Tag: spring baking

Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble Bars

Categories Desserts, Recipes4 Comments on Rhubarb & Strawberry Crumble Bars

Rhubarb does not get the hype that she deserves. I am still new to the rhubarb world, and I am kicking myself for waiting so long. I made Claire Saffitz’s rhubarb loaf a few years ago, and I am so excited to bake with it again. With Memorial Day coming up, I needed a dessert to share with my family, and I figured you could never go wrong with a dessert bar. I found these rhubarb crumble bars from Molly’s Home Guide, which I changed a bit by adding lemon zest and almond slices! If you like tart over sweet, then these are the desserts for you!

Ingredients

  • 1¼ to 1½ cups rhubarb, cut into small pieces
  • 1¼ to 1½ cups strawberries, hulled and diced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 Lemon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 12 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1⅔ cups plain flour
  • ¼ cup rolled oats
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup chopped nuts (optional) – I used almonds

Let’s Get Baking

Preheat the oven to 375F

Line a 8×8 square pan with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the diced rhubarb + strawberries + cornstarch + lemon zest + lemon juice + cinnamon + vanilla extract + salt + brown sugar. Mix well and set aside.

Using a mixer, cream together the butter + brown sugar + white sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. Slowly add in the flour + oats + salt, mixing until incorporated.

Take 2/3 of the dough and place it into the prepared pan. Using your hands, press the dough evenly into the bottom of the pan to create the crust.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fruit mixture into the pressed dough crust. Spread the fruit evenly over the crust.

Mix together the remaining dough mixture with almonds (or nuts of your choice if using). Spring the crumble over the fruit layer, gently pressing it into the fruit mixture.

Bake the bars for 35-40 minutes. The crumble on top should be golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before cutting.

Enjoy warm or keep in an airtight container in the fridge for about 5 days.

Made with Love,

Hannah

Sourdough Blueberry Lemon Loaf

Categories Recipes2 Comments on Sourdough Blueberry Lemon Loaf

A friend recently requested a blueberry lemon loaf and I was more than happy to oblige as blueberry + lemon is the supreme combo. I have my tried and true recipe, however, I have been wanting to use my sourdough starter in more recipes and I figured this was the perfect opportunity. Shout out to Idie’s Farm for the guidance on how to make this recipe starter-friendly! I went with the long-fermented option because I wanted that tangy sourdough taste.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1 TSP Baking Powder
  • 1 TSP Baking Soda
  • 1/2 TSP Salt
  • Zest of 1 Lemon

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 Cup Sourdough Discard or active starter
  • 3/4 Cup Light or Dark Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 Cup Melted Butter
  • 2 Large Eggs
  • Juice of 1 Lemon
  • 1/4 Cup Milk
  • 1 Cup Blueberries

Lemon Glaze

  • 1/4 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 1 TBSP Lemon Juice

Let’s Get Cooking

Begin the batter 16-18 hours before you plan to bake!

In a large bowl whisk together 2 Cups All Purpose Flour + 1 TSP Baking Powder +1 TSP Baking soda 1/2 TSP Salt + Zest of 1 Lemon.

In another bowl combine 1 Cup Sourdough Discard or active starter + 3/4 Cup Light or Dark Brown Sugar+ 1/2 Cup Melted Butter+ 2 Large Eggs + Juice of 1 Lemon + 1/4 Cup Milk.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until the batter has just come together. Be aware to not over mix. Fold in the blueberries and cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap.

Allow to rise for 4-6 hours, I like to put mine in the oven with the light on. Place dough in the fridge for a second rise overnight or for 12 hrs.

The next day; preheat the oven to 350F.

Give the dough a few good stirs and then pour it into the prepared pan.

Bake for 55-65 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before moving to a wire rack to cool.

Combine the glaze ingredients and pour over the blueberry loaf.

Slice and enjoy!

Made with Love,
Hannah

Blueberry & Lemon Pancake Bites

Categories Recipes4 Comments on Blueberry & Lemon Pancake Bites

I am a sucker for a lemon + blueberry combo, as we well know by the multitude of recipes I have using those two ingredients. This recipe is perfect for weekly breakfast meal prep, using one large bowl to mix up the ingredients. These also do well in the freezer for up to about 3 months.

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups Protein Pancake mix
  • 1 Cup blueberries
  • 1 Lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 Cups milk
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/4 Cup Honey
  • 1 TBSP Vanilla

Let’s Get Baking

Preheat the oven to 400F.

In a large bowl combine the pancake mix + milk + eggs + honey + vanilla and stir until combined. Add in the lemon zest + lemon juice + blueberries and gently stir until mixed in.

