Individual Pavlovas with Chocolate Swirls and Blackberry Compote

There’s lots of times when chocolate makes fruit feel totally unnecessary. This isn’t one of them because pavlova is already sweet. And once I folded semisweet chocolate into it, it needed something dark and tart next to it. Blackberry has a way of keeping chocolate from getting too pleased with itself.

I barely stirred the chocolate through the finished meringue. The less evenly it mixes, the better the marbling looks. Half the blackberries cook down into their juices while the other half go in fresh, so the topping has both the darker cooked fruit and whole berries still intact.

Then there’s the whipped cream, which I barely sweeten and stop whipping while it’s still very soft. It gets into the cracks and goes over the sides instead of sitting on top like frosting.

These are supposed to be a little unruly.

What Makes This Recipe Different

• I didn’t want these to be the kind of chocolate pavlova where cocoa gets mixed into the meringue and the whole thing turns chocolate. Melted semisweet chocolate gives me the marbling instead, while leaving most of the meringue white.
• I make them individually, mostly because I like everyone getting their own pavlova. You also get more of the crisp outside around the soft center, plus a place in the middle for the good stuff to go.
• Cooking all the blackberries would give me more sauce than I wanted. Adding half of them after the pan comes off the heat leaves whole berries in the compote and keeps some of their fresh tartness.
• I use only a small amount of confectioners’ sugar in the whipped cream because the meringue already supplies most of the sweetness. I want the cream to taste like cream, especially once the chocolate and blackberry compote are on the same spoon.

Ingredients

• Egg whites – Use fresh large egg whites and let them come to room temperature before you start. I don’t use pasteurized egg whites from a carton because they don’t always whip with the same volume and stability. Four large whites usually give me somewhere around 120 to 140 grams.
• Granulated sugar – This goes into the meringue, with another two tablespoons saved for the blackberries. If you like knowing the math behind these things, meringue works with sugar at roughly twice the weight of the egg whites. That’s why weighing the whites is useful if yours happen to be large or small.
• Semisweet chocolate – I like semisweet because the meringue already has enough sugar. The chocolate is melted so I can barely stir it through and keep the ribbons visible.
• Fresh blackberries – Half get cooked down for the juicy part of the compote and the other half go in fresh at the end. Fresh berries are preferred because I want to save the whole blackberries for the finished topping. Frozen blackberries are fine for the portion you’re cooking, but I’d still use fresh for the berries added afterward.
• Heavy whipping cream – I stop whipping this while it’s still very soft, which is what I want on pavlova. It should spoon into the centers and start making its way into the cracks instead of sitting there in a stiff mound.
• Confectioners’ sugar – Three tablespoons for the whipped cream, which is plenty. Between the meringue and the chocolate, this dessert doesn’t need sweet whipped cream fighting for a promotion.
• Fresh lemon wedge or white vinegar – This isn’t going into the pavlova at all. I use it to wipe down the mixing bowl and whisk before adding the egg whites. Even a little grease left behind can interfere with how well egg whites whip, so consider this cheap insurance before you start.

How to Make Chocolate Blackberry Pavlovas

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

• Step One (make the meringue)
  Preheat the oven to 225°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Before anything goes into the mixer, wipe the bowl and whisk attachment with a fresh lemon wedge or a paper towel dampened with white vinegar. Add the room-temperature egg whites and beat on low until foamy, about 1 minute, then increase the speed to medium-high and keep going until you have stiff peaks, about 3 minutes.
• Step Two (add the sugar)
  With the mixer running, add the granulated sugar 1 tablespoon at a time, letting the meringue come back to stiff peaks before adding the next spoonful. It takes a while. Let it. Once all the sugar is in, rub a little meringue between your fingers. If you can still feel sugar granules, keep whipping on high and check it again. I trust my fingers more than the clock. You want the meringue to feel smooth, because sugar that hasn’t completely dissolved is one of the reasons you’ll sometimes see little beads of liquid sugar on baked meringue.
• Step Three (swirl in the chocolate)
  Melt the semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one, then let the chocolate cool slightly. Set aside 2 tablespoons for the tops. Pour the rest over the finished meringue and stir it once. It’s going to look like you should stir it again. Don’t. Every time you scoop out another pavlova, you’re moving the chocolate through the meringue a little more, and too much stirring now will get rid of the uneven chocolate ribbons. Dab a little meringue underneath the corners of the parchment to keep it from sliding around, then spoon the meringue into 6 mounds and make a dip in the center of each with the back of a spoon. Drizzle the reserved chocolate over the tops and give it a few light swirls with a toothpick.
• Step Four (bake and cool the pavlovas)
  Bake on the center rack for about 1 hour, or until the pavlovas release easily from the parchment. Turn off the oven and leave them inside until completely cool. The meringues continue drying as the oven slowly cools, giving the outside more time to crisp while the center stays soft. Don’t worry about a few cracks. Pavlova cracks, and once the whipped cream and blackberries go on, nobody is going to care. I often bake mine the day before and leave them in the turned-off oven overnight, so this entire part is finished before I’m ready to assemble them.
• Step Five (make the compote and put everything together)
  Add 1 cup blackberries and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar to a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and mostly break down. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the remaining 1 cup fresh blackberries. If the compote is too thick to spoon easily, add a small splash of water, then let it cool completely. Beat the heavy whipping cream with the confectioners’ sugar until very soft peaks form. Don’t take it any further than that. Spoon the whipped cream into the center of each pavlova, follow with the blackberry compote and bring them straight to the table.

Recipe Tips

• Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before pouring it over the meringue. It should still be loose enough to drizzle easily, but it shouldn’t be hot when it comes in contact with the egg whites you spent forever whipping full of air.
• Use a toothpick for the final chocolate swirls on top. I tried a fork and a skewer, and both moved too much meringue around and made the tops look messier. A toothpick is small enough to make thin chocolate lines across the surface without destroying the pattern.
• Keep the oven at 225°F even though it feels low. The meringue needs time to dry slowly rather than brown, which is how you get that crisp outside with the soft, marshmallow-like center underneath.
• Make a good indentation in the center of each pavlova before baking. The whipped cream is intentionally soft and the blackberry compote is juicy, so they need somewhere to go besides immediately down the sides.
• Wait until you’re ready to serve before adding the whipped cream and blackberry compote. Both add moisture, which immediately starts softening the crisp meringue. I assemble these when everyone is ready for dessert, not twenty minutes before when dinner is almost over.
• Meringue notices humidity whether you want it to or not. On a very humid day it can take longer to dry and may stay a little stickier because sugar attracts moisture from the air. I have a commercial oven, so my baking environment is unusually consistent, but if your pavlovas need a little more time than mine, go by how they look and release from the parchment rather than forcing them onto my exact clock.

Storage

• Keep the undecorated pavlovas in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. Don’t refrigerate them. Refrigerators are humid, and humidity is what crisp meringue doesn’t need.
• The blackberry compote can be made ahead and stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. I prefer making the whipped cream close to serving rather than storing it ahead.
• For the easiest make-ahead version, bake and cool the pavlovas ahead of time and make the blackberry compote whenever it’s convenient. Keep the two components separate, whip the cream before serving and assemble everything at the last minute. Once the cream and berries are on top, the meringue will gradually soften, so assembled pavlovas are something I serve rather than store.

FAQs

• Can I make chocolate blackberry pavlovas ahead of time?
  Yes. I often bake the pavlovas the day before and leave them in the turned-off oven overnight. The compote can be made ahead too. I wait until close to serving to whip the cream and assemble them.
• Can I use frozen blackberries?
  You can use frozen blackberries for the half that gets cooked down with the sugar. I would still use fresh blackberries for the second half. The berries aren’t cooked, and I want them to stay whole and have fresh tartness in the finished compote.
• Why is my pavlova weeping?
  Undissolved sugar is one of the usual suspects, which is why I’m so annoying about rubbing the meringue between your fingers before you stop whipping. Humidity can also cause meringue to absorb moisture, and once whipped cream and blackberry compote are added, the pavlova will naturally begin to soften. A little moisture isn’t a disaster, but a very wet or sticky pavlova usually means moisture found its way in somewhere.
• Why did my pavlovas crack?
  Some cracking is normal. A crisp shell surrounds a soft center, and those two textures don’t always remain perfectly intact as the pavlova bakes and cools. Big temperature changes can make cracking worse, which is another reason I leave mine in the turned-off oven to cool. Unless the pavlova has completely fallen apart, I wouldn’t consider a few cracks a failure. They’re about to be covered with cream and blackberries anyway.
• Can I use dark or milk chocolate instead of semisweet?
  Dark chocolate works if you want the chocolate ribbons more bitter with the sweet meringue. Milk chocolate is fine too, but it makes the overall dessert noticeably sweeter, which isn’t my preference. Semisweet is the perfect middle ground between the sugary pavlova and tart blackberries.
• Can I make one large chocolate blackberry pavlova?
  Yes. I tested the same recipe as one large pavlova and it worked fine. Mine needed about 5 minutes longer in the oven than the six individual pavlovas. Shape the meringue into one large round with a good indentation in the center, then start checking it around the one-hour mark and use the same cue I do for the smaller ones. It should release easily from the parchment. Let it cool completely in the turned-off oven before topping it.

From My Kitchen Notes

Small observations from the margins.

• Things tend to stay together when no one wants too much from them.
• The outside can be finished while the middle stays soft. Both can be true.
• There’s a short distance between delicate and impossible.
• Sugar can make something stronger than it has any business being.
• I’ve let things cool in the dark before finding out whether they stayed together.
• Blackberry has enough darkness to keep sweetness from becoming exhausting.
• Softness and fragility aren’t interchangeable, although people seem hell bent on confusing them.
• Meringue has unreasonable confidence.
• Things can look tough, until you put a spoon through them.
• You don’t always know what stayed together until you finally break it open.

When There Are Blackberries Around

• Blackberry Cobbler – Tender biscuits over juicy berries.
• Lemon Blackberry Bundt Cake – Lemon cake, fresh blackberry glaze.
• Blackberry Crumble Bars – Jammy berries, buttery shortbread base.
• Blackberry Lemon Oat Muffins – Buttermilk, lemon, hearty oats.
• Blackberry Puff Pastry Galette – Flaky pastry, bubbling blackberry filling.
• Blackberry Crumble – Juicy berries under toasted oats.
• Baseball Nut Ice Cream – Vanilla ice cream, blackberry jam.
• Blackberry Jam – Three ingredients, pure blackberry flavor.
• Blackberry Crumble à la Mode Ice Cream – No-churn blackberry crumble ice cream.

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Chocolate Blackberry Pavlovas

Chocolate blackberry pavlovas are individual meringues marbled with semisweet chocolate, baked slowly, then topped with softly whipped cream and a blackberry compote made with cooked and fresh berries.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword blackberry dessert bars, blackberry pavlova, Blackberry Recipes Dessert, Chocolate Blackberry Pavlovas, Chocolate Pavlova, Dessert Blackberry, Easy Meringue Dessert, individual pavlovas, Meringue Dessert, Pavlova Dessert

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 1 hour hour

Cooling: 2 hours hours

Total Time 3 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings 6 pavlovas

Calories 510kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• Stand Mixer with whisk attachment. Whips the egg whites to stiff peaks and gives you enough power to gradually incorporate the sugar until it dissolves. And for whipping the cream.
• baking sheet (large). Gives the six individual pavlovas enough room to bake without touching.
• parchment paper Keeps the meringues from sticking and makes it easy to check when they release after baking.
• microwave safe bowls For melting the semisweet chocolate in short intervals.
• Saucepan (small). For cooking half the blackberries into the compote.
• mixing bowls (large). For whipping the cream before serving.
• Toothpick Creates the chocolate swirls over the tops of the pavlovas.

Ingredients

Chocolate Pavlovas:

• 1 fresh lemon wedge or white vinegar, for wiping the bowl and whisk
• 4 large (120 to 140 g) fresh egg whites room temperature, not pasteurized
• 1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (85 g) semisweet chocolate chips

Blackberry Compote:

• 2 cups (300 g) fresh blackberries divided
• 2 tbsps (25 g) granulated sugar

Whipped Cream:

• 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsps (23 g) confectioners' sugar

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 225°F (107°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Wipe the bowl and whisk attachment of a stand mixer with a fresh lemon wedge or a paper towel moistened with white vinegar. Add the egg whites and beat on low speed until foamy, about 1 minute. Increase the speed to medium-high and continue beating until stiff peaks form, about 3 minutes.
  1 fresh lemon wedge , 4 large (120 to 140 g) fresh egg whites
• With the mixer running, add granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, allowing the meringue to return to stiff peaks between additions. Once all the sugar has been incorporated, rub a small amount of meringue between your fingers. If it still feels grainy, continue beating on high speed until the sugar has dissolved and the meringue feels smooth.
  1½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• Meanwhile, melt the semisweet chocolate chips in the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly while the meringue finishes mixing.
  ½ cup (85 g) semisweet chocolate chips
• Reserve 2 tablespoons of the melted chocolate. Pour the remaining chocolate over the finished meringue and stir once, leaving visible streaks of chocolate throughout.
• Dab a small amount of meringue underneath each corner of the parchment paper to secure it to the baking sheet. Spoon the meringue into 6 mounds. The chocolate will become more incorporated as the meringue is portioned, so avoid additional stirring. Use the back of the spoon to make an indentation in the center of each mound for the toppings.
• Drizzle the reserved melted chocolate over the pavlovas and use a toothpick to lightly swirl it into the tops.
• Bake on the center rack for 1 hour, or until the pavlovas release easily from the parchment. Turn off the oven and leave the pavlovas inside until completely cool.
• Meanwhile, add 1 cup (150 g) blackberries and granulated sugar to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries release their juices and mostly break down. Remove from the heat and stir in the remaining 1 cup (150 g) fresh blackberries. If the compote is too thick to spoon easily, add a small splash of water. Set aside to cool.
  2 cups (300 g) fresh blackberries , 2 tbsps (25 g) granulated sugar
• Add the heavy whipping cream and confectioners' sugar to a large mixing bowl. Beat until very soft peaks form.
  1½ cups heavy whipping cream, 3 tbsps (23 g) confectioners' sugar
• To serve, spoon whipped cream into the center of each pavlova, followed by the blackberry compote. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Use fresh, non-pasteurized egg whites for the most reliable meringue. Make sure the mixing bowl and whisk are completely free of grease before adding the whites.
• For meringue, a useful ratio is approximately twice the weight of sugar to egg whites. If your four egg whites weigh more or less than expected, weighing them first makes it easy to adjust the sugar accordingly.
• Add the sugar gradually and give it enough time to dissolve. Rub a little finished meringue between your fingers; if it feels grainy, continue whipping. Undissolved sugar can cause the pavlovas to weep during baking.
• Do not overmix after adding the melted chocolate. Stirring once leaves the chocolate streaked through the meringue, and portioning the pavlovas distributes it further.
• Leave the baked pavlovas in the turned-off oven until completely cool. They can also be baked a day ahead and left in the oven overnight.
• Undecorated pavlovas can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. Store the blackberry compote separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Assemble the pavlovas shortly before serving. Moisture from the whipped cream and blackberry compote will gradually soften the meringue. Do not refrigerate or freeze the assembled pavlovas.
• Frozen blackberries can be used for the cooked portion of the compote. For the berries stirred in after cooking, fresh blackberries give the best texture.

 

 

 

If you’re making these Chocolate Blackberry Pavlovas, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card

 

Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.

 

©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.

Nutrition

Serving: 200g | Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 55mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 63g | Vitamin A: 880IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 1mg

Have you made these Chocolate Blackberry Pavlovas? I’d love to hear how they turned out – leave a comment below and let me know.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Chocolate Blackberry Pavlovas appeared first on Noble Pig.

Crockpot Apple Crisp with a Crisp Oat Topping

I loved the idea of apple crisp in a crockpot, but the first time I tried it, I was immediately turned off by the condensation collecting under the lid and dripping back onto the oat topping, leaving it soggy. I wasn’t making it in the slow cooker because it was easier. I wanted my oven free for everything else I was cooking.

The fix turned out to be much less dramatic than the problem. I stretched a couple of thick paper towels across the top of the crockpot before putting the lid on, and they caught the condensation before it could rain back down onto the crisp. The topping stayed crisp, the apples stayed in slices instead of becoming applesauce, and I stopped wondering why anyone bothered making apple crisp in a slow cooker in the first place.

That’s really why I keep making it this way. The oven is already occupied, I don’t feel like heating up the kitchen any more than necessary, or I want dessert taking care of itself while I do something else. Apple crisp has never seemed offended by this arrangement.

Apple crisp has never felt like a holiday dessert to me anyway. I think it’s more of a Sunday afternoon treat I make because my apple trees are overloaded or cinnamon sounds like the flavor of the moment. A scoop of vanilla ice cream isn’t mandatory, but I’ve never managed to convince myself of that.

