for a classic twist. Feeling adventurous? Add cheese, fresh or dried herbs, sesame or pumpkin seeds, or even a handful of chocolate chips. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up, this soda bread is packed with flavor every time.

How To Make Irish Soda Bread?

dry ingredients for Irish soda bread in a mixing bowl.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200 ° C/ 400 ° F. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center.

Buttermilk on top of the dry ingredients for making bread in a bowl.

Step 2: Pour the buttermilk in and combine using a spatula or a Danish dough whisk to make a shaggy, rough dough.

A shaggy dough for the bread on a pink silicone mat.

Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and bring the dough together using your hands. We just need to gently knead the dough 5-6 times to get a smooth dough.

Smooth, kneaded bread dough on a pink silicone mat.

Step 4: Shape the dough into a ball and transfer to a parchment-lined baking tray.

Bread dough marked with a cross on parchment paper.

Step 5: Lightly sprinkle with flour. Use a sharp knife to make an X across the top of the dough ball.

Baked Irish soda bread on parchment paper.

Step 6: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake at 200 c / 400 f for 35-40 minutes or until the bread is golden brown.

Step 7: Allow the bread to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving!

Sliced bread on a board to show the texture.

Pro Tips

Like all quick breads, this bread too doesn't need too much handling. The kneading should be gentle and quick; 5-6 times is enough.
The soda bread dough should be soft and slightly moist. Avoid adding too much flour, as that will make the bread dry.
The amount of flour required can vary depending on the brand of flour, humidity, and on how cold or hot your kitchen is. So it's better to have a more moist dough, as you can slowly add flour to it as required.
The cross you style right at the loaf’s centre has to be an inch deep. The cut makes sure that the heat reaches every crumb of the loaf, giving it a soft and tender inside.
If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make it at home. Just combine 1.5 tablespoons of white vinegar in 1.5 cups of milk. Let the mixture stand for a few minutes at room temperature till it curdles.
If you want to check whether the bread is done or not, simply tap on the bottom. If you hear a hollow sound, you’re golden!
As always, it's best to measure the ingredients using a kitchen scale, as it ensures a better and consistent result!

How to Serve Soda Bread

This golden Irish soda bread is amazing slathered in butter. Trust me, when you watch your family devour slice after slice of warm Irish soda bread, you’ll understand. My kids loved it fresh from the oven with a little cashew ricotta cheese.

I really enjoy it toasted and topped with strawberry chia jam, orange marmalade, or fig jam for a cozy breakfast. A schmear of cream cheese or apple butter? Divine.

For a more savory meal, pair the hearty loaf with Moroccan vegetable stew or creamy pea soup. Or use it just as you would any other bread and turn it into a sandwich or cheesy garlic bread.

A buttered slice of bread with a bowl of butter and bread slices.

Recipe FAQs

What's the difference between sourdough and Irish soda bread?

There are two big differences between sourdough bread and soda bread: time and technique. Sourdough starter takes days to rise. It has yeast in it that gives the bread the signature tangy flavor and chewy texture.
Irish soda bread, on the other hand, is a quick bread—no yeast and made under an hour. Sourdough is airy and crisp. Soda bread is hearty and tender. Both are amazing, but if you need homemade bread fast, soda bread wins every time!

Why does the Irish soda bread recipe have a cross in the center?

The cross is more than decoration! Scoring the bread helps it bake and rise evenly. The heat reaches the center easily, giving the bread that perfect golden crust. Plus, it makes it easy to break apart into quarters.

How to store this easy Irish soda bread?

The bread stays well for 3 days at room temperature when wrapped well in foil or kept in an airtight container.

Can Irish soda bread be frozen?

This soda bread freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil or a Ziplock bag. It’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

This recipe was originally posted in 2020. It has now been retested and updated with new images and text.

More Quick Bread Recipes

📖 Recipe

Irish Soda Bread

Natasha Minocha

This Irish soda bread is as simple as it gets. The 4-ingredient bread recipe needs no yeast, waiting, and kneading. Just mix and bake. Within an hour, you have warm, delicious, and crusty bread ready!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Course Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine Irish

Servings Servings

Calories 184 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 3.5 cups All-purpose flour
▢ 3/4 tsp Baking soda
▢ 1 tsp Salt
▢ 1.5 cup Buttermilk

Instructions

Buttermilk

Preheat your oven to 200 C / 400 F . Line a baking tray with parchment or baking paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
3.5 cups (420 gms) All-purpose flour,3/4 tsp Baking soda,1 tsp Salt
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour the buttermilk in.
1.5 cup (337 gms) Buttermilk
Bring the ingredients together using a spatula or Danish dough whisk to make a rough, shaggy dough.
Turn out the rough dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead 4-5 times until a smooth dough is formed.
Shape the dough into a ball and place it on the prepared tray.
Using a sharp knife, make a 1" deep cross on top of the dough ball.
Bake at 200 c ( 400 f) for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped at the bottom.
Cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm with butter and jam!

Video

Notes

- Like all quick breads, this bread too doesn't need too much handling. The kneading should be gentle and quick; 5-6 times is enough.

- The soda bread dough should be soft and slightly moist. Avoid adding too much flour, as that will make the bread dry.

- The amount of flour required can vary depending on the brand of flour, humidity, and on how cold or hot your kitchen is. So it's better to have a more moist dough, as you can slowly add flour to it as required.

- The cross you style right at the loaf’s centre has to be an inch deep. The cut makes sure that the heat reaches every crumb of the loaf, giving it a soft and tender inside.

- If you don't have buttermilk, you can easily make it at home. Just combine 1.5 tablespoons of white vinegar in 1.5 cups of milk. Let the mixture stand for a few minutes at room temperature till it curdles.

- If you want to check whether the bread is done or not, simply tap on the bottom. If you hear a hollow sound, you’re golden!
- As always, it's best to measure the ingredients using a kitchen scale, as it ensures a better and consistent result!

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 36gProtein: 6gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 354mgPotassium: 97mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 61IUCalcium: 49mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

February 21, 2025

This 5-ingredient avocado chocolate mousse is the ultimate guilt-free dessert. It’s unbelievably creamy, rich, and indulgent. One bite, and you won’t believe the chocolate mousse is made using avocados!

chocolate mousse in a glass cup topped with strawberry, chocolate shavings, and freeze dried raspberries.

This chocolate mousse with avocado is a total winner of a recipe! It’s vegan, healthy, luscious, and comes together in just minutes.

You don’t taste the avocados. They give the mousse a buttery, silky, and decadent richness. It’s an easy dessert for any time of the day, much like my 2- ingredient chocolate pudding and sweet potato chocolate pudding!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and sinful!

You don't even need to chill it in the refrigerator. Just transfer to a pretty dessert bowl and dig in!

Made in under 20 minutes, and like my mango mousse, there’s no baking.

Needs just 5 ingredients - simple, wholesome, and already in your kitchen.

Chocolate Mousse Ingredients

Ingredients for making avocado chocolate mousse.

Avocados: Make sure they’re ripe. The buttery, creamy texture of avocado (and healthy goodness) gives the mousse the same mouthfeel as a classic chocolate mousse.

Chocolate: I kept the chocolate avocado mousse vegan, using dairy-free 60% to 70% dark chocolate. Feel free to use any variety of chocolate you prefer. Just ensure it’s the best quality if you want to make a wickedly good mousse, like my chili chocolate pudding.

Milk: I use thick, unsweetened coconut milk. The creamy texture makes a huge difference to this avocado chocolate mousse. Any milk—almond milk, oat milk, cashew, or regular dairy milk—is great. I have made this mousse recipe with plain Greek yogurt as well.

Sweetener: Use as much as you need. I hardly needed a spoonful of maple syrup. You can substitute it with honey, agave, or date syrup. Even stevia sweetens the deal just right. I’ve made the mousse with it before, and honestly, I couldn't tell the difference.

Sea salt: You need just a pinch to balance the flavors and make the chocolate feel more intense.

Please see the recipe card for full information about ingredients and quantities.

Variations

Vanilla extract is completely optional, but just half a teaspoon of brings out the chocolate flavor. Use homemade or store-bought.

You can really play around with the flavors in this recipe!

Make it boozy with cognac or rum. Add cocoa powder for a more intense chocolate taste. A splash of brewed coffee would be lovely. Some orange zest would give it a fresh burst like it did to my chocolate orange tart. And when you’ve had enough, turn it into chocolate peanut butter pudding.

How To Make Avocado Chocolate Mousse?

melted chocolate with a spoon in a glass bowl.

Step 1: Melt the chocolate gently over a double boiler or in a microwave. Stir well. Let it cool a bit before adding it to the other ingredients.

Step 2: Combine the avocado, coconut milk, sea salt, and maple syrup in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth.

melted chocolate on top of avocado mixture in a blender jar.

Step 3: Now slowly add the cooled melted chocolate to the avocado mixture.

avocado chocolate mixture in a blender jar.

Step 4: Blend until everything is smooth and combined well. Taste and adjust for sweetness.

2 bowls of chocolate mousse with 2 spoons on the side.

Final step: Divide the mousse into your serving cups, and garnish with berries and chocolate shavings. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 - 2 hours for a firmer texture.

Pro Tips

Please let your melted chocolate cool down a bit before adding it to the other ingredients.
Make sure avocado and coconut milk are at room temperature. We want all ingredients to be at a similar temperature so the mousse is smooth and not grainy at all.
In case your chocolate avocado mixture is too thick, you can add some more coconut milk, one tablespoon at a time. This mousse does firm up considerably in the fridge.
This avocado mousse doesn't need much time to set. You can enjoy it right away or set it in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer texture.

How To Serve

This avocado chocolate mousse doesn’t need much time to set. You can eat it immediately if you like a pudding-like texture. You can also refrigerate it for an hour or two. It thickens up beautifully, making the texture firmer. Serve cold or bring it back to room temperature.

While it's wonderful without any topping, you can top the vegan chocolate mousse with a dollop of coconut whipped cream. A sprinkle of cacao nibs, or a handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color. Feeling extra indulgent? Drizzle melted dark chocolate.

I just topped it with some chocolate shavings, freeze-fried raspberries, and fresh strawberries and served it at room temperature!

Recipe FAQs

Why must the chocolate avo mousse ingredients be at room temperature?

If you mix cold ingredients with melted chocolate, the chocolate can seize up, turning your silky-smooth dessert grainy. Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before blending, and make sure your avocado and milk are at room temp. That way, everything comes together easily.

Can you taste the avocado in this chocolate mousse?

Absolutely not! The avocado only lends texture to this easy chocolate mousse recipe (and some healthy goodness)! All you taste is chocolate.

Do I need to add a sweetener to chocolate mousse with avocados?

No, you don’t. If you feel the chocolate mousse is already sweet enough, leave the sweetener out.

How to store chocolate mousse?

Vegan avocado chocolate mousse doesn’t need much time to set. You can eat it immediately or refrigerate it for an hour or two. It thickens up beautifully, making the texture firmer. Serve cold or bring it back to room temperature.
Mousse stays well in the fridge for 2–3 days. Although I can’t imagine why the delicious, decadent dessert will last that long!

More Easy Desserts

📖 Recipe

Avocado Chocolate Mousse

Natasha Minocha

This avocado chocolate mousse is incredibly rich, creamy, and luxuriously smooth. Made with just 5 ingredients, it's an easy fuss-free recipe!

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Calories 401 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Melt the chocolate gently over a double boiler or in a microwave. Stir well. Let it cool a bit before adding it to the other ingredients.
This is very important, or your mousse will be grainy.
Meanwhile, combine the avocado, coconut milk, sea salt, and maple syrup in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth.
Now slowly add the melted chocolate and rerun the blender until everything is combined well.
Taste and adjust for sweetness.
You can add more liquid as well at this point if the mixture is too thick. The mousse will thicken more in the refrigerator.
Divide the mousse into your serving cups, and garnish with berries and chocolate shavings. Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 - 2 hours for a firmer texture. You can serve it cold or bring it to room temperature.
Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Please let your melted chocolate cool down a bit before adding it to the other ingredients.

Make sure avocado and coconut milk are at room temperature. We want all ingredients to be at a similar temperature so the mousse is smooth and not grainy at all.

In case your chocolate avocado mixture is too thick, you can add some more coconut milk, one tablespoon at a time. This mousse does firm up considerably in the fridge.

This avocado mousse doesn't need much time to set. You can enjoy it right away or set it in the refrigerator if you prefer a firmer texture.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 401kcalCarbohydrates: 31gProtein: 4gFat: 34gSaturated Fat: 19gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gSodium: 84mgPotassium: 335mgFiber: 8gSugar: 19gVitamin A: 73IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easy Brownie In A Mug

February 19, 2025

Brownie in a mug is the quickest rich and fudgy dessert you’ll ever have! You need just one bowl and three minutes to make it. This vegan microwave mug cake is just what you need when you're looking to satisfy that sweet craving pronto!

brownie mug cake in a green ramekin on a small plate and wooden board.

Shiny, chocolatey, and ridiculously easy to make, it’s the best chocolate mug brownie. I’ve lost count of how many times I've made this, and I know I’ll make it again and again and again every time I want a sweet craving fix immediately. Top it with a scoop of ice cream or add peanut butter like I did with my peanut butter brownies, and suddenly, your day will get way better!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for the times when you want something chocolatey, rich and decadent immediately!

Takes barely any time, requires less clean-up, and is fun to eat.

Perfect brownie recipe when you don’t want to bake a full batch.

No ovens, no waiting—just stir, microwave, and dig into an utterly satisfying dessert.

The recipe is so adaptable! Add anything you like - nuts, caramel sauce, Nutella, peanut butter, it's always a winner!

Mugcake Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for making brownie in a mug.

Flour: I used all-purpose flour this time, but whole wheat works just as well. Want a gluten-free version? Try finger millet flour—I used it in my chocolate cherry mug cake., and it was just as rich and fudgy! Or even buckwheat flour as I did in my sticky toffee pudding!

Oil: Canola oil was my pick, but any neutral vegetable oil will do. Melted coconut oil is another great option.

Milk: Since I’m lactose intolerant, almond milk is my go-to. But oat milk, coconut milk, or regular cow’s milk all work beautifully.

Cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for that intense flavor.

Sugar: I used brown sugar for this recipe. But I have very successfully made it with coconut sugar, regular white sugar, and jaggery powder too!

Baking powder: Since this vegan mug brownie recipe doesn’t use eggs, baking powder helps give it a little lift.

Sea salt goes on top and in the batter. It rounds out the chocolate flavor perfectly—don’t skip it!

Vanilla extract gives the brownie in a mug a nice, deep flavor. Use homemade vanilla extract or store-bought.

Chocolate: I love using 60% or higher dark chocolate, dairy-free if possible. Whatever you choose, be generous—the more melty chocolate bits, the better!

Please see the recipe for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Brownie Mug Cake Variations

This easy brownie-in-a-mug recipe is meant for that extra stuff. Add a spoonful of Nutella or peanut butter to the mix. A pinch of instant coffee is so good.

Use frozen or fresh raspberries, as I did in my raspberry brownie bites. Nuts—pecans, walnuts, or any you love—are delicious in the batter or sprinkled on top right before you microwave the cake. For a burst of fresh flavor, swirl in strawberry chia jam in the batter.

How To Make Brownie In A Mug

Making brownie in a mug really couldn't be easier. Just a quick whisk of ingredients and 45 seconds in the microwave - Et voila you have the perfect serving of a warm, decadent, and gooey brownie mug cake ready to be devoured!

dry and wet ingredients in a glass bowl on a red napkin.

Step 1: Combine the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, salt, and baking powder in a small bowl. Add the milk, oil and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients.

chocolate chips on top of brownie batter in a bowl.

Step 2: Mix well and fold in chocolate chips.

Step 3: Transfer the batter to a ramekin. Cook in the microwave for 45 seconds. If the brownie doesn't look like it's done, microwave for another 15 seconds.

Baked brownie in a ramekin on a wooden board with a spoon.

Step 4: Top with sea salt and chopped chocolate as soon as the brownie comes out of the microwave. Serve warm!

Pro Tips

The cooking time will depend on your microwave and the size of your ramekin or cup.
After 45 seconds of cooking, the brownie surface should look slightly firm. If it looks wet, cook for another 15 seconds. Please don't overcook, otherwise your brownie will be dry and hard.
You can sprinkle chocolate chips on top of the batter before baking in the microwave.
Place a small plate under the ramekin in case of any overflow.

brownie in a ramekin with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and chocolate shavings.

How To Serve

As soon as your brownie in a mug comes out of the microwave—hot, gooey, and irresistible—scatter some sea salt and chocolate chips on top. They’ll melt into a glossy, silky layer that makes each bite even more indulgent.

This mug brownie is at its absolute best when it’s warm. So dig in right away! Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Pure chocolate heaven in minutes! Choose plant-based toppings if you wish to keep the recipe vegan.

a spoonful of brownie to show the gooey texture.

Recipe FAQs

Can a brownie in a mug recipe be made in an oven?

Yes, you can bake a mugcake in a preheated oven at 180° for 10 to 12 minutes.

Do I need a ramekin to make a mug brownie?

No, you don’t. You can use any microwave-proof teacup, coffee mug, or even a small bowl.

What are more toppings to try with mugcake?

Besides whipped cream and ice cream, try spooning caramel sauce or hot fudge sauce on top. You’ll love it!

More Mug Cake Recipes

📖 Recipe

Homemade Pretzel Buns

February 17, 2025

Homemade pretzel buns just hit differently. Golden brown, chewy, and with that signature salty crust, they turn any sandwich or burger into something special. And the best part? They’re way easier to make than you’d think!

Pretzel buns on a tray with one bun cut into half to show the texture.

I’ve made a lot of bread, from everyday bread to soft and fluffy dinner rolls to more complicated challah bread. But these perfectly bronzed pretzel buns are by far one of the best.

The homemade pretzel recipe is adapted from King Arthur Baking. I made a few changes to suit my taste, and the rolls came out soft, chewy, and full of pretzel flavor.

If you’re one of the people who hear pretzels and think, “Oh, I can’t make those!” Believe me, you can. The pretzel bun recipe is really easy. Just follow the simple steps and trust me, you'll have the most gorgeous burnished soft pretzel rolls that you won't stop raving about!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

An easy take on the popular soft pretzels.

Basic pantry ingredients.

No complicated steps here!

Freshly baked pretzel buns are on a whole other level.

Crispy top, cotton-soft interior, and sprinkled with just the right amount of sea salt.

Use pretzel rolls for burgers and sandwiches, or just slather them with butter while they’re still warm.

Easy Pretzel Recipe Ingredients

Yeast: I used dry active yeast. It needs to be activated before use. You can use instant yeast too. You won’t need to activate it. That said, I do like to test it beforehand by mixing half a teaspoon in half a cup of warm water. If it becomes frothy and bubbly in 5 -10 minutes, the yeast is good to use!

Water: Yeast loves warmth, but there’s a sweet spot—105°F (40.5°C) is just right. Too hot, and you’ll kill it. Too cold, and it won’t activate. So, stick with warm water to get that immaculate rise.

Flour: I like using all-purpose flour for these pretzel buns, but a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat gives a heartier bite. Want them extra chewy? Try bread flour!

Milk powder: Any brand works—it adds richness and sweetness to the homemade pretzel bun dough.

Oil: I used olive oil, but any neutral vegetable oil (or even softened butter) will do the trick.

Salt: I use coarse sea salt in this recipe, for the dough and topping.

Baking soda is needed for the water bath. This is what gives pretzel buns their signature deep golden crust and slight chew. Don’t skip it—it’s the magic ingredient!

Please see the recipe card for full information about ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Homemade Pretzel Buns

yeast and water mixture in a glass measuring cup.

Step 1: Combine yeast and warm water in a small bowl. set aside until frothy.

Step 2: Combine the flour, milk powder, olive oil, and salt in the bowl of your stand mixer. Stir in the yeast mixture. Mix with a spatula until a shaggy dough forms.

ready dough ready for proofing in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 3: Knead on medium speed for 5-6 minutes until the dough is soft, smooth, and slightly sticky.

Step 4: Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover and proof for 60-90 minutes, or until it has doubled in volume.

pretzel dough divided into 12 equal pieces.

Step 5: Gently deflate the dough and divide it into 12 equal-sized pieces.

12 dough balls on parchment paper on a baking tray.

Step 6: Roll into smooth balls and place on a greased parchment-lined tray. Cover and let rest for 15 minutes.

taking a boiled pretzel ball in a spider from a wok full of boiling water.

Step 7: In the meantime, prepare the water bath and preheat your oven. Bring the water, baking soda, and salt to a rolling boil. Gently drop 3-4 balls at a time in the boiling water. Cook for 30 seconds, flip, and cook for another 30 seconds. Remove from the water using a slotted spoon.

12 dough balls scored and with salt on top on parchment paper lined tray.

Step 8: Repeat this with all the remaining balls. Make a cross on top of the balls using a sharp knife or scissors. Sprinkle with sea salt and bake for 20 -25 minutes.

Step 9: Allow the soft pretzel rolls to cool for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!

Pro Tips

The measurements for these rolls are also given in cups. My preference and strong recommendation is always to weigh the ingredients using a kitchen scale. This is the most accurate way to measure and gives the most consistent results.
Grease your parchment paper or baking tray. The soda bath releases starch, making the dough a little sticky. If you skip the grease, those gorgeous homemade pretzel buns might stick to the pan!
If it’s humid in your neck of the woods, you may need slightly less water to make the dough.
When prepping the baking soda bath, don’t fill your pot to the top! The baking soda makes the water bubble up like crazy, and an overflowing pot is no fun to clean.
Don’t panic if the pretzel dough balls look wrinkly after you take them out of the water bath. That’s exactly how they should be. Once they hit the oven, they’ll puff up beautifully.
Don't skip scoring the rolls. The scoring allows the rolls to expand as they bake, which ensures even the deepest center is cooked thoroughly.
Reheat any leftover rolls in a toaster oven or a preheated oven for 5 minutes. Microwave will make them soggy.

Half of a bread roll to show the cross section placed on more rolls.

How To Serve

Fresh out of the oven, warm and golden, homemade pretzel buns are pure magic. Eat them warm. But they get even better slathered with cashew cheese, apple butter, or cinnamon honey butter.

Serve them with roasted pumpkin soup or avocado egg salad. It’s the best kind of comfort food. The great thing about these easy soft pretzel rolls is that they’re delicious for any meal. So, you can use them to make sandwiches, serve with eggs, and mop up curries and stews such as this Moroccan vegetable stew.

If you’re in the mood for something simpler, plate them with cashew roasted red pepper dip or whipped feta dip as an evening snack! You can even swap out regular burger buns for pretzel buns. Their chewy texture holds up beautifully to juicy patties.

How To Store Pretzel Buns

These rolls are the best the day they are made. But you can store the leftover rolls in an air-tight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month.

The salt on top will draw out the moisture making the crust soft. Reheat in a toaster oven or a preheated oven for 5 minutes.

Recipe FAQs

How to roll pretzel dough?

The key to fluffy, well-shaped pretzel buns is a round, slightly tight dough ball. If they’re too loose, they’ll flatten out as they bake.

The trick? Roll the dough between your palms, applying light pressure. As you do, you’ll feel the top smooth out and firm up—that’s when you know it’s ready to go.

Why do pretzel rolls need a water bath?

That deep golden color, chewy crust, and iconic flavor? It all comes from the baking soda bath. Skipping it means missing out on that signature glossy finish and crisp texture.
The quick dip in hot, bubbly water is what gives pretzel buns their irresistible contrast—a lightly crunchy outside with a soft, pillowy center. And the flavor? It’s something you just have to taste to believe!

How to make pretzel rolls vegan?

To make the pretzel buns completely vegan, simply use powdered plant-based milk powder.

Can I make the buns in another shape?

Absolutely! This dough isn’t just for homemade pretzel buns. Get creative. Twist it into classic soft pretzels, shape it into mini hot dog buns, or roll it out for sub-style sandwiches.

More Dinner Roll Recipes

📖 Recipe

Matcha Chia Pudding

February 9, 2025

Thick, creamy, and delicious, matcha chia pudding is ridiculously easy to make. It takes all of 5 minutes to mix—then the fridge does the rest of the work overnight. So you have a refreshing, wholesome, and totally effortless breakfast ready the next morning!

matcha chia pudding in a glass cup on a small plate with a spoon.

