When you’re craving cheesecake and you’re craving it now, look no further! These NO-BAKE chocolate cheesecake cups come together fast with simple methods and just 7 ingredients you may have around right now!
This decadent dessert has alllll the rich, chocolaty flavor you know and love (swoon!), but it comes together in just 5 minutes.
No-Bake Vegan Chocolate Cheesecake Cups (5 Minutes!) from Minimalist Baker →
Vanilla extract is one of those pantry staples we don’t think much about—until we suddenly need it. Whether you're halfway through a cookie recipe or baking a birthday cake and realize you're out, don't stress. There are plenty of vanilla extract substitutes out there, and chances are, you already have a few of them on hand. From dark liquors like rum and bourbon to pantry sweeteners like maple syrup and even almond extract, these easy swaps can add warmth, depth, and just the right touch of something special to your favorite bakes. Ahead, we’re breaking down the best alternatives to vanilla extract—and exactly how to use them.
By now, you’ve probably been told once or twice to make your own vanilla extract. (One of those times may or may not have been by us.) Recipes tell you how easy-breezy it is to DIY the solution, which is essentially just vanilla pods soaked in alcohol. Just buy vanilla beans, split down the center, stuff in a jar, drown in booze (most people use vodka; bourbon is fair game, too).
No doubt about it—matcha has soared in popularity in the U.S. over the past few years. Demand is so high that brands like Ippodo have had to pause production on some of their best-selling powders just to keep up. There’s even a National Matcha Day (May 2, if you’re wondering).
In NYC alone, matcha cafes are everywhere. We recently stopped by one that serves iced drinks and a matcha Basque cheesecake, and we had Ivy Woolenberg visit our office to make her famous matcha brookies. (Yes, the TikTok-viral ones. Yes, they lived up to the hype.)
There’s no doubt that America is currently obsessed with matcha. In desserts, savory dishes, and lattes, green tea is finally getting its flowers. However, there are a few recipes that truly stand out from the rest in terms of internet virality. In this case, I have not been able to escape matcha brookies—which are exactly what they sound likematcha blondie dough combined with chocolate chip cookie dough. The original viral video and recipe is made by Ivy Woolenberg, otherwise known as @bakedwithlovebyivy on social media, and we were lucky enough to host her in the Food52 test kitchen to make her signature dessert.
Here’s how we made them:
Staycation, anyone? One sip in and this cucumber lime agua fresca will have you feeling in full vacation mode. Made with just 3 ingredients in 10 minutes, it couldn’t be simpler or more refreshing!
It’s the ultimate hydrating sip, poolside drink, and also perfect for making in large batches for sharing. Let’s get refreshed!
What is an Agua Fresca?
An agua fresca (which translates to “fresh water”) is a refreshing drink widely popular in Central and South America, Mexico, and parts of the Caribbean.
Still need a present for Mother's Day? Go bake her a cake. And for you moms out there—do you suspect your loved ones are running a little behind this year? Save them: Request a cake.
Some of my happiest, most successful mom-oriented days involved baking my mother's favorite chocolate cake with a cream cheese ribbon—sometimes with her help, sometimes stumbling along on my own. I think she liked it easily as much as the awkward poems and framed photos, though I doubt she'd ever tell.
As we get closer to Easter (and further into Spring), I’ve been leaning into baked goods that feel a little brighter, more colorful, and good for sharing. Some of these are brand new recipes I developed this season—like the Toasted Coconut Cupcakes with Passionfruit Curd–and others are old favorites I keep coming back to—like the Pistachio Braid. Whether you're baking for Easter, or just in the mood for something a little sweet, this is what I’ve been making in the test kitchen recently.
• When making a cream cheese frosting for the carrot cakes, wait to add the cream cheese until the very end and whip as little as possible until it’s combined. The more you whip, the more moisture gets drawn out from the cream cheese, which can result in a less-stable frosting.
This recipe came to me when I was thinking about what to make for Easter brunch, and after asking around the office, it became clear that coffee cake was a go-to for a lot of people. At the same time, my personal go-to is often banana bread—something that everyone always loves, no matter the occasion.
While I’m definitely not the first to do this, I wanted to make something that felt like a hybrid: a banana bread with the structure and topping of a coffee cake. From there, the Bananas Foster idea came in. I’ve always liked how straightforward those flavors are—caramelized banana, dark rum, butter, and sometimes a little crunch from toasted nuts. It felt like a fun direction to take this recipe in and turn it into something a little more layered and (very) brunch-appropriate.
For those days when you’re needing an extra skip in your step, try this Mocha Chia Pudding! It’s a rich, creamy, chocolaty, energizing, fiber-packed breakfast or snack.
It’s also easy to make with just 1 bowl, 7 ingredients, and 5 minutes hands-on prep time required! We think it’ll become a new grab-and-go, meal prep-friendly staple in your kitchen. Get your coffee brewing, let’s make chia pudding!
Looking to add a burst of flavor to your favorite breakfasts and desserts? Say hello to Raspberry Compote! This simple, 2-ingredient, 15-minute berry sauce adds delicious, tart-sweet flavor to everything from cheesecakes to pancakes & waffles, crepes, ice cream, and so much more.
Whether you have an abundance of fresh raspberries or want to make a warm sauce with frozen berries during the cooler months, this recipe has you covered.
Easy Raspberry Compote (Naturally Sweetened) from Minimalist Baker →
Is this a safe space to admit we have a problem? Specifically an insatiable appetite for adding sweet potato to desserts? First we made brownies, then blondies, then truffles. And now? Pot de crème! Which is really just a thick, silky smooth pudding (YUM!).
This super chocolaty, 5-ingredient, French-inspired wonder dessert feels elegant and indulgent! No one will know it’s vegan, nutrient-rich, and so simple to make. Get your sweet potatoes ready…let’s make pot de crème!
Chocolate Pot de Crème (with a Secret Ingredient!) from Minimalist Baker →
Winter fruits are survivors, making it through the coldest days of the year. We had to show them some appreciation. Enter this simple, vibrant winter fruit salad!
It almost feels too simple to be a recipe (1 bowl, 5 ingredients, 15 minutes!), but we are Minimalist Baker after all. Let’s make it!
How to Make This Easy Winter Fruit Salad
This winter fruit salad is indeed EASY!
If you love chocolate covered caramels, but not the complicated methods usually required to make them, then this recipe is for you! These EASY vegan sea salt caramels come together with just 6 ingredients and there’s NO candy thermometer in sight.
The secret? Tahini! It adds a decadent flavor to these bite-sized delights for the ultimate salty-sweet treat. Perfect for keeping in the freezer or gifting over the holidays…though we’re not sure how many of these tasty treats will make it to the gift box 😉.
Chocolate Tahini Caramels (No Candy Thermometer!) from Minimalist Baker →
Frosting lovers, rejoice! We have the perfect pairing for your favorite pumpkin bread, cookies, spice cake, and more: Pumpkin spice buttercream frosting! It’s decadent, sweet, buttery (but vegan + dairy-free!), and perfectly pumpkin-spiced.
This fluffy fall dream is just 1 bowl, 5 minutes, and 4 ingredients away. Grab your favorite pumpkin treat and let’s get to frosting!
Vegan Pumpkin Spice Buttercream Frosting from Minimalist Baker →
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