Introduction
Baking can be one of the most rewarding activities, especially when shared with family and friends during a weekend celebration. This article highlights ten delicious dessert recipes that will make your weekend extra sweet. From rich chocolates to fruity delights, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Chocolate Cake:
– 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 cups granulated sugar
– 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup boiling water
Vanilla Cupcakes:
– 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 and 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
Fruit Tart:
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup powdered sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 egg yolk
– 1 cup pastry cream
– Assorted fresh fruits for topping
Cheesecake:
– 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Brownies:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Prep Time
The preparation time varies depending on the recipe. Most desserts will take between 15 to 30 minutes to prepare. For example, the chocolate cake and brownies generally fall on the shorter end, while the fruit tart may take a bit longer due to the need for pastry cream and fruit assembly.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time for these desserts generally ranges from 20 to 60 minutes, largely dependent on the complexity of the recipe. For instance, brownies bake in about 25 minutes, whereas cheesecakes might take up to an hour. Overall, you can expect total times to fall between 40 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. The yield typically ranges from 12 cupcakes to a full cake that can serve upwards of 10 people, making these desserts perfect for sharing and celebrating your sweet weekend.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Chocolate Chip Cookies
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
4. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt.
5. Gradually blend the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Fold in the chocolate chips.
7. Drop spoonfuls of dough onto a baking sheet.
8. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until edges are golden.
9. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Vanilla Cupcakes
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy.
3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
4. Mix in the vanilla extract.
5. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, alternating with milk.
7. Fill the cupcake liners about two-thirds full.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool before frosting.
Red Velvet Cake
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour two cake pans.
2. In a large bowl, mix sugar, oil, and eggs until well combined.
3. Stir in buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla, and cocoa powder.
4. In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.
5. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
6. Pour the batter evenly into prepared pans.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick.
8. Allow the cakes to cool before frosting with cream cheese icing.
Lemon Tart
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Roll out the tart dough and fit it into the tart pan.
3. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
4. Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes until lightly golden.
5. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, and zest.
6. Pour the lemon mixture into the baked tart shell.
7. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until set.
8. Let cool and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Banana Bread
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
2. In a mixing bowl, mash ripe bananas until smooth.
3. Stir in melted butter, sugar, and vanilla.
4. Add eggs and mix until combined.
5. In another bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt.
6. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the banana mixture.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
8. Bake for 60-70 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
9. Let cool before slicing.
Notes
Chocolate Chip Cookies
– Use room temperature butter for better creaming.
– You can substitute chocolate chips with nuts or dried fruits.
Vanilla Cupcakes
– Ensure the eggs are at room temperature for better mixing.
– Experiment with different frostings like cream cheese or chocolate.
Red Velvet Cake
– Always use fresh baking powder for optimal rise.
– The use of buttermilk is essential for the right flavor and texture.
Lemon Tart
– You can add a layer of meringue on top for a twist.
– Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Banana Bread
– Overripe bananas yield the best flavor.
– Feel free to add nuts or chocolate chips for added texture.