Lightly sweetened with just the right hint of earthy matcha flavor, matcha chia seed pudding is healthy and filling. Whether you enjoy it as a grab-and-go breakfast, a midday snack, or even a light dessert, this chia pudding recipe is as delicious as it is nutritious.

It’s rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying. Top it off with fresh fruit, nuts, mango curd, or strawberry chia jam, and you have a café-worthy treat right at home! One that will make you want to try chocolate chia pudding next.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Matcha chia pudding is super easy and perfect for meal prep. I’d 100% recommend it to anyone having a hard time getting breakfast on time. The low-effort, minimal-ingredient pudding is the ideal grab-and-go breakfast.

It’s naturally sweetened, healthy, and energizing to keep you full and fueled. Plus, the pudding is completely customizable. Switch up the milk, toppings, or add-ins to make it exactly how you like it!

And I love that I can grab some for a lovely dessert too! It is a pudding after all!

Chia Pudding Ingredients

Ingredients for making matcha chia pudding.

Matcha is processed green tea that’s finely ground into a powder. It has an earthy, grassy taste. I highly recommend ceremonial grade matcha. You can also use culinary grade matcha, which is less expensive than ceremonial one. Some find it a little bitter, but I love it—especially in recipes like matcha granola and strawberry matcha latte! I’ve also made pistachio matcha popsicles, mango matcha smoothies, matcha donuts, and delicious chocolate cups, and they’re always a hit (even with the kids!).

Chia seeds come from the desert plant Salvia hispanica. They’re tiny black and white seeds, but packed with energy. Literally! The word chia means energy booster. When you soak them in milk (or any other liquid), chia seeds expand into gel-like pearls with a thick consistency.

Milk: I am lactose intolerant, so my go-to option is always non-dairy milk. For this matcha chia pudding recipe, I used homemade almond milk. Oat milk, coconut milk, or even regular cow’s milk works well.

Sweetener: Since matcha does have a slightly bitter undertone, I used maple syrup to sweeten the pudding. You can substitute it with honey, agave syrup, or dates. Just taste and adjust as needed!

Vanilla extract: A splash ties everything together—homemade extract or store-bought will work.

Please see the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

Chia seed pudding is like a perfect, clean base. You can customize it in endless ways. Stir in some protein powder. Add layers of fruit for visual play, like blueberries and bananas. Add slivers of almond or cashew for texture. Coconut is another great option. I just love coconut man go chia pudding!

How To Make Matcha Chia Pudding?

I prefer to prepare the pudding in advance and chill it overnight. Why? Because the longer the chia soaks, the more liquid it absorbs, giving it that beautiful thick, creamy pudding consistency.

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine almond milk, chia seeds, matcha powder, and your sweetener of choice. Whisk well.

Chia seeds, matcha powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract and almond milk in a glass bowl.

Step 2: Cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight.

Step 3: Stir it well the next morning. Add a bit more milk, if the consistency is too thick for you. Taste and adjust for sweetness.

Step 4: Serve topped with fruits and nuts of your choice. Enjoy!

Top Tips

Add a couple of tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt to make this chia pudding even more creamy and luscious.
If you're new to matcha, I would suggest starting with a lesser amount of matcha, say half a teaspoon. Add more, if you prefer a stronger taste.
Please use real matcha powder, either culinary grade or ceremonial grade. The ceremonial one is pricier, but has a lovely mellow flavor.
I use non-dairy milk for my chia puddings. But feel free to use regular cow milk or goat milk if you prefer.

a spoonful of matcha chia pudding to show the texture.

How To Serve

There are so many ways to enjoy matcha chia seed pudding because the seeds don’t have their own taste. They borrow flavors from the liquid they are soaked in. So the best part is you can switch it up every time! I love topping mine with dark chocolate and pomegranate arils.

Fresh berries
Sprinkle of shredded toasted coconut
A spoonful of fresh strawberry sauce!
Sliced bananas and a drizzle of honey
A dollop of almond butter is absolute perfection.
Or a handful of crunchy homemade granola for some texture and wholesomeness.

In the mood for something extra? Layer it with yogurt. You can even turn it into a fancy dessert by topping it with whipped cream. However you serve it, this pudding is as versatile as it is delicious!

More Chia Pudding Recipes

📖 Recipe

Matcha Chia Pudding

Natasha Minocha

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Chilling time 8

Total Time 8 5

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Calories 141 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup Almond milk
▢ 3 tbsp Chia seeds
▢ 1 tsp Matcha powder
▢ 1 tbsp Maple syrup You can also use honey/Agave syrup or date syrup
▢ 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine the almond milk, matcha powder, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and maple syrup. Whisk well.
Cover and chill in the refrigerator overnight.
Stir it well the next morning. Add a bit more milk, if the consistency is too thick for you. Taste and adjust for sweetness.
Serve topped with fruits and nuts of your choice. Enjoy!

Notes

Add a couple of tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt to make this chia pudding even more creamy and luscious.

If you're new to matcha, I would suggest starting with a lesser amount of matcha, say half a teaspoon. Add more, if you prefer a stronger taste.

Please use real matcha powder, either culinary grade or ceremonial grade. The ceremonial one is pricier, but has a lovely mellow flavor.

I use non-dairy milk for my chia puddings. But feel free to use regular cow milk or goat milk if you prefer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 5gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.03gSodium: 169mgPotassium: 97mgFiber: 7gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 110IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 277mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Peanut Chocolate Protein Balls

February 5, 2025

These peanut chocolate protein balls are the easiest, most delicious treat you can whip up! The best part about these oat and peanut butter balls? They take just 20 minutes to put together. The better part? The fudgy no-bake energy bites are so tasty they’re gone in seconds!

peanut chocolate protein balls topped with peanuts and seasalt in a small bowl.

I have kids that firmly fall in the “forever-hungry” zone. So, my pantry needs quick snacks and pick-me-ups at all times. Just like my peanut butter oat cups, these fabulous, fudgy, bite-sized, no-bake peanut butter balls fit the bill perfectly.

If you love a quick, healthy snack that tastes like dessert, the chocolate peanut butter balls will become your new favorite! They’re packed with peanut butter, chocolate, and just the right amount of sweetness—like a Snickers bar but way better!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect for meal prep, pre- or post-workout fuel, or whenever that chocolate craving hits!

Super, super, super simple to make - no baking, no fuss, just mix, roll, and enjoy.

Refined-sugar-free and rich in protein to keep you going.

A make-ahead, no-bake recipe that we all need.

Chocolate PB Protein Balls Ingredients

Ingredients for making peanut protein balls.

Oats: I used rolled oats like I did for my chocolate peanut butter no-bake cookies, which work well. Make sure you use certified gluten-free oats to make gluten-free oats and peanut butter balls.

Peanut Butter: I like to use natural peanut butter. Stir it well before adding to the ingredients. A regular, commercial-brand peanut butter will also do as long as you melt it. We need a dripping consistency for this no-bake peanut butter balls recipe.

Sweetener: Maple syrup, honey, agave syrup, or date syrup – all of them work in adding sweetness and binding the dough.

Protein powder: I used a plant-based protein powder in chocolate flavor. Feel free to use your favorite brand.

Oil: I used melted coconut oil to help bind all the ingredients.

Milk: Don’t have homemade almond milk? Use oat milk, cashew milk, or regular milk.

Chocolate: I love 70% dark chocolate. I melted it to make chocolate-covered peanut butter balls. You can use whichever chocolate you love, or completely skip it.

Toppings are optional. I chose crushed peanuts for that extra texture and sea salt to balance the sweetness.

Protein Balls Variations

Nut butter: Not a peanut butter fan? No problem! Swap it out for almond, walnut, pecan, or cashew butter—whatever you love. Need a nut-free option? Sunflower seed butter works perfectly.

Seeds: Toss in some chia or flax seeds for an extra boost to these chocolate peanut butter protein balls.

If you’d rather skip the protein powder, just swap it for an equal amount of oats to make chewy oatmeal peanut butter protein balls. You can also mix in some dried fruit for a little natural sweetness. There’s no wrong way to customize these!

How To Make Peanut Chocolate Protein Balls

rolled oats, protein powder and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl.

Step 1: Combine rolled oats, cocoa powder, and protein powder in a blender or food processor and process until you get a fine powder.

Peanut butter, oil,maple syrup on top of dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and almond milk.

Dough for the energy balls in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Mix well to make a soft, slightly sticky dough. You may need to add more almond milk.

peanut butter chocolate dough rolled into 14 balls on a plate.

Step 4: Form into 14 even-sized balls.Place on a parchment tray and place in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.

chocolate energy balls dipped in melted chocolate on parchment paper.

Step 5: Dip each ball into the melted chocolate.

Energy balls dipped in chocolate and topped with peanuts and sea salt on parchment paper.

Step 6: Top with crushed peanuts and sea salt. Refrigerate for 10 minutes until set. Enjoy!

Protein balls topped with peanuts and sea salt on parchment paper.

Top Tips

You can add more peanut butter to make the energy balls softer and gooey.
Oat flour can be used instead of rolled oats.
Use any kind of protein powder you prefer. I added chocolate-flavored vegan protein powder. Even collagen powder will work here.
Up the nutritional boost by mixing in chia seeds or flax seeds. Keep them whole or use them in powder form.
Add more almond milk if the "dough" feels too dry and crumbly.

2 protein balls on a small plate with one half eaten to show the texture.

Recipe FAQs

How to make protein and peanut butter balls vegan?

Use plant-based protein powder and stick to maple or agave syrup instead of honey.

Can I use collagen instead of protein powders in no-bake energy bites?

Yes, you can! Mix in unflavored collagen powder.

How to store chocolate and peanut butter protein balls?

Once rolled, peanut chocolate protein balls are ready to eat right away. You can store them in the fridge in an air-tight container for an easy grab-and-go snack for 4 to 5 days. Bring them to room temperature before serving.

Can no-bake energy bites be frozen?

Yes, these are freezer-friendly without the chocolate coating and keep well for 3 months. Thaw them in the fridge before serving.

Do I need to dip no-bake protein balls in chocolate?

I wanted to make protein peanut butter balls covered in chocolate. It’s optional, but I highly recommend it. The extra indulgence of dipping in dark chocolate makes them irresistible.

More Easy No-Bake Treats

📖 Recipe

Peanut Chocolate Protein Balls

Natasha Minocha

These peanut chocolate protein balls are the easiest, most delicious treat you can whip up! They take just 20 minutes to put together. And these fudgy treats are so tasty they’re gone in seconds!

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Chilling Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Calories 139 kcal

Ingredients

Topping ( optional)

▢ Crushed peanuts and sea salt

Instructions

Place oats, protein powder, and cocoa powder in your food processor/blender. Blend until you get a fine powder.
Add peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup, and almond milk. Mix well.
You may need to add more almond milk (1 tbsp at a time) to get a soft, pliable dough.
Taste and adjust for sweetness. Form into 14 even-sized balls.
Place on a parchment tray and place in the fridge for 5-10 minutes.
Dip each ball into the melted chocolate, and sprinkle some crushed peanuts and sea salt. Return to the fridge for a few minutes until set. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

You can add more peanut butter to make the energy balls more soft and gooey.
Oats flour can be used instead of rolled oats.
Use any kind of protein powder you prefer. I added chocolate-flavored vegan protein powder. Even collagen powder will work here.
Up the nutritional boost by mixing in chia seeds or flax seeds. Keep them whole or use them in powdered form.
Add more almond milk if the "dough" feels too dry and crumbly.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 139kcalCarbohydrates: 14gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 28mgPotassium: 75mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Chocolate Orange Tart

January 27, 2025

This no-bake chocolate orange tart has a rich, creamy chocolate ganache filling that goes deliciously well with the chocolatey base made with oats and puffed rice! It’s the easiest chocolate tart recipe I’ve ever made, and you won’t even notice it’s refined sugar-free and vegan!

chocolate tart with berries, candied oranges with one slice taken out on a plate.

If you’re anything like me, you love a dessert that feels fancy but doesn’t take hours to make, this dark chocolate orange tart checks all the boxes. The crust comes together effortlessly, and the silky, orange-scented ganache filling is unbelievably decadent.

You won’t believe how rich and chocolatey it tastes. And if you’re as hooked on simple, show-stopping tarts as I am, you’ll love my vegan matcha tart or zesty lemon tart next!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It takes no time at all to put it all together.

A great make-ahead, easy, fuss-free recipe!

Looks so gorgeous - guaranteed to impress everyone!

Dark chocolate and orange are a classic combination that works gorgeously well.

The no-bake dessert is great for summer too, when you don't want to turn on that oven!

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for making chocolate orange tart.

Tart base: I used rolled oats and puffed rice, along with walnuts, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and coconut oil to make the no-bake tart crust. You can use quick-cooking oats too. If you can't find puffed rice, try popped amaranth or just leave it out altogether. Add an equivalent amount of oats!

You can also make the crust with cookies like Oreos or digestive biscuits like I did for my no-bake mango cheesecake.

Cocoa powder: For making a chocolate-flavored crust.

Walnuts: Any nuts would do, but I love the combination of chocolate with creamy, sweet walnuts.

Sweetener: I used maple syrup to make the base sweet. It also helps bind the "dough" for the no-bake crust. Feel free to use date syrup or honey.

Coconut oil: Melted coconut oil also helps bind the crust and give it a rich texture and flavor.

Sea salt: To enhance the overall flavor of the filling and crust.

Chocolate: I used 70% dark chocolate. Check the label to make sure the chocolate is dairy-free if you want a vegan tart.

Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk works the best here.

Orange zest: You’ll need 1 whole orange to give it that citrusy punch.

How To Make Chocolate Orange Tart

As fancy as this no-bake tart may look, it really comes together very easily!

oats, puffed rice, walnuts,and cocoa powder in a bowl.

Step 1: Pulse oats, puffed rice, walnuts, and cocoa powder in a food processor till they look like semi-fine bread crumbs.

Coconut oil and maple syrup on top of dry ingredients in a bowl.

Step 2: Add melted coconut oil and maple syrup and blend to form a sticky dough.

Dough for the chocolate tart crust in a bowl.

Step 3: Taste the dough and adjust for sweetness.

evenly press crust mixture into the bottom and sides of a tart pan.

Step 4: Transfer to a 6-inch pan and press evenly to form the crust. Refrigerate the crust while you make the chocolate ganache.

chocolate filling with orange zest in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 5: In a saucepan, heat milk to a gentle simmer and pour over the chocolate. Let it stand for a minute or two.
Then stir till the chocolate melts and you have a smooth, shiny mixture. Add orange zest, and mix well.

Chocolate ganache filling on the tart base topped with sea salt.

Step 6: Let the chocolate orange filling cool a bit. Then pour it onto the crust. Sprinkle sea salt on top. Refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 to 6 hours till the filling sets).

Step 7: Garnish with berries, orange zest, and candied oranges. Slice and serve!

Pro Tips

Use your hands to press the no-bake chocolate orange tart crust firmly. Make sure the crumbs cover the side of the tin too.
If using a chocolate bar, chop or break it before pouring the warm coconut milk over it. It will melt faster.
Smoothen the top of the chocolate orange filling before you set it to chill. Use a toothpick to get rid of air bubbles.
Use a tart pan with a removable base. If you don't have one, line the bottom of your pan with parchment paper. That will help you remove the chilled tart easily.
Allow the no-bake crust to set in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. You can also make the crust a day before. Keep it refrigerated.
Make sure the chocolate ganache has ample time to set. I like to keep it refrigerated overnight.
Let the chocolate tart come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor!

How To Serve The Chocolate Orange Tart

This chocolate orange tart is so rich and decadent that it needs no accompaniment at all. But, if you're in an indulgent mood, top it with a dollop of whipped cream! I like to serve it at room temperature, so do take it out of the refrigerator at least an hour before serving.

a slice of tart on a small plate with a bite taken with a fork .

Chocolate Orange Tart Recipe FAQs

Can you make a vegan chocolate orange tart ahead?

Yes, you can! You can make the crust a day before. Pour the ganache filling the next morning. Let this set in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours and garnish just before serving. You can also make the whole tart a day before!

How to garnish a no-bake chocolate tart?

You can dress up a salted chocolate orange tart any way you want. I chose berries, candied oranges, golden dragees, and more orange zest to give it color. Edible flowers, whipped cream, orange slices, or even a sprinkle of sea salt look beautiful.

Can I make the chocolate and orange tart in a smaller pan?

You can use the recipe to make individual desserts using 3-inch pans like I did for my granola breakfast tart recipe.

This recipe was originally posted in Feb'2019. It has now been retested and updated with new images and text.

More No-Bake Desserts

📖 Recipe

Homemade English Muffins

January 22, 2025

These homemade English muffins are surprisingly easy to make: golden and crusty on the outside, and soft and chewy on the inside. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, these delicious muffins are so good with butter and jam!

SImple English muffins in a napkin lined basket.

I had English muffins for the first time while I was living in the US. And back then, I didn’t even realize the recipe was so simple. It doesn’t even need an oven. You can make them on the stovetop in a skillet!

All you need is a starter and for the dough to rise overnight. While the overnight rise is not essential, it makes the flavors so much better- So much better than the store-bought ones!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What Are English Muffins?

English muffins are small, round flatbreads made from yeasty dough and cooked on a griddle. The inside is soft with nooks and crannies. This is where all the butter seeps in, making these muffins totally irresistible!

They make for great breakfast sandwiches. But we love them toasted. Smeared with apple butter and maybe some strawberry chia jam, they are the best toasts you will ever have.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Versatile – English muffins pair well with sweet or savory toppings.

Quick and easy - perfect for a fast breakfast, lazy weekend brunch, or snack. Make double the batch and freeze for later!

Best texture - crispy on the outside and soft inside, with nooks and crannies for toppings to soak in.

Great for recipes - use them in breakfast sandwiches, mini pizzas, or as a base for eggs benedict.

Ingredients For Making English Muffins

Ingredients to make homemade English muffins.

Yeast: I used dry active yeast here, as I do for all my breads. This recipe uses a starter as well. And that's what gives these English muffins a little tang and flavor!

Sugar helps activate the yeast.

Milk: I used soy milk. But you can use regular milk as well.

Oil: This recipe uses olive oil. But go ahead and use melted butter instead. They will come out just as well.

Salt balances the overall flavor.

Flour: All-purpose flour works fabulously, but you can make whole-wheat English muffins. Or use a mix of flours. Bread flour will give you chewier muffins.

Cornmeal for dusting the baking tray. You can also use semolina instead. This gives a crunchy crust to the homemade English muffins.

How To Make English Muffins

A bubbly starter mixture of water, yeast and flour.

Step 1: Mix the water, flour, and yeast in a small bowl, till smooth. Cover the bowl and put in a warm corner for 1 -12 hours. The starter will get bubbly and double in volume.

Starter, yeast, and milk in the bowl of a standmixer.

Step 2: In the bowl of your stand mixer or large bowl, combine the bubbly starter, milk and yeast.

Flour on top of the liquid mixture ina mixing bowl.

Step 3: Whisk in the salt, sugar, and olive oil. Then add the flour.

A scraggy dough for English muffins in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: Use a spatula to bring all the ingredients together into a shaggy dough.With a dough hook on your stand mixer, knead the dough till it comes together.

Kneaded dough for English muffins in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 5: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl.

Proofed bread dough in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 6: Cover and refrigerate overnight. It will double in size. This dough can stay refrigerated for upto 3 days.

12 pieces of bread dough balls on a tray sprinkled with cornmeal.

Step 7: Turn the dough out on a well-floured surface and cut into 12 equal pieces. Roll into balls.Place on a baking tray sprinkled with cornmeal. Sprinkle the tops with some more cornmeal.

Proofed dough balls on a baking tray sprinkled with cornmeal.

Step 8: Place the tray in a warm spot until the dough doubles in size

4 English muffins dough balls in a white skillet.

Step 9: Heat a skillet pan to medium heat. Brush with oil and gently place the rolls 3-4 at a time onto the pan. Cook till the bottom of the muffins are golden brown 6-7 minutes.

4 English muffins cooked on a white skillet.

Step 10: Flip carefully and cook on the other side for another 6-7 minutes. Repeat with all the other rolls. Let them cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing them.

An English muffin cut in half to show the texture.

Pro Tips

You can use the starter for making the dough after an hour, as long as it's bubbly and has doubled in bulk. But the longer the starter sits, the better the flavor.
You can use the dough the same day, after it's doubled, in about 1 - 1.5 hours. But again, longer proofing ensures more flavor.
If you're not sure if the English muffins have cooked through, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350 F / 180 C for 8-10 minutes.
Adjust the heat if your muffins are browning too much or too fast.
Wipe the skillet after cooking every batch of muffins. Brush with more oil or butter.
They taste the best when toasted.
You can certainly knead the dough by hand by a stand mixer is recommended as the dough is quite sticky.
Use a kitchen scale to measure the ingredients for the best results!

How To Serve

There are countless ways to serve them. You can make delicious crispy toasts out of them and slather homemade fig jam on top.

They are DELICIOUS toasted and topped with homemade cream cheese and eggless lemon curd.
Make English muffin baby pizzas with easy tomato sauce and cheese.
Make McMuffin-style sandwiches.
Use these for making eggs Benedict!
For a hefty breakfast, serve the vegan English muffins with veggie breakfast casserole or avocado egg salad, bacon/sausage, and oatmeal latte or this lovely iced strawberry matcha latte!

An English muffin cut in half and spread with butter on a small plate.

Recipe FAQs

What to put on English muffins?

Smear with regular butter, cinnamon honey, peanut butter, or any of your choice. Slather persimmon jam, cherry jam, or your favorite homemade jam. They taste just out of this world.

Can I make English muffins ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough for homemade English muffins a day before. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You don't want to wait? After the dough has doubled, it is ready to be cooked. The flavor will be good, just milder. Or you can make the starter for the muffins a day before and make the dough on the day.

How to store homemade English muffins?

Store the leftover muffins on the counter-top in an airtight container or wrapped in a kitchen towel. They’ll last for 3–4 days and make for quick breakfasts on weekday mornings. You can also freeze them for up to 1 month.

Why is my dough so sticky?

The dough for English muffins is sticky! That's what makes them soft! It shouldn't be a wet dough though. You can add more flour, one or two tablespoons at a time, if it seems unmanageable.

More Recipes For Breakfast

📖 Recipe

Cashew Ricotta Cheese

January 17, 2025

Cashew ricotta cheese is gooey, creamy, and so addictive. Made with basic ingredients, it’s a wonderful vegan cheese alternative. You’ll love it from the first bite!

cashew ricotta cheese garnished with parsley in a small bowl place on 2 plates.

I love a good cheddar or Parmesan, but being lactose intolerant, I’m forced to live without their velvety, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Yes, there are vegan cheese substitutes available in stores. I’ve tried several, but they are a splurge!

So, I decided to make vegan cashew ricotta cheese at home. Take pre-soaked cashews and add salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. Blend, and that's it! You've got one of the most delicious dairy-free cheese substitutes. The creaminess of the cashews is fantastic, and the texture is bang on!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Let me tell you, this cashew cheese is out of this world. The recipe is super easy, and you need just four ingredients: salt, garlic, cashews, and water. Everything else is optional.

Besides being a total cinch to make, cashew ricotta cheese is very versatile in terms of flavoring. Roasted red pepper cashew sauce is a must-try!

Cashew cheese is also a great vegan alternative and great in any recipe that needs a substitute for cheese.

Cashew Ricotta Cheese Ingredients

ingredients for making cashew ricotta cheese.

Cashews need to be soaked. You can either soak them overnight in the fridge in cold water. Or in boiling water for 10 to 15 mins. Or room-temperature water for 20 mins.

Seasoning: Use salt and pepper to taste.

Garlic is essential to the ricotta cheese recipe. It adds so much flavor!

Smoked paprika gives the cheese an imperceptibly smoked flavor and kick of chili.

Lemon juice enhances the ricotta's flavor and makes it tangy.

Nutritional yeast gives the ricotta a deep umami flavor. Don’t have it? Don’t worry. The vegan cheese still tastes great without it!

Variations

Flavoring: I love the flavor of garlic and paprika in ricotta, but pick your preference. Everything works perfectly with this creamy vegan ricotta cheese. Thyme and oregano make it herby and savory.

You can add dill, parsley, red chili flakes, or even chop up some fresh green onions. Roasted bell peppers, olives, and sun-dried or roasted tomatoes (like I did with my creamy whipped feta dip) are a great addition too.

