Dessert

I have to admit—New York cheesecake holds a pretty special place in my heart. You know those desserts where just the sight of them makes you feel like a kid on Christmas morning? That’s what this cheesecake does for me. I still remember my mom clattering around with her battered springform pan every Thanksgiving, muttering about water baths and taking the whole process very, very seriously. The creamy, vanilla-scented aroma would fill the whole kitchen, and the big struggle was to keep everyone’s fingers out of the fridge while it cooled. Oh, that first slice… honestly, swoon-worthy. This cheesecake is …

If there’s a cake that disappears like magic at a family gathering—no matter how many other desserts are on the table—it’s carrot cake. I’ll forever associate the smell of warm spices and sweet carrots baking with holiday dinners at my Aunt Marge’s, sipping coffee in the kitchen while the kids sneak “extra” bites right off the cooling rack. And while I love a good, old-fashioned carrot cake (complete with finger streaks in the frosting, thanks to my husband), sometimes I just need a shortcut. I’ve learned to embrace the magic of a boxed mix—with a few cozy upgrades, of course. …

You ever have one of those family potlucks—or even just a lazy Sunday—where you want to impress (but not stress) with something bright, cool, and downright cozy? That’s exactly how this Pistachio Pineapple Cake made its way into my “make again!” list. It’s light as a cloud, loaded with sweet pineapple flavor, and honestly, the creamy pistachio frosting? I could eat that with a spoon (don’t judge—I totally have). The first time I brought this cake to the church picnic, one of the older ladies said it tasted like “summer by a Lake Tahoe dock,” and I’ve never forgotten it. …

The first time I whipped up this Raspberry Ripple Cheesecake Slice, it was for one of those classic friends-and-family potlucks—flip flops, lawn chairs, clinking drinks, and at least three proud baked beans attempts. I parked this pretty slab right there on the table alongside all the BBQ and potato salads, and honestly, I just watched in pure delight as grown adults made polite excuses to cut themselves “just a little more.” That marbled, magenta raspberry swirl stops people in their tracks (and you’ve probably heard a few folks announce they “don’t really do desserts”… you know the type. Spoiler: they’ll …

If you’ve ever found yourself standing in your kitchen, panic-setting in because you’ve promised chocolate cake and somehow the frosting part fell off your to-do list, please know—you are so not alone. I can’t tell you how many times a naked cake has stared me down with those “are you ready yet?” vibes, only to be saved (again!) by this trusty, old-fashioned fluffy 7-minute frosting. Around here, we call it “the hero in a mixing bowl.” It’s one of those retro comforts that’s always there for you: glossy, cloudlike, and almost alarmingly quick to make. I’ve reached for it on …