Baked goods are hands down our favorite way to spread holiday cheer. Whether you want a festive cake for your next party or some cookies for your own stash, we have just the roundup of recipes to make this season. The best part is that they're all easy to whip up so you can spend less time in your kitchen and more time with friends and family.
It wouldn't be the holiday season without a few sweet treats to go around. Whether you can't resist a slice (or two) of cake or prefer to fill up your plate with a stack of cookies, we have just the recipes to complete your dessert spread. This week, chef and owner of The Hungry Gnome bakery Danielle Sepsy stopped by TODAY to share some of her favorite festive baked goods.
Can I tell you a secret? I don’t like pumpkin pie. But it’s not what you might think. I actually really love the flavor combination of that iconic can of pumpkin purée and warm spices. It’s the texture that just doesn’t quite do it for me. I do, however, very much love cheesecake and that’s where this recipe comes in. This pumpkin cheesecake is a dreamy cross between creamy cheesecake and pumpkin pie.
Basque cheesecake, also known as "Burnt Basque Cheesecake," originates from the Basque region of Spain. It’s a crustless cheesecake with a distinctively and intentionally burnt top, which gives it a rich caramelized flavor. Unlike traditional cheesecakes, which are smooth, dense and require careful baking to avoid cracking, Basque cheesecake is intentionally imperfect. Its dark, nearly scorched surface contrasts with the creamy, custard-like interior, creating a unique texture and flavor combination.
Caramel apple cheesecake is the perfect fall dessert, featuring a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cheesecake filling and a luscious caramel apple filling and topping. The apples are sautéed in butter with warm spices until they are soft, then cooled to room temperature and added as a layer in the cheesecake.