Without yeast: Nutritional yeast is easily available in supermarkets and online. If you don’t have any, make the cheese without it. It turns out to be just as delicious.

How To Make Cashew Ricotta?

What's a great recipe? One that's done in 3 simple steps and is foolproof! I kid you not. The ricotta cheese is really that easy to make.

Step 1: Soak the cashew nuts - You can soak them for 2-3 hours in room temperature water or you can soak them in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Drain them well.

ingredients in a blender jar on a blue striped napkin.

Step 2: Combine all the ingredients in your food processor.

blended ingredients in a blender jar on a blue striped napkin.

Step 3: Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Transfer to an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for 5-6 days.

Pro Tips

Soak the cashews. Soft and plump cashews are easier to blend and make the ricotta more flavorful.
Use a little water when blending the ingredients. If the texture is too thick, add more.
Ricotta cheese has a grainy texture, which is sometimes how I like it. To make a coarse cheese, pulse the ingredients in a blender or food processor.
For a silky cashew cheese, blend till completely smooth like I did this time.
Taste test after blending and adjust for seasoning.
More lemon juice would make the cashew ricotta cheese piquant.

cashew cheese in a bowl with strawberries and bagels in the background.

How To Serve

I binged on this velvety thick soft cheese with my breakfast toast. Smear it on homemade bagels. Spread it thickly on slices of challah bread or use it for making sandwiches with this sandwich bread. For a sweet, savory taste, try the cashew cheese my quick fig bread!

Mix it into a pasta sauce (or top the pasta salad with it).
Spoon it on baked vegetables.
Substitute it for Parmesan in Italian salad dressing.
Toss it in a rice dish.
Stir it in soups like creamy pea soup.
Use it as a dip and smear it on crackers like these delicious pumpkin crackers.
Or make it the centerpiece of a cheese board.

cashew cheese smeared over a sliced bagel on a plate with a knife.

Recipe FAQs

What can you use cashew ricotta cheese for?

You can use the ricotta as a dip, spread it on khachapuri or cheese stuffing for breads, add it to pasta, or use it in place of Greek yogurt for creamy salads like this creamy cucumber salad.

Can I use another nut to make ricotta?

I love the creaminess of cashews in ricotta cheese. But almonds can also be used in place of them.

How to store easy ricotta cheese?

Like every fresh cheese, cashew ricotta is also good for five to seven days in the fridge. The cheese is honestly so amazing that you’ll finish it within a week! Can you freeze ricotta cheese? I wouldn’t recommend it.

More DIY Pantry Essentials

📖 Recipe

Cashew Ricotta Cheese

Natasha Minocha

Cashew ricotta cheese is gooey, creamy, and so addictive. Made with basic ingredients, it’s a wonderful vegan cheese alternative. You’ll love it from the first bite!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Soaking Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Calories 77 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Soak the cashew nuts - You can soak them for 2-3 hours in room temperature water OR you can soak them in boiling water for 10-15 minutes.
Drain and rinse the soaked nuts.
Combine all the ingredients in your food processor. Process until creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
If it's too thick, add some more water.
Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for 5-6 days. You can use it immediately in any dish you like or serve with crackers/toasts. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Soak the cashews. Soft and plump cashews are easier to blend and make the ricotta more flavorful.

Use a little water when blending the ingredients. If the texture is too thick, add more.

To get a grainy coarse textured cheese, pulse the ingredients in a blender or food processor.

For a silky cashew cheese, blend till completely smooth like I did this time.

Taste test after blending and adjust for seasoning.

More lemon juice would make the cashew ricotta cheese piquant.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 77kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 74IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 7mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Strawberry Turnovers

January 13, 2025

Warm, flaky, buttery, and bursting with fresh strawberry filling, these strawberry turnovers are easy to make and delicious to eat! Bake the strawberry turnovers with store-bought puff pastry for a quick treat. A drizzle of vanilla glaze adds sweetness and makes them look extra special.

strawberry turnovers on a white plate with ingredients in the background.

These little hand-held strawberry pastries are perfect for picnics and brunches, just like my cherry puff pastry tarts, apple hand pies, and pop tarts. Pick one up and eat! Strawberry turnovers with puff pastry are a brilliant way to enjoy fresh, seasonal fruits while keeping things simple and delicious.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Strawberry turnovers are the perfect treat for any time of the day—a quick breakfast, a snack with your coffee, or a light dessert.

They’re super easy to make. The best part? You only need to make the strawberry turnover filling at home. And they come together in no time thanks to the store-bought puff pastry.

Strawberry Turnover Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for making strawberry turnovers.

Puff pastry: Store-bought puff pastry is fantastic (especially if you love shortcuts in the kitchen like me). I’ve made strawberry puff pastry tarts and cranberry brie bites with it. Both were delicious! You can also make the pastry at home using your favorite recipe.

Strawberry: I love using fresh strawberries. Wash and dice them. You can use frozen ones too, to make strawberry puff pastry turnovers.

Sugar helps sweeten the filling. Increase or reduce the quantity based on how sweet your strawberries are.

Cornstarch thickens the strawberry filling.

Lemon juice balances the flavors, giving the filling a zing. You can also use homemade vanilla extract instead.

Egg: mix with a tablespoon of water to give the puff pastry an egg wash for that golden sheen!

Variations

Egg: Brush the pastry with cream instead of egg wash.

Fruit: This recipe for strawberry turnovers is very versatile. You can use any fruit you love, such as raspberries, apples, blueberries, cherries, or peaches.

Add-ins: Make strawberry and cream turnovers with cream cheese or add a few chocolate chips to the filling!

How To Make Strawberry Turnovers?

chopped strawberries and sugar in a white saucepan.

Step 1: Add the diced strawberries and sugar to a saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat.

Step 2: Mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl and add it to the strawberries. Stir in the lemon juice and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are softened and the mixture thickens.

rolled out puff pastry on a silicone mat.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 200 C / 400 F. Roll out the puff pastry dough into a large rectangle.

Rolled out puff pastry cut into 8 pieces.

Step 4: Cut into 8 equal-sized squares or rectangles.

strawberry filling in the center of 4 squares of puff pastry.

Step 5: Place 2 tablespoons of the filling in the middle of each square or rectangle.

Four folded over puff pastry squares with crimped edges.

Step 6: Fold over to form a triangle and use a fork to crimp the edges together tightly. Poke holes with a knife or fork.

4 puff pastry turnovers with eggwash on parchment paper on a baking tray.

Step 7: Brush the pastries with egg wash.

Four golden baked strawberry turnovers on parchment paper.

Step 8: Bake for 20 minutes until golden and puffy. Transfer to a cooling rack and allow to cool.

four turnovers with vanilla glaze on parchment paper.

Step 9: Drizzle with vanilla glaze and serve!

Pro Tips

Adjust the amount of sugar depending on how sweet or sour your strawberries are.
The strawberry filling must be cooled completely before adding to the pastry.
Ensure you crimp the edges tightly to prevent the filling from oozing out.
Allow the pastries to cool for at least 15 minutes before glazing them.

How To Serve

These strawberry turnovers are best when warm. Pair the strawberry turnovers with a classic hot chocolate or oatmeal latte. So good for breakfast or brunch, just like these strawberry cream cheese rolls!

For an extra touch, I drizzled a vanilla glaze on top. But a quick sprinkle of powdered sugar is also lovely.

Make it extra special and serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent, quick dessert after dinner.

cross section of a turnover to show the filling.

Recipe FAQs

How to store strawberry puff pastry turnovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. You can also freeze strawberry turnovers. Cool them completely. Wrap in foil. Then place in a Ziplock bag before you freeze. Reheat in a preheated oven or air fry whenever the mood for something sweet strikes.

Can I use a different fruit in strawberry and puff pastry turnover?

Yes, you can. Use whichever fruit you love the most. Don’t have the time to make the filling? Make strawberry jam turnovers or use cherry jam or homemade fig jam!

Can you make turnovers ahead of time?

You can make the strawberry filling a day or two before. It keeps well in the refrigerator. So, on the day, you just need to assemble and bake the strawberry puff pastry. You can even freeze the unbaked turnovers. When you’re ready to bake, give them an egg wash and bake.

More Strawberry Recipes

📖 Recipe

Veggie Breakfast Casserole

January 9, 2025

This veggie breakfast casserole with tons of sautéed spinach, onions, and bell peppers keeps you full for hours! The vegetarian breakfast recipe is perfect for a crowd, too. It’s easy. It’s adaptable. And it can be prepped overnight!

baked veggie breakfast casserole on a metal trivet.

I love it because it’s easy to make, and I can make it ahead. I have everything ready a day before, so in the morning all I have to do is slide it in the oven. The family loves it because it’s hearty, flavorful, and simply delicious!

While we love a sweet start to the day with cinnamon bread pudding or French toast casserole, a fully loaded savory breakfast casserole like this is just what you need on a cold January morning.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What Is Breakfast Casserole?

A breakfast casserole is a hearty, wholesome, comforting dish. The all-in-one recipe combines eggs, cheese, bread, and meats or vegetables. All of it is baked together in a casserole dish. It's delicious and versatile at the same time. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.

a slice of breakfast casserole on a pie server.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

It’s an easy crowd-sized breakfast recipe for vegetarians.

A great make-ahead recipe! Just assemble everything the night before and bake the next morning!

You can enjoy it on a weekday morning or a lazy Sunday.

Needs zero technique.

Very versatile with countless yummy mix-ins.

Veggie Breakfast Casserole Ingredients

ingredients for making breakfast casserole.

Vegetables: Onions, spinach, and all three colors of bell peppers were my choices. You can use any fresh veggies you have in your fridge; just remember to sauté them before you add them to the casserole.

Bread: I wanted to make breakfast casserole with sourdough bread. But any crusty bread, like my no-knead Dutch oven bread or easy everyday bread, will do. The older, the better, as it absorbs the egg custard better.

Eggs bind the make-ahead veggie breakfast casserole. I used 8 large ones.

Milk: Whole milk is preferable, but you can use toned milk too to whisk the eggs.

Cheese: I love the flavor of rich, salty cheddar cheese. I shredded some and added it to the casserole.

Seasoning: I used Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper.

Variations

Like quiche, casseroles are very versatile. You can use any vegetables you have, like mushrooms, tomatoes, broccoli, kale, asparagus, or green beans. Just cook them, so the breakfast casserole is not soggy. Add finely minced garlic or even garlic confit, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor.

I kept my sourdough breakfast casserole vegetarian. You can turn it into a sausage egg breakfast casserole. Add any meat you please, such as ham, salami, or shredded chicken or pork.

You can replace the bread with cooked potatoes (roasted or pan-fried).

Don’t love cheddar? Goat cheese, mozzarella, Emmental cheese, or even Monterey Jack will do. Feta is a fabulous addition here too as spinach and feta cheese are a great combo like in my feta and spincha muffins!

How To Make Breakfast Casserole With Veggies?

sauteed veggies in a saucepan with seasoning on top.

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Add onions and saute for 2-3 minutes. Then add the chopped bell peppers, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened.

chopped spinach on top of sauteed veggies in a saucepan.

Step 2: Add chopped spinach to the cooked veggies. Cook until just wilted. Remove from heat.

a layer of cubed sourdough bread in a casserole dish.

Step 3: Lightly grease a baking dish and place the bread cubes at the bottom of the dish.

Cooked veggies layered on top of the cubed bread in a casserole dish.

Step 4: Spoon the cooked vegetables on top of the bread.

mixture of eggs, milk, and cheese in a mixing bowl.

Step 5: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cheese. Lightly season the mixture with salt and pepper.

egg-cheese mixture on top of the veggies and bread in a casserole dish.

Step 6: Pour on top of the bread and vegetable mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

baked breakfast casserole in a baking dish.

Step 7: Preheat your oven to 190 C / 375 F when you're ready to bake. Uncover the casserole and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and puffy and a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the casserole rest for 15- 20 minutes before slicing and serving!

Pro Tips

Cook the veggies. You don’t want a watery sourdough bread breakfast casserole.
If using frozen spinach, thaw it and drain it well before using.
After assembling the egg veggie casserole, let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour, so the flavors can mingle. You can leave it for up to a day.
Season the casserole at each step. Season the veggies as you cook them. I also recommend seasoning the egg mixture.
The casserole will be puffy when it is baked through because of the eggs. But it will deflate as it cools.

How To Store

You can refrigerate breakfast casserole with veggies covered for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven for 5-6 minutes or a microwave.

A slice of breakfast casserole on a plate with a fork on the side.

Vegetarian Breakfast Casserole FAQs

How to make fresh bread stale?

Don’t have old bread lying around? Cut fresh bread into cubes and bake for 10 minutes. When the cubes are crisp, they’re ready to soak up the egg custard.

Can you use frozen spinach in a breakfast casserole recipe?

Yes, you can. Make sure you thaw it and drain it well before using.

How to serve egg veggie breakfast casserole?

This casserole is amazing as-is. A dash of gochujang mayo, homemade chili oil, or pistachio pesto will really amp up the flavors. A side of fresh fruits will give the hearty casserole a light companion. Or you can add hash browns or simple toasted bread.

Can you freeze veggie breakfast casserole?

Yes, you can. Wrap the unbaked casserole well in foil and freeze for up to a month.
You can even freeze the baked casserole. Thaw before you reheat it in an oven.

More Breakfast Recipes

📖 Recipe

Easy Party Appetizers Everyone Will Love

December 26, 2024

Be it holiday season entertaining or a cozy little gathering, these easy party appetizers are simple to make and so well-loved by everyone! These appetizer ideas are my secret to hosting like a pro, while still enjoying the celebration.

They are fun to make and eat and require minimal effort. I mean why spend hours and hours in the kitchen, when you can make a bunch of these little bites that deliver big flavors in a cinch?

These starters look so impressive and no one will know they took hardly any time to make! Try any of these recipes for a starter that will have your guests raving before the mains arrive.

Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites

Crispy, a little sweet, and nicely savory—there's something magical about the combination of gooey melted brie and the tart pop of cranberries. With just 5 ingredients, these are a breeze to make!

Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips

These tortilla chips are healthier than deep-fried ones, and they still taste amazing! It's a simple recipe with a few basic ingredients that come together super fast.

Korean Corn Cheese

Gloriously golden from the cheese, creamy from the mayo, and crunchy from the sweet, starchy kernels, it’s a delicious snack/ appetizer that comes together in minutes!

Easy & Quick Cheese Straws

This cheese straw recipe is the cleverest appetizer idea because it uses just two ingredients: puff pastry and cheese. It doesn't get unbelievably simpler than this.

cheese straws on a serving plate with shredded cheese in the background.

Caprese Salad Skewers

Caprese skewers are a perfect mingling of chewy mozzarella, sharp basil, and snappy tomatoes. These easy appetizers with a whiff of sweet yet tangy balsamic glaze will have you smitten and they are so delightful to look at!

Masala Roasted Nuts

From Diwali to Thanksgiving to Christmas, this garam masala roasted nuts mix will last you a long time. The recipe makes a huge batch without much effort. So, you can bake your holiday nuts jars way beforehand and share them with friends and family!

The Perfect Cheese Board

Cheese boards are the quintessential party appetizers! Not only are they beautiful to look at, but they are also so easy to put together. A perfect cheese board has something for everyone. It satisfies salt and sweet cravings alike, lets you experiment with various combinations, and is the most fun finger food.

A silver cheese platter with cheese, soup sticks, crackers,fruits, olives, nuts and jam.

Easy Marinated Tomatoes

Bursting with fresh herbs, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar, these juicy marinated tomatoes are super easy to make. They are the perfect addition to your appetizer repertoire!

marinated cherry tomatoes in glass jar with a wooden spoon.

Baked Veg Spring Rolls

A cheat version of the popular spring rolls! These use readymade store-bought spring roll wrappers and a filling that comes together so fast. The oven does the rest of the work! Easy, yummy, and a crowd-pleaser!

A platter of spring rolls with one getting dipped in a dipping sauce.

Baked Camembert

Baked Camembert is a cheese like no other I've ever tasted. And making it is so simple. Just 4 ingredients and 15 minutes of oven time and you have a fancy appetizer ready! It makes Holiday entertaining so easy!

Pumpkin Cranberry Crackers

The crunchy chewy pumpkin cranberry crisps are bursting with dried cranberries, pumpkin goodness, and cozy spices. The recipe is so easy - perfect for any time snacking and entertaining!

Pumpkin Pie Spiced Almonds

Sweet and salty, aromatic and flavorful, these crunchy almonds are irresistible! It takes just 5 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking to make a big batch of these dreamy roasted nuts!

Baked Brie With Fig Jam

Easy-baked brie with fig jam is a no-fuss, low-effort appetizer that gives you a gorgeous and grand result. With its savory creaminess with a touch of sweetness, this is a complete crowd-pleaser.

Baked Brie with a piece cut and topped with fig jam, walnuts and pistachios on top.

Tofu Potstickers

These tofu potstickers are flavored simply with garlic and ginger. Packed with veggies and wrapped in a perfectly crunchy exterior, these vegetarian potstickers are a sure-shot hit at parties!

Sourdough Crackers

One of my most popular recipes on the blog! These sourdough crackers are the quintessential snack – thin, crispy, and addictive. Eat them as-is, dip them in healthy hummus, or smear them with cream cheese, they are so well-loved and super simple to make!

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

December 20, 2024

Cranberry pistachio biscotti are crunchy, chewy, and so flavorful. These festive cookies are beautifully studded with cranberries and pistachios and have a lovely lemon flavor! They are the perfect accompaniment to your cup of tea or coffee.

cranberry pistachio biscotti in a golden serving bowl.

Making cranberry and pistachio biscotti is easy. The recipe is rather forgiving, something I learned while baking my mocha gingerbread biscotti for the first time years ago. All you gotta do is combine, shape, bake, cut, and bake again.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What Is Biscotti?

Biscotti are Italian biscuits. They take their name from the Latin word ‘biscoctus.’ When translated into English, it means twice-cooked, and that’s what we do in the recipe. We bake the dough two times, first as a log and then as sliced biscotti. This gives the cranberry pistachio biscotti a firm, crunchy texture and a long shelf life. Just like we did with my pumpkin cranberry crackers.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Crisp and crumbly, these pistachio biscotti have the perfect texture.

Studded with tart red cranberries, and lovely green pistachios, the biscotti are wonderful for the Holiday season and any occasion!

You can easily double or halve the recipe to make as much as you want.

Because they have a long shelf life, they are fabulous for gifting!

This cranberry pistachio biscotti recipe is so versatile. Use the same recipe to pack the biscotti with your preferred flavors: nuts of your choice, coffee, or even chocolate.

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for cranberry pistachio biscotti.

Flour: All-purpose works best. But you can try 100% whole wheat or half-and-half of all-purpose and whole wheat flour. Adding a portion of almond flour, about 1/4 cup, will give the biscotti a nutty flavor.

Eggs bind the biscotti dough and give the biscotti structure. You can substitute them with flax eggs. I’ve made cranberry biscotti with them before, and they’re just as crispy and buttery.

Sugar: Granulated, cane or any sugar of your choice is great.

Vanilla extract: For rounding up the flavors. Store-bought or homemade vanilla extract can be used.

Lemon zest: This recipe really shows what a little bit of lemon zest can do. It gives the cranberry pistachio biscotti an incredibly fantastic flavor! When you open the oven, the heady aroma will make your mouth water. So, I recommend not skipping the lemon zest. In its place, you can use orange zest.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Biscotti Variations

Vegan: Switch to plant-based butter.

Cranberries: Dried figs, apricots, or dried cherries are fantastic. (Have the time? Try cherry almond scones too). Raisins are another option, but for me, they do change the flavor profile.

Pistachios: Almonds, cashews, or pecans all make excellent nut substitutions. Use plenty if you love texture like me.

Chocolate: You can add white or dark chocolate chips to the dough. Please make sure it’s good quality baking chocolate.

How To Make Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

creamed butter and sugar with eggs, lemon zest and vanilla extract on top.

Step 1: Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, lemon zest, and vanilla extract.

dough for biscotti in a mixing bowl with a spatula.

Step 2: Sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder. Add it to the creamed mixture to form a dough.

dried cranberries and pistachios on top of the dough.

Step 3: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Add the cranberries and pistachios.

biscotti dough ball with cranberries and pistachios on a pink silicone mat.

Step 4: Make sure they are equally distributed through the dough. You’ll have a soft, pliable dough. Then divide the dough into equal halves.

2 logs of biscotti dough on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 5: Shape each half into a log and flatten them slightly. Place on a parchment-lined baking tray.

baked biscotti on a parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 6: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes till firm and golden.

sliced biscotti on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 7: Let the logs cool completely then cut into 1/4 inch thick slices.

baked biscotti on a parchment-lined tray.

Step 8: Bake for 12-15 minutes until crisp and golden. Cool completely before transferring in an air-tight container.

Pro Tips

You may need to use your hands to bring the dough together during step 4. Lightly flour your hands.
Make sure the chopped cranberries and pistachios are equally distributed through the dough.
Allow the logs to cool completely after the 1st bake before slicing them. If the logs are still warm, you'll get crumbly biscotti slices.
Use a sharp, serrated knife to slice the logs.
Keep an eye on the biscotti while baking the 2nd time. You want them crunchy, not overbaked and dry. Keep in mind that they get crispier as they cool.

biscotti in a serving bowl with Christmas decorations in the background.

Recipe FAQs

Can you make the pistachio cranberry biscotti recipe ahead of time?

Yes, yes, you can! Bake the log 1 day before. Slice and 2nd bake the biscotti the next morning.

How to cut biscotti logs without breaking them?

After baking the pistachio cranberry biscotti for the first time, wait for the log to cool completely. This is essential. Warm-baked logs are crumbly, and when you slice into them, they break.

How can I serve cranberry pistachio biscotti?

Personally, I love to see the green and red peeping from the biscotti sides. So, I don’t think they need any additional garnishing. The light, crunchy, and tart biscotti are ready for a dip in my morning tea. But if you’re baking these, especially for the holidays or for Christmas gifting, make them more festive. Give half of each biscotti a generous dunk in melted white chocolate.

What is the best way to store biscotti?

Pistachio and cranberry biscotti are easy to store. They’ll last well for 2 weeks in an airtight jar, at room temperature.

More Christmas Recipes

📖 Recipe

Pecan Tassies

December 17, 2024

Pecan tassies are delightful bite-sized pecan pies. These little dessert treats are irresistible with a gooey caramelized pecan filling and golden cream cheese crust!

tassies on a cake stand with candles and christmas decor in the background.

The crust is flaky and crispy, and the filling is sweet and nutty. These indulgent, bite-sized pecan tarts are perfect for the Holidays and any time of the year! They are easy to make, store well, travel well, and are sure to impress everyone!

If you enjoy little mini-sized treats, you'll love my apple hand pies and homemade pop tarts!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These little pecan tarts are super easy and quick to make. They come together effortlessly. No special technique or equipment is needed —just an electric beater and two bowls!
This is a simple foolproof recipe that delivers every single time.
Pecan tassies are a wonderful little dessert. Not too sweet, flaky, and full of crunchy pecans in a gooey filling.
They look so impressive!
Perfect last-minute dessert for your Holiday table!

Pecan Tassies Recipe Ingredients

Butter: I used salted butter for this recipe for pecan tassies. However, you can use unsalted butter as well. If you do, please add 1/8 teaspoon salt to the dough and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the filling.

Cream cheese: It adds richness and also tanginess to balance out the sweetness of the mini pecan pies. You can use store-bought or homemade cream cheese.

All-purpose flour: It gives a lovely tender, flaky crust.

Honey: You can use corn syrup or maple syrup instead.

Brown sugar: For a lovely deep, caramel flavor. You can use light or dark brown sugar.

Eggs: They help bind the filling and add richness to the mini pecan tarts.

Pecans: Lightly toast the pecans in the oven or a skillet, for 5-6 minutes, for a crunchier texture.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to switch the nuts here. Walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts, all would be amazing in this recipe.

You can add some chocolate or cinnamon chips to the filling too.

Make it boozy! A splash of Bourbon or spiced rum would be wonderful in this pecan tassie recipe.

How To Make Pecan Tassies

Preheat the oven and lightly grease your mini muffin pans. I used 2 12-cup mini muffin pans.

a fluffy mixture of butter and cream cheese in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine butter and cream cheese. Using an electric beater, mix well until fluffy.

flour on top of the butter and cream cheese mixture.

Step 2: Add flour and mix well until a soft dough forms.

