baking – Page 8 – Feasting Is Fun

Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars

In an ideal world, all food consumed by myself and our family would be homemade. Yet reality dictates that is not always feasible. However, certain products, made with natural ingredients make that dream, a step closer. For example, the lemon curd used in my Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars, tastes as good, if not better than that made at home. Resulting in a delicious recipe, made one stage easier by a product already available.

Bakes That Travel Well

Creating bakes that are sturdy enough to withstand transport in a school backpack or briefcase can have its challenges. However, these shortbread base bars easily remain intact during transit. Since hubby does not always have time for a set lunch break, knowing he has something he can munch with a coffee makes me happy. And, of course, he functions better when his energy is topped up too.

There are a variety of traybakes here, on Feasting is Fun, including Lemon Drizzle Cake Bars and Macadamia Apricot Flapjacks. While some are considered more ‘healthy’ than others. With respect, anything cooked at home, using good quality ingredients and made with love, is, in my opinion far better than a mass produced product with a shelf life of months!

Biting into a bar really is a taste and texture sensation for your tongue and tastebuds. And each blueberry, when baked, turns into its own little pod of jam. Yet without the added sweetness of preserves. Finally, the cake layer, moist and light contrasts beautifully with the tang of lemon and defined shortbread base. Resulting in a complete mouthful of joy with each bite.

Recipe: Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars makes 12

Shortbread Base

225g/8oz Unsalted Butter softened

150g/5oz Caster Sugar

1/4tsp Salt I use Maldon

275g/10z Plain White Flour

1tsp Vanilla Extract I use Nielsen-Massey

1 Large Free Range Egg Yolk

For the Sponge Topping

4-5 tbsp Lemon Curd I use Hawkshead Relish

100g/4oz Unsalted Butter softened

100g/4oz Caster Sugar

2 Large Free Range Eggs

100g/4oz Plain White Flour

1tsp Baking Powder

200g/7oz Fresh Blueberries

Finely Grated Zest of 1 Lemon

Method: Preheat the oven to 160C/140C fan, gas mark 3, 325F

Line a 20cm x 28cm x 5cm (8″ x 11″ x 2″) tin with baking parchment, ensuring the parchment is higher than the sides of the tin. The tin does not need to be greased first.

Making And Baking The Shortbread Base:

Place the softened butter, salt and sugar into a large bowl. Whisk or beat until the mixture is pale and creamy.
Next, add the egg yolk and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until all ingredients are completely incorporated.
Now sift the flour into the bowl and then, using a spoon gently mix all the ingredients until they just come together.
Spoon the shortbread mixture into the lined tin and then press into an even layer using your fingers. Use a fork to prick holes, known as docking, into the shortbread. This allows any steam to escape and create a golden base.
Place the tin into the centre of a preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. Until the top is just turning golden.
While the shortbread is baking make the sponge topping – see below for instructions.
As soon as the shortbread is baked remove from the oven. It is important to note that the shortbread is not fully cooked at this point.

Making the Sponge Topping

While the shortbread is baking the cake batter can be made.
Into a large bowl, as before, add the butter and sugar. Whisk/beat until pale and creamy.
Next add the two eggs and continue whisking until the mixture is completely combined.
Now sift the flour and baking powder into the same bowl. Then add the blueberries and the lemon zest.
Using a metal spoon, fold the ingredients together gently, to minimise breaking up the blueberries. Set to one side.

Assembling And Baking The Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars

As soon as the shortbread base is baked allow to cool for 5 minutes. Then spoon over the lemon curd, spreading so that it covers the base, yet doesn’t quite reach the edges.
Spoon over the cake batter. Dolloping it fairly evenly across the base. Finally, gently spread the batter so that it covers the base. Pay particular attention to the edges. Aiming to seal in the lemon curd, by ensuring the cake batter is in contact with the shortbread around the entire edge.

Place the tin back into the centre of the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes. The lower and longer baking results in an even bake with a flat surface.
The Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars are baked when the top is golden in colour and is firm to touch. As soon as it is baked remove from the oven and allow to cool in the tin.

