PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE

PEANUT BUTTER CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE
We loved, loved, loved!  Abagail said she wanted for her birthday but without peanut butter cups.  We had with chocolate milk but would be great with ice cream.

https://luluthebaker.com/2017/06/peanut-butter-chocolate-layer-cake/

for the cake:

• 1¾ cups flour
• 2 cups sugar
• ¾ cups cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ½ cup oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup hot, strong coffee

for the peanut butter frosting:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• a pinch of salt
• 1 lb powdered sugar
• 5 tablespoons heavy cream

for the milk chocolate ganache:

• 8 oz chopped milk chocolate or high-quality milk chocolate chips
• ⅔ cup heavy cream
• chopped mini peanut butter cups for garnishing (did peanut butter m&m's)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Butter two 8″ cake pans and dust with flour.
3. Combine all dry ingredients in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix until combined. In a small bowl, combine buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Pour buttermilk mixture into dry ingredients and beat just until smooth. Add coffee and mix just until incorporated.
4. Divide batter, which will be incredibly runny, evenly between the two pans. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until a toothpick stuck in the center of each cake comes out clean. Remove from oven and allow to cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
5. While the cakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. Beat the butter, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Beat in powdered sugar and heavy cream alternately until everything is mixed in, then turn the mixer up to high and beat the frosting for 2-3 minutes until it is very smooth and fluffy.
6. Prepare the ganache by combining the chocolate and heavy cream in a large microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat until the ganache is completely smooth and glossy.
7. To assemble the cake, place one cake layer on your serving plate or cake stand. Top with a layer of frosting about ½" thick. Make the frosting a little thicker on the edges of the circle so that the ganache won't spill out. Pour about ⅓ of the milk chocolate ganache evenly over the frosting, keeping it away from the edges. Place the second cake layer on top. Use the remaining peanut butter frosting to frost the top and sides of the cake. Pour the remaining ganache evenly over the top of the cake, making sure it drips down the sides of the cake. If necessary, use an offset spatula to gently push the ganache over the edge of the cake, then let gravity do the rest. Sprinkle chopped mini peanut butter cups in the center of the cake. Allow the ganache to set up before serving.

People feel very strongly about their chocolate! I personally go crazy for milk chocolate and think the milk chocolate ganache is perfect for this cake, which is already very rich. But if you prefer dark chocolate, feel free to replace some or all of the milk chocolate with semi-sweet, dark, or bittersweet according to your preferences.

CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL CAKE

CHOCOLATE-CARAMEL CAKE
This recipe came from America's Test Kitchen.  I think Judi had me copy it one time I was at their house.  It was very tasty!  Good with ice cream (we had cinnamon on hand) or a glass of milk.  This recipe is a lot of steps.  I would never plan on taking it anywhere.  Too many things can go wrong!  I made the cake the day before and froze them.  This made it way easier to cut into two pieces. I burned the caramel the first time - so watch it!  Took about 15 minutes in each step for caramel.

UPDATE: This cake is so much better the 2nd day.  I didn't think it could get better, but man on man....yum!  So worth all the effort!  The caramel is kinda soaked in and it is so moist!

CAKE
Sift together:
1 3/4 flour
3/4 c cocoa

Add & stir:
3/4 c sugar
1 1/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp baking powder
3/4 tsp salt

Add & stir:
3/4 c buttermilk
1/4 c water
1/4 c oil

Add & stir:
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla

Put in 2 9" pans that have been greased and floured.  Bake at 325 for 22-28 minutes.  Cool and split into two layers (4 total).  I froze mine.

CARAMEL
Put in pan on medium heat.  DO NOT STIR but can swirl.  Boil until light amber in color (375)
3/4 c sugar
1/4 c water
1/4 c corn syrup

Remove from heat and gradually stir in:
1 c heavy cream
8 T butter
1 tsp vanilla
3/4 tsp salt

Return to medium heat and heat to 240 or 245 (recipe said this should take 3-5 min.  It took me about 15 minutes).  Put in a 9" square pan to cool.

FROSTING
Mix together:
2 cubes butter
3/4 c powdered sugar
1/2 c cocoa
Next add:
1/2 c corn syrup
3/4 tsp vanilla
Then:
3/4 c melted chocolate chips

CINNAMON CAKE

https://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/cinnamon-cake/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+30handmadedays+%2830days%29

CINNAMON CAKE
We really liked this cake.  Had it with eggs and ham.  I also added cinnamon chips to the middle.  I only made 1/2 of the glaze.