Step 3: Divide the dough into 24 equal-sized pieces and roll them into balls. Place them in the cups on the mini muffin pans.

pressed dough in the cups of a mini muffin pan.

Step 4: Press the dough balls evenly on the bottom and sides of each cup. Place the trays in the freezer for a few minutes while you prepare the filling.

sugar, eggs, honey, butter in a mixing bowl for making pie filling.

Step 5: Combine melted butter, honey, and brown sugar in a small bowl. Whisk in the eggs, and vanilla extract and mix well.

pecans in the eggs, sugar, butter pie filling mixture.

Step 6: Stir in the pecans.

pie filling in tart cases in a mini muffin pan.

Step 7: Spoon the mixture into the prepared tart cases.

baked mini pecan pies in mini muffin pan.

Step 8: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are brown and puffy.

Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before turning them out on a cooling rack. Sprinkle icing sugar on top and serve.

Pro Tips

Please don't press the dough too thinly in the muffin pan cavities. If its too thin, the filling may ooze out of the tart case and stick to the pan.
Don't overfill the tart crust. Leave just a little space on top as the filling will puff up and spread as it bakes.
Make sure the butter and cream cheese for the pecan tassies crust are at room temperature. This will ensure a smooth dough.
Allow the tassies to cool in the baking pan for 5-10 minutes before taking them out. They are quite soft when hot and can break if not given some time to cool and set.
If any of the tassies are stuck to the pan, run a butter knife around the edges carefully to release them.
If you're using unsalted butter, please add 1/8 teaspoon salt to the dough and 1/4 teaspoon to the filling.
You will have some leftover pecan pie filling. You can freeze it for later use.

half of a pecan tassie to show the gooey filling.

Recipe FAQs

How long can I store the mini pecan pies?

Pecan tassies stay well for up to 3 days in an air-tight container. You can refrigerate them for up to 6 days.

Can pecan tassies be frozen?

Yes, the tassies freeze very well. They will keep for a month in an air-tight container in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator or countertop before serving.

How can I use leftover pecan pie filling?

You can freeze the leftover filling and use it in your next batch of pecan tassies. You can even add it to the custard for chocolate chip bread pudding or add it to your coffee banana cake batter or in your brownie batter!

More Holiday Desserts

📖 Recipe

Pecan Tassies

Natasha Minocha

Pecan tassies are delightful bite-sized pecan pies. With a gooey caramelized pecan filling and golden cream cheese crust, these little dessert treats are irresistible!

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Chilling Time 10

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings Tassies

Calories 141 kcal

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

▢ 1/2 cup Butter, softened
▢ 3 oz Cream cheese, room temperature
▢ 1 cup All-purpose flour

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180 C / 350 F. Lightly grease your mini muffin pans. I used 2 12-cup mini muffin pans.

Dough

In a large bowl, combine the butter and cream cheese.
Using an electric beater, mix well until fluffy.
Add the flour and mix well until a soft dough forms.
Divide the dough into 24 equal-sized pieces and roll them into balls.
Place them in the cups on the mini muffin pans. Press the dough balls evenly on the bottom and sides of each cup.
Place the trays in the freezer for a few minutes while you prepare the filling.

Filling

Combine melted butter, honey, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
Whisk in the eggs, and vanilla extract and mix well.
Stir in the pecans.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared tart cases.
Bake at 180 C / 350 F for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are brown and puffy.
Allow the tassies to cool in the pan for 5-10 minutes before turning them out on a cooling rack.
Sprinkle icing sugar on top and serve. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

- Please don't press the dough too thinly in the cavities of the muffin pan. If its too thin, the filling may ooze out of the tart case and stick to the pan.

- Don't overfill the tart crust. Leave just a little space on top as the filling will puff up and spread as it bakes.

- Make sure the butter and cream cheese for the pecan tassies crust are at room temperature. This will ensure a smooth dough.

- Allow the tassies to cool in the baking pan for 5-10 minutes before taking them out. They are quite soft when hot and can break if not given some time to cool and set.

- If any of the tassies are stuck to the pan, run a butter knife around the edges carefully to release them.

- If you're using unsalted butter, please add 1/8 teaspoon salt to the dough and 1/4 teaspoon to the filling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1TassieCalories: 141kcalCarbohydrates: 13gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 57mgPotassium: 44mgFiber: 1gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 219IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 0.5mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Delicious & Easy Holiday Cookies

December 12, 2024

Presenting my cookie season masterpiece - a roundup of more than 35 delicious & easy holiday cookies, each more scrumptious than the last! From classic cookie recipes to new family favorites.

collage of christmas cookies with title 35+ delicious and easy holiday cookies.

Today I am sharing with you delicious & easy holiday cookies that have been tried, tested, and devoured by yours truly. Every one of them is a winner in my books.

From the beloved Linzer cookie to a new take on Gingersnaps - there is plenty to choose from. Citrus cookies, chocolatey ones, fudgy ones. Some vegan, some gluten-free, some unabashedly decadent. Whether you use a bunch of these for your cookie box to give to loved ones, or just a joyful treat to brighten your holiday table - I promise any of these cookies are sure to please.

Almond Ricotta Cookies

They’re less cookie and more cake, with a soft, crumbly texture that tastes positively divine!

Matcha Pinwheel Cookies

The pretty green spirals, the festive vibes, the buttery taste - these are the loveliest matcha shortbread cookies!

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Soft and zinging with fresh lemon, if you’re looking for an easy cookie for Christmas, these are it!

Easy Spritz Cookies

A quintessential holiday bake! These buttery, tender, and addictive treats fill up the cookie jar with one bake.

Maple Pecan Cookies (No Egg Cookies)

The perfect blend of sugar, butter, and maple-hinted butter, these cookies are a universal favorite! Plus, they are super easy to make, with no chill time either.

Chrismas Wreath Sugar Cookies

The lemon-glazed sugar cookies are the easy, soft Christmas cookies you’ve been looking for. Lemony yum, nicely bright, and delightfully pretty, they are perfect for ringing in the holidays with joy and cheer!

The BEST Chocolate Crinkle Cookies!

These pretty crackly top cookies are crisp on the outside and like a moist fudgy brownie on the inside. Everyone will love these crinkle cookies!

Thumbprint Cookies with Raspberry Jam

These easy Thumbprint Cookies filled with Raspberry Jam are buttery soft, rich, and tender with a perfectly crisp exterior. This is a flavourful classic holiday cookie that everyone will love!

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

They are just lightly crisp on the outside but the centers are tender, giving you that very satisfying bite. You have the homey warmth from the brown sugar, and the nuts, cranberries, and chocolate make them super flavorful!

Gingerbread Crinkle Cookies

Crispy on top and gooey in the center, these melt-in-your-mouth treats are the crinkle cookies your Christmas platter is missing.

Eggless Brownie Cookies

These have the consistency and appeal of both cookies and brownies: fudgy, chewy, and rich in the middle, + crispy, and crunchy around the edges! SO good.

Soft Lemon Crinkle Cookies

Soft and zinging with fresh lemon, these cookies are like a burst of sunshine! Personally I love cheery bakes like this in winter.

Classic Butter Cookies (Eggless)

The magic of butter, sugar, and flour personified! These little bites are tender, light, and dangerously addictive.

Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

These gorgeous biscotti are bright from the lemon, magnificent from the cranberry, and phenomenal from the pistachios. A total winner!

AND they are the perfect make-ahead cookie!

Chocolate Ginger Cookies (Eggless)

Each bite of this fudgy, chocolatey cookie is utterly divine! With a slight crunch on the exterior and the beauty of sharp spices, it’s a recipe you’ll be making on repeat.

Mexican Wedding Cookies (Eggless)

With a crumbly, tender shortbread-like texture, these cookies are heavenly. Rolled in powdered sugar they look like pretty little clouds!

Almond Cinnamon Cookies (Vegan, Gluten Free, Eggless)

Chewy, zesty, spiced perfection! Made with only 5 basic ingredients, these Christmas cookies could not be easier to make.

Biscoff Shortbread Recipe

Quick and easy, this flavored shortbread is sweet, short, and delectably buttery.

Lemon Crescent Cookies

Ideal for beginners, these no-fuss cookies are a breeze to make! Just easy, melt in your mouth, buttery goodness.

Mocha Gingerbread Biscotti

The dream accompaniment for your cuppa! These biscotti are crispy, flavourful, and full of rustic charm.

Almond Linzer Cookies (Gluten-free)

Buttery soft cookies, sandwiched with a delicious fruit jam. Made with simple pantry ingredients and little effort!

No Bake Gingersnap Balls

For when you want to forgo an oven - these no-bake gingersnap treats are going to be your new best friend. Chocolaty, fudgy bites that will leave everyone wanting more. A 5 ingredient miracle!

Chocolate Gingerbread Cookies

The quintessential holiday cookie! All your favorite spices come together with the help of some cocoa, to create this comforting and delectable treat.

Chai Spice Chocolate Cookies

These Chai Spiced Chocolate Cookies are the easiest holiday cookie recipe! Infused with heartening and warming spices like cinnamon & nutmeg, these rich & chewy cookies are irresistible.

Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies

These mint chocolate chip cookies could not be easier to make! They need just one bowl, one whisk, and the simplest ingredients. Serve with a glass of milk and you have the perfect holiday cookie treat ✨

Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies (Vegan)

Pools of chocolatey, peanut buttery goodness with layers of flavor and plenty of texture all packaged in lusciously soft delights!

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Eggless)

You can truly never go wrong with a chocolate chip cookie! This wonderful bake has an extra dose of chocolate, slightly crisped edges paired and a meltingly gorgeous soft center.

Eggless Double Chocolate Chip Cookies | Easy cookie recipe

Ginger Cranberry Oatmeal Cookies (Vegan)

Chewy, gooey, and slightly crispy cookies. This is a quick bake and brings together some of the best classic holiday flavors!

Classic Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

The oatmeal raisin cookies recipe makes for crispy outside and moist and chewy inside treats. The perfect beginner-friendly cookie that you can make ahead and freeze!

Family Favorite Oatmeal Raisin Cookies Recipe

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies (no egg cookies)

These blossom cookies are just classic, soft peanut butter cookies, topped with a chocolate kiss. They are incredibly easy to make - simple pantry ingredients and just one bowl!

Chocolate Chip Shortbread

With an easy and make-ahead recipe, you just have to try these holiday cookies for Christmas! One of my favorite homemade xmas cookies.

Wholewheat Chai Spiced Walnut Cookies (Eggless)

Ready in less than 30 minutes to accompany your tea. These are the coziest, soft cookies that let the spices shine! Plus - a healthy addition to your baking spree.

Waffle Cookies (Gluten Free)

Adorable waffle-shaped cookies, with the easiest dough ever. These are endlessly customizable and such fun to decorate with the family!

Gluten-free Waffle Cookies | Eggless Waffle Cookies Recipe

No Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cookies

No time or space to turn on the oven? Make these no-bake cookies! They are quick, easy, and taste amazing. Fans of chocolate peanut butter desserts will LOVE them. Bonus - they're made with good for you ingredients.

Spiced Brown Butter Madeleines (Gingerbread Madeleines)

Not technically cookies, but these cookie-like cakes are a frequent addition to my holiday cookie tray! They are light and soft inside with a slightly crisp crust. These brown butter madeleines are so delicious and simple to make.

Matcha Pinwheel Cookies

December 11, 2024

These Matcha Pinwheel Cookies are the perfect Christmas cookie! The pretty green spirals, the festive vibes, the buttery taste - These are the loveliest matcha shortbread cookies!

matcha cookies in a white bowl on a green napkin.

Now, the classic combination of chocolate and vanilla pinwheels has ruled our hearts, but these matcha babies are right there on top, too. The grassy, ever-so-slightly bitter taste of matcha ( which I love!) is not so evident in the final cookie, so don't you worry! What we have is a showstopper of a cookie that's mildly sweet, subtly flavored, and perfect with your cuppa.

If you enjoy matcha desserts, you'll love these easy vegan matcha donuts, our Holiday favorite matcha white chocolate bark, and these gorgeous matcha pistachio madeleines!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love The Recipe

These matcha pinwheel cookies look fancy, but really they couldn’t be easier to make!

Apart from matcha tea powder, these cookies need just the basic pantry ingredients.

You can double up the recipe, roll out the dough into logs, tightly wrap them in foil or parchment paper, and freeze them..for you know, any cookie emergency that you may have!

This is such a versatile shortbread cookie recipe. Feel free to play around with flavors...lemon, orange, chocolate, and cinnamon. You can even scatter a thin layer of finely chopped nuts in between the cookie dough layers.

So festive looking and great for your Holiday cookie table!

Recipe Ingredients

Flour: All-purpose flour is the best for that light, crumbly texture.

Matcha powder: Japanese green tea powder that’s so popular now for tea and lattes ( like this mango matcha latte), also is great for baking! Please use a good quality culinary-grade matcha or ceremonial matcha.

Butter: I used salted butter. Please add a quarter teaspoon of salt to the flour, in case you’re using unsalted butter.

Egg: It helps bind the dough and adds richness to the matcha cookies.

Sugar: This matcha pinwheel recipe uses icing sugar, also known as confectioner’s sugar or powdered sugar. It dissolves easily in the butter and gives that delicious melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Vanilla extract: For a balanced and deeper flavor.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Matcha Pinwheel Cookies

Egg and vanilla extract on whipped butter and sugar mixture in a bowl.

Step 1: Beat the butter and sugar till light and fluffy. Whisk in the egg and vanilla extract. Beat well.

flour on top of the whipped butter, egg, and sugar mixture.

Step 2: Combine flour and gradually stir it into the creamed mixture, until well combined.

Step 3: Divide the dough into 2 halves.

matcha powder on cookie dough in a mixing bowl.

Step 4: Add matcha powder to one portion.

vanilla and matcha cookie dough wrapped in plastic wrap.

Step 5: Wrap both the cookie doughs in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

vanilla and matcha cookie doughs rolled out and placed on top of each other.

Step 6: Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Roll each dough into a rough rectangle of 10 x 12 inches. Carefully place the matcha rectangle on top of the vanilla rectangle. Press the rectangles gently with a rolling pin.

Rolled up cookie dough rectangles in a log.

Step 7: Starting from the longer end, roll up tightly into a log. Wrap in cling wrap or foil. Refrigerate the logs for at least 30-40 minutes, until firm.

Step 8: Unwrap the rolled-up log, and slice it into 1/4" slices, using a very sharp knife.

sliced cookie dough on parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 9: Preheat your oven to 180C. Place the sliced cookie dough on a parchment-lined baking tray.

baked matcha cookies on parchment-lined baking tray.

Step 10: Bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden. Allow the cookies to cool completely. They will firm up more as they cool. Store in an airtight container.

Top Tips

You can use your hands to bring the dough together for these matcha pinwheel cookies.
If the cookie dough seems too soft, please refrigerate for a longer time until it is firm enough to handle.
You can roll out the cookie dough between two sheets of parchment paper for easier handling and less cleanup.
Once you have placed the rolled-out matcha cookie dough on top of the vanilla cookie dough, gently press both doughs together using a rolling pin so they stick to each other.
While rolling the cookie dough into a log, make sure you are rolling the dough tightly.
As always, it's best to use a weighing scale to measure ingredients for this matcha pinwheel cookie recipe.

matcha pinwheel cookies in a serving bowl with festive decor in the background.

Matcha Pinwheel Recipe FAQs

How long will these matcha pinwheel cookies last?

Stored in an air-tight container these cookies will be good for 2 weeks.

Can I freeze the cookie dough?

Yes, you can! Roll out the dough into logs, tightly wrap them in foil or parchment paper, and freeze them for up to 1 month. They slice neatly when frozen and bake for 15 -16 minutes.

Can I use any flavoring other than matcha powder?

Yes, absolutely. Substitute matcha with coffee powder, cinnamon, or cocoa powder. You can add lemon or orange zest to the dough. Spread the rolled-out plain cookie dough with Nutella to make Nutella pinwheel cookies.

More Holiday Cookies!

📖 Recipe

Matcha Pinwheel Cookies

Natasha Minocha

Matcha Pinwheel Cookies are not only spectacular to look at but are incredibly delicious as well! These festive cookies are perfect for your Christmas table!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 14

Chilling time 50

Course Cookies, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings cookies

Calories 44 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 1/2 cup Butter, softened I used salted butter. If using unsalted butter, please add 1/8 tsp salt
▢ 1/2 cup Icing sugar
▢ 1 Egg
▢ 2 tsp Vanilla extract
▢ 2 cups All purpose flour
▢ 2 tsp Matcha powder

Instructions

Beat the butter and sugar till light and fluffy.
Whisk in the egg. Beat well. Add the vanilla extract.
Combine flour and salt ( if using) and gradually stir it into the creamed mixture, until well combined.
Divide the dough in half. Add matcha powder to one portion.
If the weather is warm, you may need to refrigerate the dough for 15-20 minutes before rolling them out.
Lightly dust your work surface with flour. Roll each dough half to a rough rectangle of 10 x 12 inches.
You can even roll the dough in between sheets of wax or parchment paper. That's my recommendation.
Carefully place the matcha rectangle on top of the vanilla rectangle. Press the rectangles gently with a rolling pin. Starting from the long end, roll up tightly into a log.
Wrap in cling wrap or foil. Refrigerate the logs for at least 30-40 minutes, until firm.
**You can freeze the rolled up logs at this time for future baking.
Preheat your oven to 180C. Line your baking tray with parchment paper.
Unwrap the rolled-up logs, and slice them into 1/4" slices, using a very sharp knife. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 180 C until lightly golden.
Allow the cookies to cool completely. They will firm up more as they cool. Store in an airtight container. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

You can use your hands to bring the dough together for these matcha pinwheel cookies.

If the cookie dough seems too soft, please refrigerate for a longer time until it is firm enough to handle.

You can roll out the cookie dough between two sheets of parchment paper for easier handling and less cleanup.

Once you have placed the rolled-out matcha cookie dough on top of the vanilla cookie dough, gently press both doughs together using a rolling pin so they stick to each other.

While rolling the cookie dough into a log, make sure you are rolling the dough tightly.

As always, it's best to use a weighing scale to measure ingredients for this matcha pinwheel cookie recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 44kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 1gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 9mgSodium: 17mgPotassium: 8mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 73IUCalcium: 2mgIron: 0.3mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Stollen Recipe

December 7, 2024

My stollen recipe makes a wonderfully flavorful, rich German Christmas bread, studded with dried fruits and almonds. The bread is soft and moist, topped with a lovely sweet glaze. This is a special festive Holiday treat the whole family will love!

sliced stollen bread on parchment paper.

This fabulous cake-like bread is Martha Stewart's stollen recipe. I followed it to a T and couldn't be happier with the classic Christmas bread!

The ingredient list is long and the dough is kneaded by hand (though you could use a stand mixer) but the homemade stollen is so rewarding! The spiced bread is buttery, mildly sweet, and crammed with rum-soaked fruits and nuts. It really tastes like Christmas!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What Is Stollen?

Stollen, also called Christstollen, is a traditional German Christmas bread. It's moist, heavy, fruit-filled, and coated with powdered sugar. It is usually oval-shaped, symbolizing Baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes.

This German stollen is also often filled with marzipan and is gifted to friends and family during the Holiday season.

two slices of stollen kept flat to show the filling and texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A festive bread that tastes like Christmas!

It can be made without a stand mixer or any special equipment.

You can switch the dried fruits to your taste and make it alcohol-free if you prefer.

You can make the stollen ahead of time. The flavor deepens as the bread soaks in the dried fruit.

It stores well for up to one week at room temperature, and you can freeze it for up to a month!

Stollen Recipe Ingredients

Flour: I used all-purpose for this German Christmas fruit loaf recipe. You can use bread flour too for a chewier result.

Milk: Whole milk works the best here, for making the bread soft. Please make sure the milk is not cold.

Butter: I use salted butter. You can use unsalted butter. In case you do, please add a teaspoon of salt to the flour.

Eggs: They help in binding the dough and making the stollen richer.

Yeast: I used dry active yeast.

Spices: Traditionally mace and nutmeg are used in German stollen. Since I didn't have mace, I used cinnamon instead.

Sugar: Granulated sugar works just fine here.

Lemon zest: For a lovely citrusy flavor.

Dried fruits and nuts: Following Martha's stollen recipe, I used dried currants, golden raisins, dried apricots, candied citrus peel, and blanched almonds. The currants were soaked in rum ( you can use cognac too) and the raisins were soaked in orange juice.

How To Make

Step 1: Start by whisking together the dry active yeast and warm water. Keep aside until frothy.

dry and wet ingredients for the bread in a metal mixing bowl.

Step 2: Combine all-purpose flour, sugar, cinnamon powder, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Add the yeast mixture, eggs, milk, and melted butter to the dry ingredients.

all ingredients mixed to make a shaggy dough in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Mix with a spatula until you get a shaggy dough.

dried fruits and nuts on top of bread dough.

Step 4: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for 2-3 minutes. Add currants, raisins, chopped apricots, citrus peel, almonds, and lemon zest.

kneaded stollen dough on a silicone mat.

Step 5: Knead the dough for 10 minutes until all the fruits and nuts are well incorporated.

Step 6: Transfer the dough to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap.

Step 7: Let it rest in a warm place for 1.5 - 2 hours until the dough has doubled in size.

Step 8: Punch down the risen dough gently. Transfer to a floured surface and divide the dough into 6 equal-sized pieces.

Step 9: Roll each dough piece into a 14-15-inch log.

Step 10: Take 3 logs together. Pinch them at the top and braid them.

Step 11: Tuck in the ends under the braid. Repeat with the other 3 logs.

proofed braided bread loaves on parchment paper.

Step 12: Transfer the loaves to a parchment-lined baking tray. Cover with a kitchen towel and let rise until doubled in size - About 1 hour. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 C / 350 F.

two braided baked bread loaves on parchment paper.

Step 13: Bake the breads for 35-40 minutes at 180 c or 350 F or until golden brown. Brush 2 tbsp of melted butter on the hot stollen and let them cool completely.

stollen bread with white glaze on parchment paper.

Step 14: Whisk together the icing sugar and milk to make a thick, smooth glaze. Pour this over the cooled stollen and serve!

Pro Tips

Make sure the water, for dissolving the yeast, is warm. Hot water will kill the yeast and cold water doesn't activate it.
Soak the raisins and dried currants for at least 1 hour before making the dough. It's preferable to soak them overnight.
You can use orange juice in place of rum for soaking the dried currants if you prefer the German fruit bread alcohol-free.
You can use store-bought candied citrus or make it at home using my recipe for easy candied orange slices.
I like to brush the tops of the Christmas stollen as soon as it comes out of the oven for an extra sheen. You can omit this step if you wish.
If you want a more traditional look, you can leave out the glaze. Instead, brush the hot loaves with butter and then coat them liberally with powdered sugar.
This stollen recipe is without marzipan. If you like, you can also add store-bought or homemade marzipan in the middle of each roll. You can then shape it into an oval shape as authentic German Christmas stollen.

stollen bread loaf with two slices on parchment paper.

Stollen Recipe FAQs

How long will homemade stollen keep?

This bread will stay well on the countertop for up to a week. Store in an air-tight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Can I freeze Stollen?

Yes, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 1 month.

How should I serve Christmas stollen?

Stollen is usually served with butter and honey. It's lovely at room temperature though you can warm it up in a toaster too - very much like my chocolate babka!

Can I make the classic stollen without alcohol?

Yes, you can. Simply substitute rum with orange juice.

Is the German stollen like a fruitcake?

No, German stollen is not a fruitcake rather it's a yeast bread filled with dried fruits and nuts. If you enjoy fruitcakes, you can try my Christmas rum cake recipe!

More Fabulous Christmas Recipes

📖 Recipe

Chocolate Babka Recipe

December 2, 2024

This chocolate babka recipe is a labor of love. But the rich, moist, soft brioche bread (decadent with chocolate swirls) makes just the most special holiday treat!

loaf of babka on a white serving platter.

This recipe for chocolate babka comes from the cookbook of the famous chef Yotam Ottolenghi-Jerusalem. His glossy chocolate Krantz cakes looked soooo delicious on the page that I just knew I wanted to try them right away!

After trying (and devouring) homemade chocolate babka, I promise you’re missing out on the best recipe for the holidays. It is soft and rich yet not over the top. My family and I can't seem to get enough of babka cake!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What Is Babka Cake?