Line a muffin pan with paper and pour the mixture into individual cups.

Bake for 25 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool.

Store in an air-tight container in the fridge if they are going to be immediately eaten, or freeze up to 3 months.

Made with Love,

Hannah

Sourdough Sandwich Bread

Categories bread, Fermentation, Recipes, sourdough2 Comments on Sourdough Sandwich Bread

I have been on a sourdough kick recently, I love how versatile it is! You can make pastries, savory snacks, and the best bread ever. I love making the big loaves, but I wanted to try something easier to cut and use for my morning avocado toast. I found this recipe from Stay at Home Sarah and she truly is right on with how easy this sandwich bread is! This recipe makes two loaves which you can easily wrap up and freeze until you’re ready to use!

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Cup Softened Butter
  • 2 1/2 Cups Warm Water
  • 1 1/2 Cups Active Sourdough Starter
  • 2 TBSP Honey
  • 1 TBSP Salt
  • 8 Cups Bread Flour

Let’s Get Baking

Using your stand mixer bowl, add in softened butter + warm water + active sourdough starter + honey + salt + half of the flour. Mix with paddle attachment until all the ingredients are combined. Switch to the dough hook and slowly add in the rest of the flour. Knead on low for about 7-8 minutes or until the dough is smooth and glossy.

Place the dough into a buttered bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel. Leave at room temp to proof for 10-12 hours. The dough will be ready when it’s doubled in size.

After your first proof, lightly coat your loaf pans with oil or butter. Divide the dough in half. Working one at a time, roll the dough into a large rectangle. Stretch the sides and press gently on the dough to release any bubbles. using the short sides, fold the dough into thirds. Starting at the short end, roll the dough up into a log, tuck the ends in underneath. Repeat with the other piece of dough. Place into the prepared pans seam side down. Cover with a damp towel and let proof again. This can take up to about 3-6 hours, or until the dough is about 1in from the pan rim. I completed this second proof in the fridge, but you can also leave it out.

To bake, preheat the oven to 375F and bake for about 40 min. Allow to cool on a wire wrack and let rest 1 hour before slicing.

This makes the best bread that can be used with any toppings imaginable! I have been loving it with avocado + chili oil + a runny egg for my breakfast

Made with love,

Hannah

Chocolate Orange Baked Donuts

Categories Desserts, Recipes5 Comments on Chocolate Orange Baked Donuts

Chocolate and orange is such an underrated combo. We always reach for the strawberries or the Oreos to pair with chocolate, but what about the oranges!?! With all this lovely orange citrus, Love Eat Sleep Food helped me with my ode to chocolate and orange with these baked donuts. They are such a yummy treat and you don’t need to stress with all the frying.

Ingredients

Chocolate Cake

  • 1 Cup + 2 TBSP All Purpose Flour
  • 5 TBSP Cocoa Powder
  • 3/4 TSP Baking Powder
  • 1/4 TSP Baking Soda
  • 1/4 TSP Salt
  • 43g Butter
  • 1/3 Milk Chocolate Chips
  • 1 TSP Coffee
  • 1 Egg
  • 3/4 Buttermilk
  • 1 TSP Vanilla
  • 3 TBSP Orange Juice
  • 1 TSP Orange extract
  • Zest of 1 Orange

Icing

  • 4 oz Chopped Dark Chocolate
  • 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 TBSP Orange Juice
  • 1 TBSP Butter
  • Orange slices for decoration

Let’s Get Baking

Preheat the oven to 350F

In a small saucepan heat the butter until melted. While waiting to melt, combine the flour + baking powder + baking soda + cocoa powder + salt in a medium bowl.

Add the chocolate chips to the saucepan, as well as coffee + orange juice + vanilla + milk, mix to combine. Let cool briefly until adding brown sugar + orange zest + egg. Stir to combine.

Add the wet ingredients to the dry and fold, don’t over mix. Pour the ingredients into a zip log bag and make a small incision. Pipe into a donut pan until it’s 2/3 full.

Bake for 13-15 minutes.

While baking make the icing!

Place the chopped chocolate to a heatproof bowl. In a seperate saucepan, add the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Add in the chocolate + orange juice, stir to combine. After letting sit for 5 minutes, add in the butter and stir until smooth.

Wait for the donuts to cool before dipping in the ganache.

Top with orange zest + slices.

