Eric Kim’s Gochujang Chocolate Lava Cakes prove that gochujang belongs in dessert. The savory-sweet heat adds depth to bittersweet chocolate, creating a rich, gooey lava cake with surprising complexity. Finished with powdered sugar and gochugaru, this deceptively simple dessert delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
If you need inspiration for your holiday cookie tin or Santa’s plate, this roundup features my all-time favorite Ina Garten cookie and candy recipes. From warm, spiced classics like Spicy Hermit Bars to no-bake English Chocolate Crisps, elegant chocolate bark, and plenty of buttery shortbread, these treats are festive, easy, and irresistible.
These perfectly spiced molasses cookies with crisp edges and soft centers, paired with a light lemon buttercream are a new take on my grandma’s recipe. These holiday cookie sandwiches balance warm spices and bright citrus for an unforgettable seasonal treat.
This 12-layer Russian Honey Cake is a true baking project, but absolutely worth the effort. Burnt wildflower honey perfumes every layer, while a dulce-de-leche cream keeps the cake light, airy, and deeply aromatic. The result is a golden, slice-and-gasp showstopper perfect for holidays.
Take the stress out of Thanksgiving with these delicious make-ahead desserts from Ina Garten. Perfect for busy hosts who want to enjoy the holiday without last-minute baking chaos.
Ina Garten’s Ultimate Pumpkin Pie is a silky, rum-kissed take on the classic Thanksgiving dessert. With a par-baked flaky crust, a warmly spiced pumpkin filling, and a mascarpone-stabilized rum whipped cream, this pie delivers timeless comfort with a little elegance. Perfect for make-ahead holiday baking.
Confession from a Mainer: I prefer these pumpkin whoopie pies to the classic. Light, tender cakes get real pumpkin and warm spices, then sandwich a bourbon-kissed cream cheese frosting. Not too sweet, irresistibly snackable, and perfect for fall gatherings, gifting, or coffee breaks. Cozy, balanced, and ready for repeat baking.
For our October Cookbook Club, we cooked from Dan Pelosi’s Let’s Party! – and his Caramelized Banana Pudding was a showstopper. Layers of broiled cinnamon-sugar bananas, Nilla wafers, and creamy instant pudding come together into pure nostalgia. It’s luscious, balanced, make-ahead perfection – and maybe even better than Magnolia Bakery’s.