Babka is a Jewish recipe for a buttery, dense bread. Think of it as a cake-and-bread hybrid. It’s similar to brioche bread, enriched with eggs and butter, but it’s richer and wrapped around swirls of dark, luscious chocolate.

The crumb is soft, moist, and firm, unlike the cake crumb, which is spongy and tender. With a gooey chocolatey filling, each bite of babka bread is utterly divine! As Yotam Ottolenghi says, "It is scrumptiously soft and sweet, like a cross between a rum baba and a Danish pastry."

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Great for gifting; it’s a treat you’ll love to share.

All good things take time, like this chocolate babka recipe. But it is nothing short of incredible, making the time invested more than worthwhile.

You simply can't go wrong. Just follow the instructions, and it’s a fail-proof recipe.

Buttery, chocolatey, and absolutely scrumptious to satisfy the sweetest cravings.

Take away the time it takes to proof the bread; the easy chocolate babka recipe comes together quickly!

Chocolate Babka Recipe Ingredients

Flour: All-purpose works the best, like in most bread recipes.

Sugar: Powdered or caster sugar for the bread dough and icing sugar for the chocolate filling for babka.

Yeast: I used active dry yeast. Like always, test the yeast before you add it to the dry ingredients.

Butter: The original recipe for babka asks for unsalted butter. I used salted, softened butter and cut into cubes.

Nuts: My chocolate babka filling had walnuts, not pecans, like the original, because I didn’t have any. They worked great!

Chocolate: My preference is always dark, so I melted 70% dark chocolate. If you prefer lighter chocolate, go for it.

Cocoa powder: For an intense chocolate flavor!

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Chocolate Babka

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

Step 2: Stir in the eggs and water until the mixture comes together. Use a stand mixer or mix by hand.

dough for chocolate babka in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 3: Incorporate cubes of softened butter one by one until you have a shiny, smooth, and elastic babka dough.

Step 4: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.

cocoa powder, melted chocolate, sugar, and melted butter in a small bowl.

Step 5: Make the filling - combine melted chocolate, butter, icing sugar, and cocoa powder in a small bowl.

chocolate filling for babka in a glass bowl.

Step 6: Mix all ingredients well to make a spreadable chocolate paste.

dough rolled out into a rectangle for babka.

Step 7: Remove the dough from the fridge and divide it into two portions. Roll each portion into a rectangle, approximately 14" x 11".

chocolate filling, walnuts and sugar spread on top of the rolled out dough.

Step 8: Spread the chocolate filling evenly on both rectangles, leaving a 2 cm border. Sprinkle chopped walnuts and sugar over the chocolate filling.

Step 9: Roll each rectangle tightly into a log, starting from the long side.

Step 10: Roll into a tight log. Cut the uneven ends and place the logs in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

Step 11: Cut each log lengthwise into two. With the cut side facing up, pinch the ends of both sides together.

two dough halves braided together on a silicon mat.

Step 12: Braid the dough by placing the right-side dough over the left-side dough. Continue down the length. Gently tuck in both ends under themselves. Repeat with the second rectangle.

babka bread braids in 2 metal loaf pans.

Step 13: Line two loaf pans with parchment paper and place the braids, cut sides up, into the pans. Cover the pans with damp tea towels and let them rise in a draft-free area for 1.5–2 hours.

baked chocolate babkas in 2 loaf pans on a wire rack.

Step 14: Preheat the oven to 190°C. Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

chocolate babka getting brushed with sugar syrup with a pastry brush.

Step 15: While the easy chocolate babka bakes, make the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool.

Step 16: As soon as the babka comes out of the oven, brush each loaf liberally with the sugar syrup.

Final step: Leave the bread in the pans until just warm, then transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely.

Pro Tips

You can easily double or halve the chocolate babka recipe.
After step 10 (filling and rolling the dough into a log), I like to refrigerate the bread loaves for 15 -20 minutes. It is easier to cut and braid the bread when chilled. Plus, the chocolate is firmer, so less mess.
After the second proof, the bread will not double in size; it will increase by 15 to 20% only.
Give the bread ample time to rise during this second proof- about 90 minutes.
Don't skimp on the sugar syrup right at the end. Even if you think it will be too much sugar, keep pouring. Trust me, the recipe for chocolate babka calls for it. The cake will be perfectly sweetened and deeply flavored.
Let the bread cool after the sugar syrup. It’s the hardest part of the chocolate babka recipe because the bread smells amazing, but it’s essential.
Babka cake is great at room temperature, but you can eat it warm too. It’ll be a little crumbly, but, trust me, you won’t care.
I highly recommend weighing the ingredients using a kitchen scale.

sliced babka on a white serving platter.

Chocolate Babka Recipe FAQs

What else can I use in place of chocolate babka filling?

If you don’t want a chocolate filling for babka, use a spread like Nutella and save time. It lends the same moisture, lushness, and characteristic texture. Or you can make cinnamon babka with cinnamon sugar, just like we do with cinnamon roll muffins. You can also try apple babka using the delicious apple butter. A coffee cinnamon filling would be amazing too like in these coffee cinnamon rolls!

Can you store chocolate babka bread?

Babka cake keeps well for 2–3 days on the countertop. In the refrigerator, it lasts for 6 to 7 days.

Can you freeze braided chocolate babka?

Yes, you can! If you use 8 by 4 loaf pans like me, you’ll be able to make 2 krantz cakes. Enjoy one and freeze the other for later. Wrap it well (after it has cooled completely), and it’ll last for 2–3 weeks.

More Decadent Holiday Recipes

Half the joy of cooking is sharing it with others. That’s why I’m always eager to hear from you. So go right ahead and drop a comment or reach out on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook. I hope you love this chocolate babka recipe as much as we do!

📖 Recipe

Dark Chocolate Bark

November 28, 2024

Dark Chocolate Bark has got to be hands-down the easiest candy to make! You need nothing fancy, just some good-quality chocolate and a handful of your favorite toppings. This fuss-free recipe is great for a quick holiday treat or gifting!

pieces of dark chocolate bark in a green square bowl on a red striped napkin.

I'm not much of a winter person—the cold weather and I do not get along. However, the holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year! Strings and strings of twinkling fairy lights in my house, Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and holiday music are pure joy. Chocolate is, of course, always on the festive agenda! There's no easier way to make a quick chocolate treat than chocolate bark!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

chocolate bark pieces studded with cranberries, pumpkin seeds, freeze-dried raspberries, and pistachios.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Christmas chocolate bark is a fabulous, foolproof recipe. With a few simple ingredients, nuts, or any of your favorite toppings - this is ready in no time.

It's perfectly sweet, smooth and delicious! You can use any chocolate you like - dark, milk, white, or a combination of these, even some high-quality dairy-free chocolate will be fabulous here.

This is such a versatile recipe. Use any toppings you fancy. Flavor your chocolate with a sprinkling of sea salt, chili powder, or cinnamon!

Dark Chocolate Bark Ingredients

Dark Chocolate: I love using dark chocolate for my desserts. The darker the better! I used 70% dark coverture chocolate in this recipe. You can use 55% or less as well.

White Chocolate: It's completely optional here, but I love the beautiful contrasting swirls. Please use a good quality baking chocolate, not a candy bar.

Pistachios: They add a gentle, sweet nutty flavor, texture, and a pop of green!

Pumpkin Seeds: I love the crunch and color they bring to this dark chocolate bark recipe.

Dried Cranberries: For a wonderful sweet-tart flavor and chewy texture.

Freeze-Dried Raspberries: Totally optional again. But they make the Holiday chocolate bark look so pretty and add a lovely tart flavor, a perfect foil to the sweetness!

Sea Salt: This rounds up the flavors so well...don't skip it!

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

What Toppings Can I Use For Chocolate Bark?

Any kind of nuts will do- raw, roasted plain, or you can even use spicy roasted nuts. Ditto for seeds. You can use sunflower, pumpkin, melon, sesame...all add that requisite crunch.

For additional texture strew some raisins, dried apricots, cherries, blueberries, prunes, toasted coconut; or anything that catches your fancy.

If you can get your hands on freeze-dried fruits, add those on too.

How about some popcorn and a drizzle of homemade vegan caramel sauce on top?

How to Make Dark Chocolate Bark?

Now that I've talked your ear off about how versatile these are, here is what you need to do to make the dark chocolate bark:

Step 1: Line a baking tray with parchment paper or Silpat. Then roughly chop cranberries and pistachios.

Step 2: Melt the dark chocolate - you can use either the double boiler method or microwave in 30-second increments. For the former method, place your chocolate in a heat-proof bowl. Put that bowl atop a saucepan of hot water and stir till the chocolate is melted.

Step 3: Once the chocolate is melted, pour it on the lined tray and spread evenly.

melted dark chocolate on a parchment-lined tray with swirls of melted white chocolate.

Step 4: Melt the white chocolate and add a few dollops over the dark chocolate. Swirl it with a toothpick.

melted chocolates topped with pumpkin seeds, pistachios, cranberries, and freeze-dried raspberries.

Step 5: Sprinkle the toppings all over the surface.

dark chocolate bark on parchment-lined tray.

Step 6: Let the chocolate bark cool in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, to set well.

Final Step: Break into pieces and serve!

dark chocolate bark pieces in a green bowl.

How To Serve

When the chocolate has set for a few hours, break it into serving-sized pieces! I love the rustic effect of uneven, jagged shards - so I just break at random.

They make for great snacking, a post-meal sweet treat, or an edible gift that anyone would love. Stud them full of toppings.

Top Tips

Please use the best quality chocolate you can get for the chocolate bark recipe.
Coverture chocolates are the best here, not candy bars.
Though you can use a microwave for melting the chocolate, a double-boiler is the safest way. You will have more control over the melting chocolate.
Please don't skip the sea salt, it really brings the flavors together beautifully!

Recipe FAQs

How long will chocolate bark keep?

This will stay well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it, in an air-tight container for up to 2 months.

What is dark chocolate bark made of?

Dark chocolate barks are made using melted good-quality chocolate. Melted chocolate is spread on a lined tray or plate and topped with nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. You can also use marshmallows like I did for my rocky road bark.

What kind of chocolate should I use for making chocolate bark?

Please use good-quality chocolate for this dessert. Coverture chocolate or baking chocolates are the best for this recipe. You can pick from Callebaut, Valrhona, Ghirardelli, and Guittard are all wonderful. Amul dark chocolate also works very well for this chocolate bark recipe. You can read more about baking chocolates in this chocolate guide.

More Easy Chocolate Desserts

📖 Recipe

chocolate bark cut into pieces placed in a green bowl.

Dark Chocolate Bark

Natasha Minocha

Dark Chocolate Bark has got to be hands down the easiest candy to make, ever! You don't need anything fancy, just some good-quality chocolate and a handful of your favorite toppings. This fuss-free recipe is great for a quick holiday treat or gifting!

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 2 30

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Calories 299 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 2 1/4 cup Dark chocolate I used 70% dark chocolate
▢ 1/4 cup White chocolate optional
▢ 2-3 tbsp Shelled pistachios
▢ 3 tbsp Dried cranberries
▢ 3 tbsp Pumpkin seeds
▢ 3/4 tsp Sea salt flakes
▢ 5-6 pieces Freeze-dried raspberries Optional

Instructions

Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Roughly chop the pistachio and cranberries. Keep aside.
Place the dark chocolate in a large heat proof bowl. Place that bowl atop a saucepan of hot water. Keep stirring the dark chocolate till it melts. You can also melt chocolate in the microwave in 30 second increments.
Once melted, pour the chocolate over the lined tray. Spread evenly.
Now melt the white chocolate ( if using) in the double boiler or microwave.
Pour the white chocolate over the dark chocolate and using a wooden skewer, gently create swirls.
Sprinkle on all the toppings evenly all over the surface.
Transfer to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to cool.
Once completely set, break into rough bite sized pieces. Enjoy!!

Notes

Please use the best quality chocolate you can get for the chocolate bark recipe.

Coverture chocolates are the best here, not candy bars.

Though you can use a microwave for melting the chocolate, a double-boiler is the safest way. You will have more control over the melting chocolate.

Please don't skip the sea salt, it really brings the flavors together beautifully!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 299kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 5gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 187mgPotassium: 356mgFiber: 5gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 28IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 5mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

No-Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread

November 25, 2024

No-knead cranberry walnut bread is crammed with cranberries, chocolate, and walnuts. It’s crusty, delicious, and takes minimal effort to make. The recipe for cranberry walnut bread is a variation of my easy no-knead Dutch oven bread, just with more bells and whistles.

Sliced no-knead cranberry walnut bread on a wooden board.

This bread is super crusty on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside. And it's on my weekly bake menu. Absolutely fantastic with a smear of cinnamon honey butter, we can't get enough of this no-knead cranberry bread!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The no-knead cranberry walnut bread with chocolate is very, very low effort. All it asks for is time.

It looks so beautifully rustic and artisanal without any effort at all!

The addition of chocolate makes the bread festive and perfect for the holiday season.

You can serve it for breakfast, or brunch, or make a dessert out of it!

No-Knead Cranberry Bread Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for making no-knead cranberry walnut bread.

Flour: I use all-purpose flour for this recipe. You can swap half of it with whole wheat flour. It does make the no-knead bread a bit dense but delicious nonetheless.

Yeast: Instant and dry active yeast, either works here. Just make sure your yeast is active! Dissolve half a teaspoon in warm water and set aside for a few minutes. If you see the mixture bubbly and foamy, your yeast is good to use.

Water: Yeast blooms best at 105°F (40.5 °C). So, use warm water—not hot, not cold. Hot water will kill your yeast. Cold water will not activate it.

Salt: Balances all the flavors.

Sugar: Helps activate the yeast.

Dried cranberries: Give a lovely chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor to the no-knead cranberry walnut bread. Raisins, dates, or dried apricots are good substitutes.

Walnuts: While you can make this no-knead bread with any nuts you prefer (like pecans or almonds), I find walnuts give the best crunch and texture and work so well with chocolate and cranberries.

Chocolate: You can use dark chocolate chips, and chunks, or even chop a bar of good-quality baking chocolate.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make No-Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread

Step 1: Mix the yeast, sugar, and warm water in a small bowl. Set aside for 5-10 minutes until bubbly and foamy.

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and the yeast -water mixture.

mixed bread ingredients in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 3: Mix well to form a shaggy dough. This is a very sticky dough.

proofed no-knead bread dough in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 4: Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 3-4 hours until it's doubled and has small holes or bubbles on top. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of flour on the dough. Flour your hands well and fold the dough on top of itself, 4 times.

dried cranberries, walnuts, and chocolate chips on top of the proofed bread dough in a bowl.

Step 5: Add the dried cranberries, walnuts, and chocolate chips to the dough and fold the dough over 3-4 times.

Step 6: Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour on a piece of parchment paper and place the dough on it. Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes. Meanwhile, place your Dutch oven (with lid) in the oven and heat the oven to 230 C / 450 F.

bread dough on a parchment paper in a Dutch oven.

Step 7: Place the rested dough with the parchment paper in the hot Dutch oven. Cover and bake for 40 minutes.

baked no-knead bread on a parchment paper in a Dutch oven.

Step 8: Carefully remove the lid and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the no-knead cranberry walnut bread is cooked through and golden brown.

Remove the bread loaf from the baking dish and let it cool completely for at least 2 hours before slicing.

baked cranberry walnut bread loaf on parchment paper.

Pro Tips

Weigh your ingredients on a kitchen scale to get the best result.
I prefer to add cranberries, walnuts, and chocolate to the bread dough after the first proof. You can add cranberries and walnuts to the bowl with the flour and salt in step 2. Add the chocolate later after the 1st proof.
The dough of this homemade cranberry walnut bread is meant to be super sticky, so don’t add too much extra flour.
Give the bread dough ample time to rise. This is important.
You don’t need to knead the bread but do fold it a few times with your hands or a spatula.
Let the crusty cranberry nut loaf of bread cool completely before you slice. Give it at least 2 hours.
You can easily double or halve the ingredient quantity to make a bigger (or smaller) loaf.

How To Serve The No-Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread

No-knead cranberry bread is so tasty eaten plain.

Serve it with apple butter made at home, persimmon jam, or homemade cream cheese, and it’s incredible!
The no-knead crusty cranberry nut bread is wonderful with baked brie or gooey Camembert. It even goes perfectly with an easy cheese board—perfect for the Holiday season!

You can also make French toast or cinnamon bread pudding with this delicious bread!

sliced cranberry chocolate bread on a wooden board.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use fresh or frozen cranberries for this no-knead bread?

No, fresh or frozen cranberries will add too much moisture to this bread. It's best to use dried cranberries.

Can I make chocolate, cranberry, and walnut bread without a Dutch oven?

Yes, you can. All a Dutch oven does is trap steam, which helps make the loaf crusty and crispy. If you don’t have one, make chocolate cranberry walnut bread in any heavy pot that has a lid and is oven-safe.
You can even bake the no-knead cranberry walnut bread in a pan or tray. Preheat your oven and place the tray on the center rack. On the lower one, add another metal pan or tray and add 2–3 cups of boiling water to it. Shut the oven quickly, so the steam from the boiling water gets locked inside.

How long should I proof the cranberry and walnut bread?

Ideally, the first proof should be 2 to 4 hours at the least. I suggest looking at the bread dough to judge if it’s proofed enough. The dough should be flat on top, doubled in volume, and have a few holes. If your kitchen is cold, then you can proof it overnight on the countertop too.

How to store the no-knead cranberry chocolate bread?

This bread will last 2-3 days, in an air-tight container, on the countertop, or 4-5 days if refrigerated.
You can even freeze no-knead bread for up to a month. Wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.

More Easy Bread Recipes

📖 Recipe

No-Knead Cranberry Walnut Bread

Natasha Minocha

Crusty and delicious, this easy no-knead cranberry walnut bread with chocolate is a wonderful treat for the Holidays! This artisanal bread comes together so fast and is really low effort!

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 50

Total Time 5

Course Bread, Breakfast, Dessert, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings Loaf (10 Servings)

Calories 227 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 3 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
▢ 1.5 tsp Salt
▢ 1.5 tsp Dry active yeast
▢ 1.5 cup Warm water ( about 40.5 C or 105 F)
▢ 1 tsp Sugar
▢ 1/3 cup Dried cranberries, sliced
▢ 1/3 cup Walnuts, chopped
▢ 1/3 cup Dark chocolate You can use chocolate chips, or chunks

Instructions

In a small bow,l, mix the warm water, yeast, and sugar. Keep aside for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Pour in the yeast water mixture.
Mix well to form a shaggy dough. This is a very sticky dough.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 3-4 hours until it's doubled and has small holes or bubbles on top.
Heat oven to 230 C / 450 F and place your Dutch oven with the lid in the oven. I used a 3.5 QT / 3.3 ltr Dutch oven, but you can use a smaller or bigger size too.
Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of flour on the dough. Flour your hands well and fold the dough on top of itself. Turn the bowl a quarter of the way and fold the dough over itself again. Do 3 more quarter turns of the bowl with folding over the dough each time.
Add the cranberries, walnuts, and chocolate to the dough. Sprinkle another tablespoon of flour on top and fold the dough over the add-ins a few times until they are evenly distributed through out the dough.
This will take just 3-4 minutes. Flour your hands so the dough doesn't stick to your hands. You can also use a spatula for this step.
Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour on a piece of parchment paper and place the dough on it. Let the dough rest for 15-20 minutes.
Take the hot Dutch oven out of the oven and remove the lid. Carefully transfer the dough, still on the parchment, into the Dutch oven. Cover and bake at 230 C / 450 F for 40 minutes.
Carefully remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Cool the bread completely at least 2 hours before slicing. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

I prefer to add cranberries, walnuts, and chocolate to the bread dough after the first proof. You can add cranberries and walnuts to the bowl with the flour and salt in step 2, and add the chocolate later after the first proof.
As with all bread recipes, I highly recommend weighing the ingredients.
Dough of this homemade cranberry walnut bread is meant to be super sticky, so don’t add too much extra flour.
Give the bread dough ample time to rise. This is important.
You don’t need to knead the bread but fold it a few times with your hands or a spatula.
Let the crusty cranberry nut loaf of bread cool completely before you slice. Give it at least 2 hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 227kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 6gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 0.2mgSodium: 353mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 3mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Pumpkin Cranberry Crackers

November 18, 2024

Pumpkin cranberry crackers are loaded with holiday flavors! The crunchy chewy crisps are bursting with dried cranberries, pumpkin goodness, and cozy spices. The recipe for the pumpkin, seeds, and cranberry crackers is easy peasy - perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas baking.

pumpkin crisps in a bowl on a plaid napkin with ingredients in the background.

I bookmarked the pumpkin cranberry crisps recipe ages ago (as I am sure we all do). And every year, during this season, I can’t resist making these vegan crackers with cranberries and seeds. Man, what a winner they are!

The crackers are easy to make—you don’t need to knead or take your electric mixer out. Whisk the dry and wet ingredients, stir together, and then bake twice to get pumpkin purée and cranberry crackers that are way better than anything you’d buy in a store.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Crispy, crunchy, flavorful treats that are the ideal fall snack!

The crackers are full of fall flavors. So wonderful for the Holiday season!

Topped with a schmear of creamy whipped goat cheese, these rustic pumpkin cranberry crackers are delicious.

They’re great for holiday gifting. Put some in a pretty jar, add a ribbon, and gift to your friends and family!

Recipe Ingredients

ingredients for making pumpkin crackers.

Flour: I used a mix of all-purpose and wholewheat flour. You can make them with 100% whole wheat or 100% all-purpose flour.

Dried cranberries give the crackers a nice sweet and tart flavor.

Oats form the base of these crackers. I used rolled oats because they’re chewier and I like the texture, but quick or instant oats work just as well.

Seeds: I chose sunflower and flax seeds, but pumpkin, sesame, or even poppy seeds are just as delicious!

Herbs: Fresh herbs or dried—the choice is yours. I opted to mix and match with fresh rosemary and dried thyme.

Spices: Turmeric, nutmeg, and cinnamon gave the pumpkin cranberry crackers a lovely fall flavor.

Seasoning: Sea salt and black pepper do the trick,

Pumpkin purée: If you have the time, make the purée at home. If you don’t, use canned pumpkin purée. Just make sure you don’t pick up a jar of pumpkin pie filling (more on this in the FAQs).

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Pumpkin Cranberry Crackers?

Preheat the oven to 180°C and line a 9 by 4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.

Step 1: Combine the flours, oats, cranberries, baking soda, sunflower, flax seeds, rosemary and thyme, turmeric, nutmeg, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt in a large bowl.

buttermilk, pumpkin puree and brown sugar combined in a cup.

Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, sugar, and pumpkin purée.

wet ingredients poured over the dry ingredients in a glass bowl.

Step 3: Pour the wet ingredients over the dry.

batter for pumpkin crackers in a glass mixing bowl.

Step 4: Mix the batter well.

cracker's batter in a parchment-lined loaf pan.

Step 5: Transfer the pumpkin and cranberry crackers batter to the prepared loaf pan.

baked batter in a parchment-lined loaf pan.

Step 6: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes. A toothpick or skewer inserted in the center should come back clean.

Step 7: Let the pumpkin cranberry cracker loaf cool completely in the pan and then 1 hour in the freezer. Cut the loaf into thin slices and then halve each slice.

baked pumpkin cranberry crackers on a black baking tray.

Step 8: Lay out the sliced crackers on a lined baking tray. Bake again for another 20–25 minutes, or until crisp.

Final step: Cool completely and serve.

Pro Tips

Homemade buttermilk works like a charm in this pumpkin crackers recipe with cranberries. Mix a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice in a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes. You can use store-bought too.
Make sure the loaf is baked through. If it takes more than 40 minutes (because all ovens are different), then give it more time. Else, the crackers will have a gummy texture.
The cranberry pumpkin crackers loaf must cool completely before you slice.
Freezing the loaf helps in slicing the loaf neatly. I recommend 30 minutes minimum. You can freeze it for longer (or even overnight). Remember to thaw the loaf for 15-20 minutes before you cut, or else the loaf will be too hard.
Slice as thinly as possible so the crackers bake evenly.
These crackers get firmer and crisper as they cool.
Pop them back in an air fryer or preheated oven if the crackers get soggy.

How to Serve Pumpkin Cranberry Crackers

Crispy, hearty, and crammed with seeds, oats, and cranberries, these pumpkin crackers are amazing plain. But with soft cheese like baked Camembert or baked Brie, a homemade labneh, or a classic hummus, they’re so delicious.