What Makes This Recipe Different

• I found pretty quickly that stretching a couple of absorbent paper towels across the crockpot before putting the lid on catches that moisture before it can drip down into the topping. It’s a tiny change, but it completely changes the outcome.
• I wasn’t trying to prove the crockpot was somehow better than the oven. I wanted my oven available for everything else I happened to be cooking that day. The crockpot handles the apple crisp while everything else gets the attention it needs.
• The apples are as important as the topping. I wanted them tender enough to cut with a spoon, but still recognizable as slices of apple instead of falling apart into slow cooker applesauce. Granny Smith apples hold up the best during the long cooking time, which is why I keep using them.
• That’s really this recipe in a nutshell. I wasn’t trying to replace classic baked apple crisp. This is the one I make when I need the oven free without giving up the crisp topping and tender apples I wanted in the first place.

Ingredients

• Granny Smith apples – I like Granny Smiths because they reliably stay together during the long cooking time. You end up with tender slices instead of apples that fall apart into the filling.
• Granulated sugar – Enough to sweeten the apples without covering up their natural tartness.
• All-purpose flour – Some goes into the filling to thicken the juices as the apples cook, and more goes into the topping to create the buttery crumbles.
• Ground cinnamon – One teaspoon is enough to add flavor without dominating.
• Fresh lemon juice – Keeps the filling tasting fresh after a few hours in the slow cooker.
• Vanilla extract – Apple crisp never seems complete without it.
• Old-fashioned oats – These keep their texture while they cook. Quick oats soften too much and don’t give you the same crisp, crumbly topping.
• Light brown sugar – Gives the topping its caramel flavor and helps it brown into the crunchy bits everyone goes after first.
• Cold unsalted butter – Cold butter creates the crumbly topping by melting gradually instead of all at once.
• Kosher salt – Desserts need salt too.
• Vanilla ice cream – Not technically required, but warm apple crisp and cold vanilla ice cream have never found a reason to stop spending time together.

FAQs

• Can I use Honeycrisp apples instead of Granny Smith?
  Yes. Honeycrisp apples are fine, although they make a sweeter filling. If your apples are sweet, you can cut back the sugar if you’d like.
• Why is my topping still soft?
  The most common reason is trapped moisture. Make sure the paper towels completely cover the crockpot without sagging onto the topping, and don’t skip the final hour of cooking uncovered.
• Can I cook this overnight?
  I don’t recommend it. The apples cook relatively quickly, and leaving them for several extra hours will soften them much more than this recipe intends.
• Can I double the recipe?
  Only if your slow cooker is large enough to handle it. A very full crockpot takes longer to cook, and the topping will not crisp as well because there’s even more moisture trapped inside.
• Can I use canned apple pie filling?
  This recipe is written for fresh apples, so I don’t recommend using canned pie filling. If you want to use canned filling instead, I have an oven-baked apple crisp with apple pie filling recipe.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes. You can prepare the apple filling and topping separately a day ahead and refrigerate them. Let it come to room temperature before adding it to the crockpot. Assemble everything in the crockpot when you’re ready to cook so the topping stays as crumbly as possible.

From My Kitchen Notes

Small observations from the margins.

• The smallest adjustments are the ones nobody notices until they stop making them.
• Steam has terrible judgment.
• The kitchen has convinced me more than once that solving the wrong problem leaves you with the wrong result.
• Not everything that looks finished is ready to serve.
• The right kind of cover protects things, while the wrong kind undoes them.
• You can spend hours fixing the wrong thing when the real problem has been dripping on you from above the whole time.
• The smallest change in the room can completely change the ending.
• The longer something cooks doesn’t necessarily make it better.
• It takes surprisingly little to keep something from slowly falling apart.
• Some things spend years protecting the wrong part of themselves.
• I’m suspicious of anything that promises to improve without changing.
• Not every compromise looks like one at first.
• Eventually you have to decide whether you’re preserving something or slowly steaming it.
• It’s easy to think nothing is changing because nothing is being said.
• You can keep the lid on forever and still lose what was important.

More Apple Desserts Worth Saving Room For

• Cream Cheese Apple Crisp – Cream cheese beneath buttery crumble.
• Butterscotch Apple Crisp – Butterscotch and cinnamon together.
• Upside-Down Apple Pie – Pecans and flipped pie.
• Amish Apple Fritter Bread – Cinnamon swirl, sweet glaze.
• Brown Sugar Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake – Brown sugar swirl, fresh apples.

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Crockpot Apple Crisp (Slow Cooker Apple Crisp)

Slow cooker apple crisp is made with fresh Granny Smith apples and a buttery oat topping that stays crisp thanks to a simple condensation trick. It's an easy dessert when you want to keep the oven free without giving up the texture of a traditional apple crisp.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword apple crisp in crock pot, apple crisp recipe, apple dessert recipe, Crockpot Apple Crisp, crockpot dessert, easy apple crisp recipe, slow cooker apple crisp

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 3 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Resting 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 414kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• measuring cups and spoons Keeps the filling and topping properly balanced.
• mixing bowls (large nad medium). One for the apple filling and another for the crisp topping.
• Knife To peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces.
• Crockpot (6-quart / about 5.7 liters) – Gives the apples enough room to cook evenly without bubbling over.
• wooden spoon For stirring the apple mixture and serving at the end.
• pastry blender or fork. Works the cold butter into the topping until it's crumbly.
• thick, absorbent paper towels To catch condensation under the lid so it doesn't drip back onto the topping and make it soggy.

Ingredients

• cooking spray

Filling:

• 5 medium (~ 900 g) Granny Smith apples cored, peeled and sliced
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract

Topping:

• ½ cup (50 g) old-fashioned oats
• ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter cut into 8 slices
• 1 tsp ( 3 g) ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp (1 g) kosher salt

Garnish:

• vanilla ice cream

Instructions

• Spray the bottom of the crockpot with cooking spray or brush it with melted butter so the apples release easily after several hours of cooking.
  cooking spray
• In a medium bowl, toss the apples with the granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla until every slice is coated. The flour thickens the juices as the apples cook, keeping the filling syrupy instead of watery. Transfer the apples to the crockpot.
  5 medium (~ 900 g) Granny Smith apples, ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon, 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• In another bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Work the cold butter into the mixture with a fork or your hands until crumbly, leaving a few larger butter pieces behind. They'll melt gradually as the crisp cooks and help create a better topping.
  ½ cup (50 g) old-fashioned oats, ½ cup (65 g) all-purpose flour, ¾ cup (150 g) packed light brown sugar , ½ cup (113 g) cold unsalted butter, 1 tsp ( 3 g) ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp (1 g) kosher salt
• Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.
• Lay a generous sheet of paper towels across the crockpot (2 full-size sheets or 3 connected half-sheets), making sure they cover the opening without sagging onto the topping. Place the lid over the towels and cook on HIGH for 1½ hours or LOW for 2½ to 3 hours. The paper towels catch the condensation before it drips back onto the topping, keeping it from turning soggy.
• Remove the lid and carefully discard the paper towels. The apples should be bubbling around the edges. Continue cooking uncovered for 1 hour so the topping can finish crisping.
• Turn off the heat or switch the crockpot to the warm setting and let the apple crisp rest for about 20 minutes before serving. The filling thickens as it cools, making it much easier to scoop. Serve on its own or with vanilla ice cream.
  vanilla ice cream

Notes

• Firm pears can replace part of the apples if you'd like to mix the fruit. Avoid soft or overripe pears because they'll break down too much during cooking.
• This recipe was tested in a 6-quart (5.7 L) crockpot. Smaller slow cookers may bubble closer to the lid, so keep an eye on them during cooking.
• The paper towels should stay above the topping without touching it. Thick paper towels, such as Bounty, absorb condensation much better than thinner towels or half-sheets.
• Canned apple pie filling works for a shortcut. Since it's already sweetened and thickened, reduce the sugar in the filling before adding it to the crockpot.

 

 

If you’re making this Crockpot Apple Crisp, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card.

 

Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.

 

©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.

Nutrition

Serving: 240g | Calories: 414kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 15g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 111mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 469IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg

Have you made this Crockpot Apple Crisp? I’d love to hear how it turned out — leave a comment below and let me know.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Crockpot Apple Crisp (Slow Cooker) appeared first on Noble Pig.

Blackberry Puff Pastry Galette with Fresh Blackberries and Honey

When blackberry season is here, I don’t necessarily want a dessert that buries the fruit under a thick pie filling. I like when the berries still look like berries, especially when you cut into this blackberry puff pastry galette. It’s so much more visually pleasing. Puff pastry is what keeps this really easy, and the berries create their own filling as they bake.

I can be picky about the things that change a recipe, and homemade pie dough isn’t one of them when it comes to this galette. I like how the puff pastry bakes into crisp, flaky layers, which is what I was after anyway. I’d rather spend my time finding the best blackberries than making dough. We all want summer recipes that leave room to enjoy summer. This one gives you some of your time back.

The filling is also ridiculously simple. Honey, vanilla, lemon, and salt are all you need when blackberries are ripe. As they bake, the berries soften into their own juices, so the filling naturally thickens without needing to add starch.

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top.

What Makes This Recipe Different

• I wanted this galette to taste like fresh blackberries, not blackberry pie. That started with taking a more hands-off approach by letting the berries soften as they baked instead of adding cornstarch or flour. They naturally thicken on their own. I wanted to see the individual berries, which is also why I chose not to macerate them in the beginning. Every slice still has recognizable blackberries instead of a thick, jam-like filling.
• I also skip homemade pie dough in favor of frozen puff pastry. It’s the place where making pie dough doesn’t change the outcome enough to justify the extra work. The puff pastry bakes up crisp and buttery. It frames the fruit without competing with it. I prefer it over traditional pie dough.
• I used honey to sweeten the berries because it doesn’t cover up their flavor the way a larger amount of granulated sugar will.
• Whisking the melted butter into the egg wash before brushing the pastry is something I’ve been doing lately. The butter helps the crust bake up even more golden, crisp, and buttery than a traditional egg wash. The finished galette looks and tastes a little more special when I do it this way.

Ingredients

• Fresh blackberries – Look for ripe, plump berries with good color and a sweet fragrance.
• Honey – Keeps the blackberry flavor front and center.
• Vanilla extract – A small amount complements the tartness of the berries without taking over.
• Fresh lemon juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon keeps the blackberry flavor fresh and lively.
• Kosher salt – Don’t skip it.
• Unsalted butter – I whisk the melted butter into the egg wash instead of using a plain egg wash. It gives the pastry a richer flavor.
• Egg – Forms the base of the butter-enriched egg wash.
• Frozen puff pastry – Thaw it before unfolding, but keep it cold until it’s time to assemble the galette.
• Vanilla ice cream (optional) – It melts into the warm berries and flaky pastry better than just about anything else.

How to Make Blackberry Puff Pastry Galette

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

• Step One (prep the blackberries)
  Preheat the oven and line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the blackberries to a medium bowl and gently toss them with the honey, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt until every berry is lightly coated. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the pastry.
• Step Two (make the butter egg wash)
  Melt the butter and let it cool for a minute or two so it doesn’t start cooking the egg. Whisk the butter and egg together until smooth, then unfold the thawed puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire surface of the puff pastry with the butter egg wash, making sure to cover it all the way to the edges.
• Step Three (assemble the galette)
  Spoon the blackberry mixture into the center of the pastry, leaving a 1½ to 2-inch border around the outside. Fold the edges up and over the filling, overlapping the folds as you go to create a rustic galette. Finish by brushing the folded edges with the remaining butter egg wash.
• Step Four (bake the galette)
  Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and the blackberry filling is bubbling. Don’t pull it from the oven too early. The bubbling juices tell you the berries have had enough time to soften and create their own naturally thickened filling. Let the galette cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing, then serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Recipe Tips

• Keep the puff pastry cold until you’re ready to use it. Once it starts getting too warm, it won’t puff as well in the oven.
• Let the melted butter cool for a minute or two before whisking it with the egg. If the butter is too hot, it can start cooking the egg instead of creating a smooth butter egg wash.
• Leave yourself plenty of room around the edges when adding the filling. The border makes the galette easier to fold and helps keep the blackberry juices from escaping as it bakes.
• Don’t take the galette out of the oven just because the pastry looks golden. Wait until the blackberry filling is bubbling too, because that’s your sign the berries have softened enough to create their own naturally thickened filling.
• Let the galette cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. The filling continues to thicken as it rests, so each slice will be much easier to serve.
• This is a dessert that’s at its best the day it comes out of the oven. The pastry is the crispiest it will ever be, the berries are still warm, and vanilla ice cream will melt into every little crevice of the blackberry juice.

Storage

• Store leftover galette, loosely covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To bring back the crispness, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. The microwave will warm the filling, but it softens the pastry, so I only use it if I’m in a hurry.
• I don’t recommend freezing the baked galette because puff pastry loses much of its crisp texture after thawing.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen blackberries?
  Yes. Use them straight from the freezer without thawing first. They’ll release a little more juice as they bake, so the galette may need a few extra minutes in the oven before the filling is bubbling.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  You can mix the blackberry filling a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, but I like to assemble the galette right before baking so the puff pastry stays as crisp as possible. If you do, the berries will be a little more broken down in appearance.
• Why didn’t you use cornstarch?
  Instead of creating a firm, pie-like filling with starch, I let the berries soften into their own juices, creating a filling that’s a little looser, incredibly flavorful, and full of whole berries.
• Can I use pie crust instead of puff pastry?
  You can, but it will be a completely different dessert. Pie dough will give you a traditional galette, while puff pastry bakes into lighter layers that contrast with the soft berries.
• How do I keep the bottom from getting soggy?
  Start with cold puff pastry, avoid overfilling the galette, and don’t take it out of the oven until the blackberry juices are actively bubbling. The extra baking time helps the pastry finish crisping underneath while the filling cooks completely.

From My Kitchen Notes

Small observations from the margins.

• Not everything worth making has to be made the hard way.
• I save my energy for the things that change the outcome.
• Some things become extraordinary the moment you stop trying to improve everything about them.
• There’s always a point when adding more starts taking something away.
• The hardest part isn’t knowing what to add. It’s being aware of what never needed adding in the first place.
• Sometimes the hardest thing to make is the decision to leave something alone.
• Lots of things need my hands. Others only need my trust.
• Ripe fruit has very little interest in being managed.
• It’s always interesting how confidence looks when doing less.
• I’ve stopped believing that doing more always means caring more.
• I don’t confuse effort with excellence. Or complication for depth.
• The sweetest things in life are usually the least interested in convincing you.
• Those that need to prove something rarely make the best dessert.
• Good cooking isn’t about doing the most. It’s knowing what’s most important.

More Ways to Use Fresh Blackberries

• Lemon Blackberry Bundt Cake – fresh blackberry glaze.
• Blackberry Crumble – with oats.
• Blackberry Lemon Oat Muffins – buttermilk and oats.
• Chocolate Blackberry Pavlovas – chocolate meringue.
• Blackberry Cobbler – biscuit topping.
• Blackberry Crumble Bars – buttery shortbread.
• Blackberry Jam – three ingredients.
• Baseball Nut Ice Cream – blackberry jam.
• Blackberry Crumble à la Mode Ice Cream – no-churn dessert.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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Blackberry Galette

Blackberry Puff Pastry Galette is an easy summer dessert that uses frozen puff pastry instead of homemade pie dough for a crisp, buttery crust. Fresh blackberries are tossed with honey, vanilla, lemon, and salt, then baked until they naturally thicken into a soft, juicy filling without added starch. The butter-enriched egg wash gives the pastry rich flavor and a golden finish.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword blackberry galette, blackberry pastry, blackberry puff pastry galette, easy blackberry dessert, fresh blackberry galette, honey blackberry dessert, puff pastry dessert, puff pastry galette, rustic blackberry tart, summer blackberry dessert

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes minutes

Resting 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 55 minutes minutes

Servings 8 slices

Calories 252kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• baking sheet (medium). Bakes the galette evenly.
• parchment paper Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• mixing bowls (medium and small). Tosses the blackberry filling and for making egg wash.
• pastry brush Brushes the pastry with the butter egg wash.

