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.
Grandma’s Pumpkin Chiffon Bars combine layers of flavor and texture for an unforgettable dessert. A gingersnap crust is topped with cheesecake, spiced pumpkin, and cinnamon whipped cream, creating a light and airy treat. Earning my grandma’s mark of “excellent”
To celebrate 10 years of Store-Bought Is Fine, I tackled Joe Beef’s legendary Marjolaine — a French layered dessert of hazelnut meringue, chocolate ganache, and Nutella + vanilla buttercreams. It’s a dream of a dessert