You can also pair the crackers with a glass of red wine for before-dinner appetizers or tea and coffee for an evening snack. The crunchy, flavorful crisps are great on an easy cheese board.

pumpkin crackers on a plate with ingredients in the background.

Pumpkin Cranberry Crackers Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different pan to bake the pumpkin crackers?

I like to use a 9" x 4" loaf pan for this recipe. You can even use a 9-inch round one too. You'll just have to cut the crackers into smaller squares before baking them the second time.

How do I make pumpkin purée at home?

It’s very easy to make pumpkin purée at home. Steam or roast diced pumpkin (about 75-100 gms). Let them cool and then blend them into a smooth paste or mash well with a fork.

Can I use store-bought pumpkin purée?

Yes, you can. Double-check that you’re not buying pumpkin pie filling. What’s the difference between purée and filling, you ask? Purée is cooked and mashed pumpkin. It has no added sugar or spices. Pumpkin pie filling is sweet. It is cooked, mashed pumpkin mixed with a sweetener and seasoning.

How to make pumpkin crackers extra crispy?

Slice thin. Bake for longer. Keep in mind that they will get crispier after they’ve cooled. In case the crackers get soft, you can easily crisp them up in a preheated oven for 5 minutes or in an air-fryer.

How to store pumpkin and cranberry crackers?

If you’re not serving them immediately, store the cooled pumpkin cranberry crackers in an airtight container.

Seasonal Recipe Ideas

📖 Recipe

Creamy Roasted Pumpkin Soup

November 5, 2024

This creamy roasted pumpkin soup is a bowl of creamy dreamy comfort that's simple to prepare, tastes amazing, and is so good for you! For roasting, add pumpkin, garlic, some onion, a few carrots, tomatoes, and bam - you have a hearty, super delicious soup ready in no time! This dairy-free pumpkin soup is a total fuss-free recipe!

roasted pumpkin soup in a white soup mug on a checkered napkin.

I've always enjoyed eating pumpkin, cooked the traditional Indian way. My family, not so much. So I've tried a bunch of recipes like my pumpkin swirl cake, vegan pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin bread rolls that appeal to everyone's taste.

And now this roasted pumpkin soup is one of the family faves! It's got rich, well-balanced flavors, has a thick creamy texture, and is the most comforting meal you could ask for.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This vegan pumpkin soup is so easy to make and uses basic pantry ingredients.
Roasting the vegetables makes them soft, caramelized, and infused with the flavors of olive oil, herbs, and garlic.
This is a great make-ahead recipe. You can easily make it a day in advance then reheat and serve!
The soup is super creamy, healthy, and full of delicious pumpkin flavor.

Roasted Pumpkin Soup Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for making roasted pumpkin soup.

Pumpkin: The star of the show! I use kabocha squash as it's very easily available here. But butternut squash and buttercup squash are also wonderful for this recipe.

Carrots: They add a wonderful flavor and color to this pumpkin soup.

Tomatoes: These bring a touch of acidity that balances out the sweetness of pumpkins.

Onions and Garlic: The aromatics that make the soup even more flavorful.

Coconut milk: This makes the soup super rich and creamy!

Olive oil: For roasting the vegetables.

Cumin powder and smoked paprika: For a touch of spice and a wonderful smoky flavor.

Lemon juice: This is added right at the end, and it just brings a pop of zingy zest to the pumpkin soup.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make

Preheat the oven to 180 C (350F).

Prep all the vegetables - Peel and dice the pumpkins, carrots, and onions. Cut the tomatoes into big chunks and peel the garlic cloves.

Chopped vegetables tossed with olive oil and seasonings on a baking tray.

Step 1: Toss all the prepped vegetables in olive oil, cumin powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in an even layer on a baking tray.

Step 2: Roast for 25-30 minutes, until the vegetables are cooked through.

Step 3: Cool the vegetables and transfer them to a blender.

blended roasted vegetables in a blender jar.

Step 4: Puree them until smooth. Add some water to thin the consistency.

roasted pumpkin soup in a saucepan with coconut milk on top.

Step 5: Pour the soup into a saucepan. Let it come to a boil, on medium-high heat. Lower the heat. Gently stir in the coconut milk. Simmer for about 5 minutes.

A saucepan with pumpkin soup and a ladleful being taken out.

Step 6: Take it off the heat and add the lemon juice. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Serve warm and enjoy!

Top Tips

You can make the soup thick and creamy or, if you prefer a lighter consistency, just add some extra water or broth.

You can strain the soup through a sieve if you want a more creamy and velvety texture.

You can add whole milk or half and half instead of coconut milk to this roasted pumpkin soup.

How To Serve

I love to serve this pumpkin soup with a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of coconut milk.

This soup is a wonderful addition to your Holiday table as it's an easy make-ahead recipe that can be easily doubled or tripled!

It's a great soup to pair with my sourdough crackers or no-knead focaccia.

Serve it alongside Italian tortellini salad or roasted sweet potato chickpea salad to make a hearty meal.

Roasted pumpkin soup in a white mug with a red spoon and ingredients in the background.

Pumpkin Soup Recipe FAQs

Which pumpkin is best for roasting?

I like to use kabocha pumpkins and butternut squash a lot for roasting. Like I did for my air-fryer pumpkin recipe. That said, you can use any kind of pumpkin that's easily available. Pie pumpkins, Acorn squash, Buttercup squash, all of these will work very well for this soup recipe.

Why do I need to roast pumpkin for the pumpkin soup?

Roasting pumpkin ( and other vegetables) makes them soft and caramelized. The rich depth of flavor that comes through is truly incomparable. And it is a time-saver! You let the oven do most of the work, and all you need is 5-10 minutes on the stovetop to finish the soup!

What spices go well with pumpkin?

Pumpkins pair beautifully with warming spices like cumin, paprika, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. You can add any of these to this soup recipe!

More Easy And Delicious Soup Recipes

📖 Recipe

Persimmon Jam

October 28, 2024

This easy 3-ingredient persimmon jam recipe is a fabulous one! Full of the delicious fresh fruity flavor of persimmons, this jam has no added sugar or pectin. And it comes together in less than 30 minutes!

persimmon jam in a jar with a wooden spoon and ingredients in the background.

It's a healthy, delicious, refined sugar-free jam recipe that is super easy to make. I also have chia seeds in here for some fast-gelling action! This persimmon chia jam is perfect on toast, oatmeal, pancakes, and waffles.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This persimmon chia jam needs no pectin or sugar! The persimmons are already so sweet, like candy, we don't need any additional sugar.
It's bursting with fresh flavors of persimmon.
The best way to preserve this lovely winter fruit.
We only need 3 ingredients to make this jam!
The persimmon jam recipe is very versatile, you can customize it in so many ways.

Persimmon Jam Recipe Ingredients

Persimmons: There are 2 types of persimmons available in the market - Fuyu and Hachiya. Fuyu has a flatter shape while Hachiya is taller. Fuyu can be enjoyed even if it's not very ripe. It will still be sweet and delicious. Hachiya, on the other hand, needs to be ripened completely before eating. Otherwise, it has a terribly astringent taste. For this recipe, we have Fuyu persimmons. Please choose very ripe ones as they will be super sweet!

Lemon juice: Since this jam is without pectin, you need citric acid to help the jam set properly. It also adds a little acidity to the homemade jam, balancing the sweetness of the fruit.

Chia seeds: They help thicken and set the persimmon jam without pectin. You can use chia seed powder as well.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Recipe Variations

This easy persimmon chia jam recipe is very versatile. You can add any of the following flavorings to it, to amp up the flavor!

Vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste, for a rich flavor.

Grated fresh ginger - for a lovely sharp contrast to the sweet jam.

Cinnamon powder for a warm, cozy flavor.

How To Make

peeled and diced persimmons and lemon juice in a saucepan.

Step 1: Place the peeled and diced persimmons and lemon juice in a thick-bottom saucepan.

softened, cooked persimmons in a saucepan.

Step 2: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes on medium-low heat.

Mashing the cooked persimmons with a potato masher.

Step 3: Keep stirring the fruit and mashing it as it cooks with a wooden spoon, potato masher, or fork.

chia seeds on the cooked, mashed persimmons.

Step 4: When the fruit is cooked through, add the chia seeds and cook for another 5 minutes.

persimmon chia seed mixture in a blender.

Step 5: Cool the mixture for a few minutes and put it in a blender.

blended persimmon chia jam in a blender jar.

Step 6: Blend until smooth.

You can skip this step if you like a chunky texture. Mash with a fork or wooden spoon and then transfer to a jar.

Final step: Transfer to a clean, sterilized jar, close the jar, and let the jam cool at room temperature. Enjoy!

persimmon jam in a glass jar with a wooden spoon on a small plate.

Top Tips

Choose very ripe Fuyu persimmons to make this jam. The riper the fruit, the sweeter they are, so adding additional sugar is unnecessary!
Taste your persimmons. They are usually very sweet. However, if you don't find them sweet enough, you can add some sugar to the saucepan along with the fruit and lemon juice.
If you like a chunky texture, you don't need to blend it. Mash with a fork or wooden spoon and then transfer to a jar.
This persimmon jam will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. You can follow the proper canning process to make it last longer.

How To Use Persimmon Jam

I love using this jam in so many ways!

I enjoy it on thick slices of my no-knead Dutch oven bread or with crispy salted butter rolls.

It's wonderful on top of Dutch baby pancakes or sourdough discard waffles.

You can even top your baked Brie or baked camembert with this persimmon jam. So great in a Holiday cheese board!

persimmon jam spread on a toast on a small plate.

Recipe FAQs

Do I need to add pectin to make persimmon chia jam?

Persimmons are naturally high in pectin, so we don't need to add any. Also, the chia seeds in the recipe help thicken and set the jam. Chia seeds absorb liquid and swell up, thickening jams, like my strawberry chia jam, and puddings like my chocolate orange chia pudding.

Why is there no added sugar in the persimmon jam recipe?

Fuyu persimmons are very sweet naturally. So this jam really needs no sugar at all. It's got a lovely fresh, fruity flavor and taste that lets the fruit shine! Make sure your fruit is ripe though.

How long will this persimmon preserve last?

This jam will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. You can follow the proper canning process to make it last longer for a few months.

More Easy Jam Recipes

📖 Recipe

persimmon chia jam in a glass jar with a wooden spoon on a small plate.

Persimmon Jam

Natasha Minocha

Easy to make, this 3- ingredient persimmon jam is super delicious! You can enjoy it on toast, swirled into yogurt, topped on warm oatmeal or pancakes!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 25

Total Time 30

Course Condiment

Cuisine American, World

Servings Servings

Calories 46 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 4 Persimmons
▢ 2 tbsp Lemon juice
▢ 1 tbsp Chia seeds
▢ 2-3 tbsp Water You MAY need some.

Instructions

Peel and cut the persimmons into small cubes.
Place the diced persimmons and lemon juice in a thick-bottom saucepan. Stir well.
Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and continue cooking for 20-25 minutes on medium-low heat.
Keep stirring the fruit and mashing it as it cooks with a wooden spoon or potato masher or fork.
You may need to add 2-3 tbsp of water if the mixture is getting too thick.
When the fruit is cooked through, add the chia seeds and cook for another 5 minutes.
Take the jam off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Transfer to a blender and process until smooth.
Transfer to a clean, sterilized jar, close the jar, and let the jam cool at room temperature. Store in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Choose very ripe Fuyu persimmons to make this jam. The riper the fruit, the sweeter they are.
Taste your persimmons. They are usually very sweet. However, if you don't find them sweet enough, you can add some sugar to the saucepan along with the fruit and lemon juice.
If you like a chunky texture, you don't need to blend it. Mash with a fork or wooden spoon and then transfer to a jar.
This persimmon jam will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator. You can follow the proper canning process to make it last longer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 46kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.02gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gTrans Fat: 0.001gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 108mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.04gVitamin A: 0.4IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Masala Chai Tiramisu

October 21, 2024

Creamy, rich, and full of aromatic spices, this Masala Chai Tiramisu is a slice of heaven! A no-fuss, eggless, no-bake dessert that's as well-loved as the classic easy tiramisu!

chai tiramisu in a blue dish with chai masala and other spices around.

Masala chai tiramisu is a fun twist on the classic tiramisu. It incorporates an exquisite mix of spices - chai masala, popularly used to make Indian masala tea. The flavor of these spices comes through with every bite, but without overwhelming your taste buds.

I used black tea brewed with chai spices instead of coffee for soaking the ladyfinger cookies and also added the spice mix to the eggless mascarpone cheese filling. Bringing all the elements of the chai tiramisu is a breeze, really! Once you have the cheese filling, soaking liquid, and the cookies, the tiramisu comes together in minutes.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Chai tiramisu is a creamy, decadent no-bake dessert that is well loved by everyone- kids and adults alike.
The chai masala flavors make this tiramisu so cozy and comforting.
Making this eggless, alcohol-free tiramisu is really effortless and simple.
It's a wonderful make-ahead dessert. Making it a day in advance also helps the flavors of the chai masala meld and shine.
You can easily halve or double the recipe depending on the number of people you're serving it to.

Recipe Ingredients

Chai Masala: I love to make my chai spice blend at home. It takes no more than 5 minutes to grind up cardamom, fennel seeds, black peppercorn, cloves, and cinnamon along with ginger and nutmeg powder. You can use store-bought chai masala too.

Black tea: You can use black tea bags or loose tea leaves. My favorite brands to use are Twinning Assam Tea, Brooke Bond, and Wagh Bakri Tea.

Ladyfingers: I used store-bought because it saves time and they’re easily available. You can make them at home or use pound cake, sponge cake, or even homemade rusk instead.

Mascarpone cheese: This rich, velvety Italian cheese is perfect for making tiramisu. Make sure it's at room temperature so it blends quickly and well. You can use softened cream cheese as a substitute.

Whipping cream: Use chilled heavy cream for this recipe. I like to lightly whip the cream before adding it to the mascarpone cheese filling.

Sugar: I use icing or powdered sugar.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Masala Chai Tiramisu

Step 1: Add water to a saucepan. Bring it to a boil and add sugar, chai masala, and 2 tea bags. Brew for 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Strain the sweetened black tea into a shallow bowl and let it cool.

Mascarpone cheese,sugar,chai masala, and cream in a glass bowl.

Step 3: Combine mascarpone cheese, whipping cream, sugar, and chai masala in a large bowl.

Whipped mascarpone cheese with chai flavors in a glass bowl.

Step 4: With a hand whisk or electric beater, whisk the ingredients until light and well combined.

Chai soaked ladyfinger cookies layered in a blue dish.

Step 5: Dip the ladyfinger cookies in the cooled black tea, one at a time. Arrange them in a single layer.

Whipped mascarpone cheese filling on top of ladyfinger cookies.

Step 6: Evenly spread half of the chai-spiced mascarpone cheese filling on the cookie layer.

Layer of chai soaked ladyfingers on top of whipped mascarpone.

Step 7: Arrange another layer of chai-dipped ladyfingers on top.

Whipped mascarpone cheese on top of the second layer of ladyfingers.

Step 8: Spread the remaining mascarpone cheese filling on top of the cookies.

Smoothened out whipped mascarpone cheese.

Step 9: Smoothen the mascarpone cheese mixture. Refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.

Chai spiced tiramisu dusted with cocoa powder.

Step 10: Dust with cocoa powder and serve!

Pro Tips

Make sure your mascarpone cheese is at room temperature. That helps in making a smoother mixture faster and more easily.
Sift your confectioner's sugar (icing sugar) if it's lumpy. You don't want sugar lumps in the creamy chai-spiced cheese filling.
You can also whip the cream before adding it to the mascarpone mixture. If you do that, mix the ingredients with a spatula. You don't want to overbeat the cheese-cream mixture.
You can add more chai masala to the black tea and mascarpone cheese mixture if you prefer a stronger flavor.
You can add 3-4 tea bags if you like your black tea very strong.
To avoid soggy cookies, give the cookies a quick dip in the cooled black tea, for about 1-2 seconds.

A slice of chai tiramisu on a small plate.

Masala Chai Tiramisu Recipe FAQs

What tea should I use in this Masala Chai Tiramisu?

Black tea is the best for this recipe for chai tiramisu. My favorite brands are Wagh Bakri, Brook Bond, and Twinnings Assam Tea. These are all easily available online or in Indian grocery stores. You can use tea bags or loose tea.

What kind of cookies can I use instead of ladyfingers?

Italian ladyfingers are the best for making tiramisu. But you can use Lotus Biscoff like I did for my Biscoff Tiramisu. You can also use rusk or pound cake.

Can I add alcohol to my Tiramisu?

Yes, you can stir in Marsala wine, dark rum, or even Bourbon to the cooled black tea.

More Delicious Tiramisu Recipes

📖 Recipe

Simple Apple Cider Recipe

October 14, 2024

As the cool weather settles in, my need for a warm beverage increases immensely. Here's one of my old-time favorites - Simple Apple Cider Recipe! Cozy, and lightly spiced, the perfect drink for the family and for entertaining!

Apple cider in a glass on a wooden board with ingredients in the background.

I remember tasting my first apple cider in a quaint little store in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I walked in to buy candles, and there they had a huge pot of warm cider with a ladle. You could serve yourself in little cups as you browsed through the store. I can assure you - I mostly stayed by the pot! I was hooked from that day onwards.

Making apple cider at home is really so easy. It's as simple as cooking apples and spices with water in a pot! And while the stovetop apple cider is simmering, the whole house smells so incredibly warm and cozy!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What Is Apple Cider

Apple cider is essentially unfiltered, the unsweetened, non-pasteurized liquid extracted from apples. It's a seasonal nonalcoholic drink, usually made in autumn and winter. This is not to be confused with the fermented, alcoholic version called cider or hard cider.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Making apple cider from scratch is incredibly easy - whether you make it on the stovetop or in a crock pot!

It transforms your home into a fragrant haven of warm spices and sweet apples is pure magic.

Imagine sipping on a cup of this cozy, homemade apple cider on a crisp autumn evening—it's like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket.

The best part? It tastes absolutely divine, with a depth of flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!

Apple cider in a glass with sliced oranges and star anise on a wooden board.

Simple Apple Cider Recipe Ingredients

Apples- The star of the show! I used Red Delicious. But use any kind you like. A combination of sweet and tart apples is so good!

Orange- For a lovely zingy, citrusy flavor to the apple cider.

Cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves- These spices bring a wonderful warmth to the cider. You can also add fresh ginger, nutmeg, or allspice.

Brown sugar- You can also use granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup.

Water- This is the liquid base of apple cider.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Simple Apple Cider

Making apple cider is a labor of love, just like this delicious stovetop apple butter. It does take time, but it hardly requires any supervision. While the apples and spices are brewing, the whole house is filled with the loveliest of aromas. Better than any potpourri. You immediately get warm and cozy vibes!

Step 1: Add the apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean, cloves, and water to a large stockpot.

Apples, oranges, spices simmering in a pot.

Step 2: Cover the pot and cook for about 2 hours on medium-low heat.

Mashing the cooked fruit with a potato masher.

Step 3: Use a potato masher to mash all the fruits well.

Step 4: Add brown sugar and stir well.

Ready apple cider in a white enamel pot.

Step 5: Cook the apple cider for another 30 minutes.

A sieve on top of a measuring cup for straining the apple cider.

Step 6: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture. Discard the pulp.

Strained apple cider in a glass measuring cup.

Step 7: Taste and adjust for sweetness.

Apple cider in a clear glass pitcher on a wooden board.

Step 8: Serve warm!

How To Serve

You can serve the simple apple cider warm or cold. I love it warm, garnished with a slice of orange and star anise. It's so fabulous with a warm baked apple donut or a slice of moist apple bread.

It works fabulously well as a base for cocktails too, like this Apple Cider Hot Toddy. It's great with a splash of rum or bourbon is fantastic. Or use this to make a lovely nonalcoholic punch.

To serve the cider cold, let it come to room temperature then transfer to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate. This should stay well for 5-6 days.

Recipe FAQs

What kind of apples can I use?

You can use any variety of apples you like. You can even mix different varieties - sweet and tart for a wonderful flavor. Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, and Braeburn are some of the apples you can pick from.

Do I need to add orange to this recipe?

Orange adds a zingy, citrusy flavor to the apple cider and complements the spices very well too.

Can I make cider in a crockpot?

Yes! Apple cider can be easily made in a crock pot, instant pot, or stove top as I did.

Apple cider garnished with orange slices and star anise.

More Easy Beverage Recipes

📖 Recipe

Apple cider in a clear glass garnished with orange slices and star anise.

Simple Apple Cider Recipe

Natasha Minocha

Here's one of my old-time favorites - Simple Apple Cider! A Cozy, lightly spiced, perfect drink for the family and for entertaining!

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 2 30

Total Time 2 45

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings servings

Calories 106 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Slice the apples, remove the seeds. Slice the orange, remove the seeds.
Add the apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, vanilla bean and cloves to a large stockpot.
Add the water. Cover the pot and cook for about 2 hours on medium low heat.
Use a potato masher to mash all the fruits well. Cover and cook for another 30 minutes.
Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the mixture. Discard the pulp.
Add the brown sugar to sweeten the cider. Taste and adjust for sweetness.
Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

NOTE:

To serve the cider cold, let it come to room temperature then transfer to a clean jar or bottle and refrigerate. This should stay well for 5-6 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 106kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 1gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gTrans Fat: 0.001gSodium: 14mgPotassium: 174mgFiber: 4gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 102IUVitamin C: 14mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 0.4mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Easiest No-Knead Dutch Oven Bread

October 1, 2024

The no-knead Dutch oven bread is deliciously crusty on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. This beginner-friendly no knead bread recipe is so easy and quick. It needs only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep!

no knead Dutch oven bread on parchment paper with butter and butter knife.

The amazing Jim Lahey, the pioneer of no-knead bread, inspires my 4-ingredient Dutch oven bread. In my books, that’s the next best thing to sliced bread! My recipe is a variation of his. I love to serve it alongside my roasted carrot and lentil soup or top it with my small-batch stovetop apple butter. Delicious!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why We Love This Recipe

Needs no kneading, no attention, and no effort.
Easy, 4-ingredient, and 5-minute prep recipe.
Great for beginners and pro-bakers.
It’s so versatile; you can add - cheese, herbs, or even this delicious garlic confit!
Prep it a day before and bake it just before lunch or dinner for freshly baked bread.

Recipe Ingredients

Flour: I stuck to my trusted all-purpose flour for this no-knead bread. But bread flour will work too. If you’re in the mood to experiment, try whole wheat flour. My suggestion would be to use half whole wheat and half all-purpose.

Yeast: Use dry active or instant yeast; just ensure it’s fresh. Always test it beforehand by mixing half a teaspoon in half a cup of warm water. If it becomes frothy and bubbly, in 5 -10 minutes, the yeast is good to go!

Salt: I used sea salt to make it more flavorful.

Water: The ideal temperature at which yeast blooms is 105 (40.5 °C). So, use warm water—not hot, not cold. Hot water will kill your yeast. Cold water will not activate it.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make No-knead Dutch Oven Bread

Flour, yeast, salt, water mixed into a shaggy dough in clear glass bowl.

Step 1: Combine all-purpose flour, yeast, salt, and water in a large bowl. This is a very sticky dough.

Proofed dough after 4 hours in a glass bowl.

Step 2: Cover the dough and let it proof for 3-4 hours until doubled in size and dotted with small holes/ bubbles on top.

Step 3: Flour your hands well and fold the no-knead bread dough on top of itself, 8 times.

Step 4: Carefully transfer the dough to a floured parchment paper. This dough is wet, sticky, and flat. That's the way it's meant to be, so don't worry!

Step 5: Sprinkle a little flour on the dough and cover with a kitchen towel. Let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 6: While the dough is resting, place your Dutch oven (with lid) in the oven and heat the oven to 230 C / 450 F.

Bread dough on parchment paper in a Dutch oven.

Step 7: After the dough has rested, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven and take the lid off. Gently place the dough with the parchment paper in the pan, and cover it with the lid. Transfer to the oven.

Loaf of no knead dutch oven bread on parchment paper in a dutch oven

Step 8: Bake for 40 minutes with the lid on. Carefully remove the lid and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes until the no knead Dutch oven bread is cooked through and is golden brown.