Ingredients

Blackberry Filling:

• 2 cups (290 g) fresh blackberries
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ½ tbsp (8 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsps (42 g) honey
• ½ tsp (3 g) kosher salt

Galette:

• 3 tbsps (43 g) unsalted butter melted and slightly cooled
• 1 large egg
• 1 sheet (8-9 oz / 225-255 g) frozen puff pastry thawed overnight in the refrigerator

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, gently toss the blackberries with the vanilla extract, lemon juice, honey, and salt until evenly coated. Set aside.
  2 cups (290 g) fresh blackberries, 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract, ½ tbsp (8 ml) fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsps (42 g) honey, ½ tsp (3 g) kosher salt
• Melt the butter and let it cool for 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk it together with the egg until smooth.
  3 tbsps (43 g) unsalted butter
• Unfold the thawed puff pastry onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the entire surface of the pastry with the butter egg wash.
  1 large egg
• Spoon the blackberry mixture into the center of the puff pastry, leaving a 1½ to 2-inch (4 to 5 cm) border around the edges.
  1 sheet (8-9 oz / 225-255 g) frozen puff pastry
• Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, overlapping and gently pressing the folds together as needed. Brush the folded edges with the remaining butter egg wash.
• Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is deep golden brown and the blackberry filling is bubbling.
• Let the galette cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. The filling will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Notes

• Let the melted butter cool slightly before whisking it with the egg so it doesn't begin cooking the egg.
• Keep the puff pastry cold until you're ready to assemble the galette for the flakiest results.
• The blackberry filling will look loose when it comes out of the oven but thickens naturally as it cools.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8 to 10 minutes until the pastry is crisp again.

If you’re making this Blackberry Puff Pastry Galette, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card

 

Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.

 

©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.

Nutrition

Serving: 110g | Calories: 252kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 42mg | Sodium: 220mg | Potassium: 118mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 338IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg

Have you made this Blackberry Puff Pastry Galette? I’d love to hear how it turned out – leave a comment below and let me know.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Blackberry Puff Pastry Galette appeared first on Noble Pig.

Fresh Peach Muffins with Cinnamon Streusel and Vanilla Glaze

I affectionately refer to summer as “over the sink fruit eating season” because it is. If the juice isn’t running down to my elbows, why am I eating it? And peaches are the queen bee of summer because nothing else can compete. I already love peach muffins, but they always felt like they were missing something. The brown butter fixed that immediately. The cinnamon streusel was what turned them into coffee cake muffins, and a drizzle of vanilla glaze with a sprinkling of coarse sugar convinced me never to leave them plain again.

And here’s the truth, I can be a little insufferable about peaches, and I blame it entirely on my childhood. Every summer, someone from work sent my dad a couple of boxes of Georgia peaches. They came in these big brown corrugated boxes, and every peach was nested in its own paper cradle. I remember thinking they looked so important. They ruined me for average peaches.

Grocery store peaches and I have never really worked things out. They sit on the counter forever while I keep checking on them, hoping today’s the day, and then somehow they’re still crunchy around the pit and never fully ripen. Every year I convince myself maybe this batch will be different. Every year I have the same conversation with them.

Farmers market peaches are a wildly different story. Around here, the white peaches are first, followed by the yellow ones. Because they’re grown just a few miles away, they’re picked when they’re ripe instead of when they’re ready to survive a trip across the country. The first bite tells me everything.

When I was growing up, we’d make cobblers once in a while, but most of the Georgia peaches never made it into a baking recipe. I’d stand on a chair over the sink eating them, or my mom would put whipped cream on them for dessert. There didn’t need to be anything else. They were already perfect.

So, every year I wait. When the farmers market peaches arrive, I start making a mental list of everything I want to make before the season is gone again. Some become jam. Most never make it past my kitchen counter. And this year, many of them became these brown butter peach coffee cake muffins.

Because when a peach is good enough, it doesn’t need a lot. Brown butter, cinnamon, and a crumbly streusel are more than enough to let the peaches be the reason you made the recipe in the first place.

What Makes These Different

• Peach muffins are good on their own, but I wanted these to have even more flavor. Brown butter took care of that without changing what I liked about them. The peaches are still the reason I make these muffins.
• I wanted these to feel more like coffee cake than a regular muffin. That’s when the cinnamon streusel came in. The coarse sugar and vanilla glaze followed, and I wouldn’t leave either one off now.
• Peaches that are perfect for eating aren’t always the peaches I bake with. For these muffins, I’d rather they still have a little firmness because they stay in pieces while they bake.
• I refrigerate the streusel while I make the batter. It doesn’t take long for the butter to firm back up, and that’s what keeps the crumbs from melting into one flat layer.
• One thing I like about these muffins is that the peaches still taste like peaches. The brown butter gives them more flavor, but it never gets in the way.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter – Browning it adds the nutty flavor I wanted. I pour it into another bowl as soon as I see the golden flecks on the bottom of the pan so it stops cooking.
• Vegetable oil – Brown butter has the flavor, while oil keeps the muffins soft for days instead of drying out after the first afternoon.
• Granulated sugar and light brown sugar – Granulated sugar sweetens the muffins, while brown sugar gives the streusel a richer flavor that goes well with cinnamon.
• Greek yogurt – Makes a thick batter that supports the peaches and keeps everything tender.
• Vanilla extract and almond extract – Vanilla is expected, and the almond extract is optional, but it has a way of making peaches taste even more like peaches without making the muffins taste like almonds.
• Fresh peaches – Ripe but still slightly firm because they stay in pieces as the muffins bake instead of disappearing into the batter. Tossing them with flour also helps keep them evenly distributed.
• All-purpose flour – Forms the batter, the streusel, and helps the peaches stay suspended throughout the muffins.
• Baking powder, baking soda, and salt – They give the muffins a good rise and keep the batter baking evenly.
• Ground cinnamon – Adds warmth to the streusel and the batter without taking over the peach flavor.
• Coarse sugar – I usually call it sparkling sugar. It adds crunch across the tops and gives the muffins one more texture.
• Heavy cream and confectioners’ sugar – Whisked together into a vanilla glaze that finishes the muffins.

How to Make Brown Butter Peach Coffee Cake Muffins

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

• Step One (brown the butter and make the streusel)
  Start by browning the butter over medium heat. I don’t watch the clock. I watch the foam. Once it begins to clear and I see golden flecks on the bottom of the pan, I pour the butter into a heatproof bowl so it doesn’t keep cooking. While it cools, stir together the streusel ingredients until large crumbs form, then refrigerate it. Cold streusel keeps its craggy texture instead of melting into the tops of the muffins.
• Step Two (prepare the peaches and mix the batter)
  Dice the peaches into bite-sized pieces, pat them dry if they’re especially juicy, then toss them with flour. That keeps excess moisture in check and helps the peaches stay evenly distributed throughout the batter. Whisk together the cooled brown butter, oil, eggs, sugar, and salt, then whisk in the Greek yogurt, vanilla, and almond extract if you’re using it.
• Step Three (finish the batter)
  Fold the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon into the wet ingredients until a few streaks of flour remain. Then stop. Overmixing makes dense muffins. Fold in the peaches. The batter will be thick, and that’s exactly what you want because it keeps the peaches from sinking to the bottom.
• Step Four (fill and top the muffins)
  Divide the batter evenly among the muffin liners, filling each almost to the top. Scatter the cinnamon streusel over each muffin, then gently press a few of the larger crumbs into the batter so they stay put while the muffins bake. Finish with a sprinkle of coarse sugar.
• Step Five (bake the muffins)
  Bake at 425°F for 5 minutes. Without opening the oven door, reduce the temperature to 350°F and continue baking until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes before moving them to a wire rack.
• Step Six (glaze)
  After the muffins have cooled for 15 to 20 minutes, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla until smooth, then drizzle it over the tops. Warm muffins absorb the glaze. Letting them cool first keeps it where it belongs, across the streusel instead of inside it. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

• Brown the butter by watching the foam instead of the clock. Once the foam pulls back and you see golden specks on the bottom of the pan, pour it into another bowl right away because it will keep cooking in the hot pan.
• Choose peaches that are ripe but still have some bite. Very soft peaches release more juice and fall apart while the muffins bake.
• Chill the streusel before using it. Cold butter holds the crumbs together longer in the oven, so you end up with larger cinnamon streusel pieces across the tops.
• Keep the oven door closed when you lower the temperature. That burst of heat at the beginning is what helps give the muffins their tall tops.
• Wait 15 to 20 minutes before glazing. Slightly cooled muffins keep the glaze on top of the streusel instead of soaking it in.

Storage

• Store the muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. A quick 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave brings the muffins back to life.
• Freeze the muffins individually for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave. The glaze softens after freezing, but the muffins still taste fantastic.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen peaches?
  Yes. Thaw them completely, drain off any excess liquid, and pat them dry before tossing them with flour. Extra moisture changes the texture of the batter.
• Do I have to use the almond extract?
  No. The muffins are delicious without it. I like adding it because it makes the peaches taste very peachy.
• Why did my streusel melt into the muffins?
  The butter was probably too warm or the streusel wasn’t chilled before baking. Cold streusel holds its crumbly texture much better in the oven.
• Can I skip the glaze?
  Yes. You’ll end up with more of a classic peach streusel muffin than a coffee cake muffin, and they’re still delicious.
• Can I use white or yellow peaches?
  Either one works well. I tested these with white peaches because they were the first ripe peaches at my farmers market, but yellow peaches are just as good. Use whichever looks best that day.

From My Kitchen Notes

Small observations from the margins.

• I’ve decided not everything improves because I waited longer. It improves because I waited for the right thing.
• Time isn’t what changes everything. Timing does.
• Waiting can be easier when you know what you’re waiting for.
• There comes a point when hope stops being a substitute for ripeness.
• I’ve already spent enough time waiting for things that were never going to sweeten.
• Some seasons are too short to spend on disappointment.
• I don’t lower my standards because something is seasonal.
• When things only exist for a few weeks, they become unforgettable.
• There are things worth planning around.
• Every year gives me another chance to recognize what I missed the year before.
• Warmth doesn’t always ruin something. It’s usually how the sweetness makes itself known.
• The first bite confirms what you already suspected.
• Some of the best things come in already knowing who need to be.
• Not everything needs more. Sometimes it needs something that understands it.
• The best ingredients make room for each other.
• There’s a big difference between being ready and being available.
• It can be disappointing when things never become what I hoped they would. Moving on is growth.
• It’s funny how quickly certainty arrives when it’s real.
• There are ingredients that make a recipe. Then there are the ones that explain why it exists at all. Knowing the difference saves a lot of time.

More Fresh Fruit Baking Recipes

• Peach Cobbler Bundt Cake – bourbon caramel and fresh peaches
• Lemon Blackberry Bundt Cake – lemon soak, blackberry glaze
• Blackberry Crumble Bars – buttery oat crumble topping
• Fresh Cherry Berry Crisp – cherries and tart raspberries
• Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes – real cherry buttercream frosting

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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Brown Butter Peach Coffee Cake Muffins

Brown Butter Peach Coffee Cake Muffins are filled with fresh peaches and topped with cinnamon streusel, coarse sugar, and vanilla glaze. Browning the butter adds a nutty flavor that works especially well with peaches.

Course Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword brown butter muffins, brown butter peach coffee cake muffins, fresh peach muffins, peach coffee cake muffins, peach muffins with vanilla glaze, peach streusel muffins, summer peach muffins

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Cooling: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 5 minutes minutes

Servings 12 muffins

Calories 420kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• Saucepan (small) Browns the butter.
• mixing bowls (large and two small). For the batter and the streusel.
• whisk Mixes the wet ingredients.
• rubber spatula Folds the batter without overmixing.
• 2 12-Count Muffin Tin Baking every other well helps encourage taller muffin tops.
• muffin liners Prevents sticking.
• cooling rack Cools the muffins before glazing.

Ingredients

Muffins:

• ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
• 1¼ cups (190 g) diced fresh peaches white or yellow
• 1 tsp (3 g) all-purpose flour for tossing the peaches
• ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil (melted coconut oil would also work, but it will add flavor)
• 2 large eggs room temperature
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp (3 g) table salt
• 1 cup (245 g) full-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp (1 ml) almond extract optional
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps ( 8 g) baking powder
• ½ tsp (3 g) baking soda
• ½ tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon
• coarse white sugar for topping

Cinnamon Streusel:

• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar
• ½ tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon
• pinch of salt
• 4 tbsps (57 g) unsalted butter melted

Vanilla Glaze:

• 1 cup (120 g) confectioners' sugar
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) heavy cream
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two standard 12-cup muffin pans with 6 paper liners each, filling every other well to encourage taller muffin tops. If you only have one muffin pan, bake all 12 muffins together. The muffins will still turn out well, but the tops may not rise quite as high.
• Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook until it melts, foams, and the milk solids turn deep golden brown, swirling the pan occasionally. As soon as the butter smells nutty and you see browned bits on the bottom of the pan, pour it into a heatproof bowl to stop the cooking. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
  ¼ cup (57 g) unsalted butter
• While the butter cools, stir together the streusel flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix with a fork until large crumbs form. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup (67 g) light brown sugar, ½ tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon, pinch of salt, 4 tbsps (57 g) unsalted butter
• Wash, dry, and dice the peaches into small bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry if they're especially juicy, then toss with 1 teaspoon (3 g) all-purpose flour to absorb excess surface moisture and help keep the peaches evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  1¼ cups (190 g) diced fresh peaches , 1 tsp (3 g) all-purpose flour
• In a large bowl, whisk together the cooled brown butter, vegetable oil, eggs, granulated sugar, and salt until smooth. Whisk in the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and almond extract, if using.
  ¼ cup (60 ml) vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar, ½ tsp (3 g) table salt, 1 cup (245 g) full-fat Greek yogurt, 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract, ¼ tsp (1 ml) almond extract
• Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Fold gently with a rubber spatula just until a few streaks of flour remain. Avoid overmixing, which can make the muffins dense. Fold in the peaches until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick.
  2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsps ( 8 g) baking powder, ½ tsp (3 g) baking soda, ½ tsp (1 g) ground cinnamon
• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin liners, filling each almost to the top. Generously sprinkle the streusel over each muffin, gently pressing a few of the larger crumbs into the batter so they stay in place while baking. Finish with a sprinkle of coarse sugar.
  coarse white sugar
• Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Without opening the oven door, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 to 10 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack.
• Once the muffins have cooled for 15 to 20 minutes, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the muffins. Waiting until they've cooled slightly helps the glaze stay on top instead of soaking into the streusel.
  1 cup (120 g) confectioners' sugar, 3 tbsps (45 ml) heavy cream, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract

Notes

• Browning the butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that pairs especially well with fresh peaches. Pour it into another bowl as soon as it's browned so it doesn't continue cooking.
• Slightly firm peaches work better than very ripe peaches because they hold together during baking.
• Pat especially juicy peaches dry before tossing them with flour to help prevent excess moisture in the batter.
• Refrigerating the streusel helps keep the crumbs larger instead of melting into the tops of the muffins.
• Fold the batter gently and stop mixing while a few streaks of flour remain to keep the muffins tender.
• Press a few of the larger streusel crumbs lightly into the batter so they stay in place while baking.
• Waiting until the muffins have cooled slightly before glazing helps the vanilla glaze stay on top of the streusel.

 

 

If you’re making these Brown Butter Peach Coffee Cake Muffins, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card

 

Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.

 

©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.

Nutrition

Serving: 135g | Calories: 420kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 55mg | Sodium: 250mg | Potassium: 165mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 33g | Vitamin A: 420IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 115mg | Iron: 2mg

Have you made these Brown Butter Peach Coffee Cake Muffins? I’d love to hear how they turned out – leave a comment below and let me know.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Brown Butter Peach Coffee Cake Muffins appeared first on Noble Pig.

No-Churn Blackberry Lemon Crumble à la Mode Ice Cream

I love blackberry ice cream, but I wanted something that tasted more like blackberry crumble with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top. I ended up cooking the berries into a thick swirl, layering in buttery shortbread crumble, and adding lemon zest and juice until it gave me the flavor I was imagining, without needing an ice cream maker.

When you live in Oregon, blackberry season is impossible to ignore. They’re everywhere, wild and cultivated, and every year I start thinking about blackberry recipes way before the berries outside are ready. By the time they’re ripe, I already know what I want to make with them.

Blackberry and lemon will forever be one of my favorite combos because the lemon keeps the berries from tasting too sweet. I’ve made so many blackberry lemon desserts over the years, but turning them into a frozen version of blackberry crumble might be one of my favorites.

I also get lots of requests for no-churn ice cream recipes, and I understand it. Not everyone has or wants an ice cream maker. By making it this way, the whipped cream keeps the base light and scoopable, while the blackberry swirl and buttery crumble give it the texture I was after.

You can make this with grocery store berries any time of year, but when farmers market blackberries are at their peak, this is the recipe you’ll want waiting for them.

What Makes This Recipe Different

• I cook the blackberries down first instead of adding them straight into the ice cream. Fresh berries have a lot of water and can disappear once frozen, but cooking them gives you a thicker blackberry swirl that’s obvious in every scoop.
• I wanted this to taste more like eating my blackberry crumble with ice cream, so I layered the shortbread throughout instead of stirring it completely into the base.
• I use the lemon in both the ice cream and the crumble so it’s more noticeable. It keeps the berries from tasting too sweet and gives it more of a summery feel.
• Almond extract might not seem like an important add, but it does change the whole flavor. You really don’t taste almond as much as you notice something extra happening with the berries and shortbread.
• If you want even more blackberry, add fresh berries between the layers before freezing. The cooked swirl gives you the blackberry flavor, and the whole berries add texture.
• No ice cream maker needed, which I know a lot of you will appreciate.