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 (5 oz) pkg instant vanilla pudding
• 3 T. flour
• 1 c. sour cream
• ¼ c. oil
• ¾ c water
• 4 eggs
• ½ c. sugar
• 4 tsp. cinnamon

---cinnamon chips, optional

• 1¼ powdered sugar
• 4 Tbsp. milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon

1. HAND MIX THIS. Don't use an electric mixer!!!
2. Mix together cake mix, pudding and flour.
3. Add sour cream, oil and water.
4. Add eggs last, one at a time.
5. Blend well.
6. Mix sugar and cinnamon in small bowl and set aside.
7. Spray bundt pan well with cooking spray.
8. Sprinkle ⅓ of cinnamon/sugar mix on bottom of pan.
9. Next, pour ½ cake batter, spreading evenly over pan.
10. Then sprinkle another ⅓ of the cinnamon/sugar (add cinnamon chips here) mix and the last ½ of cake batter.
11. Finish with last ⅓ of cinnamon/sugar mix.
12. Bake at 350 for 45-50 mins. (for the minis I only had to bake for 25 mins - so keep an eye until golden brown)

FOR GLAZE:

1. Mix ingredients together and drizzle on cake

PUMPKIN POKE CAKE

PUMPKIN POKE CAKE
So good!  Perfect FHE treat.  This is not very good after a couple of days.  ADVANCE PREP - NEEDS TO BE IN FRIDGE OVERNIGHT

https://fabulesslyfrugal.com/recipes/pumpkin-poke-cake-recipe/

CAKE

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 15 ounces 100% pure pumpkin (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk

TOPPING

• 8 ounces whipped topping, thawed
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (optional)
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (optional)
• toffee bits and/or caramel sauce (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Grease a 9x9 baking pan well.
3. In a large bowl, mix together the dry cake mix, pumpkin pie spice, and the pumpkin.
4. The batter will be thick.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Let cake cool completely.
8. Turn out onto a serving platter, if desired.
9. Using the handle of a mixing spoon, poke holes all over the top of the cake.
10. Pour sweetened condensed milk over the cake, aiming to fill the holes.
11. Refrigerate for at least a few hours, but overnight is best.
12. Spread an 8-ounce tub of whipped topping over the cake, or make the whipped cream cheese frosting by beating together the whipped topping, cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth.
13. If desired, sprinkle toffee bits or caramel sauce, or both, over the top.
14. Keep refrigerated.

MOIST GINGERBREAD SPICE SNACK CAKE

My family really liked this cake.  I didn't like it as much as I thought I would.  It did seem to get better after a couple of days.  Notice - everything needs to be room temperature.

https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2015/12/23/moist-gingerbread-spice-snack-cake/

MOIST GINGERBREAD SPICE SNACK CAKE

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup (180ml) unsulphured molasses (I use Grandma's Molasses brand)
• 3/4 cup (180ml) hot water (about 100°F (38°C))
• 1/2 cup (115g; 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1/3 cup (67g) packed light or dark brown sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING (optional)

• 8 oz (224g) full-fat brick style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 2 Tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 and 3/4 cups (210g) confectioners' sugar
• 1 Tablespoon (15ml) cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• optional: 1/2 teaspoon maple extract or 2 Tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup
• optional: cranberries for garnish

1. Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position and preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and salt together until combined. Set aside. In a separate bowl or dish, whisk the molasses and hot water together.
3. In a large bowl using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until smooth and creamy - about 1 minute. Add the brown sugar and beat on high speed for 1 minute until creamed together fairly well. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. On medium-high speed, beat in the egg and vanilla until combined. Scrape down the sides and up the bottom of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. With the mixer on low speed, add the dry ingredients in three additions alternating with the hot water/molasses, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients, and mixing each addition just until incorporated. Avoid overmixing. Batter will be thin. Whisk out any big lumps.
4. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for around 35 minutes or until the cake is baked through. All ovens are different and your cake could take a little more or less time. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with only a couple moist (not wet) crumbs, it is done. Allow cake to cool completely in the pan set on a wire rack. The cake must be completely cool before frosting.
5. Make the frosting: In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a whisk or paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese and butter together on medium-high speed until creamy and no lumps remain- about 2 minutes. Add confectioners' sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 20 seconds then increase to high speed until everything is completely combined and the frosting is creamy. Taste. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. Spread on top of cake. Spread around the sides if you have extra frosting.
6. Slice, serve, enjoy! Leftover frosted cake keeps well covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavor gets even better after a day or two.

Make ahead tip: The cake can be baked, cooled, and covered tightly at room temperature overnight. Likewise, the frosting can be prepared then covered and refrigerated overnight. Assemble and frost the cake the next day when you are ready to serve. Frosted or unfrosted cake can be frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. Honestly, it tastes much better fresh!

CHOCOLATE SUGAR COOKIE

http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2016/03/07/chocolate-sugar-cookies/#more-37880

CHOCOLATE SUGAR COOKIES
These are really good.  Must chill at least an hour before putting into shapes.  Could make the day before.  Makes about 18 cookies.  Used frosting from "made from scratch" folder (see below).