Remove the bread loaf from the baking dish and let it cool completely for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Pro Tips

Let your Dutch oven heat well. Put it in the oven with the lid on for 30 - 40 minutes before you're ready to bake your bread. A hot pan will give your bread a nice crust and also the "oven spring"!
You'll be handling a scorching hot baking dish, so please be careful and wear your oven mitts.
Even though this is a no-knead bread, a few folds of the dough are important to give the bread some structure. Flour your hands well when you're handling the dough, it's a sticky one! Or use a floured spatula.
Yes, the dough is supposed to be sticky, floppy, and wet!
Give the no-knead artisan bread ample time to rise. Don’t be in a hurry.
I highly recommend weighing your ingredients. A small kitchen scale is a good investment to get the best results when you're baking.

Half sliced loaf of bread on a wooden board with butter in a small dish.

How To Serve The No Knead Dutch Oven Bread

This glorious and beautiful loaf of no-knead bread can be served in so many ways.

Have it as-is.
Smear it with butter or the more delicious cinnamon honey butter.
Pair it with a warm bowl of creamy velvety pea soup or a garlicky roasted pumpkin thick soup.
Dip into your favorite dip, like an easy creamy avocado dip or whipped goat cheese.
It’ll taste delicious even with a drizzle of easy Chinese chili oil.
Use the leftover bread to make this delicious veggie breakfast or French toast casserole!

How To Store

Cool the easy no-knead Dutch oven bread completely (at least 2 hours) before you slice. Store the leftovers in an airtight container. They'll last 2-3 days on the countertop or 4-5 days if refrigerated.

You can even freeze no-knead bread for up to a month. Just remember to wrap it well in foil or plastic wrap.

Slice of no knead bread on a wooden board with butter and butter knife.

Recipe FAQs

How Long Should The No-Knead Bread Dough Rise?

I recommend proofing the bread for 3 to 4 hours at least. Look for visual signs to know if your dough has risen enough. It should be doubled in volume, flat on top, with a few holes in it. You can even refrigerate the quick, no-knead Dutch oven bread for 12 to 15 hours if you want to bake the next day.

What Size Dutch Oven Should I Use?

I used a 3.3-liter (3.5-qt) Le Creuset Dutch oven. You can use a smaller 2 3/4 qt size too.

How Can I Make No-Knead Bread Without a Dutch Oven?

You can use any oven-safe, lidded dish. The lid is important to trap the steam and make crusty, no-knead Dutch oven bread.
Alternatively, you can place the dough on a parchment paper-lined baking tray. On the lower rack of your oven, place a cup or two of boiling water for 5 minutes before sliding in the bread dough. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

More No-Knead Bread Recipes

📖 Recipe

Easiest No Knead Dutch Oven Bread

Natasha Minocha

The no-knead Dutch oven bread is deliciously crusty on the outside and soft and chewy on the inside. This beginner-friendly no-knead bread recipe is so easy and quick. It needs only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep!

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 55

Resting Time 4

Total Time 4 50

Course Bread, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings Loaf ( 10 servings)

Calories 157 kcal

Ingredients

▢ 3 1/4 cup All-purpose flour
▢ 1.5 tsp Sea salt
▢ 1.5 tsp Active dry yeast or instant yeast
▢ 1.5 cup Warm water ( about 40.5 C or 105 F)
▢ 2-3 tbsp All-purpose flour for sprinkling

Instructions

Whisk together the flour, salt, and yeast in a large bowl. Add the warm water and mix well to form a shaggy dough. This is a very sticky dough.
Cover the bowl and let the dough rise for 3-4 hours until it's doubled and has small holes or bubbles on top.
You can also refrigerate the dough for 12-15 hours.
Heat oven to 230 C / 450 F and place your Dutch oven with the lid in the oven. I used a 3.5 QT / 3.3 ltr Dutch oven. You can use a smaller or bigger size too.
Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour on the dough. Flour your hands well and fold the dough on top of itself. Turn the bowl a quarter of the way and fold the dough over itself again. Do 3 more quarter turns of the bowl with folding over the dough each time.
Repeat this step one more time.
You can also use a spatula for this step.
Sprinkle a tablespoon of flour on a piece of parchment paper and carefully transfer the dough on it. Sprinkle another tablespoon of flour on top.
This dough is loose, sticky, and will look flat. It's okay!
Cover loosely with a kitchen towel and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
Take the hot Dutch oven out of the oven carefully and remove the lid. Uncover the dough and place it in the Dutch oven holding the sides of the parchment paper. Cover the Dutch oven and place it in the oven.
Bake for 40 minutes with the lid on. Carefully remove the lid and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden brown.
Cool the bread completely at least 2 hours before slicing. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Be careful when handling the Dutch oven. Please wear your oven mitts, the pan and its lid will be very hot!
Make sure your yeast is fresh. To check, dissolve half a teaspoon in a cup of water, let it sit for 5-10 minutes. If the mixture is frothy and bubbly, your yeast is good!
Don't have a Dutch oven? No problem! Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking tray. Add 2 cups boiling water to a baking dish and place in the lowest rack of your oven 5 minutes before putting the baking tray in. Bake for 35-40 minutes.
I bake this bread in my 3.5 quart Le Creuset Dutch oven. You can also use a 2 3/4 quart Dutch oven to or a cast iron pot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 SliceCalories: 157kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 5gFat: 0.5gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 352mgPotassium: 50mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 1IUVitamin C: 0.001mgCalcium: 8mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

September 16, 2024

Sweet and creamy cinnamon honey butter turns easy fall muffins, homemade dinner rolls, and everyday breads into a treat you can’t resist. It’s a 5-ingredient, 3-step recipe that comes together in 5 minutes and tastes even better than what you find at your favorite restaurant.

Cinnamon Honey Butter in a small bowl with a butter knife and ingredients in the background.

I think there is nothing I enjoy more than quick recipes. Especially if there is cinnamon involved. I adore cinnamon, if I haven’t mentioned it before. Not just with apple cinnamon cake; the fall spice goes pretty much with anything in my book- cinnamon coffee rolls, baked cinnamon donuts—you name it! Cinnamon always inspires me, and this honey butter proves it.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love Cinnamon Honey Butter?

You can slather the whipped butter on apple cinnamon pancakes, Hawaiian banana bread, or warm milk bread rolls.

You shouldn’t, but you could; eat it by the spoonful; it’s that good!

The whipped butter is kid-approved and a hit with them.

It also stores and freezes really well.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for making cinnamon honey butter.

Butter: Softened butter is easier to mix, ensuring all ingredients blend smoothly. Salted butter adds a subtle savory note, but you can use unsalted butter too. Even plant-based butter will work here.

Honey is a natural sweetener, and it beautifully complements the warmth of cinnamon. It also adds a smooth, velvety consistency. You can substitute any flavor-infused honey too. If you want to experiment, you can substitute honey with maple syrup for a slightly different flavor profile.

Cinnamon powder is a spicy kick that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the honey. It makes this butter feel cozy and comforting, perfect for fall-inspired dishes.

Vanilla extract: Just a hint of homemade vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor of the butter, adding a layer of depth. You can also use vanilla bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor.

Sea salt rounds off and balances the flavors of this flavored butter.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Cinnamon-Flavored Butter

This recipe is similar to the famous Texas Roadhouse cinnamon honey butter. The only difference is that I cut powdered sugar out completely and used more cinnamon because I wanted the honey and cinnamon flavor to shine.

Combine butter, honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract in a bowl.

Step 1: Combine all ingredients - butter, honey, sea salt, cinnamon powder, and vanilla extract in a bowl.

Whisk the ingredients in a bowl with a whisk for making cinnamon honey butter.

Step 2: Mix well with a whisk or electric mixer until the mixture is light and creamy.

Step 3: Transfer to a container or jar. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator. Bring to room temperature before serving!

Pro Tips

Make sure the butter is softened at room temperature. We don't want to use melted or cold butter for this cinnamon butter recipe.
This is best served at room temperature. Please don't microwave this, it will cause all the ingredients to separate!

How To Use?

A smear of honey butter on toast or homemade bagels instantly transforms them. Melt it over roasted vegetables or baked sweet potatoes for a subtly sweet flavor to savory dishes.

Overall, there are countless ways to serve and enjoy the honey butter recipe! I think these are some of the best:

Breakfast favorites: Slather it on warm apple pancakes, vegan carrot cake waffles, or easy classic French toast to add a sweet, spiced touch to your morning meal.
Baked goods: Spread it over my delicious no-knead cranberry walnut bread, old-fashioned homemade cornbread, mini no-knead focaccia, soft and fluffy milk dinner rolls, or easy vegan English muffins for an extra layer of flavor.
Top off sweet treats: It’s fantastic on apple bread, pumpkin and banana bread, or even a savory cheese scone.

cinnamon butter spread on toast on a small plate.

Recipe FAQs

How to store cinnamon butter?

The whipped butter stores really well. Keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 1 month.

Can you freeze honey butter?

If you want to keep it for an extended period, you can freeze the butter in an airtight container (or double-wrap in plastic) for up to 4 months.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw it gradually in the refrigerator or on the countertop—avoid microwaving it, as this can cause the ingredients to separate.

More Easy And Delicious Condiments

📖 Recipe

Cinnamon Honey Butter Recipe

Natasha Minocha

Sweet and creamy cinnamon honey butter turns muffins, rolls, buns, and ordinary breads into a treat you can’t resist. It’s a 5-ingredient, 3-step recipe that comes together in 5 minutes and tastes even better than what you find at your favorite restaurant.

5 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Course Breakfast, Condiment, Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings Servings

Calories 96 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix all the ingredients until well combined, light and creamy.
Transfer to a jar or container. Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Bring to room temperature before serving. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

Please use room-temperature softened butter for this recipe to get the best creamy consistency.
This whipped butter should be served at room temperature. Please do not microwave it. That will result in a runny, soupy mess!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 ServingCalories: 96kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 0.1gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 132mgPotassium: 6mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 288IUVitamin C: 0.03mgCalcium: 5mgIron: 0.04mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Homemade Cornbread Recipe with Buttermilk

September 10, 2024

A simple one-bowl bake, this homemade cornbread recipe with buttermilk takes 30 minutes from start to finish. Irresistibly moist and buttery with a golden crispy crust, the quick cornbread is delicious with a drizzle of honey or a bowl of hearty roasted pumpkin soup.

A plate of homemade cornbread squares stacked on each other.

Soft and moist, this homemade cornbread recipe with buttermilk is fantastic. Made from scratch, a warm slice of freshly baked cornbread is pure comfort food.

It’s a simple, timeless recipe that belongs in every kitchen. Whether you like your quick cornbread sweet, savory, or somewhere in between, you can tweak the recipe to get the right flavor. Just keep those oven mitts handy (you’ll see why in a moment).

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why you’ll love this cornbread recipe?

It’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful (and mostly) of pantry ingredients.

It comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for a last-minute addition to your meal.

It is a fantastic side dish that pairs well with a wide range of meals, whether it's my easy Moroccan vegetable stew, spicy minced mutton curry, avocado egg salad, or creamy pea soup!

Golden, crispy edges and the soft, tender crumb inside create an irresistible texture.

Subtly sweet with a slight tang from buttermilk makes every bite full of flavor.

cornbread squares stacked on top of each other, with a piece of butter on top.

Recipe ingredients

Ingredients for making easy homemade cornbread recipe.

Flour: All-purpose flour is the backbone of cornbread and makes sure it’s neither too crumbly nor too cakey.

Cornmeal is the star of the show. It’s what gives the bread the signature gritty texture, sweet, nutty flavor, and beautiful color. Yellow cornmeal is the traditional choice. You can use coarse or fine. But if you have neither, polenta will work in a pinch. White cornmeal is another great substitute, but it will not give the bread the yellow hue.

Buttermilk makes the bread moist and subtly tangy, something you’ll love with the sweetness of the cornmeal. Buttermilk also makes the bread rich without being too heavy.

Baking powder makes your cornbread light and fluffy.

Baking soda makes the bread rise and helps it brown. Make sure both the soda and powder are active and fresh.

Salt enhances and balances the overall flavor. Without it, the cornbread might taste flat and dull.

Sugar adds a touch of sweetness. You can use whatever is at hand—raw, cane, brown, or regular white. You can even make a cornbread recipe with honey.

Eggs bind the cornbread batter, holding the ingredients together while also adding moisture and richness. Lightly beating them helps distribute them evenly.

Butter makes the bread rich and buttery. I used salted butter for that lovely savory flavor. Keep a tablespoon of butter aside for greasing your baking pan.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

The basic cornbread recipe is already delicious, but if you want to switch it up, there are plenty of ways to do it. You can make it a little sweeter, add some spice, or mix in your favorite ingredients. Here are some ideas:

Add jalapeños to the cornbread recipe for a spicy kick.
Mix in cheddar cheese for extra flavor like in these cheddar cheese scones.
Use creamed corn for a softer, almost pudding-like texture.
Fresh corn kernels. Canned corn works too—just make sure to drain it well.

You can also try adding bacon bits, fresh herbs, nuts, or even dried cranberries. With so many options, cornbread never gets boring!

How to make cornbread from scratch?

Preheat the oven. Grease an 8" x 8" pan with 1 tablespoon butter. Place the pan in the oven while it's preheating.

Mix all ingredients for cornbread in a large glass bowl.

Step 1: Combine the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl. Add beaten eggs and buttermilk.

Mix all the ingredients for making cornbread in a large glass bowl.

Step 2: Whisk the ingredients until just combined.

Whisk melted butter in the cornbread batter.

Step 3: Gently mix in the melted butter.

ready batter for homemade cornbread in a large glass bowl on a kitchen towel.

Step 4: Ready cornbread batter.

Cornbread batter in a hot square metal baking pan.

Step 5: Carefully remove the hot baking pan from the oven using oven mitts and pour the batter into the pan.

Baked cornbread in a square metal baking pan on a trivet and kitchen towel.

Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Final Step: Let the cornbread rest for 30-40 minutes before cutting into squares and serving!

Homemade Cornbread cut into squares in a metal baking pan.

Pro tips

Use room-temperature ingredients.
Don’t overmix the batter.
The best way to make cornbread is in a cast-iron skillet, but a metal, glass, or ceramic baking pan works well too. Just ensure it’s heated before you pour the bread batter, which is why you’ll need oven mitts.
How do you heat the baking pan? Grease it and slide it into the oven while it’s set to preheat.
Grease the pan with butter. LIBERALLY. So, the cornbread doesn’t stick. More deliciously, as it bakes, the butter melts and sizzles, making the bottom and sides crisp, golden, and buttery.

Best way to serve

My favorite way to have cornbread is warm with a pat of butter and a drizzle of honey. It makes a great simple breakfast with cinnamon honey butter, homemade fig jam, strawberry chia jam, or this 3-ingredient orange marmalade.

The homemade cornbread recipe is also an ideal companion for soups, stews, and chili. The bread’s slightly sweet flavor contrasts beautifully with the rich, savory taste of these dishes.

Cornbread slice on a plate, topped with honey and a piece of butter.

Recipe FAQs

What’s the difference between a cornbread recipe with polenta vs cornmeal?

Cornmeal and polenta both come from ground corn, but they’re not quite the same. Cornmeal is usually finer, giving cornbread a smoother texture. Polenta is coarser because it’s processed differently. I’ve made this homemade cornbread recipe with buttermilk many times using either very successfully!

What’s a Southern cornbread recipe?

Southern cornbread has no sugar in the batter. If you’re aiming for an authentic Southern-style cornbread, skip the sugar. I’ve added a tiny bit of sugar to balance the flavors, but if you prefer a sweeter cornbread, you can easily double or triple the amount.

Can you make buttermilk at home?

Store-bought buttermilk will work fabulously in this basic cornmeal recipe, but you can just as easily make it at home using just two simple ingredients.
Mix one and a half tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice in a cup and a half of milk. Stir the mixture and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes. The milk will thicken slightly and may look a bit curdled—that’s your homemade buttermilk! Whisk before you add it to the batter.

How to store cornbread?

In an airtight container, it keeps well on the countertop for 2 to 3 days. In hot and humid weather, it's better to refrigerate it, and it’ll last for 4 to 5 days.

Can you freeze buttermilk cornbread?

Yes, you can freeze cornbread! Cool completely, and then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store for up to a month.

More quick bread recipes

📖 Recipe

Apple Pancake Recipe

September 3, 2024

These soft and fluffy apple pancakes are packed with juicy apples and infused with cinnamon's warm, comforting flavor. Topped with sweet, soft sautéed apples, this easy apple pancake recipe makes the perfect cozy breakfast for a fall morning.

A stack of apple pancakes topped with sauteed apples and maple syrup on a plate.

Packed with grated apples and a hint of cinnamon, these apple pancakes are super simple to make. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these pancakes bring warm autumnal vibes to the table with every bite.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Incredibly quick and easy to make for a crowd, the batter makes 16-ish pancakes.

Great for meal prep! It’s never too early to cook these make-ahead cinnamon apple pancakes.

Whether you prefer to serve these with maple syrup, a dollop of whipped cream, or a handful of chopped nuts, these pancakes pair well with everything.

Bonus: full of your favorite fall flavors—apples and cinnamon!

Recipe Ingredients

Apples: Any variety of apples will work in this cinnamon apple pancake recipe. Sweet tart ones are my favorite for baking and cooking!

Granny Smith
Gala
Golden Delicious
Honey crisp

Flour: I used all-purpose flour. For gluten-free apple pancakes, replace it with your favorite gluten-free flour, like I did for my easy banana pancakes.

Buttermilk makes the pancakes tender, light, and lovely. Store-bought is fine, or you can make it at home like I did for my soft and moist strawberry lemon bundt cake.

Baking soda and powder are leavening agents that help the pancakes rise and have that fluffy, light texture we all love.

Eggs: Use room-temperature eggs, and your batter will mix more easily and smoothly. To make eggless pancakes, use flax eggs as I did in my eggless chocolate chip cookies!

Coconut Oil: If you prefer, you can substitute coconut oil with melted butter or any neutral-tasting vegetable oil.

Sugar: sweetens the batter and helps the pancakes caramelize and brown, giving them a nice golden color. Raw, cane, brown, or any sugar you prefer will do the job in a jiffy. You can also use coconut sugar like I did for my peanut butter apple muffins.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Apple Cinnamon Pancakes?

dry ingredients for making apple pancakes in a glass bowl.

Step 1: Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and cinnamon powder in a bowl.

mixing wet ingredients for apple pancakes in a glass measuring cup.

Step 2: Mix buttermilk, egg, coconut oil, and vanilla extract in another bowl.

grated apples in the apple pancake batter.

Step 3: Mix the wet ingredients over the dry ones until combined. We want the batter to be just moistened. Fold in the grated apples.

Step 4: Don't overmix the batter. It will be a bit lumpy and that's okay!

Step 5: Grease a skillet with oil and heat it. Pour a small ladle full of batter on the skillet. Let the pancake cook for 3-4 minutes till the underside is golden and there are a few bubbles on top of the pancake.

cooked apple pancakes in a white skillet.

Step 6: Carefully flip it over. Cook on the other side till golden brown, about 1-2 minutes. Repeat till all the batter is used up.

a bunch of apple pancakes on a plate with ingredients in the background.

Step 7: Serve warm with sautéed apples and maple syrup!

Pancake Toppings

For some, the only acceptable topping for apple cinnamon pancakes is maple syrup. Then you have homes like mine, where we love to experiment with food. So, I chose to top them with sautéed apples along with the classic maple syrup. You can try:

Honey
Homemade apple butter
Fresh fruits
Powdered sugar
Chopped nuts for crunch
Apple sauce, vegan caramel sauce, or chocolate sauce
Wonderful with creamy cashew ricotta
Ice cream to give the recipe for apple pancakes a dessert-like twist

Pro Tips

Make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best apple pancake recipe. Check the expiration date before you add it.
I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again. Don’t overmix the batter if you want to make light and fluffy apple cinnamon pancakes. Even if there are a few lumps, let them be. They will disappear when you cook the pancakes. Too much mixing makes for dense pancakes.
Allow the batter to rest for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps the flour hydrate fully and results in fluffier pancakes.
Cook at 190 to 200 °C (375 to 400 °F).
Flip the pancakes only once and only when the underside is golden, the edges look set, and you see a couple of bubbles on the top (2–3 minutes).
Flip very gently, and do not press it down.

stack of apple pancakes topped with maple syrup and apples on a white plate.

How To Store

You can meal-prep with this apple cinnamon pancake recipe because the pancakes store super well. Cool them completely before storing them, or they’ll become soggy.

Refrigerate - Stack the cooled pancakes in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and store them for up to 3 days.

Freeze- Place the apple cinnamon pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Once frozen, transfer to a ziplock bag or airtight container. Add a piece of parchment or wax paper between two pancakes so they don’t stick together.

Reheat- Reheat refrigerated apple pancakes in a microwave or skillet for 20 to 30 seconds. You’ll need to cook the frozen pancakes for longer.

FAQs

How do you grate apples for pancakes?

Wash your apples thoroughly, and then peel them. Use a box grater to grate the apples using the coarse side. It works great!

How can I make sautéed apples for apple pancakes?

Heat butter or coconut oil in a skillet. Add diced apples and sprinkle a pinch of cinnamon powder. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the apples are just softened. We absolutely love these on top of our gluten-free apple waffles!

Popular Fall Apple Recipes To Try

📖 Recipe

Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe

August 23, 2024

Cheddar cheese scones are buttery perfection—they are golden, flaky, and packed with sharp cheddar in every bite, making them the perfect treat for any time of day. These scones are irresistibly cheesy, easy to make, and a sure-shot winner!

a plate of several cheddar cheese scones fresh out of the oven, with ingredients in the background.

Bake the best cheese scones recipe ever that will have your kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goodness. These savory cheese scones are incredibly fluffy and packed with sharp cheddar flavor, thanks to the addition of rich buttermilk that makes them melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or a newbie in the kitchen, this easy cheese scones recipe comes together effortlessly and is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting snack. If you're a fan of savory scones, you will love my easy miso scones too!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why you’ll love the cheese scones recipe?

Cheddar herb scones are a super easy, simple eggless recipe.

Comes together in one bowl effortlessly!

Create a perfect blank canvas for your favorite herbs and add-ins.

The best savory snack, breakfast, or side for salad or soup.

Recipe ingredients

Ingredients for Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe

Buttermilk helps bind the dough. I made my own by mixing milk and vinegar. You can use store-bought. Buttermilk makes the best scones—tender and fluffy, with the perfect rise. Like my very popular chocolate chip scones! Want richer scones? Use cream, like I did for my banana bread scones.

The butter has to be chilled. That’s what gives the savory cheese scones flakiness and crisp edges. Cutting cold butter into the flour also forms tiny pockets of richness throughout the scone.

Cheese is the most important ingredient in this easy recipe (these are cheese scones)! I love aged sharp cheddar. It's best to grate it at home instead of buying pre-grated cheese. The packaged ones contain non-caking agents that can give a powdery taste.

Flour: All-purpose flour is best, as it gives the softest crumb. But you can use wholewheat flour too. I used a mix of whole wheat and oat flour in my cinnamon chocolate chip scone recipe.

Baking powder is the leavening agent that gives the scones their lift, making them light and airy.

Dried parsley adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the cheddar, giving the scones a lot of flavor and freshness.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

Variations

Herbs: I added parsley for extra flavor. You can skip it altogether to make plain cheddar scones, or you can use any of your favorite dried or fresh herbs to make them, like cheddar and chive scones.

Cheese: Cheddar was my choice. Any cheese you enjoy will work in this easy cheese scones recipe, whether Gruyère, Gouda, feta, or goat cheese. If you like feta cheese, you'll love these easy and delicious feta spinach muffins!

Add-ins: These eggless cheese scones are very customizable. Try:

Ham
Bacon bits
Jalapeño
Garlic powder
Smoky paprika
Mustard
Or any other spice or mix you’re craving.

How to make cheese scones?

Step 1: Make the buttermilk - mix milk and vinegar in a bowl. Keep aside for 5 minutes. Whisk well before adding to the dough. You can also use store-bought buttermilk.

Step 2: Combine the flour and baking powder in a large bowl. Whisk in the grated cheddar cheese and dried parsley.

Step 3: Rub in the chilled cubed butter, using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Pour over the buttermilk. Mix with a fork until the dry ingredients are just moistened.