Ingredients

• Fresh Blackberries – Cooked down so the blackberry flavor doesn’t fade once the ice cream freezes. Add extra whole berries between the layers and on top if you want even more blackberry.
• Granulated Sugar – Turns the berries into a jammy swirl instead of a thin fruit sauce.
• Fresh Lemon Juice and Zest – Blackberry and lemon are lovers. No notes. I use the juice and the zest so the lemon doesn’t get lost behind the blackberry.
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Whipped before folding into the base. This is what gives no-churn ice cream its creamy texture without needing an ice cream maker.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds sweetness and helps keep the ice cream smooth and scoopable after freezing.
• Almond Extract – You only need a little, but it adds something extra that goes really well with blackberries and shortbread.
• Fine Sea Salt – Makes the blackberry, lemon, and crumble flavors stand out.
• Shortbread Cookies – Crushed into crumbs to give the ice cream its blackberry crumble feeling instead of blackberry ice cream.
• Unsalted Butter – I mix it with the shortbread crumbs so they stay together throughout the ice cream.

How to Make Blackberry Crumble à la Mode Ice Cream

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

• Step One (make the blackberry swirl)
  Add the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a small saucepan and bring everything to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and pressing the berries against the side of the pan to help them release their juices. The mixture should cook down until it’s thick and jammy instead of a thin sauce. Let it cool completely, then press it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds before layering it into the ice cream.
• Step Two (make the lemon crumble)
  Mix the crushed shortbread cookies with melted butter and lemon zest until the crumbs are evenly coated. Set the crumble aside while you make the ice cream base.
• Step Three (make the ice cream base)
  Whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt until smooth. In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks, then gently fold it into the condensed milk mixture in several additions. Folding helps keep the air you whipped into the cream, which is what gives no-churn ice cream its texture.
• Step Four (layer the ice cream)
  Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper if you want to lift the ice cream out later, or use any freezer-safe container with enough room for layers. Add some of the ice cream base, followed by spoonfuls of blackberry swirl and lemon crumble. Repeat the layers until everything has been added, placing extra whole blackberries throughout if using.
• Step Five (create the swirls and freeze)
  Run a butter knife through the layers a few times to create blackberry ribbons without completely mixing everything together. The goal is to keep the pockets of blackberry, crumble, and ice cream separate so every scoop has a bit of everything. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 8 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
• Step Six (scoop)
  Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping, especially if it has been frozen overnight. Add fresh blackberries, lemon zest, or extra crumble on top if you want the full blackberry crumble à la mode experience.

Recipe Tips

• Use a cold bowl for whipping the cream. It helps the cream whip faster and creates the texture you want before folding everything together.
• Let the blackberry mixture cool completely before adding it to the ice cream. Warm fruit will start melting the base before it ever gets to the freezer.
• Don’t worry about making perfect layers. Some areas will have more blackberry, some will have more crumble, and that’s what makes each scoop different.
• A metal loaf pan freezes the ice cream a little faster, but any freezer-safe container will work.
• Cover the ice cream well before freezing. No-churn ice cream absorbs freezer smells easily, and nobody wants blackberry lemon ice cream with a hint of frozen onion.
• For the best scoops, let the container sit out for a few minutes before digging in. Homemade ice cream needs a little time after coming out of the freezer.

Storage & Leftovers

• Keep the ice cream tightly covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
• For extra protection, press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap against the surface before covering the container.
• If the ice cream has been frozen for several days, give it a few minutes on the counter before scooping.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen blackberries?
  Yes. Thaw them first and drain off any extra liquid before cooking. Frozen berries release more moisture, so they may need a few extra minutes on the stove.
• Do I have to remove the blackberry seeds?
  Technically, no. This comes down to texture. Straining gives you a smoother swirl, and I personally think the seeds are unpleasant in ice cream.
• Do I have to use parchment paper in the loaf pan?
  No. What’s fun about parchment is that you can lift out the whole loaf of ice cream and serve it in slices, which kind of goes with the à la mode theme. It’s completely your call.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes. Make it the day before you plan to serve it. That gives it plenty of time to freeze completely.
• Why is my ice cream too hard to scoop?
  Homemade ice cream freezes harder than store-bought because it doesn’t have the same stabilizers. A few minutes at room temperature makes a big difference.
• Can I use a different fruit?
  Yes. Raspberries or blueberries work well with the lemon and shortbread. The cooking time will change slightly depending on how much juice the fruit releases.
• Can I make this gluten free?
  Yes. Use your favorite gluten-free shortbread cookie for the crumble. I’ve had good results using Schär shortbread cookies. I’ve linked them in the recipe card.

From My Kitchen Notes

Small observations from the margins.

• I don’t think everything should be blended together. Some things are better left to themselves.
• Everyone notices the berries first, but the crumble knows precisely what it brings.
• A little tartness has rescued more desserts than extra sugar ever has.
• There is a big difference between adding another ingredient and giving something a better conversation.
• Sometimes the best parts are never meant to stay on top.
• Not everything beautiful needs to be perfectly swirled.
• The best spoonful steals a little bit from every layer.
• Some things are worth waiting for, but I’ve never been good at pretending I’m not already thinking about them.
• Blackberries have their own timeline and they’ve never cared about mine.
• The blackberry does not need to become the ice cream. The ice cream does not need to become the blackberry. Some things are meant to come together without losing themselves.
• The best bites come from contrast.
• It’s human nature to complicate things that were already good.
• There is a difference between forcing something and giving it the right conditions. Some things are better when they have room to swirl.
• A blackberry ripple knows exactly how much space to take.
• The crumble does not need to become the ice cream to belong there.
• Sometimes the best part is finding yourself in the middle of something unexpected.
• There is a difference between needing something and being better next to it and because of it.
• The best pairings don’t erase what made each part good in the first place.
• The trick is knowing when something is finally ready to soften. In cooking and life.
• Not everything that melts is falling apart.
• The crumble was never missing anything. And neither was the ice cream. That’s why goes together.

Blackberry Season Favorites

• Blackberry Cobbler – classic biscuit topping, juicy berries.
• Lemon Blackberry Bundt Cake – lemon soak, fresh blackberry glaze.
• Blackberry Crumble Bars – buttery crust, blackberry filling.
• Blackberry Lemon Oat Muffins – buttermilk, oats, lemon glaze.
• Blackberry Jam – three ingredients, no pectin.
• Baseball Nut Ice Cream – Baskin-Robbins Copycat, blackberry jam
• Chocolate Blackberry Pavlovas – chocolate meringue, blackberry compote.

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Blackberry Crumble à la Mode Ice Cream

Blackberry Crumble à la Mode Ice Cream is a no-churn blackberry ice cream layered with thick blackberry ribbons, buttery shortbread crumble, and fresh lemon flavor. Inspired by blackberry crumble served à la mode, this homemade ice cream is creamy, scoopable, and doesn't require an ice cream maker.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Blackberry Crumble à la Mode Ice Cream, blackberry lemon ice cream, homemade blackberry ice cream, No Churn Ice Cream, no-churn blackberry ice cream

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes minutes

Freezing Time 8 hours hours

Total Time 8 hours hours 40 minutes minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 455kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• Saucepan (small) Cooks the blackberry swirl until thick and jam-like.
• mixing bowls One for the ice cream base and one for the whipping cream.
• hand mixer or stand mixer. Whips the cream to stiff peaks.
• rubber spatula Folds the whipped cream into the base without deflating it.
• large fine mesh sieve Removes the blackberry seeds for a smoother swirl.
• loaf pan 9x5 (23 x13 cm) or freezer safe-container. Holds the layered ice cream while it freezes.
• parchment paper (optional). Makes it easier to lift the ice cream from the loaf pan.

Ingredients

Blackberry Swirl:

• 2 cups (290 g) fresh blackberries
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh lemon juice

Lemon Crumble:

• 1 cup (100 g) shortbread cookies
• 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter melted
• 1 tsp (2 g) lemon zest

Ice Cream Base:

• 1 (14 oz / 396 g) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp (6 g) lemon zest
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) almond extract
• ¼ tsp (1.5 g) fine sea salt

Instructions

• Add the blackberries, sugar, and lemon juice to a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and pressing the berries against the side of the pan to release their juices. Continue cooking until the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency. Remove from the heat and cool completely. For a smoother blackberry swirl, strain out the seeds before cooling if desired.
  2 cups (290 g) fresh blackberries, ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
• Combine the crushed shortbread cookies, melted butter, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and set aside.
  1 cup (100 g) shortbread cookies, 2 tbsps (28 g) unsalted butter, 1 tsp (2 g) lemon zest
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon zest, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt until smooth.
  1 (14 oz / 396 g) can sweetened condensed milk, 1 tbsp (6 g) lemon zest, 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh lemon juice, ½ tsp (2.5 ml) almond extract, ¼ tsp (1.5 g) fine sea salt
• In a separate chilled bowl, whip the cold heavy cream to stiff peaks. Gently fold the whipped cream into the condensed milk mixture in several additions, using a spatula and a light hand to keep the mixture airy.
  2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream
• Line a 9 x 5-inch (23 x 13 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper if desired for easier removal, or use any freezer-safe container that allows for layering. Spoon in a layer of the ice cream base, followed by some of the blackberry mixture and a handful of the lemon crumble. Repeat the layers until all of the ingredients have been used, adding the reserved whole blackberries between the layers if using.
• Swirl a butter knife through the layers a few times to create blackberry ribbons throughout the ice cream. Avoid overmixing so the swirls remain distinct.
• Cover tightly and freeze for at least 8 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
• Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh blackberries, additional lemon zest, or extra crumble, if desired.

Notes

• Cooking the blackberry mixture until it reaches a jam-like consistency creates thick ribbons that stay distinct throughout the ice cream.
• Straining the blackberry seeds is optional but creates a smoother swirl.
• Frozen blackberries can be substituted for fresh. Thaw them first, then cook as directed.
• Any freezer-safe container that allows you to build layers will work if you don't have a loaf pan.
• Butter cookies or graham crackers can be substituted for the shortbread cookies.
• For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free shortbread cookies such as Schär.
• If your blackberries are tart, add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar while cooking.
• Store tightly covered in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Let the ice cream stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping.

 

 

If you’re making this Blackberry Crumble à la Mode Ice Cream, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card.

 

Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.

 

©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.

Nutrition

Serving: 145g | Calories: 455kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 120mg | Potassium: 220mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 34g | Vitamin A: 1080IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 160mg | Iron: 1mg

Have you made this Blackberry Crumble à la Mode Ice Cream? I’d love to hear how it turned out — leave a comment below and let me know.

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The post Blackberry Crumble à la Mode Ice Cream appeared first on Noble Pig.

Fresh Cherry Pie That Starts on the Stovetop

Fresh cherry pie has always been about one thing for me. I want to cut into it and see the filling stay in the pie instead of creeping out all over the plate. And that rarely happens. Fresh cherries release a lot of juice as they cook, so I started thickening the filling on the stovetop before assembling the pie instead of waiting for everything to happen in the oven. Once the pie cools, the filling stays put, inside the flaky homemade crust. The pie crust stays crisp underneath the filling instead of turning into a soggy mess.

I’ve been fresh cherry obsessed for as long as I can remember. In fact, I would be halfway up a cherry tree before anyone could stop me. Not that they were going to either. Every summer we’d drive out to Cherry Valley and Beaumont in Southern California to go cherry picking, and while the adults were organizing themselves with buckets, I was already climbing. If there was one thing I wasn’t afraid of, it was climbing a tree and scaling those extremely tall orchard ladders. When you’re five or six years old and weigh next to nothing, I could scooch way out onto branches the adults were never going to mess with, and that’s where all the best cherries were anyway.

I never came home clean. I’d sit up in the trees eating cherries until the juice was running down my arms, and into the creases of my elbows and neck, and all over the front of whatever T-shirt I was wearing. I was so completely sticky and filthy, and couldn’t have cared less. I probably ate as many cherries sitting in those trees as we picked. Those were the best days.

My parents’ friends, Leo and Sally, had a chicken farm out that way, and we’d always stop to visit on the way home. My mom would bring them cherries, and while the adults hung out, Sally would hand me a basket and let me run around and grab fresh eggs to take home. The chickens were everywhere. I guess we’d call that free range nowadays. Then we’d sit down to bowls of ice cream topped with some of the fresh cherries we picked that day before heading home. At some point my mom would make cherry ice cream and at least one or two cherry pies. My mom was quite skilled at making pie crust. I’ll give her that. And fresh cherry pie became a reliable part of my summers growing up.

Now I have a couple of cherry trees of my own here in Oregon, although whether I get cherries depends on the year. They’re more weather-dependent than anything I’ve ever grown, and when they do have a good crop, the birds usually decide they’re ripe about five minutes before I do. Most years I head out to the Columbia River Gorge during cherry season instead, climbing the ladders, wishing I could still shimmy out on the branches, but always filling a bag or two, and coming home to make pie.

Cherry season doesn’t last very long around here or anywhere really. I think that’s part of why it always feels special. The way I make the pie has changed a little over the years, too. I wanted the filling to be thick enough that it stayed inside the pie where it belongs instead of escaping onto the plate like a river. After enough summers of tinkering with it, this is how I’m doing it now.

What Makes This Recipe Different

• One of my biggest issues with fresh cherry pie is the juice chaos caused by the cherries releasing their juices for the first time inside the oven. I wanted to take care of that before I put together the pie by cooking the filling on the stovetop first. This way, the cherries have a chance to release their juices before baking, and the cornstarch is already fully activated. I already know how thick the filling is before it ever reaches into the crust.
• I also started roughly chopping the cherries instead of leaving them whole. Whole cherries leave these big gaps in the filling and make the slices harder to serve neatly. Chopping them helps the fruit come together evenly, so every slice is packed with cherries instead of large pockets that want to fall apart and roll around the minute you cut into the pie.
• When I make pie dough, I skip the pastry cutter step altogether and grate frozen butter directly into the flour. The shreds of butter stay cold as they’re mixed into the dough and create the flaky layers we all want in our pie crust. It’s become my favorite way to make pie crust because it’s simple and the results are consistent.
• Once the lattice is finished, I put the pie into the refrigerator before the oven. Rolling, weaving, and handling the dough warms the butter, so giving the assembled pie time to chill again helps firm everything back up. That’s how the crust bakes up flaky. It’s not the same without this step.
• I also bake the pie at two temperatures. Starting with higher heat to set the crust, then lowering the temperature so the filling has enough time to bubble without the pastry getting too dark.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour – Makes a pie crust that’s flaky but still strong enough to hold the cherry filling without falling apart.
• Granulated Sugar – A little goes into the pie dough, while the rest sweetens the cherries.
• Table Salt – Belongs in both the crust and the filling and helps balance the sweetness.
• Unsalted Butter – I freeze the butter first, then grate it directly into the flour instead of cutting it into cubes. The little shreds stay cold and distribute throughout the dough, and help create flaky layers as the pie bakes. European-style butter is preferred because it has less water content and more butterfat.
• Ice Water – Cold water helps bring the dough together while keeping the butter as cold as possible.
• Fresh Sweet Cherries – I usually make this pie with Bing cherries, although any sweet cherry is fine. I roughly chop them instead of leaving them whole so every slice has a more even layer of fruit.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Balances the sweetness of the cherries without making the pie taste lemony.
• Cornstarch – Thickens the filling. Since I cook the cherries on the stovetop first, the cornstarch is already fully activated before the pie ever goes into the oven.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds warmth.
• Almond Extract – You only need a small amount, and it’s one of the best flavor pairings with cherries.
• Egg – Brushed over the lattice before baking for a shiny, golden crust.
• Turbinado Sugar – Completely optional, but I love sprinkling a little over the egg wash because it adds a light crunch and sparkle to the finished pie.