• 3/4 cup (172g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spoon & leveled)
• 3/4 cup (63g) unsweetened natural cocoa powder (or dutch process)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

1. In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter for 1 minute on medium speed until completely smooth and creamy. Add the granulated sugar and beat on medium high speed until fluffy and light in color. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract on high speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed.
2. Sift the flour and cocoa powder together in a medium bowl. Whisk in the baking powder and salt until combined. On low speed, slowly mix into the wet ingredients until combined.
3. Divide the dough into 2 equal parts. Roll each portion out onto a piece of parchment to about 1/4″ thickness. Stack the pieces (with parchment paper between) onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Chilling is mandatory. If chilling for more than a couple hours, cover the top dough piece with a single piece of parchment paper. You can chill up to 2 days.
4. Once chilled, preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line 2-3 large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. The amount of batches will depend on how large/small you cut your cookies. Remove one of the dough pieces from the refrigerator and using a cookie cutter, cut in shapes. Transfer the cut cookie dough to the prepared baking sheet. Re-roll the remaining dough and continue cutting until all is used.
5. Bake for 10 minutes-- the cookies will still appear soft. Make sure you rotate the baking sheet halfway through bake time. Allow to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before icing.
6. Make the icing and decorate the cooled cookies however you'd like. I did not color the icing, as you can see. Add sprinkles on top of the icing if desired. Once the icing has set, these cookies are perfect for gifts, sending, or munching on right away. I find they stay soft for about 5 days at room temperature.
7. Make ahead tip: Unfrosted cookies freeze well up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Frosted cookies do not freeze well at all. You can chill the cookie dough for up to 2 days (step 3). You can also freeze the cookie dough before rolling for up to 3 months. Then allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then allow to come to room temperature for about 1 hour. Then roll and continue with the recipe as directed.

VANILLA BUTTER CREAM FROSTING

1 cup softened butter

4 cups powdered sugar

2 T heavy whipping cream

2 tsp vanilla or buttered vanilla bakery emulsion

Mix all together until creamy.

MEXICAN CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES

http://cookienameddesire.com/mexican-chocolate-cupcakes-recipe/

MEXICAN CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES
Made these for Cinco De Mayo 2017.  Didn't do the witches hat part.  They crumbled for me - not sure why.  I baked in silicone with no liners. But they tasted super yummy!  Loved the frosting.

INGREDIENTS

• 5 oz dark or semisweet chocolate
• ⅓ cup Dutch processed cocoa powder
• ¾ cup hot brewed coffee (did hot chocolate)
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup granulated Dixie Crystals sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs, room temperature

Witch's Hats

• 12 small gingersnaps
• marshmallow (I used the recipe for homemade marshmallows divided in half)
• 5 oz semisweet chocolate
• candy bones (optional)

For the Mexican Chocolate Buttercream (used handheld mixer)

• 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
• ⅓ cup Dutch processed cocoa
• ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon, plus ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (didn't add)
• pinch of salt
• 3½ cups powdered sugar (did 3 cups)
• 4 - 5 tablespoons heavy cream

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. Mix together the chocolate, cocoa powder, and hot coffee together and stir until the chocolate is completely melted and the ingredients are well combined. Set aside to cool.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda together and set aside.
4. Add the oil and eggs to the chocolate mixture and whisk until well combined.
5. Stir the chocolate mixture into the flour mixture and mix until combined and there are no lumps. Do not overmix.
6. Pour the batter into the cupcake liners and bake for 18 - 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely.
7. Make the hats. Lay out the ginger snaps spaced evenly apart. Fill a piping bag fitted with a large round tip with unset marshmallow.
8. Pipe kisses on top of the gingersnaps. Allow the marshmallow to set for at least an hour or two.
9. Melt the chocolate for the hats and dip each into the chocolate. Shake off any excess. Leave on a parchment sheet to dry. Once dry, add a drop of chocolate to the hat and adhere a candy bone to it if desired.
10. Make the buttercream. Whip the butter until soft and creamy. Add the cocoa powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt to the butter and mix well. The mixture will look dry and crumbly. Add the powdered sugar one cup at a time and mix well between each cup. Keep mixing the buttercream and drizzle in the heavy cream until the buttercream reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
11. Fit a piping bag with a large round tip, then fill with the buttercream.
12. Pipe the buttercream onto the cupcakes. Top with the witch hats.

GRAPEFRUIT GREEK YOGURT LOAF

http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2016/06/04/grapefruit-greek-yogurt-loaf/

GRAPEFRUIT GREEK YOGURT LOAF/CAKE
Yum! Yum!  Doesn't taste like grapefruit.  Read through comments and lots said it had a strong grapefruit flavor so maybe the ones I had weren't as ripe as they should have been?  Could add a citrus essential oil to this to make it taste more citrus.  You make in a bread pan.  This would be perfect for a brunch type meal.  You could also make into muffins/cupcakes or a cake.  