Made with Love,

Hannah

Lemon Cupcakes with Blueberry Frosting

Categories DessertsLeave a Comment on Lemon Cupcakes with Blueberry Frosting

One of my favorite co-workers turned back to work from being on maternity leave, so I wanted to do something special to welcome her back. I decided on cupcakes as they are easy to share! This recipe comes from Baked By Rachel, Rachel’s cupcakes feature a lemon curd that I decided to leave out, but follow along with her recipe if you’d like to add. I added a little extra lemon juice & zest as I like my cake really punchy. I also ran out of powdered sugar when making the frosting, so it wasn’t my best, but we are all works in progress.

Ingredients

Blueberry Puree

  • 1 1/2 Cup Blueberries,
  • Zest of 1 Lemon
  • 2 TBSP Lemon Juice
  • 1/4 Cup Sugar

Lemon Cake

  • 1/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 1/2 Cup Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 2 TBSP + 2 TSP Lemon Juice
  • Zest of 1 Lemon
  • 1/2 TSP Salt
  • 1/2 TSP Baking Soda
  • 1 1/4 TSP Baking Powder
  • 1 1/4 Cup Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Sour Cream

Frosting

  • 1 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened
  • 3 Cups Powdered Sugar
  • 3 TBSP Blueberry Puree

Let’s Get Baking

To make the blueberry puree: combine blueberries + lemon zest + lemon juice + sugar in a small saucepan. Cook over MED heat, stirring occasionally. As the blueberries begin to soften, mash them and continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Once thickened, press the mixture through a mesh strainer into a clean bowl and allow to cool.

Preheat your oven to 350F and prepare your cupcake cups.

In a large bowl, cream together the butter + sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs + lemon juice + lemon zest, scraping the bowl as needed. Add in salt + baking soda + baking powder. Alternate the additions of flour & sour cream, mixing until combined.

Divide the batter into prepared cups and bake for 16-18 minutes. Allow cupcakes to cool before frosting.

To make the frosting: beat the butter, adding in 1 cup of powdered sugar at a time. Drizzle in 1 TBSP of blueberry puree at a time. Mix until fully combined & no streaks remain. Transfer to a piping bag and decorate as you desire.

Enjoy!

Made with Love,

Hannah

Raspberry & Orange Scones

Categories Desserts4 Comments on Raspberry & Orange Scones

Sometimes when I am having a bad day some simple baking can help get me in a better headspace. I like to use what I have laying around the house and I have a few oranges that need to use up so I figured, why not make some scones! The key to making scones is to knead as less as possible, you’re going to think that the scones aren’t going to come together, but trust me, they will! I got some inspo from Sally’s Baking Addiction, especially grating the frozen butter!

Ingredients

  • 2 Cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 1/2 TSP Baking Powder
  • 1/2 TSP Salt
  • 2 1/2 TSP Orange Zest
  • 2 TSP Fresh Orange Juice
  • 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter, frozen & grated
  • 1/2 Cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 1 TSP Vanilla Extract
  • 1 Cup Fresh Raspberries [can do frozen]

Orange Glaze

  • 1 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 3 TBSP Fresh Orange Juice

Let’s Get Baking

Combine the flour + sugar + baking powder + salt + orange zest in a large bowl. Add in the grated butter and combine until the mixture comes together, looking like small crumbs. Place it back in the fridge.

In another bowl whisk together heavy cream + egg + vanilla + orange juice. Grab the flour mixture and drizzle the liquid over. Add in the raspberries and mix together until there is no dry flour.

Pour onto the counter and with floured hands, work the dough into a ball, and be very gentle. Press into an 8-in disc and cut into 8 wedges. Brush with extra heavy cream. Place back into the fridge for 15 min.

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Bake for 22-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.

Combine the ingredients for the glaze and drizzle over the scones.

Enjoy!

Made with Love,

Hannah

Minty Lime Bars

Categories DessertsLeave a Comment on Minty Lime Bars

I grew up having a contest with my brother to see who could eat the most Sour War Heads in one sitting. The roof of my mouth was always destroyed and it was worth it every time. It is safe to say that I love all things sour and anything that highlights citrus flavors. I found this recipe from our girl Claire Saffitz in her Dessert Person cookbook and I was intrigued; not many desserts highlight limes, so I had to give it a try. These bars are so refreshing & also TART, these are the perfect dessert for a person like me who loves a good lip pucker, if you are like me, I HIGHLY recommend them. You need an 8×8-inch pan for this recipe.