How to Make Fresh Cherry Pie

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

• Step One (make the pie dough)
  Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Grate the frozen butter directly into the flour, tossing it into the flour every so often so the shreds stay coated instead of clumping together. Add the ice water and use your hands to bring the dough together. If it still feels a little dry, add another tablespoon or two of water until it holds together when you squeeze it. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap them well, and refrigerate for at least an hour.
• Step Two (cook the cherry filling)
  Pit and roughly chop the cherries, then stir them together with the lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar, salt, vanilla, and almond extract in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the filling comes to a boil, then keep cooking for about 5 minutes until it’s thickened. You’ll know it’s ready when the juices lose that cloudy look and become shiny. Let the filling cool until it’s warm or completely cool before you start assembling the pie.
• Step Three (assemble the pie)
  Roll one disc of dough into a circle about ⅛-inch thick and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, leaving a little overhang around the edges. Spoon in the cooled cherry filling. Roll out the second disc, cut it into strips, and weave the lattice over the top. Trim away the extra dough, crimp the edges, brush everything with the egg wash, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if you’re using it.
• Step Four (chill and bake)
  Slide the assembled pie back into the refrigerator while the oven preheats. After all the rolling and weaving, I like giving the butter a chance to firm back up before it goes into the oven. Bake the pie at 400°F for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven to 350°F and keep baking until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling right through the center of the lattice, not just around the edges. If the crust starts getting darker than you’d like, loosely cover the edges with foil or a pie shield.
• Step Five (let it cool)
  Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. I know it’s tempting to cut into it while it’s still warm, but this is when the filling finishes setting. Give it the time it needs, and you’ll be rewarded with slices that stay where they’re supposed to instead of leaving half the filling behind on the plate.

Recipe Tips

• If your cherries are super juicy, let the filling simmer another minute or two before taking it off the heat. I’d much rather thicken it on the stovetop than wish I had after the pie comes out of the oven.
• If the dough becomes soft while you’re rolling or weaving the lattice, slide it back into the refrigerator for a few minutes before continuing. Cold dough is easier to roll, weave, and crimp.
• If you’re using a cherry pitter, wear an apron. Cherry juice has a way of finding the one shirt you don’t want to stain.
• A metal pie plate will give you more browning on the bottom crust than glass, but either works well with this recipe. I prefer glass.

Storage & Leftovers

• Cover the pie loosely and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate it for up to 5 days if your kitchen is warm.
• I like this pie even more the next day. The filling firms up a little more overnight, making the slices easier to serve.
• If you want to warm a slice, a few minutes in a 300°F oven works better than the microwave if you want to keep the crust crisp.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cherries?
  Yes. Thaw them first and drain away any excess liquid before making the filling. Frozen cherries release more juice than fresh, so you may need to simmer the filling a little longer until it reaches the same consistency.
• Can I use sour cherries instead of sweet cherries?
  Yes. Sour cherries make good pie, but you’ll want to increase the sugar since they’re much more tart than Bing or other sweet cherries.
• Do I have to make a lattice crust?
  Not at all. A full top crust works just as well. Be sure to cut a few vents in the top so steam can escape while the pie bakes.
• Why grate the butter instead of cutting it into cubes?
  This is an easy way to distribute the butter evenly through the dough without pulling out a pastry cutter. It mixes in quickly while leaving plenty of small pieces that make the flaky layers.
• Why is my cherry pie runny?
  Usually one of two things happened. Either the pie was sliced before it had completely cooled, or the filling didn’t spend enough time thickening on the stovetop or bubbling in the oven.
• Can I make this pie ahead of time?
  Yes. It’s a great make-ahead dessert. Bake it the day before you plan to serve it, and the filling will be even better the next day.

From My Kitchen Notes

Small observations from the margins.

• The best fruit is almost always worth the inconvenience.
• A pie doesn’t care how impatient you are.
• Sometimes what I’ve been waiting for has a very short season.
• Lots of things fall apart because somebody cut into them too soon.
• A lot of opportunities don’t disappear. They get eaten by birds.
• The sweetest things usually leave a mark.
• Not everything needs another sign. They’re already ripe.
• There are rituals that stain your hands way after you’re finished with them.
• All things that make aren’t necessarily a mistake.
• The hardest part isn’t making the pie. It’s waiting long enough to cut the first slice.
• Some days perfection matters. Cherry pie has never been one of them.
• Some things spend all year becoming ready and disappear in two weeks. Maybe that’s part of why they’re important.
• We all think timing is about clocks. Nature has never agreed with that.
• Some of us weave everything togehter justright, and there are may of us who keep going until it holds together itself. Both usually end up with pie.
• The filling was always going to get hot. That was the whole idea.
• Certain processes look like patience from the outside and fear from the inside. I recognize them both.
• Sometimes the best things don’t stay very long. That doesn’t make them any less worth waiting for.
• There is a point where protecting the crust stops it from becoming pie. That’s not just about pie.
• There are people who mistake hesitation for wisdom. The fruit doesn’t.
• Trees and people can spend their whole lives becoming ready for a moment they never allow to arrive.
• There are people who wait for certainty. Cherry season has never worked that way. Sometimes you don’t need more time. You only need to preheat the oven.

More Summer Fruit Desserts

• Chocolate Cherry Cupcakes – Cherry buttercream from preserves.
• Fresh Cherry Coconut Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – Coconut ice cream, cherries, chocolate.
• Lemon Blackberry Bundt Cake – Lemon soak, fresh blackberry glaze.
• Peach Cobbler Bundt Cake with Bourbon Caramel – Peach cake with bourbon caramel.
• Coconut Peach Crisp – Buttery oat topping, ripe peaches.

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Fresh Cherry Pie

This Fresh Cherry Pie starts with homemade pie dough made from grated frozen butter for a flaky crust, then fills it with fresh cherries cooked on the stovetop before baking. The filling thickens before it reaches the oven, giving the pie a head start and helping it slice neatly once cooled.

Course Dessert, Pie

Cuisine American

Keyword best cherry dessert, cherry dessert, cherry pie, cherry pie recipe, cherry pie with lattice crust, classic cherry pie, fresh cherry dessert, fresh cherry pie, fresh cherry pie filling, homemade cherry pie, lattice cherry pie, summer cherry pie

Prep Time 1 hour hour 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Chilling + Cooling: 1 hour hour 45 minutes minutes

Total Time 4 hours hours 5 minutes minutes

Servings 8

Calories 515kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• mixing bowls (large). For mixing the pie dough.
• measuring cups and spoons For ingredient accuracy.
• box grater To grate the frozen butter.
• Saucepan (medium). For cooking the cherry filling.
• cherry pitter (optional) or metal straw. Speeds up pitting the cherries.
• pastry brush To brush the egg wash on the lattice crust.
• 9-inch pie plate (23 cm) For baking the pie.
• pastry wheel (optional) or knife. Makes the lattice crust strips.
• pie shield (optional) or foil. To keep your pie crust edges from burning.

Ingredients

Pie Dough:

• 2½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp (6 g) table salt
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter frozen
• ¼ cup (60 ml) ice water plus 1–2 tablespoons (15–30 ml) more if needed

Cherry Filling:

• 4½ cups fresh cherries pitted and roughly chopped (about 1 ½ pounds / 680 g pitted, or about 3 pounds / 1.4 kg whole cherries before pitting)
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup (40 g) cornstarch
• ⅔ cup (135 g) granulated sugar
• ½ tsp (3 g) table salt
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp (1 ml) almond extract

Topping:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) water
• 2 tbsps (24 g) turbinado sugar (optional, for sprinkling after egg wash)

Instructions

• Whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl.
  2½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar, 1 tsp (6 g) table salt
• Grate the frozen butter directly into the flour, tossing it every so often so the shreds stay coated instead of clumping together.
  1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter
• Pour in the ice water and use your hands to bring the dough together. If the dough still looks dry, add another tablespoon or two (15-30 ml) of ice water until it holds together when squeezed. Divide the dough in half, shape each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
  ¼ cup (60 ml) ice water
• Pit the fresh cherries. If you don't have a cherry pitter, place a cherry on the neck of a small bottle and push a metal straw through the center to remove the pit. Roughly chop the cherries so they distribute more evenly throughout the filling.
  4½ cups fresh cherries
• Combine the chopped cherries, lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar, salt, vanilla, and almond extract in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring frequently. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, until the filling has thickened and the cornstarch is fully cooked. Remove from the heat and let the filling cool until warm or completely cool before assembling the pie.
  1 tbsp (15 ml) fresh lemon juice, ⅓ cup (40 g) cornstarch, ⅔ cup (135 g) granulated sugar, ½ tsp (3 g) table salt, 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract, ¼ tsp (1 ml) almond extract
• Roll one disc of dough into a circle about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick. Fit it into a 9-inch (23 cm) pie dish, leaving a little overhang around the edges. Spoon the cooled cherry filling into the crust.
• Roll out the second disc of dough and cut it into strips about ½ inch (1.25 cm) wide. Arrange half of the strips across the pie, then weave the remaining strips over and under to form a lattice top. Trim away the excess dough, then crimp the edges to seal.
• Whisk together the egg and water. Brush the lattice with the egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar, if using.
  1 large egg , 2 tbsps (24 g) turbinado sugar, 1 tbsp (15 ml) water
• Refrigerate the assembled pie for about 45 minutes while the oven preheats to 400°F (200°C). Chilling the pie helps the butter firm up again before baking.
• Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for about 35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling through the lattice. If the crust begins browning too quickly, loosely cover the edges with foil or a pie shield.
• Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing. The filling continues to set as the pie cools, making neater slices.

Notes

• European-style butter, such as Kerrygold, has a higher butterfat content and makes an especially flavorful pie crust.
• Cooking the filling before assembling the pie gives the cornstarch time to fully thicken the cherry juices before baking.
• Let the filling cool before adding it to the crust to help prevent a soft bottom crust.
• A lattice top allows steam to escape while the pie bakes, but a solid top crust with a few vents also works well.
• The pie slices best after cooling completely, and I think it's even better the next day.

 

 

If you’re making this Fresh Cherry Pie, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card.

 

Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.

 

©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.

Nutrition

Serving: 185g | Calories: 515kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 82mg | Sodium: 387mg | Potassium: 255mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 900IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 28mg | Iron: 2mg

Have you made this Fresh Cherry Pie? I’d love to hear how it turned out — leave a comment below and let me know.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Fresh Cherry Pie appeared first on Noble Pig.

Banana Pudding Cookies with Brown Butter Cream Cheese Frosting

Southern-style banana pudding is the best, but it’s not always the easiest dessert to take somewhere. These banana pudding cookies let me keep everything I love about it in a much more portable form. I used both fresh mashed banana and instant pudding mix because each one does something different, then finished them with brown butter cream cheese frosting after deciding I liked it much better than the vanilla version I tried first. The fresh banana and extra egg yolk keep the cookies soft, while the mini vanilla wafer and banana slice let you know what’s inside before you take the first bite.

I’m sitting on the steps at Faneuil Hall in Boston with a cup of Magnolia Bakery banana pudding, trying to make it last because I don’t get it often enough. I keep taking smaller bites because every spoonful is so good, and I already know the last one is going to come too soon.

I love Southern banana pudding, but carrying a giant bowl of cold pudding to a barbecue has never struck me as the greatest plan. It has a pretty short window between “this is perfect” and “we forgot this was sitting outside.”

That’s probably why so many desserts I love eventually end up as cookies. One tastes like a favorite pie of mine, another reminds me of an Italian dessert that’s usually eaten with a spoon, another exists because of a jar of cookie butter, and one will convince you crunchy breadcrumbs have belonged in cookies all along. Cookies are just more portable and easier to schlep around.

Banana pudding cookies already exist, so I wasn’t trying to invent anything. I just needed them to taste more like the banana pudding I couldn’t stop thinking about. Fresh mashed banana stayed because I wanted the flavor only real bananas put out, but the pudding mix stayed too because that’s part of what makes banana pudding taste like banana pudding. The vanilla cream cheese frosting didn’t do it for me, so I browned the butter instead, and that turned out to be “the one.” This one.

The vanilla wafer and banana slice on top are there because I like desserts that hint at what they are before taking the first bite.

What Makes This Recipe Different

• There are a lot of banana pudding cookies out there, but I kept changing this one until it tasted the way I wanted it to.
• I used both fresh mashed banana and instant banana pudding mix in the cookie dough. I did try leaving out the fresh banana, and the cookies baked up firmer and with less flavor overall.
• Then there was the frosting. I made it first with vanilla cream cheese frosting, and it was good, but it gets lost against the banana. Browning the butter completely changed it. It added a rich, toasty flavor that reminded me of vanilla wafers and gave the frosting some character.
• I also reserve some of the pudding mix for the frosting, so the banana flavor keeps going once you reach the top of the cookie.
• An extra egg yolk keeps the cookies softer and chewier, even the next day, and chilling the dough helps them bake up thick instead of spreading across the pan.
• Right after they come out of the oven, I swirl the cookies with a round cutter and gently flatten the tops. It’s a small step, but this is how you get perfectly round cookies that look like they came from a bakery.

Ingredients

• Instant Banana Pudding Mix – Use instant pudding, not cook-and-serve. I divide the package between the cookies and the frosting so the banana pudding flavor is in both. Just remember to scoop out the 2 tablespoons for the frosting before you start mixing the dough.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cookies while helping the cookies bake up with a little bit of texture.
• Light Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds moisture and helps keep the cookies soft and chewy instead of cakey.
• Unsalted Butter – You’ll use softened butter for the cookie dough and brown another stick for the frosting. I tried the frosting with regular butter first, but browning it gave the frosting a richer flavor that stood up to the banana much better.
• Fresh Banana – Use a ripe banana with plenty of brown spots. Along with the pudding mix, it gives the cookies a deeper banana flavor and keeps them softer than pudding mix alone.
• Egg and Egg Yolk – The whole egg holds everything together, while the extra yolk keeps the cookies soft and chewy. I tested them without the extra yolk, and the texture wasn’t nearly as good.
• Vanilla Extract – Banana and vanilla belong together, and the vanilla ties everything back to the classic vanilla wafer flavors.
• All-Purpose Flour – Measure the flour by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off or weighing it. Scooping directly from the bag can pack in too much flour and make the cookies denser than they should be.
• Baking Powder – Gives the cookies enough height while still letting them stay thick.
• Fine Sea Salt – A small amount balances the sweetness and helps the banana flavor stand out.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Keeps the frosting smooth and gives it just enough body to spread or pipe onto the cookies.
• Cream Cheese – Full-fat gives the frosting enough tang to keep it from tasting overly sweet.
• Milk – Only add enough to loosen the frosting if it feels too thick after mixing.
• Mini Vanilla Wafers and Fresh Banana Slices – These are optional, but a great finishing touch. If you’re using fresh banana slices, dip them in a little lemon or pineapple juice first to slow the browning.

How to Make Banana Pudding Cookies

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

• Step One (make the cookie dough)
  Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line two rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Before you do anything else, scoop out 2 tablespoons of the banana pudding mix and set it aside for the frosting. It’s much easier now than trying to remember after the whole package is already in the dough.
• Step Two (cream the butter and sugar)
  In a large bowl, cream the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy, about 1 to 2 minutes. Mix in the mashed banana, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla until everything is smooth, then add the remaining pudding mix, flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Mix right up until you don’t see dry flour anymore, then give the bowl one last scrape with a rubber spatula to make sure nothing is hiding at the bottom. The dough will be thick.
• Step Three (scoop and chill the dough)
  Use a 2-tablespoon cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, then refrigerate the scooped dough for at least an hour or overnight. I don’t skip this step because the cookies bake up much thicker and spread a lot less when the dough is chilled.
• Step Four (bake the cookies)
  Bake for 11 to 14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look a little soft. As soon as they come out of the oven, swirl a round cookie cutter or small bowl around each cookie to smooth the edges, then gently flatten the tops with the bottom of a measuring cup. It only takes a few seconds and gives the cookies a thick bakery-style look with a nice flat surface for the frosting. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before moving them to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Step Five (brown the butter)
  While the cookies cool, brown the butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it’s golden brown and smells nutty, about 6 to 8 minutes. It’ll look like nothing is happening for the first few minutes, then all of a sudden it starts browning, so keep a close eye on it toward the end. Let it cool for a few minutes before making the frosting.
• Step Six (make the frosting)
  Beat together the browned butter, confectioners’ sugar, softened cream cheese, the reserved banana pudding mix, and vanilla until smooth and fluffy. If the frosting feels too thick, add a little milk, one tablespoon at a time. If it ends up softer than you’d like, beat in a little more confectioners’ sugar until it’s easy to spread or pipe.
• Step Seven (frost and garnish the cookies)
  Spread or pipe the frosting onto the completely cooled cookies, then finish them with a mini vanilla wafer and a fresh banana slice if you’d like. I usually add the banana slices right before serving, but if you’re decorating them ahead of time, a quick dip in a little lemon juice or pineapple juice helps slow the browning without changing the flavor much.

Recipe Tips

• Use a really ripe banana. The more brown spots, the better. It mashes more easily and has a sweeter banana flavor than a firm yellow banana.
• Pull the cookies out when the centers still look slightly soft. They’ll finish setting as they cool, which is what keeps them chewy instead of overbaked.
• If you like a perfect-looking cookie, swirl a round cookie cutter around them while they’re still warm, then gently flatten the tops with the bottom of a measuring cup. It only takes a minute and makes frosting them much easier.
• Brown the butter over medium-low heat and keep stirring. It can look like nothing is happening for the first few minutes, then all of a sudden it starts browning. Once it does, keep a close eye on it because it can go from browned to burnt quickly.
• If the frosting feels too thick after mixing, add milk one tablespoon at a time. If it gets softer than you’d like, beat in a little more confectioners’ sugar until it’s easy to spread or pipe.
• Let the cookies cool completely before adding the frosting. Warm cookies and cream cheese frosting aren’t meant to be together.