• 1 and 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (180g) Greek yogurt1
• 1 cup (200g) packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable or canola oil (melted + slightly cooled coconut oil works too)
• 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed Ruby Red Grapefruit juice, strained
• 1 and 1/2 Tablespoons grapefruit zest
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• seeds scraped from 1/2 of a vanilla bean

GLAZE:

1 cup powdered sugar, sifted

2 T freshly squeezed grapefruit juice, strained

1/4 tsp vanilla

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a large bowl. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Once combined, whisk in the yogurt, brown sugar, oil, grapefruit juice, zest, vanilla extract, and seeds. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix with a large wooden spoon or rubber spatula until combined. Avoid overmixing.
3. Spread batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Baking times vary, so keep an eye on yours. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you find the top of the cake is browning too quickly in the oven, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
4. Remove the cake from the oven and set on a wire rack. Allow to cool before drizzling with glaze.
5. For the glaze, simply whisk the ingredients together and drizzle over cake. Slice and serve. Cover and store leftover cake at room temperature for up to 5 days. I love it cold, so you can store it in the refrigerator too!

Muffins/cupcakes: prepare batter as instructed. Grease a 12-count muffin pan or use liners. Fill with batter all the way to the top. Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for 5 minutes before serving. Top with glaze. Makes about 12 muffins.

Square or round cake: This batter will fit into a 9x9 inch square baking pan or a 9-inch springform pan (it will be too tall for a regular 9-inch round cake pan). Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Allow to cool and top with glaze.

HOMEMADE MARSHMALLOW CREME

MARSHMALLOW CREME
I was so in the mood for french silk pie and I had everything else but the marshmallow creme.  The heavy whip that I had I had already whipped a couple of days before.  I should have re-whipped it before adding to mixture but didn't.  So the pie didn't turn out like it usually does but I think it was from the heavy whip and not this creme.  The pie still tasted amazing!

1 egg white, room temp
3/4 c corn syrup
1/4 tsp salt
3/4 c powdered sugar
2 1/4 tsp vanilla

Beat egg white, corn syrup and salt on high for 7 minutes.  Mixture should have stiff peaks.  It will double in size.  While beating on low add sugar and vanilla.

APPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL COOKIES

http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2016/10/03/apple-cinnamon-oatmeal-cookies/

APPLE CINNAMON OATEMAL COOKIES
These were very very tasty!  A perfect after school snack on a rainy day.  I liked how I could make the batter early in day and then take our to bake right before kids get home.  Plan on waiting to eat them probably 20 minutes or so after frosting.  It was messy when we tried to eat before it had hardened.  I think next time I might trying adding only 1/2 cup of each on the sugar.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (170g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice (or an extra tsp cinnamon)
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1/2 cup (90g) unsweetened applesauce
• 3/4 cup (150g) packed dark or light brown sugar (I prefer dark here)
• 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
• 1 large egg, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup finely diced apple (about 1/2 of a large apple)
• optional: 1/2 cup (63g) walnuts (didnt' add but it would be very good)

Maple Icing

• 1 and 1/2 cups (180g) confectioners' sugar
• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) pure maple syrup
• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk

Directions:

1. Some readers have found that these cookies spread a little too much without chilling the cookie dough first-- I haven't run into that problem, but feel free to chill this cookie dough for 1-2 hours after step 4--before rolling and baking. Enjoy!
2. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. (Always recommended for cookies.) Set aside.
3. Whisk the oats, flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and apple pie spice (if using) together in a large bowl.
4. Whisk the butter, applesauce, brown sugar, and white sugar together until combined. Then whisk in the egg and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined. Fold in the apples and walnuts. The cookie dough will be thick and sticky.
5. Using a medium cookie scoop, scoop cookie dough into balls (about 2 Tbsp of dough each) and place 3 inches apart on the cookie sheet. Slightly flatten the balls out-- see picture above-- as the cookies won't spread much unless you help out first!
6. Bake for 14-15 minutes or until lightly browned and set on the edges. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes on the cookie sheet before icing.
7. Make the icing: Whisk all of the ingredients together and drizzle over cookies. You may have a little icing leftover. Drizzle more on each... it's so good!

Make ahead tip: Iced cookies stay fresh covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Their flavor is even better on day 2! You can make the cookie dough and chill it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow to come to room temperature then continue with step 4. Baked cookies freeze well for up to 3 months. Unbaked cookie dough balls freeze well for up to 3 months. Bake frozen cookie dough balls for an extra minute, no need to thaw. Click here for my tips and tricks on freezing cookie dough.