Ingredients

Shortbread Crust

  • Butter for the pan
  • 2 TBSP finely grated Lime Zest, takes about 3 limes
  • 1/4 Cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Cup All Purpose Flour
  • 2 TBSP Finely Chopped Fresh Mint
  • 1/4 TSP Baking Powder
  • 1 Stick Unsalted Butter, cut into 1/2-in pieces, chilled
  • Salt

Lime Curd Filling

  • 3/4 Cup Fresh Lime Juice, about 7 limes
  • 1/4 Cup Fresh Lemon Juice, about 1 Large Lemon
  • 1 TSP Cornstarch
  • 1 Cup Sugar, divided into 1/2 cups
  • 5 Large Egg Yolks
  • 1 Large Egg
  • 6 TBSP Unsalted Butter, cut into tablespoons, chilled
  • Salt
  • Powdered Sugar & Lime Zest for serving

Let’s Get Baking

Place the oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350F. Line the baking pan with two sheets of foil, crossing one over the other. Butter the bottom of the sides of the foil and set the pan aside.

Onto the shortbread crust: In a medium bowl, use your fingertips to massage the lime zest into the granulated sugar until fragrant oils are released and the mixture looks like wet sand. Add in the flour + chopped mint + baking powder + salt and toss to combine. Add in the pieces of chilled butter and toss to coat in the flour mixture. Use your fingers to smash the butter completely into the flour mixture, working until you have lots of moist crumbs that hold together easily when squeezed.

Transfer the shortbread dough onto the prepared pan and scatter the crumbs easily across the bottom. Use your hands to flatten the crumbs into an even layer across the bottom. Bake the shortbread until lightly golden across the surface, about 25-30 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven. Reduce the oven temp to 300F. Let the crust cool while making the filling.

To make the lime curd filling: In a small saucepan, combine lime juice + lemon juice + cornstarch + salt and 1/2 cup of the granulated sugar and cook over MED heat, whisking occasionally to dissolve the sugar. When the mixture comes to a boil, whisk constantly until it thickens slightly from the cornstarch, about 1 minute. Remove the saucepan from the heat.

In a medium bowl, vigorously whisk the egg yolks + whole egg + remaining 1/2 cup until the mixture is smooth, thick, and has paled in color a couple shades, about 1 minute. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle the hot citrus mixture into the eggs a TBSP at a time to slowly raise the temperature, until you’ve added about half the citrus mixture to the eggs.

Whisk the egg mixture back into the saucepan, then set back over MED-LOW heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the curd turns opaque is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, and barely holds the marks of the whisk, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the curd from the heat and whisk in the butter a piece at a time, waiting until each piece melts before adding the next until the mixture is smooth.

Pour the hot curd over the crust and shake the pan gently so it settles in an even layer. Bake the bars until the sides have puffed & the center is set but still a bit wobbly when you shake it, about 30-35 minutes. Remove from the oven & let the bars cool completely in the pan.

Transfer the cooled pan to the fridge and chill until the bottom of the pan is cold to the touch, about 1 hour. Remove the foil & cut it into about 16 squares. Dust with powdered sugar and top with more lime zest before serving.

Made with Love,

Hannah

Blueberry Lemon Loaf

Categories Desserts8 Comments on Blueberry Lemon Loaf

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME!

I made it to 27, phew! Looks good from here. For my birthday I am soaking in the relaxation, but also the excitement of getting my own KitchenAid! I was so excited when my mom shared she would be getting me my own for my birthday. To celebrate my amazing gift, I broke in my mixer with this delicious & moist Blueberry Lemon Loaf by Glorious Treats. This bread is the perfect transition into spring baking, it’s tangy, it’s sweet, and I could eat it all day!

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour
  • 1 TSP Baking Powder
  • 1 TSP Salt
  • 1/3 Cup Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 1 Cup Sugar
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1/2 TSP Vanilla Extract
  • 2 TSP Grated Lemon Zest
  • 2 TSBP Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 Cup Milk
  • 1 Cup Blueberries, I like using fresh but you can always use frozen
  • 1 TBSP All Purpose Flour

Glaze:

  • 2 TSBP Butter, melted
  • 1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
  • 2 TSBP Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 TSP Vanilla Extract

Let’s Get Baking

Preheat the oven to 350F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper, or grease lightly

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour + baking powder + salt and set aside.

In the mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter + eggs + sugar + vanilla + lemon zest + lemon juice. Whisk until creamy.

With the mixer on slow, add in the flour mixture and milk, alternating until they are both incorporated.

Rinse the blueberries and toss with the 1 TBSP of flour, this will ensure that the blueberries don’t sink to the bottom of the batter while baking. Add to the batter and gently incorporate by hand.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place it on the top rack. Bake for about 55-65 minutes, I only needed 58 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick until it comes out clean. Allow the load to cool for about 30 minutes.

Combine all the ingredients in the glaze and pour over the loaf after it has cooled. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.

I hope you enjoy this DELICIOUS transition into spring!

Made with Love,

Hannah