Storage

• Store the frosted cookies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re stacking them, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers to protect the frosting.
• I like these cookies cold. The frosting firms up, the cookies stay soft, and they’re really good with a glass of milk.
• If you’re planning ahead, wait to add the fresh banana slices until the day you serve the cookies. They’ll always look their best that way.
• The baked cookies freeze well for up to 2 months. I freeze them unfrosted, then make a fresh batch of frosting after they thaw.
• You can also freeze the scooped cookie dough. Bake it straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

• Can I skip browning the butter?
  You can, but I wouldn’t. I made the frosting with regular butter first, and it tasted like a standard cream cheese frosting. Browning the butter gave the frosting the richer flavor I thought it was missing.
• Can I use cook-and-serve pudding mix?
  No. This recipe is written specifically for instant banana pudding mix.
• Can I make these ahead of time?
  Yes. Bake the cookies a day or two ahead and frost them before serving, or freeze either the baked cookies or the scooped cookie dough for longer storage. If you’re using the fresh banana slices, wait to add those until just before serving. If you’re looking for another make-ahead dessert with the same classic flavors, my banana pudding poke cake is another favorite.
• Why did my cookies spread so much?
  The dough was probably too warm or didn’t chill long enough before baking. Chilling makes a noticeable difference in how thick these cookies bake.
• Can I freeze the cookie dough?
  Yes. Scoop the dough first, then freeze it on a baking sheet before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
• Do I have to use the vanilla wafers and banana slices?
  Not at all. They’re optional, but I love the way they immediately tell you these are banana pudding cookies before you take the first bite.

From My Kitchen Notes

Small observations from the margins.

• Some things are worth borrowing without trying to become them.
• There is a difference between inspiration and imitation.
• Not everything has to stay in the form of where it began.
• Some things become easier to share after they’re transformed.
• The best ideas seem to happen while I’m busy enjoying something instead of trying to invent something.
• Not everything improves by becoming more complicated.
• The longer something stays in your head, the less likely it is to be an accident.
• Somethings become much more difficult to forget once you’ve experienced a better version.
• Things that stay with me usually do so way before I admit they have.
• There’s confidence that comes from knowing what you’re looking for, even when you haven’t found it yet.
• Even when my taste and standards change, the picture in my head always becomes more specific.
• The first version of something tells me what’s missing.
• The smallest adjustments can change entire outcomes.
• There are times when “good” becomes “that’s it.”
• I often have to stop trying to improve something and accept that I’ve found my version.
• There are flavors I enjoy, and then there are ones that become my standard.
• Some things are so good they’ve made me rearrange things around them.
• Some combinations of things make sense the second they meet. Ingredients and people.
• Not everything beautiful belongs in a bowl.
• Some things become risky once they’re portable.
• Certain ideas refuse to leave me until I make room for them.

The Ultimate Cookie Tray Starts Here

• Peanut Butter Marshmallow Cookies – Thick, chewy, s’mores-inspired cookies.
• Peanut Butter and Jelly Cookies – Peanut butter sandwich in cookie form.
• Key Lime Pie Cookies – Soft graham cookies, citrus center.
• Tiramisu Cookies – Classic Italian dessert, cookie style.
• Biscoff Butter Cookies – Strawberry and cookie butter frosting.
• Soft Baked Strawberry Shortcake Cookies – Fresh strawberries and cream.
• Lemon Blueberry Cake Mix Cookies – Blueberries, white chocolate, lemon glaze.
• Panko Cookies – Crispy crumb cookies with panko.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

Print

Banana Pudding Cookies

These banana pudding cookies combine fresh mashed banana and instant banana pudding mix for lots of banana flavor mixed in every cookie. Brown butter cream cheese frosting, a mini vanilla wafer, and a fresh banana slice turn them into a handheld version of the classic Southern dessert.

Course Cookie, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword bakery style cookies, banana cookies, banana dessert, banana pudding cookies, brown butter frosting, cream cheese frosting, homemade cookies, instant pudding cookies, ripe banana recipes, Southern desserts

Prep Time 20 minutes minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes minutes

Chilling 1 hour hour

Total Time 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes

Servings 20 cookies

Calories 390kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• 2 baking sheets Gives the cookies room to bake evenly.
• parchment paper Prevents sticking and promotes even browning.
• mixing bowls For mixing the cookie dough.
• Stand Mixer or hand mixer. Creams the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
• rubber spatula Scrapes the bowl so everything mixes evenly.
• medium cookie scoop (2 tbsp / 30 ml) Keeps the cookies the same size for even baking.
• skillet (small). Used to brown the butter for the frosting.
• 3-inch round cookie cutter or a small bowl - Swirled around the warm cookies while still on the baking tray to make a perfectly round cookie.

Ingredients

Cookies:

• 1 (3.4 oz / 96 g) box instant banana pudding mix
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter softened
• 1 medium ripe banana (about ½ cup/155 g mashed)
• 1 large egg
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1½ tsps (7.5 ml) vanilla extract
• 2½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour
• 1½ tsps (6 g) baking powder
• ½ tsp (3 g) fine sea salt

Frosting:

• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 2¾ cups (330 g) confectioners' sugar
• 4 oz (113 g) full-fat cream cheese softened
• reserved 2 tbsps (15 g) instant banana pudding mix
• 1 tsp (5 ml0 vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsps (15-30 ml) milk if needed

Optional Garnishes:

• 20 mini vanilla wafer cookies
• 1-2 bananas sliced
• 1-2 tbsps (15-30 ml) lemon juice or pineapple juice for dipping banana slices

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Remove 2 tablespoons (15 g) of the instant banana pudding mix and set it aside for the frosting.
  1 (3.4 oz / 96 g) box instant banana pudding mix
• In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter for 1 to 2 minutes, until light and fluffy.
  1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar, ½ cup (110 g) light brown sugar, ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• Add the mashed banana, egg, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
  1 medium ripe banana, 1 large egg, 1 large egg yolk, 1½ tsps (7.5 ml) vanilla extract
• Add the remaining pudding mix, flour, baking powder, and sea salt. Mix just until combined, then scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. The dough will be thick.
  2½ cups (300 g) all-purpose flour, 1½ tsps (6 g) baking powder, ½ tsp (3 g) fine sea salt
• Use a 2-tablespoon (30 ml) cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the prepared baking sheets.
• Refrigerate the scooped dough for at least 1 hour or overnight. Chilling helps the cookies bake thicker and spread less. I prefer an overnight chill.
• Bake for 11 to 14 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the centers still look slightly soft.
• Immediately swirl a round cookie cutter or small bowl around each warm cookie to smooth the edges, then gently flatten the tops with the bottom of a measuring cup.
• Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Meanwhile, place the butter in a small skillet over medium-low heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until it turns deep golden brown and smells nutty, about 6 to 8 minutes. Let it cool for several minutes.
  ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• Beat together the browned butter, confectioners' sugar, softened cream cheese, reserved pudding mix, and vanilla extract until smooth and fluffy.
  2¾ cups (330 g) confectioners' sugar, 4 oz (113 g) full-fat cream cheese, reserved 2 tbsps (15 g) instant banana pudding mix, 1 tsp (5 ml0 vanilla extract
• If the frosting is too thick, mix in 1 to 2 tablespoons (15 to 30 ml) milk. If it's too soft, beat in additional confectioners' sugar ¼ cup (30 g) at a time until it reaches a spreadable consistency.
  1-2 tbsps (15-30 ml) milk
• Spread or pipe the frosting onto the cooled cookies.
• If desired, top each cookie with a mini vanilla wafer and a fresh banana slice just before serving. To help slow browning, dip the banana slices in a little lemon juice or pineapple juice before placing them on the cookies.
  20 mini vanilla wafer cookies, 1-2 bananas sliced, 1-2 tbsps (15-30 ml) lemon juice or pineapple juice

Notes

• Use instant banana pudding mix, not cook-and-serve.
• A ripe banana with plenty of brown spots gives the best flavor and texture.
• Chilling the dough helps the cookies bake thicker and spread less.
• Brown the butter slowly over medium-low heat. It can go from browned to burnt quickly.
• Let the cookies cool completely before frosting.
• If decorating ahead, wait to add the fresh banana slices until just before serving.

 

 

 

If you’re making these Banana Pudding Cookies, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card.

 

Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.

 

©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.

Nutrition

Serving: 90g | Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 60mg | Sodium: 180mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 585IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 1mg

Have you made these Banana Pudding Cookies? I’d love to hear how they turned out – leave a comment below and let me know.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Banana Pudding Cookies appeared first on Noble Pig.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates Inspired by a Snickers Bar

Dates have always fascinated me. When I bite into a plain one, I think about how this ugly thing grows on a tree and, without adding anything to it, tastes like it belongs in the candy aisle. It’s impressive. After I started adding peanut butter, chocolate, peanuts, and flaky sea salt, the comparison became even harder to ignore.

But my love of dates started way before I ever decided to add peanut butter and dip them in chocolate.

As a kid, my family spent a fair amount of time in Palm Springs. Living in Southern California, it was only a couple of hours from home, so several times a year, we’d head into the desert for a long weekend. Before we ever reached Palm Springs, we’d stop at Hadley’s Fruit Orchards in Cabazon. Back then it was a smaller operation, unlike the Coachella institution it is now. They were known for their date shakes. I only had one several times a year, but that’s probably what made them seem so special. They tasted like candy disguised as a milkshake.

Years later, I took the ferry across the Strait of Gibraltar from southern Spain to North Africa. It’s less than an hour’s ride and a simple day trip. That’s where I found myself surrounded by dates again. The outdoor markets were filled with them. There were so many different varieties and colors. Until then, dates still mostly lived inside a milkshake for me. In Morocco, they weren’t a novelty or something blended into a milkshake. They were just regular food and were absolutely everywhere and in everything. I remember tasting one variety after another and thinking what I’d always thought. How does something this wrinkled and homely taste like caramel? It’s still a mystery.

So when chocolate peanut butter stuffed dates started going viral and people began calling them little Snickers bars, I wasn’t surprised. At this point, I’ve been eating dates my whole life. Making them this way combines lots of things I already love into one bite. And really, once you add peanut butter, dark chocolate, chopped peanuts, and flaky sea salt, they really do taste like a tiny candy bar. That’s not a bad thing.

What Makes This Recipe Different

• I fully coat the dates in chocolate instead of just drizzling it over the top. I’ve made them both ways, and the chocolate shell completely changes the experience. Once chilled, the chocolate firms up around the soft dates and peanut butter and makes them feel much more like a candy bar.
• I also keep the peanuts on the outside. Some recipes put them inside with the peanut butter, but I like the crunch on the outside. The extra drizzle of chocolate isn’t there because it looks pretty. It’s glue. The peanuts need something to hold onto. It’s also good practice to make nuts visible on the outside so they’re immediately recognizable.
• I stuff the dates with peanut butter instead of spooning it on top because I enjoy the peanut butter layer in the middle. When you bite into one, you get chewy dates, creamy peanut butter, crunchy peanuts, chocolate, and flaky salt all at once.
• The best thing about these is that they’re made from a handful of ingredients and require no baking. They’re essentially little pieces of candy put together from things that were already delicious before they met each other.

Ingredients

• Medjool Dates – These are the big, soft, caramel-y dates that make the Snickers comparison possible. They’re sweet enough to make you question whether nature was showing off a little.
• Creamy Peanut Butter – Works best because it’s easy to smear inside the middle of the date.
• Dark Chocolate Chips – Dates are already incredibly sweet, so I prefer dark chocolate. It keeps the dates from becoming overwhelmingly sweet.
• Coconut Oil – This helps the chocolate melt more smoothly and creates a thinner coating that wraps around the dates more easily during dipping.
• Flaky Sea Salt – I know it seems like a tiny thing, but I wouldn’t leave it off. Salt makes chocolate taste more chocolatey and makes the dates taste even more like caramel.
• Chopped Peanuts – They add crunch and give you the Snickers bar moment.

How to Make Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

• Step One (prepare the dates)
  Slice each date lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, then remove the pit. If your dates feel a little firm or dry, give them a 5-minute soak in warm water first and pat them dry. Softer dates are much easier to fill and end up with a better texture once the chocolate firms up around them.
• Step Two (fill the dates)
  Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of peanut butter, or enough so it sits slightly above the opening. I don’t want the peanut butter hidden inside. I want to know it’s there when I take a bite.
• Step Three (melt the chocolate)
  Combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each one, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. It is easier to use a glass measuring cup because it’s deep enough to make dipping easier.
• Step Four (coat the dates)
  Line a tray or baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a fork, lower a stuffed date into the melted chocolate and turn it until completely coated. Lift it out, let the excess chocolate drip back into the cup, then place it on the prepared tray. I’ve made these with only a chocolate drizzle before, but fully coating them changes everything. Once chilled, these taste much more like little candy bars. If the chocolate has trouble sticking, refrigerate the peanut butter-filled dates for about 5 minutes before dipping.
• Step Five (add the toppings)
  While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the dates with the chopped peanuts and flaky sea salt. Drizzle any remaining chocolate over the tops. The extra chocolate acts like glue for the peanuts.
• Step Six (chill and serve)
  Transfer the tray to the refrigerator and chill for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate is firm. Peel the dates off the parchment paper and serve. Or keep them in the refrigerator and snack on them throughout the week.

Recipe Tips

• Use soft Medjool dates whenever possible. They’re easier to open and fill.
• If your dates feel firm or dry, soak them in warm water for about 5 minutes first. Dry them well before filling. Dates are very forgiving.
• A glass measuring cup makes dipping much easier than a wide bowl because the melted chocolate stays deeper.
• If the melted chocolate keeps sliding off the dates, refrigerate the peanut butter-filled dates for about 5 minutes before dipping. A little chill helps the chocolate adhere better.
• Sprinkle the peanuts and flaky sea salt on while the chocolate is still soft. Once the chocolate sets, they won’t stick.
• Don’t skip the salt. It seems like a tiny thing, but it makes a big difference.

Storage

• Store the dates in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• I think they taste best straight from the refrigerator.
• For longer storage, freeze them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before eating.

FAQs

• Do these really taste like a Snickers bar?
  It’s not exact because there’s no nougat or caramel. But the combination of chewy dates, peanut butter, chocolate, peanuts, and flaky sea salt is a very close match.
• What kind of dates work best?
  Medjool dates. They’re larger, softer, and easier to stuff. Their caramel-like flavor is also the reason these remind me of candy bars in the first place.
• Can I make them ahead of time?
  Yes. They’re a great make-ahead treat because they keep well in the refrigerator and are ready whenever you want something sweet.
• Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
  Technically yes. I prefer dark chocolate because dates are already sweet, but if you’re a milk chocolate person, go for it.
• Do I have to refrigerate them?
  No, but I like them better cold. The chocolate stays firm and the dates have a chewier texture that makes them feel like candy.
• Can I make them nut free?
  Yes. Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter and top them with sunflower seeds or leave the nuts off entirely.
• Why is my chocolate so thick?
  Chocolate definitely has moods. Usually it needs another few seconds in the microwave or a little extra coconut oil to loosen it up.

From My Kitchen Notes

Observations from the margins.

• A lot of childhood happiness can be traced back to stopping somewhere on the way to someplace else.
• There are flavors that become attached to places as much as people.
• Certain places become impossible to separate from what we ate there.
• And certain foods spend their entire existence looking unappetizing and still end up being delicious.
• There are foods I’ve loved for so long that I forget other people are just discovering them.
• Some ingredients have sat for decades waiting for their moment on social media.
• Scarcity is alarmingly persuasive.
• Certain foods will forever be tied to road trips.
• It’s funny how we can spend years wondering about things that originally lasted five minutes.
• Some things keep finding us again, and eventually we stop asking why.
• I don’t think enough credit is given to being substantial all by yourself.
• I think additions should feel like bonuses and not life support.
• I appreciate ingredients that could stand entirely on their own and still choose company.
• I think the best pairings happen when neither thing is trying to become the other.
• Some things belong in our lives because we enjoy them, not because we can’t function without them.
• It’s funny how certain ingredients seem to understand that companionship and dependency are entirely different recipes.

