Bake or Break

Coca-Cola Cake

I've had a strange fascination with this cake for a long time, yet I've never made it. There's something about the thought of making a cake with a Coke that intrigues me. Sort of in a how-can-that-possibly-work way. This particular recipe comes from Classic Southern Desserts by Southern Living. I don't know if this cake truly has Southern origins, but it certainly seems Southern enough to me. I mean, who else would pour Coca-Cola into a cake?

Continue reading...

Cocoa Cake

I try to keep things simple in my kitchen and on this blog. You won't find a lot of complicated, time-consuming recipes here. Sure, I get overly ambitious from time to time, but I generally like to keep things a bit more approachable and attainable. I actually resisted making this cake for a while. It seemed almost too simple. I mean, it's a no-frills chocolate cake. I'm as much of a fan of chocolate as anyone, but most of the time I prefer it with just a little extra interest.

Continue reading...

Mississippi Mud Pie

Take a look at that beauty. That is a prime example of what happens when I let Quinn pick out dessert. Now, take a look at the recipe. That is also what happens when I let Quinn pick dessert. So, here's what we have. First, there's the amazing Oreo crust that is sufficiently thick to hold up all of this deliciousness. Next is a flourless chocolate cake with just the right amount of coffee flavor. To top that off, there's a chocolate pudding that would be an impressive dessert on its own. Then, just in case all that isn't enough, there's a lovely, thick layer of sweetened whipped cream on top.

Continue reading...

Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

View a printable recipe or more photos The frequency with which I bake with bananas is dependent on how many we buy that go uneaten. When I see them get to that lovely, ripe, baking stage, I start scouring my brain, all available cookbooks, and the internet for banana recipes. Having made banana bread too many times to count, I really wanted to bake something a little different.

Continue reading...

Pecan Upside-Down Cake

View a printable recipe or more photos As soon as I saw this recipe in Taste of the South, I knew that it would make an appearance on this year's Thanksgiving table. It has two big things going for it - pecans and simplicity.

Continue reading...

Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

View a printable recipe or more photos I've never been a great fan of Spring. Living in the South, I knew all too well that it would last a few weeks, and then we'd be mired in Summer for what seemed like years. Since our move last fall to New York, though, it seems I've had a change of heart. I am actually excited about Spring! I stop on the streets and in the parks to take pictures of flowers and blooming trees. I have happily put away my scarves and boots until cooler weather. This Easter, as I was basking in the early Spring-ness of New York, I decided that our meal should include something befitting of this beautiful season. In an unusual turn of events, I went with a non-chocolate dessert. You're shocked, I know.

Continue reading...