Step 5: Combine the ingredients gently using your hands until they all come together and you can form a shaggy ball with the dough.

cubed butter and dry ingredients for cheddar cheese scones in a glass bowl

Butter and dry ingredients mixed together in a glass bowl for making cheese scones

shredded cheese mixed into the butter and dry ingredients in a glass bowl

Ready dough for making cheese scones on a silicon mat

Step 6: Gently pat the dough to make a rectangle about 6" x 10". Cut the dough in half and place one on top of the other. Press the dough slightly, and again cut in half. Place the halves on top of each other, press them slightly, and repeat this process twice more.

Step 7: Roll out the dough into an 8" x 12" rectangle. Cut the dough into 10 small rectangles.

Cheese scone dough formed into a rectangle on a silicon mat

cheddar cheese scone dough divided into 2 halves

Cheese scone dough halves stacked on top of each other placed on a silicon mat

Rolled out dough for cheese scones cut into 12 rectangles

Step 8: Place the scones onto a lined baking sheet/tray.

Step 9: Transfer the baking tray to the refrigerator while preheating the oven.

Step 10: When the oven is preheated, brush the tops of the cold scones with milk and top with some cheese.

Step 11: Bake the scones for 20-22 minutes or until golden on top.

Final step: Serve and savor!

Pro tips

What’s the secret to tender, moist, and the best cheese scones ever? Chilled and cold butter. Besides that, follow these easy cheese scone recipe tricks:

Gently handle the dough. Don’t knead or overmix it because we don’t want gluten strands to form, making the scones hard.
Refrigerate the scones before baking them. Chilling them helps create flaky layers.
Bake at high temperatures for a short time so they are fluffy and rise beautifully.

Recipe FAQs

How long do these cheddar cheese scones stay refrigerated?

Buttermilk cheddar cheese scones stay well in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster.

Can you freeze these cheddar scones?

Yes, you can freeze the baked and cooled (this is important) scones for up to a month. Unbaked scones can be frozen for 2 months.

Place the unbaked cheddar cheese cones on a baking tray and freeze. Once they are frozen, transfer them into a Ziplock bag. Thaw on the countertop while your oven preheats, and then bake.

More scone recipes

📖 Recipe

Cheddar Cheese Scones Recipe

Natasha Minocha

Cheddar cheese scones are buttery perfection—they are golden, flaky, and packed with sharp cheddar in every bite, making them the perfect treat for any time of day!

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Chilling Time 20

Course Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine British

Servings Scones

Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients

Topping

▢ 1 tbsp Milk, for brushing the scones
▢ 1-2 tbsp Grated cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

Make the buttermilk - mix milk and vinegar in a bowl. Keep aside for 5 minutes. Whisk before adding to the dough.
Combine the flour and baking powder in a large bowl.
Mix in the grated cheese and dried parsley.
Rub in the chilled cubed butter, using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, until the mixture forms coarse crumbs.
Pour over the buttermilk. Mix with a fork until the dry ingredients are just moistened.
Combine the ingredients gently using your hands until they all come together and you can form a ball with the dough. Please don't knead the dough.
Gently pat the dough to make a rectangle about 6" x 10". Cut the dough in half and place one on top of the other. Press the dough slightly, and again cut in half.
Place the halves on top of each other, press them slightly, and repeat this process twice more.
This process helps create flaky layers.
Roll out the dough into an 8" x 12" rectangle. Cut the dough into 12 small rectangles.
Place the scones onto a lined baking sheet/tray.
Transfer the baking tray to the refrigerator while preheating the oven to 200 C / 400 f.
When the oven is preheated, brush the tops of the cold scones with milk and top with some cheese.
Bake the scones at 200 C / 400 f for 20-22 minutes until the scones are golden brown.
Serve warm and enjoy!

Video

Notes

Handle the dough gently. This dough does not need to be kneaded. Simply bring it together with your hands.
The butter should always be cold. I like to cut in cubes then freeze until I'm ready to use.
Refrigerate the unbaked scones for at least 20 minutes before baking. this helps create flaky layers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1SconeCalories: 290kcalCarbohydrates: 26gProtein: 8gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 46mgSodium: 365mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 519IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 245mgIron: 2mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cake

August 20, 2024

Cinnamon swirl apple cake is the perfect blend of sweet and spice, with tender apple slices nestled in a moist, buttery cake. Each bite bursts with the warmth of cinnamon and the natural sweetness of apples, creating a dessert that's both homely and irresistibly delicious.

This apple cinnamon cake is a take on my very popular cinnamon roll cake! Swirls of cake and spice, interlaced with icing - now studded with bits of fresh apples are simply heavenly.

Whether you're looking for a cozy treat to enjoy with your morning tea or coffee or a delectable fall dessert for a gathering, this cake promises to be a crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to bake again and again.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why you'll love apple cake with cinnamon?

This easy cinnamon swirl cake is soft, fluffy, buttery, and full of juicy, cinnamon-flavored apples.
It's an incredibly easy cake to make- just a bowl, whisk, and spatula.
The cinnamon swirl topping makes the cinnamon and apple cake so deliciously crunchy!
The milky glaze complements the juicy apples, crunchy cinnamon, and the buttery cake beautifully.

Ingredients

Apples	All-purpose flour	Baking Powder
Cinnamon powder	Butter	Granulated sugar
Milk	Eggs	Brown sugar

How to make cinnamon apple cake?

Get ready to fill your home with the irresistible scent of apple cinnamon cake fresh out of the oven!

Step 1: Preheat the oven. Grease an 8" cake tin and line the bottom with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the cinnamon swirl - Combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon powder in a small bowl.

Cinnamon swirl for Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cake

Step 3: Make cinnamon apples - Combine chopped apples with cinnamon powder and sugar. Keep aside.

cinnamon apples for Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cake

Step 4: Cake batter- Whisk flour, baking powder, and sugar in a large bowl.

Step 5: Whisk in milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.

Step 6: Gently mix in melted butter.

Step 7: Fold in the cinnamon apples and transfer the apple cake batter to the prepared cake tin.

Step 8: Place small spoonfuls of cinnamon butter mixture on the cake batter and create swirls using a skewer or a knife.

Step 9: Bake for 45-55 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 10: While the cake is baking, make the milk glaze - mix the icing sugar and milk in a small bowl until smooth and thick. We want a thick pouring consistency for this cinnamon apple cake.

Cinnamon Swirl Apple Cake with the glaze

Step 11: Turn out the apple cake on a serving platter and pour the glaze on the warm cake.

Step 12: Let the cake cool completely before slicing it.

Moist cake tips

Keep all the ingredients measured and handy. This will help bring together the apple cake quickly.
Any kind of apples will work here. Gala, Golden, Red Delicious, Granny Smith...all are good choices.
Make sure your melted butter is not hot. Melt it and let it cool for a few minutes before adding to the batter.
The eggs should be at room temperature and lightly beaten.
As you swirl the cinnamon butter mixture, make sure to push your skewer deep into the batter. This allows the moist apple cinnamon cake to rise while the filling settles in, creating cozy pockets that hold all the delicious gooeyness.
Let the cinnamon apple cake cool completely after you have poured the milky glaze on top. This will help the glaze set and the cake will not be crumbly when you slice it.
You can make this apple coffee cake in an 8" x 8" square pan, like this cinnamon streusel coffee cake. Or in a loaf pan to make an apple loaf cake.

More apple recipes

Vegan apple crisp

Apple cranberry scones

Apple crumble cheesecake

Apple cinnamon waffles

Recipe video

Half the joy of cooking is sharing it with others. That’s why I’m always eager to hear from you. So go right ahead & drop a comment or reach out on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook. I hope you love this cinnamon swirl apple cake as much as we do!

📖 Recipe

Gluten-free Banana Pancakes

August 16, 2024

These gluten-free banana pancakes are fluffy with just the right amount of sweetness. Made with ripe bananas and simple ingredients, they’re a perfect blend of comfort and nutrition and a breeze to whip up!

When you’re craving something sweet and satisfying but still want to keep it healthy, make these fluffy banana gluten-free pancakes. The yogurt and bananas work together to make these babies soft and moist.

Whether you're whipping up a quick breakfast or a lazy weekend brunch, these healthy banana pancakes are easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to please everyone at the table.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why you’ll love these banana pancakes?

Absolutely delicious, soft, fluffy, and thick pancakes

Bursting with yummy banana and cinnamon flavors

The recipe is so simple and comes together super-fast

You only need 2 bowls, 1 whisk, and a skillet

Make the recipe ahead, and you can freeze the pancakes for meal prep.

Recipe ingredients

Flour: I used gluten-free flour to make these vegan banana pancakes. My favorite for baking is buckwheat flour, but you can replace it with all-purpose or whole-wheat flour just as easily.

Baking powder and baking soda: The leavening agents are essential in this recipe because they make the gluten-free pancakes fluffy.

Salt balances all the flavors.

Cinnamon powder boasts a variety of flavors.

Sugar: Regular, raw, brown, cane, or brown sugar; use what you have. Jaggery powder works so well in this recipe. I've used it very often here.

Bananas: use the ripest bananas you have. The riper they are, the tastier your pancakes.

Oil: I prefer coconut oil, but any vegetable oil will work.

A tip: If all you have is fresh bananas, put them in the oven for 5 minutes at 180° until they become nice and soft.

Yogurt adds a creaminess to the banana pancake gluten-free recipe and keeps them moist and soft. Don’t have plain Greek yogurt? Switch to regular.

Vanilla extract adds depth to the flavor. Use the best quality you can get your hands on.

How to make gluten-free banana pancakes?

Step 1: In a bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon powder.

Step 2: In another bowl, mash the ripe bananas.

Step 3: Add coconut oil, yogurt, vanilla extract, and sugar to the mashed bananas and whisk well.

Step 4: Add the dry ingredients to the wet and combine till you have a thick, slightly lumpy batter.

Steps for making Gluten-free Banana Pancakes

Step 5: Let the batter rest for 10–15 minutes.

Step 6: In the meantime, grease your skillet and let it heat.

Step 7: Pour the banana gluten-free pancake batter into the skillet.

Step 8: Cook for a few minutes until bubbles appear on top and the underside is golden.

Step 9: Flip the banana pancake gently and cook for another minute or two.

Step 10: Repeat for the rest of the batter.

Final step: Serve warm and savor!

How to make pancakes fluffy?

There are 5 tricks to making the fluffiest banana gluten-free pancakes:

Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Check the expiration date before you add it.
Don’t skip the baking soda. It helps the pancakes rise.
Don't overmix the batter.
Let the batter rest before cooking. This allows the baking powder to activate.
When cooking, flip the pancake with a light hand. Don't press the pancakes down with the spatula.

Recipe variations

The banana bread pancake recipe is very versatile. You can add a ton of delicious treats to the batter.

Walnuts
Dates
Peanut butter
Chocolate chips
Nutella

Storing & Serving

These gluten-free, healthy pancakes keep well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can even freeze the banana pancakes for a month.

Cool completely before freezing to avoid condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
Place parchment paper or wax paper between each pancake to prevent sticking.
Double-wrap in foil and then plastic.
Thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours and reheat in a skillet or microwave. Serve warm with sliced bananas, a drizzle of maple syrup, and a cup of tea or coffee.

More pancake recipes

Mango Pancakes

Cinnamon Pancakes

Chocolate-stuffed pancakes

Half the joy of cooking is sharing it with others. That’s why I’m always eager to hear from you. So please drop a comment or reach out on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook. I hope you love these gluten-free banana pancakes as much as we do!

📖 Recipe

Apple Butter Bread

August 13, 2024

Apple butter bread is a delightful treat that combines the rich, warm flavors of spiced apples with a soft, moist crumb. This eggless apple butter bread recipe needs simple ingredients and is easy to follow.

Apple butter bread is a delightful treat that combines the rich, warm flavors of spiced apples with a soft, moist crumb. The apple butter infuses the bread with a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes it comforting and satisfying.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You’ll Love Apple Bread?

Easy to make fall dessert.

No bread machine or yeast is needed to make this quick apple butter bread recipe.

The healthy apple butter bread is great for breakfast or a mid-evening snack.

The smell of freshly baked apple butter bread wafting through the house is incredibly comforting.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for making Apple Butter Bread.

Flour: The foundation of a good apple butter quick bread is all-purpose flour, but I’ve baked breads with whole wheat flour too, so I know that will be equally good.

Cinnamon and nutmeg: are warm spices that complement the apple butter beautifully, adding a cozy, aromatic flavor.

Sugar: helps sweeten the bread. I used granulated white sugar. You can use brown sugar, cane, or even coconut sugar.

Oil: keeps the bread moist and tender. I used vegetable oil, but sunflower, coconut, or canola oil work too.

Yogurt: adds moisture and a slight tanginess to the bread. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, use homemade that’s been drained well so it’s thick.

Apple butter: is the star of the recipe. Baking with homemade apple butter is best, but store-bought will do in a pinch.

Optional add-ins: finely chopped walnuts add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the apple butter and spices. You can leave them out or use pecans, raisins, or chopped apples.

Cinnamon sugar: cinnamon sugar topping is completely optional. But it does add an irresistible crunch to the crust. You can make it by simply combining sugar and cinnamon powder in a small bowl.

How To Make

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 180 C / 350 F. Grease a loaf pan well.

Step 2: Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon powder, and nutmeg powder in a large bowl.

Step 3: Add the sugar and mix well.

Step 4: Whisk the oil, yogurt, and apple butter in a separate bowl.

Step 5: Pour over the dry ingredients and mix well until no white streaks of flour are visible. The batter will be thick.

Step 6: Fold in the chopped walnuts and transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan.

Step 7: Combine cinnamon powder and sugar in a small bowl and sprinkle on top of the cake batter.

Steps for making Apple Butter Bread recipe.

Step 8: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 9: Let the cake cool in the tin for 10-15 minutes, before turning it out on a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 10: Slice the completely cooled bread.

Final step: Savor and serve!

Baked Apple Butter Bread in a loaf pan on a red cloth napkin.

How To Store

Store the apple butter loaf cake in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh at room temperature for 2–3 days. If your kitchen is very warm, keep the wrapped loaf in the fridge, and it will last for 5–6 days.

Apple butter bread recipes are freezer-friendly. Double-wrap the loaf in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a Ziplock bag, and it will stay good for up to 2 months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw the bread in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

How To Serve?

This is the important bit: let the easy apple butter bread cool completely before you slice it. I’d suggest making it ahead and letting it rest overnight. The longer the bread sits, the more flavorful it gets.

Plain and fresh: Slice the bread and enjoy it as is for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Toasted with butter: Lightly toast a slice and smear more regular butter on top.
With a spread: Try it with a dollop of vegan cashew ricotta, homemade cream cheese, stovetop apple butter, or cinnamon honey butter.

More Fall Apple Recipes

📖 Recipe

Stovetop Apple Butter

August 9, 2024

Apple butter is a delicious way to enjoy the taste of fall year-round. This small-batch apple butter recipe transforms fresh apples into a rich, spreadable delight that's perfect on toast, pancakes, or straight from the jar!

Stovetop apple butter in a glass jar with a spoon on a plate with apple and apple butter in the background.

Stovetop apple butter is not cloyingly sweet. It has a beautiful, caramelly, velvety texture and a whiff of cinnamon in every bite. Made the old-fashioned way, without a slow cooker, the fruit butter is easy to make and like autumn in a spoon.

Try it on my no-knead cranberry walnut bread, or sourdough banana bread, it's such a fabulous combination!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

stovetop apple butter in a glass jar with spoon on a small plate.

Apple Butter Vs. Apple Sauce

Apple butter and applesauce may start with the same main ingredient but differ in texture and flavor because of the cooking time.

Apple butter is cooked much longer, resulting in a thick, smooth, richly spiced spread with a deep caramelized apple flavor. Applesauce is typically lighter, chunkier, and less sweet, often used as a simple side dish or snack.

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for making Stovetop Apple Butter.

Apples: Use any variety you like. Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Fuji, any kind will work in this recipe.

Sugar: Both white granulated sugar and brown sugar are used for making apple butter.

Cinnamon powder: For making the apple butter super flavorful.

Lemon juice: For balancing flavors.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How To Make Stovetop Apple Butter?

Step 1: Core and dice the apples. There is no need to peel them! So easy!

Step 2: Transfer the apples to a large saucepan. Add water, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.

Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat. Cover and cook the apples until soft and mushy.

Step 4: Cool the softened apples for a few minutes. Then transfer to a blender. Blend until very smooth.

Step 5: Put the apple puree back into your saucepan. Add the cinnamon powder, brown sugar, and salt.

Step 6: Continue cooking on low heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is deep caramel and thick.

Step 7: Let it cool and then transfer it to a jar or an air-tight container. Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.

Final Step: Serve and savor!

How To Use

This easy stovetop apple butter is incredibly versatile and can be used in many delicious ways. Here are some ideas for apple butter recipe:

Enjoy it on warm toast, fresh homemade cornbread, easy homemade bagels, or vegan English muffins.
Mix it into plain or vanilla yogurt for a tasty treat.
Use it as a topping for fluffy cinnamon pancakes, sourdough waffles, cheesy scones, or classic French toast.
Use it as a filling for pastries, easy crêpes, or turnovers.
Stir a spoonful into your morning oatmeal for extra flavor.
Use it as a glaze for pork, chicken, or turkey.
Swirl it into baked goods like these peanut butter apple muffins or cake batter.
Add it to BBQ sauce or salad dressings for a sweet twist.
Drizzle it over vanilla ice cream for a unique dessert topping.
Make an amazing grilled cheese sandwich with it.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use for apple butter?

Use whatever variety of apples is in season, locally and easily available. Both sweet and tart apples, like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Red Delicious, and Gala, work wonderfully in the recipe.

Do you need to peel the apples?

No, peeling the apples is unnecessary because they contain natural pectin, which helps thicken the butter. Skipping this step is a great time saver too!

How do I make spiced apple butter?

Cinnamon is my go-to choice for any sweet treat with apples like these apple cinnamon rolls. You can also add:
- Ground cloves for a deep, aromatic spiciness
- Nutmeg for a slightly nutty, earthy flavor
- Ginger for a sharp kick of heat and zest
Feel free to mix and match these spices to suit your taste preferences! Or leave them out, and you’ll still have a rich and flavorful spread!

a spoonful of apple butter on a spoon to show its buttery texture.

How To Store

I make small batches of apple butter for my family. It stays well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze the homemade butter for 2 months.

If you wish to store the butter for longer or are making a large batch, here is a good blog on canning homemade apple butter.

More Apple Recipes For Fall

Half the joy of cooking is sharing it with others. That’s why I’m always eager to hear from you. So go right ahead & drop a comment or reach out on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, or Facebook. I hope you love this apple butter as much as we do!

📖 Recipe

Stovetop Apple Butter

Natasha Minocha

Apple butter is a delicious way to enjoy the taste of fall year-round. This small-batch apple butter recipe transforms fresh apples into a rich, spreadable delight that's perfect on toast, pancakes, or straight from the jar!

4 from 1 vote

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 30

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings Cups

Calories 327 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

Core and dice the apples. No need to peel them.
Transfer the apples to a large saucepan.
Add water, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
Bring to a boil on medium-high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat. Cover and cook the apples until soft and mushy. This took me about 45 minutes.
You will need to stir them occasionally.
Cool the softened apples for a few minutes, then transfer to a blender. Blend until very smooth.
Now transfer the apple puree back to your saucepan, and add the cinnamon powder, brown sugar, and salt.
Continue cooking on low heat, stirring frequently until the mixture is deep caramel and very thick. This took me about 30 minutes.
Cool and transfer to a jar or an air-tight container. Keep refrigerated for upto 2 weeks.
Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1 CupCalories: 327kcalCarbohydrates: 86gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.03gSodium: 242mgPotassium: 456mgFiber: 10gSugar: 71gVitamin A: 219IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 42mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Chocolate Chip Muffins Recipe

August 6, 2024

These fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip muffins are irresistible, packed with chocolate chips and a soft, moist interior. You won’t need another eggless chocolate chip muffin recipe. With a hint of vanilla and a high golden muffin top, these are simply the best!

It’s easy to see why the simple chocolate chip muffin recipe is so popular. These bakery-style treats are not only big but also in flavor and texture. These are jumbo chocolate chip muffins that you can whip up in no time. I might have gone overboard with the chocolate, but that’s how we love them in my home!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why make chocolate chip muffins?

Soft, moist, and fluffy inside

A straightforward, quick, and easy-to-follow recipe

Tall, sky-high muffin top with perfect texture and flavor

Every bite is choc-a-bloc with gooey, rich, chocolatey goodness.

Everyone loves them, from kids to adults, and they are better than any bakery muffin.

Great with any kind of chocolate—dark, milk, chips, chunks, or a mix of whatever you prefer.

Recipe ingredients

Flour: All-purpose flour gives the best tender crumb, but you can use whole wheat flour without a problem in this basic chocolate chip muffin recipe.

Sugar adds sweetness. I went with regular granulated sugar, but cane, raw, or even coconut sugar will work.

Baking powder and baking soda are leavening agents that help the eggless chocolate chip muffins rise, giving them a light and fluffy texture.

Salt balances the flavor. It’s a small amount, but it makes a big difference.

Buttermilk: You can use store-bought or homemade. The combination of milk and vinegar gives them a good amount of moisture and keeps them soft.

Oil adds fat and moisture. Canola oil, which I used, is a great choice because it has a neutral flavor, but you can also use vegetable oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer.

Vanilla extract is a must-have for delicious muffins. It adds a warm, sweet, and aromatic flavor. It is also a flavor potentiator.

Chocolate chips are the star of these buttermilk muffins. You can use semi-sweet, dark, or milk chocolate chips, depending on your preference. I opted for mini chocolate chips; you can use chunks or regular chips too.

How to make bakery-style chocolate chip muffins?

Step 1: Make the buttermilk - Combine milk and white vinegar in a bowl. Set aside for 5 minutes.

Step 2: Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.

Step 3: Whisk the buttermilk, oil, sugar, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl.

Step 4: Pour the liquid mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula, just until moistened.

Step 5: Toss the chocolate chips with 1 teaspoon of flour and fold into the batter.

Step 6: Divide the batter into the 12 muffin cavities and bake at 220 C / 425 F for 5 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 190 C / 375 F for 12 -15 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Chocolate Chip Muffins batter in muffin tray

Step 7: Let cool in the pan for a few minutes before turning them out on a cooling rack.

Final Step: Serve warm and savor!

Pro tips

Don't overmix the batter for the most tender, moist and best chocolate chip muffins.
Toss the moist chocolate chips in flour before adding them to the batter so they don’t sink to the bottom and remain evenly distributed throughout.
Bake the muffins at high temperature initially for a few minutes. This creates air bubbles that expand the batter to help get tall muffins!
Don't overbake the eggless chocolate chip muffins. This will dry them out.
This recipe will give you 12 regular-size or 6 jumbo chocolate chip muffins.

More muffin recipes

Quinoa Orange Muffins

Chocolate Cherry Muffins

Chocolate Protein Muffins

Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Muffins

Chocolate Cream Cheese Muffins

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Almond Chocolate Ice Cream Ingredients

Variations

How To Make Chocolate Almond Ice Cream?

Pro Tips

How To Serve

Recipe FAQs

More Ice Cream Recipes

📖 Recipe

Chocolate Almond Ice Cream

Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1x2x3x

Instructions

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What Is Sourdough Discard

Recipe Ingredients

How To Make Sourdough Banana Bread

Top Tips

Recipe FAQs

More Sourdough Discard Recipes

📖 Recipe

Sourdough Discard Banana Bread

Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1x2x3x

Instructions

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Buns Ingredients

How To Make Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls

Pro Tips

How To Serve

Recipe FAQs

More Easy Buns & Rolls Recipes

📖 Recipe

Strawberry Cream Cheese Rolls

Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1x2x3x

Cream Cheese Filling

Eggwash

Garnish

Instructions

Cream Cheese Filling

Assembly

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Fig Bread Recipe Ingredients

Variations

How To Make Fig Bread

Pro Tips

How To Store Fig Bread

How To Serve

Recipe FAQs

More Easy Quick Breads

📖 Recipe

Fig Bread

Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1x2x3x

Topping ( optional)

Instructions

Video

Notes

Nutrition

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Strawberry Matcha Latte Ingredients

How To Make Strawberry Matcha Latte

Pro Tips

Recipe FAQs

More Refreshing Drinks

📖 Recipe

Strawberry Matcha Latte

Ingredients US CustomaryMetric 1x2x3x

Instructions

Video

Notes

Nutrition

What Is Irish Soda Bread?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients

Ingredients