More Desserts with a Candy Bar Streak

• Twix Candy Bar Brownies – Twix bars and caramel.
• Butterfinger Caramel Cheesecake Bars – caramel and Butterfinger pieces.
• Whoppers Malted Milk Ice Cream Cake – Whoppers and malted milk.
• Snickers Ice Cream Sandwich Cake – ice cream sandwiches and Snickers.
• Rolo No-Bake Cheesecake – Rolo candies and dulce de leche.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates

Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates combine Medjool dates, peanut butter, dark chocolate, chopped peanuts, and flaky sea salt in a no-bake dessert that stores well in the refrigerator and freezer for whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword chocolate covered dates, chocolate peanut butter stuffed dates, individual no bake desserts, Medjool dates, peanut butter dates, Snickers dates, stuffed dates

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Chilling 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Servings 24 dates

Calories 98kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• baking sheet Gives the chocolate-covered dates space to chill and set.
• parchment paper Prevents the chocolate from sticking as it hardens.
• Knife Opens the dates while keeping them mostly intact for filling.
• microwave safe bowls or glass measuring cup. A deeper container makes dipping easier than a shallow bowl.

Ingredients

• 24 Medjool Dates pitted
• ½ cup (128 g) creamy peanut butter
• ¾ cup (130 g) dark chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp (14 g) coconut oil
• ¼ cup (35 g) chopped roasted, salted peanuts
• ½ tsp (1 g) flaky sea salt

Instructions

• Split each date lengthwise, being careful not to cut all the way through, then remove and discard the pit. If your dates feel dry or firm, soak them in warm water for about 5 minutes first, then pat them dry before continuing. Softer dates are easier to fill and create a better texture in the finished recipe.
  24 Medjool Dates
• Fill each date with about 1 teaspoon of peanut butter, or enough so the filling sits slightly above the opening. Arrange the filled dates on a plate or tray while you prepare the chocolate.
  ½ cup (128 g) creamy peanut butter
• Place the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl or glass measuring cup. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth.
  ¾ cup (130 g) dark chocolate chips, 1 tbsp (14 g) coconut oil
• Line a tray or baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a fork, lower one stuffed date into the melted chocolate and turn it until completely coated. Lift it out, allowing the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl, then place it on the prepared tray. Repeat with the remaining dates. If the chocolate slides off the dates, refrigerate the peanut butter-filled dates for about 5 minutes before dipping.
• While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the tops with the chopped peanuts and flaky sea salt. Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the dates to help secure the toppings in place.
  ¼ cup (35 g) chopped roasted, salted peanuts, ½ tsp (1 g) flaky sea salt
• Transfer the tray to the refrigerator and chill for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the chocolate coating is firm. Remove the dates from the parchment paper and serve. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

• If your dates are dry or firm, soak them in warm water for about 5 minutes before filling. Pat them dry well before continuing.
• If the chocolate slides off the dates during dipping, refrigerate the peanut butter-filled dates for about 5 minutes before coating them.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
• For a dairy-free or vegan version, use dairy-free dark chocolate.
• For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter and sunflower seeds for the peanuts.

 

 

If you’re making these Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card.

 

Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.

 

©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.

Nutrition

Serving: 22g | Calories: 98kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 32mg | Potassium: 122mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3IU | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

Have you made these Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates? I’d love to hear how they turned out – leave a comment below and let me know.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Chocolate Peanut Butter Stuffed Dates appeared first on Noble Pig.

Lemon Blackberry Bundt Cake with a Lemon Soak and Fresh Blackberry Glaze

Lemon and blackberry are one of those flavor combinations that don’t need much arm-twisting to be happy together. I’ve always felt the tartness of the berries and the citrus are natural companions, which is probably why the pairing shows up in so many recipes. Here I’ve put them together in a sour cream lemon Bundt cake that’s substantial enough to hold the berries without going completely soggy, and every slice ends up with pockets of fruit throughout.

The glaze came to me first, and the cake had to play catch up.

There’s a botanical garden on the Mendocino coast that I’ve been to a bunch of times, and every time I’m there, I get to the fuchsia collection, and I end up hanging out there way longer than I mean to. Summer mornings on that stretch of coast are usually pretty misty and foggy, which fuchsias seem to think is perfect weather. They’re hanging everywhere like little upside-down lanterns in these incredible shades of pink, and I have an embarrassing amount of pictures of them on my phone.

When blackberries cook down, they foam into this fuchsia, magenta, jewel-toned pink, and every time I see it, I think of those flowers. I’d plant fuchsias here in a heartbeat, but the deer would have them eaten down to little stems in about five minutes. At this point I’ll just stick to making glaze and visit Mendocino when I can.

Once I perfected the glaze, it needed something sunny, both visually and tastefully, underneath it. A sour cream lemon-soaked Bundt cake felt like the right place to put all that color. Some of the blackberries go into the cake, the rest become the glaze, and the lemon soak brushed over the warm cake gives everything one more layer of citrus before the blackberry pink gets poured over the top.

What Makes This Recipe Different

• The blackberries have two jobs in this recipe. Some are folded into the batter, where they bake into juicy pockets throughout the cake, and the rest are cooked down into a fresh blackberry glaze. The berry flavor doesn’t just sit on top in the glaze. The blackberries inside the cake make sure of that.
• Lemon comes in as its own trifecta. There’s zest and juice in the batter, juice in the glaze and then a lemon soak gets brushed over the warm cake after it comes out of the oven. The soak is what takes the lemon flavor beyond the surface. Brushing it onto the warm cake gives the lemon somewhere to go besides the top layer.
• The glaze starts with fresh blackberries instead of jam or preserves. I cook the berries until they release their juices, then strain them before being whisked into powdered sugar. It takes an extra step, but it gives the glaze a smoother texture and the fuchsia color that blackberries automatically become when you cook them down.
• Blackberries do something different than blueberries in a cake. They’re larger, release more juice, and create bigger, more noticeable sections of fruit. When you cut a slice, you can usually point right to where a blackberry baked into the cake.
• I do like this cake the day it’s made, but I like it even more the next day. The lemon soak has had time to become more pronounced, and everything tastes like it finally got to know eachother overnight.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour – There are a lot of blackberries in this cake. The flour helps support them without the cake becoming overly soft around the fruit.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda, and Fine Sea Salt – The baking powder and baking soda keep the cake from becoming too dense, while the salt helps balance the lemon and blackberry flavors.
• Unsalted Butter – This recipe uses a full cup of butter, and the finished cake tastes better for it.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds sweetness and the soft, velvety texture.
• Lemon Zest – This is where a lot of the lemon flavor comes from. I’ve found that adding more juice doesn’t make a cake taste more lemony. Adding more zest does.
• Eggs – There are a lot of blackberries in this cake. The eggs help hold everything together.
• Vanilla Extract – It’s one of those ingredients that rarely gets credit for anything but improves almost every fruit dessert.
• Sour Cream – Blackberries release more juice than you might expect. Sour cream helps create a batter that can take it.
• Fresh Lemon Juice – Used in the batter, the glaze, and the soak. Lemon shows up in three different places in this recipe.
• Fresh Blackberries – Folded into the batter and cooked down for the glaze. Have extras on hand to garnish the top of the cake if you like.
• Confectioners’ Sugar – Turns blackberry purée into a glaze thick enough to drape over the cake.
• Water – A small amount helps the blackberries break down for the glaze.

How to Make Lemon Blackberry Bundt Cake

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

• Step One (make the batter)
  Preheat the oven to 350°F and thoroughly grease and flour a 10 to 12-cup Bundt pan. Whisk the dry ingredients together in one bowl. In a larger bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy, then add the eggs and vanilla. I always spend an extra minute doing this because mixing all the zest into the butter and sugar seems to wake up the lemon in a way that adding juice alone never does.
• Step Two (finish the batter)
  Mix in half of the dry ingredients, followed by the sour cream and lemon juice, then finish with the remaining dry ingredients. The batter is fairly thick, which is exactly what you want for a cake with this much fruit folded into it.
• Step Three (add the blackberries and bake)
  Toss the blackberries with flour and gently fold them into the batter. Transfer everything to the prepared Bundt pan, smooth the top, and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Toward the end of baking, a few berries usually work their way close to the surface and look like they’re about one minute away from bursting.
• Step Four (add the lemon soak)
  While the cake bakes, make the lemon soak. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a cooling rack. Brush the soak over the warm cake. The warm cake absorbs the lemon syrup surprisingly quickly, and most of it disappears almost as soon as it touches the surface.
• Step Five (glaze and serve)
  Cook and strain the blackberries for the glaze, then whisk the purée with the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice until smooth. The color always catches me off guard. One minute it’s a saucepan of blackberries and the next it’s fuchsia pink. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing.

Recipe Tips

• Toss the blackberries with flour right before folding them into the batter. They’re larger and heavier than blueberries, so coating them with flour helps distribute them more evenly throughout the batter.
• Grease and flour every crevice of the Bundt pan. Decorative pans are beautiful right up until one section of the cake decides it wants to keep living there.
• Use room-temperature butter, eggs, and sour cream. Cold ingredients eventually come together, but they take the scenic route.
• Brush the lemon soak over the cake while it’s still warm. The cake absorbs it surprisingly quickly, and the lemon flavor ends up tasting like it belongs there rather than sitting on top.
• Let the cake cool completely before glazing. Warm cake and glaze tend to encourage each other to slide in directions you didn’t intend.

Storage

• Store the glazed cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. The lemon soak helps it stay soft, and I think the lemon and blackberry flavors become more obvious by the second day.
• For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days. Let slices sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before serving. Cold cake likes to keep its flavors to itself.
• To freeze, apply the lemon soak but wait to add the glaze. Freeze the cake tightly wrapped for up to 3 months, then thaw completely and glaze before serving.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen blackberries?
  Yes. Add them straight from the freezer. Thawed blackberries release a surprising amount of liquid and can streak the batter purple before it ever reaches the oven.
• Why do I need to coat the blackberries with flour?
  It helps distribute them more evenly throughout the cake. A few may still fall to the bottom because blackberries are bigger and heavier than many other berries.
• Why did my blackberries sink?
  Some sinking is normal. They’re larger berries, juicier, and occasionally seem determined to head toward the bottom of the pan.
• Can I skip the lemon soak?
  You can, but I wouldn’t. It’s one of the things that makes this cake taste so lemony without making the batter itself overly acidic.
• What does the lemon soak do?
  It adds another layer of lemon flavor and helps distribute that flavor beyond the surface of the cake. Most of it disappears into the warm cake almost immediately.
• Can I substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream?
  Yes. Full-fat Greek yogurt works well and produces a very similar cake with a slightly tangier flavor.
• How do I know when the cake is done baking?
  The center should reach 195°F to 200°F, or a toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake should come out with a few moist crumbs attached.
• Why did my Bundt cake stick to the pan?
  Bundt pans have a lot of detail, and cake seems to find the one spot you forgot to grease. Thoroughly grease and flour the entire pan and let the cake cool for about 15 minutes before inverting.
• Can I use other berries?
  Yes. Blueberries, raspberries, black raspberries, or a mixture are fine. Just know that blackberries create larger pockets of fruit and more berry flavor.
• Why isn’t my glaze deep purple?
  The color depends on the variety and ripeness of the berries. I’ve had glazes turn deep plum and others turn almost fuchsia pink. Blackberries like to keep things interesting.

From My Kitchen Notes

Small observations from the margins.

• Some colors have followed me around for years before they became dessert.
• I’ve accepted that some colors become so attached to a place that seeing them anywhere else feels like running into something familiar.
• I don’t have an explanation for why certain shades of pink feel important.
• I have devoted an unreasonable amount of time to photographing flowers that were never going to change poses.
• And, I’ve taken enough flower pictures to suggest I might be documenting evidence.
• The brain keeps strange souvenirs.
• Most of us are carrying around little private collections of things we never quite got over.
• There are places we revisit because we like who we are there.
• Some things are worth revisiting because they’re still capable of getting our attention.
• A lot of beauty asks nothing from us except that we stop for a minute and take notice.
• Many of those beautiful things survive because the weather happens to suit them.
• I don’t think we realize how many decisions are made because something felt right.
• A lot of recipes begin with me looking at something and thinking, “I want more of that.”
• There are worse reasons to make a cake than wanting to spend more time with a color.
• The things that stop us in our tracks are usually trying to tell us something, even if the message turns out to be, “Take another picture.”

More Ways to Make the Best of Blackberry Season

• Blackberry Cobbler – classic blackberry cobbler recipe.
• Blackberry Crumble – warm blackberry filling and oat topping.
• Blackberry Crumble Bars – rich blackberry filling and buttery oat crumble.
• Blackberry Lemon Oat Muffins – buttermilk muffins with lemon glaze.
• Blackberry Jam – three ingredients and no pectin.
• Chocolate Blackberry Pavlovas – chocolate meringue, whipped cream, and blackberry compote.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

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Sour Cream Lemon Blackberry Bundt Cake with Fresh Blackberry Glaze

Blackberries are folded into the batter, lemon soak is brushed over the warm cake, and a fresh blackberry glaze finishes everything off.

Course Cake, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword blackberry Bundt cake, blackberry glaze, fresh blackberry cake, fresh blackberry glaze, Healthier Raspberry Cake, lemon blackberry Bundt cake', limoncello syrup lemon bundt cake, sour cream bundt cake, Summer Dessert

Prep Time 25 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Cooling: 1 hour hour

Total Time 2 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings 12 to 14 slices

Calories 430kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• Bundt pan (10 - 12 cup). A 10-cup gives the cake a taller profile and better definition in the finished Bundt pan.
• Stand Mixer or hand mixer. Creams the butter, sugar and lemon zest for a lighter texture.
• mixing bowls For preparing dry ingredients and batter.
• whisk Helps evenly distribute the baking powder, baking soda and salt.
• rubber spatula Useful for folding in the blackberries without crushing them.
• Saucepan (small). Used for both the lemon soak and blackberry glaze.
• large fine mesh sieve Removes the blackberry seeds for a smoother glaze.
• pastry brush Makes it easy to apply the lemon soak evenly over the cake.
• cooling rack Allows the cake to cool properly before glazing.

Ingredients

Cake:

• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps (8 g) baking powder
• ½ tsp (3 g) baking soda
• 1 tsp (6 g) fine sea salt
• 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter softened
• 1¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps (12 g) lemon zest
• 4 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tbsps (15 ml) vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (180 g) full-fat sour cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups (300 g) fresh blackberries
• 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour

Lemon Soak:

• ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

Fresh Blackberry Glaze:

• 1 cup (150 g) fresh blackberries
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) water
• 2 cups (240 g) confectioners' sugar
• 2-3 tbsps (30-45 ml) fresh lemon juice

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-cup Bundt pan, making sure every crevice is coated. Bundt cakes have a lot of detail, and taking an extra minute here makes a big difference when it comes time to remove the cake.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
  3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsps (8 g) baking powder, ½ tsp (3 g) baking soda, 1 tsp (6 g) fine sea salt
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar, and lemon zest until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. The lemon zest does most of the work when it comes to lemon flavor, so don't rush this step.
  1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, 1¾ cups (350 g) granulated sugar, 2 tbsps (12 g) lemon zest
• Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4 large eggs, 1 tbsps (15 ml) vanilla extract
• Add half of the flour mixture and mix just until incorporated. Add the sour cream and lemon juice, then mix until combined. Add the remaining flour mixture and mix only until no dry streaks remain. Overmixing at this stage can make the cake less tender.
  ¾ cup (180 g) full-fat sour cream, ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice
• Toss the blackberries with the flour and gently fold them into the batter. Blackberries are larger and heavier than blueberries, so coating them helps distribute them more evenly throughout the cake.
  2 cups (300 g) fresh blackberries, 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
• Transfer the batter to the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until the center reaches 195°F to 200°F (90°C to 93°C) or a toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.
• While the cake bakes, make the lemon soak. Combine the lemon juice and sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Set aside.
  ¼ cup (60 ml) fresh lemon juice, ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Carefully invert it onto a cooling rack. While the cake is still warm, brush the lemon soak evenly over the entire surface. The warm cake absorbs the liquid much more readily than a cooled cake, allowing the lemon flavor to move beyond the surface.
• To make the glaze, cook the blackberries and water in a small saucepan until the berries soften and release their juices. Press the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, discarding the seeds. This extra step creates a smoother glaze while keeping the fresh blackberry flavor.
  1 cup (150 g) fresh blackberries, 2 tbsps (30 ml) water
• Whisk the blackberry puree, confectioners' sugar, and enough lemon juice together to create a thick but pourable glaze. If the glaze feels too thick, add a little more lemon juice. If it becomes too thin, whisk in more confectioners' sugar.
  2 cups (240 g) confectioners' sugar, 2-3 tbsps (30-45 ml) fresh lemon juice
• Once the cake has cooled completely, transfer it to a serving plate and drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set before slicing. The cake is excellent the day it is made, but the lemon and blackberry flavors become even more noticeable after an overnight rest.

Notes

• Most of the lemon flavor comes from the lemon zest rather than the juice. Don't skip the zest.
• Brush the lemon soak over the cake while it is still warm. The cake absorbs the liquid much more readily at this stage than after it has cooled.
• Blackberries are larger and heavier than blueberries, so coating them with flour helps distribute them more evenly throughout the cake.
• For the smoothest glaze, strain the cooked blackberries thoroughly to remove the seeds.
• Frozen blackberries may be used in the cake. Add them directly from the freezer without thawing first.

 

 

If you’re making this Lemon Blackberry Bundt Cake, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card.

 

Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.

 

 

©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.

Nutrition

Serving: 125g | Calories: 430kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 85mg | Sodium: 190mg | Potassium: 115mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 49g | Vitamin A: 560IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 55mg | Iron: 2mg

Have you made this Lemon Blackberry Bundt Cake? I’d love to hear how it turned out – leave a comment below and let me know.

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The post Lemon Blackberry Bundt Cake with Fresh Blackberry Glaze appeared first on Noble Pig.

Brown Sugar Sour Cream Peach Cobbler Bundt Cake with Bourbon Caramel

This peach cobbler Bundt cake combines brown sugar, sour cream, peaches, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a buttery Bundt cake finished with bourbon caramel. Inspired by peach cobbler, I traded the traditional baking dish for a Bundt pan while keeping the peaches, warm spices, and brown sugar that make cobbler such a favorite dessert. The sour cream keeps the cake tender, while the bourbon caramel gets poured over the top.

If this recipe title sounds like I emptied the ingredients of an entire Southern church cookbook onto a page, then I probably accomplished my goal.

There is no part of me that is Southern except maybe in my soul. I know that sounds completely barfy and cliché, especially coming from someone whose only claim to anything South is Southern California, and obviously that doesn’t count.

I guess what I respond to isn’t necessarily a place as much as a cooking philosophy.

I’ve always preferred creating recipes that aren’t trying to be mysterious. I like adding brown sugar where it belongs or sour cream because the cake will be better for it. And a sauce that nobody was really expecting, but everybody is happy when it shows up at the table. I prefer generously portioned food that’s comfort first and probably needs more self-control than we’re willing to give it. Maybe nostalgic food is a better explanation, especially if it’s sentimental for me.

I know it’s a very different mindset from the lighter, brighter, fresher approach that seems to dominate modern food media these days. I’ve never been much of a follower. When it comes to food, elegance has never really been the thing that catches my attention. What I love is the feeling that somebody cared more about everyone eating the dessert than what anyone might say about it afterward. And I wanted to follow that path with this cake.

This did start as a regular peach cake, but then I let brown sugar in, followed by sour cream. At some point I realized I had all the ingredients of a peach cobbler and I just let it keep going. Then I stood there looking at it and thought, well, if I’m already doing the most, I might as well finish the job. That’s how the bourbon caramel happened.

For a cake like this, you’ll want to use peaches that are ripe but not falling apart. Once peaches become overly soft, they release too much liquid and turn to mush in the batter. These soften during baking while still leaving pieces of peach throughout the cake, which is what I wanted.

The finished cake has all the peach cobbler feelings wrapped into a Bundt cake. It has the peaches, warm spices, and brown sugar that make cobbler so good, along with a bourbon caramel sauce that serves no practical purpose whatsoever beyond making it better.

The final cake reminds me of a recipe card somebody kept hidden inside a church cookbook for thirty years and only shared it after being pressured by three church ladies and a cousin.

That’s usually a pretty good sign.

What Makes This Different

• I know most peach Bundt cakes start with a vanilla cake batter and fold in peaches. I wanted to start somewhere else entirely.
• Instead of creating another peach cake, I started with peach cobbler flavors and translated them into Bundt cake form. The peaches are still there, but so are the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg that make peach cobbler taste like peach cobbler.
• I wanted the brown sugar to do more than sweeten the cake. With three times as much brown sugar as granulated sugar, the flavor ends up closer to a good peach cobbler filling than a traditional peach cake.
• The sour cream plays a supporting role, helping carry two cups of peaches through the batter while keeping the cake rich and tender. Every slice has pieces of peach throughout.
• I took it further than a glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. I wanted something that felt more in line with the cobbler inspiration, so I traded the glaze for a warm bourbon caramel that you pour over the cake before serving.
• Nothing here is unfamiliar on its own. Peach cake isn’t unusual, sour cream Bundt cakes are definitely not unusual, and neither is bourbon caramel. What makes this feel special is how everything worked together and became a peach cobbler and Southern-style Bundt cake hybrid. Which is where I wanted it anyway.

Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour – This is what helps hold together the peaches, sour cream, and bourbon caramel. A little extra flour gets tossed with the peaches before they go into the batter, which helps distribute them more evenly throughout the cake.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda – Lifts the batter that would otherwise be weighed down by fruit, brown sugar, and sour cream.
• Fine Sea Salt – Shows up in both the cake and the bourbon caramel. A small amount makes a bigger difference than you might expect once the brown sugar and caramel get involved.
• Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg – These are part of what makes the cake feel inspired by peach cobbler rather than a standard peach cake.
• Unsalted Butter – Adds richness to both the cake and the bourbon caramel.
• Brown Sugar – There’s three times as much brown sugar as granulated sugar in this cake. It shows up in the batter and again in the bourbon caramel, which is part of why this feels much closer to peach cobbler than a typical peach cake. If your brown sugar has turned into a brick, homemade brown sugar takes only a few minutes to make.
• Granulated Sugar – A smaller amount of granulated sugar keeps the cake from becoming entirely a brown sugar project.
• Eggs – Help hold together a batter carrying peaches, sour cream, and plenty of brown sugar.
• Vanilla Extract – Goes into both the cake and the caramel because leaving it out of either one felt wrong.
• Sour Cream – Keeps the cake tender while supporting a batter loaded with fruit.
• Peaches – Use peaches that are ripe but still slightly firm because they soften during baking without completely disappearing into the cake.
• Heavy Cream – Turns the brown sugar and butter into a smooth caramel sauce rather than a thick syrup.
• Bourbon – The bourbon is noticeable, but it doesn’t take over. It joins the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and peaches already happening in the cake.

How to Make Peach Cobbler Bundt Cake with Bourbon Caramel

Find the complete printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card at the BOTTOM OF THE POST.

• Step One (prepare the pan and mix the dry ingredients)
  Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 10 to 12-cup Bundt pan, paying attention to every curve and crevice because Bundt cakes can be surprisingly unforgiving about forgotten spots. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Step Two (make the batter)
  Beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla. Add half of the flour mixture, followed by the sour cream, then the remaining flour mixture. By this point, it should be pretty obvious this stopped being a regular peach cake.
• Step Three (add the peaches)
  Toss the peaches with flour before folding them into the batter. It only takes a minute and helps keep the peaches distributed throughout the cake instead of ending up in one area. I like peaches that are ripe but still a little firm for this recipe because they soften during baking while still leaving pieces of peach throughout the cake.
• Step Four (bake the cake)
  Transfer the batter to the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a cooling rack.
• Step Five (make the bourbon caramel)
  While the cake cools, combine the brown sugar and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted and the mixture is gently bubbling around the edges, slowly whisk in the heavy cream until smooth, then stir in the bourbon, vanilla, and salt. The caramel comes together quickly and is the reason powdered sugar never really had a chance.
• Step Six (finish and serve)
  Let the caramel cool for 5 to 10 minutes before drizzling it over the cake. Pour it over a warm cake if you want some of the caramel to soak into the surface, or wait until the cake has cooled if you’d rather keep more of it on top. Either way, be generous. Nobody has ever complained about extra bourbon caramel.

Recipe Tips

• Use peaches that are ripe but still slightly firm. Very soft peaches release more liquid and will disappear into the cake instead of leaving pieces of fruit throughout each slice.
• Toss the peaches with flour before folding them into the batter. It helps keep them distributed throughout the cake rather than ending up in one area.
• Grease every crevice of the Bundt pan. Between the fruit, brown sugar, and caramel notes, this isn’t the cake to test your luck with a poorly prepared pan.
• Decide what kind of caramel finish you want before you drizzle. Pouring the caramel over a warm cake allows some of it to soak into the surface, while a cooled cake gives you a more dramatic finish.
• Let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before turning it out of the pan. Too soon and it may break apart. Too long and it may decide the pan is its permanent residence.

Storage

• Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• If refrigerated, let slices sit at room temperature for a bit before serving or warm them slightly to soften the caramel.
• Like many brown sugar cakes, the flavors get better as the cake sits. The peaches, spices, and caramel become even more noticeable by the next day.
• The bourbon caramel can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Warm gently before serving if it becomes too thick.

FAQs

• Why is this called a peach cobbler Bundt cake?
  Because I started with peach cobbler flavors and eventually ended up with a Bundt cake. The peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg all came along from the cobbler side of the conversation.
• Can I use frozen peaches?
  Yes, but thaw them completely and pat away excess moisture before adding them to the batter. I’ve had excellent results using frozen peaches when fresh peaches weren’t available.
• Can I use canned peaches?
  I wouldn’t recommend it. Canned peaches are much softer and add extra moisture to the batter, which changes the texture of the finished cake.
• Do I have to use bourbon in the caramel?
  No. The caramel is still delicious without it. Simply leave the bourbon out or sub with vanilla extract or apple juice and continue with the recipe as written.
• Why use brown sugar instead of all granulated sugar?
  The brown sugar does a lot more than sweeten the cake. With three times as much brown sugar as granulated sugar, the flavor ends up much closer to peach cobbler than a traditional peach cake.
• Why use sour cream?
  Sour cream helps support a batter carrying two cups of peaches. It also gives the cake the texture I wanted without turning it into something that feels fragile once it’s sliced.
• Can I make this cake ahead of time?
  I actually prefer it the next day. The peaches, spices, brown sugar, and caramel have a little more time to get acquainted, and the cake somehow feels even more like itself.
• What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
  You can bake the batter in two loaf pans, although the baking time will need to be adjusted. The Bundt shape is part of the fun, but nobody is eating this cake because of the pan.

Kitchen Notes

Observations from the margins. Not recipe tips.

• Peaches spend a lot of time convincing everyone they’re simple. They spend the entire bake surrounded by cake and remain recognizable.
• A surprising number of my decisions start with, “Well, if we’re already doing this…”
• The difference between a peach and peach cobbler is usually someone making the decision not to stop.
• The caramel comes in late, but nobody remembers the cake without it.
• Brown sugar has never shown me much interest in moderation.
• The peaches are firm enough to survive the trip through the oven. Not everything benefits from falling apart at the first sign of warmth.
• I’ve figured out there is a point in every recipe where adding one more thing becomes either wisdom or poor judgment. Experience has taught me confidence.
• The bourbon does not take over, but it does change the conversation.
• Some desserts begin with self-control. The best ones take it further.
• The peaches release exactly enough of themselves to belong.
• Not everything that looks excessive is excessive. Sometimes it’s completion.
• The recipe was complete before the bourbon caramel. The caramel refused to accept that answer.
• The difference between peach cake and peach cobbler is often a series of increasingly committed decisions.
• The caramel changes absolutely everything while technically changing very little.
• Holding things back and being unfinished are never the same thing.
• A surprising amount of baking is deciding whether you’re done or just tired.
• The caramel wasn’t necessary. Neither are most unforgettable things.
• The cake was never concerned about the peaches. The peaches were worried about the cake.
• The difference between enough and memorable is usually smaller than you’re expecting.
• There are people who see bourbon caramel and immediately understand what’s really happening here.
• The peaches go in one thing and come out another. Most transformations work that way.
• The cake does not become better by removing the parts that make it complicated.
• Not every ingredient is prepared for what happens after the oven.
• When everyone is talking balance, I’m thinking dessert just prefers satisfaction.
• The recipe gets considerably more interesting once nothing is trying to leave.
• The cake is better because every ingredient agreed to participate.
• Some things only make sense after they’ve been through the oven.
• Sometimes the final ingredient is always the best idea.
• Some things spend years becoming what they were always going to be.

More Desserts That Refused to Keep Things Simple

• No-Bake Strawberry Lemon Icebox Cake – lemon curd, strawberries, mascarpone layers
• Lemon Blueberry Sour Cream Bundt Cake – lemon batter with blueberries throughout
• Carrot Cake with Apricot Filling – apricot filling, white chocolate frosting
• Biscoff Butter Cookies – strawberry and cookie butter frosting
• Blueberry Cobbler – blueberry cobbler with secret spice

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Peach Cobbler Bundt Cake with Bourbon Caramel

Peach cobbler Bundt cake with bourbon caramel combines brown sugar, sour cream, peaches, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a buttery Bundt cake finished with a warm bourbon caramel drizzle. Inspired by the flavors of peach cobbler, it trades the traditional baking dish for a Bundt pan while keeping the peaches, warm spices, and brown sugar that inspired the recipe in the first place.

Course Cake, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword bourbon caramel cake, brown sugar peach cake, Bundt cake recipe, fresh peaches cake, peach Bundt cake, peach cobbler Bundt cake, peach dessert, Summer Dessert

Prep Time 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time 55 minutes minutes

Cooling: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 55 minutes minutes

Servings 12 to 14 slices

Calories 510kcal

Author Cathy Pollak

Equipment

• Bundt pan (10 to 12-cup / 2.4 to 2.8 L) Creates the classic Bundt shape and enough volumefor the fruit-filled batter.
• hand mixer or stand mixer. Creams the butter and sugars properly for the cake batter.
• mixing bowls For preparing the dry ingredients and batter.
• whisk Helps evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
• rubber spatula Useful for folding the peaches into the batter without breaking them apart.
• Saucepan (small). Used to make the bourbon caramel.
• cooling rack Allows the cake to cool evenly before adding the caramel.

Ingredients

Peach Cobbler Bundt Cake:

• 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tsps (8 g) baking powder
• ½ tsp (3 g) baking soda
• 1 tsp (6 g) fine sea salt
• 1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp (1 g) ground nutmeg
• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter softened
• 1½ cups (310 g) packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs room temperature
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
• ¾ cup (180 g) full-fat sour cream
• 2 cups (300 g) peeled and diced fresh peaches
• 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour for peaches

Bourbon Caramel:

• 1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar
• 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) bourbon
• 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• pinch of salt

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 10 to 12-cup (2.4 to 2.8 liter) Bundt pan, making sure every crevice is coated well. Cake goop also works well for this recipe.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium bowl.
  3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour, 2 tsps (8 g) baking powder, ½ tsp (3 g) baking soda, 1 tsp (6 g) fine sea salt, 1 tsp (3 g) ground cinnamon, ½ tsp (1 g) ground nutmeg
• In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
  1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, 1½ cups (310 g) packed light brown sugar, ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, 4 large eggs, 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract
• Add half of the flour mixture, followed by the sour cream, then the remaining flour mixture. Mix just until combined.
  ¾ cup (180 g) full-fat sour cream
• Toss the peaches with the flour, then gently fold them into the batter. Coating the peaches with flour helps distribute them more evenly throughout the cake.
  2 cups (300 g) peeled and diced fresh peaches, 2 tbsps (16 g) all-purpose flour
• Transfer the batter to the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
• Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
• Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a cooling rack. For a caramel topping that stays mostly on the surface of the cake, allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling. For a topping that soaks into the cake, drizzle while the cake is still warm.
• To make the bourbon caramel, combine the brown sugar and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth and gently bubbling around the edges. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream and continue whisking until smooth. Remove from the heat and stir in the bourbon, vanilla extract, and salt. Let the caramel cool for 5 to 10 minutes before drizzling. The caramel will thicken slightly as it cools.
  1 cup (200 g) packed light brown sugar, 6 tbsps (85 g) unsalted butter, ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream, 1 tbsp (15 ml) bourbon, 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
• Drizzle the bourbon caramel over the cake before serving.

Notes

• Use peaches that are fragrant and slightly soft but not overly juicy. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the cake. 
• Frozen peaches work well after thawing and patting dry. They also eliminate the need for peeling.
• Greasing the Bundt pan thoroughly is especially important because of the fruit and brown sugar in the batter.
• For a more dramatic caramel finish, allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling.
• The cake can be made a day ahead. The flavors continue to develop as it sits.
• Store covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Freeze the cake without the caramel topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the caramel before serving.

 

 

If you’re making this Peach Cobbler Bundt Cake, check out the full post. That’s where I keep extra tips, FAQs, and details that don’t always make it into the recipe card.

 

Nutrition info is an estimate and will vary depending on the brands you use.

 

 

©Noble Pig. All content and photos are copyright protected. Sharing the recipe link is always appreciated, but copying and pasting the full recipe anywhere else isn’t allowed.

Nutrition

Serving: 130g | Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 105mg | Sodium: 250mg | Potassium: 125mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 850IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 65mg | Iron: 2mg

Have you made this Peach Cobbler Bundt Cake? I’d love to hear how it turned out – leave a comment below and let me know.

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The post Peach Cobbler Bundt Cake with Bourbon Caramel appeared first on Noble Pig.