FF Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars — The finished bake cooling

Cutting The Bars Into Individual Portions

When completely cooled, remove the entire traybake from the tin. A fish slice or large palette knife is useful. Ease the knife under the bake, using it to lift and support as you move the traybake to a flat surface.
Using a sharp knife cut halfway through the width of the bake. Wipe the knife between each cut, this avoids spoiling the bake.
Following this first cut, now cut downwards, dividing the bake into four equal quarters.
Finally, cut each quarter into three equal sized bars.

The lemon curd is perfect in these bars.

FF Close up image. — Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars

Serve the Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars with a cup of tea, on some cheerful china, with a smile.

Store in an airtight container. They will keep for 4 days. During warm weather, storing in the fridge is advised.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Blueberry Lemon Shortbread Cake Bars you may also like these:

Cranberry Walnut Flapjacks

Double Cherry Drizzle Oat Bars

Bakewell Shortbread Bars

Baking and cooking good, wholesome food for my family is very important to me. It truly is one of the ways that I show them my love. Knowing in the middle of a busy day that my hubby has something made with love, by me, to help him through. Well, it doesn’t get better than that when we are apart from each other. The oohs and aahs as each family member returns at the days end, to the comforting kitchen aromas, ensures they know that they are truly home.

Love, inquisitiveness and creating are the main motivational factors behind all of my cooking. What are yours?

Sammie xxx

Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Baked Lemon Drizzle Doughnuts

Winter is finally here and with it, all the coughs, colds and horrible bugs, that have been waiting for an opportunity to attack our immune systems. Perhaps that is a bit of an over statement. Still, with half the household coughing and sneezing, it gave me an idea of what to bake. Rich in Vitamin C, these Baked Lemon Drizzle Doughnuts are saturated in fresh, immune fighting, lemon juice, or so I like to believe! So, don’t let anyone tell you that cake’s not good for you.

Lemon Love

These doughnuts are tangy and light, providing goodness in a fun way. Even our son’s tastebuds, dulled by the bug he is fighting off, tasted the tart lemon juice present in the lemon drizzle icing. While the crumb of the doughnut is tender enough not to aggravate his very sore throat. All in all, a complete hit, that produced a much longed for smile.

Being re-introduced to the foggy, sleep deprived world, caused by administering medicine and love, throughout the night to a child, sent shockwaves throughout my body. Something I thought was well in my past! Being re-aquatinted with the hunger surge that comes, for me, from broken nights, means, these delicious doughnuts provide the perfect pick-me-up, mid afternoon, as the slump set in!

Much as I hope that you can enjoy these Baked Lemon Drizzle Doughnuts for the delicious delights that they are, it is also nice to know that they are a good for you treat!

How To Bake Doughnuts

A quick note about the recipe – do not over fill the doughnut pan with batter. You should fill the rings to two thirds of their depth. Also, ensure that you grease the doughnut pan well. I use Wilton cake release. Because, the pans were not greased for the first attempt, even though they are non stick, the doughnuts stuck firm. There are two reasons for this, firstly, I overfilled them and secondly, the buttermilk in the recipe caused the doughnuts to stick.

The pan I use is a Wilton 6 hole doughnut pan. I have two as they are so good and I highly recommend them.

FF Baked Lemon Drizzle Doughnuts — Wilton 6 hole non stick doughnut pan.

Recipe: Baked Lemon Drizzle Doughnuts makes approximately 15-18

For The Doughnuts

175g/6oz Unsalted Butter softened

175g/6oz Caster Sugar

1/4tsp Salt- I use Maldon

3 Large Free Range Eggs

1.5tsp Lemon Extract or finely grated zest of 1 Whole Lemon – I use Nielsen-Massey lemon extract

75g/3.5tbsp Buttermilk

200g/7oz Plain White Flour

2tsp Baking Powder

For the Drizzle:

200g/7oz Icing Sugar – sifted

Juice of 1 Whole Lemon

Yellow/White sprinkles for decoration

Making And Baking The Doughnuts

Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan, gas mark 4, 350F

First of all prepare the doughnut pans. Thoroughly brush the inside of the doughnut rings with either cake release, or melted butter.
Next, into a large bowl add the butter, sugar and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are pale and creamy.
Now add the eggs, lemon extract/zest and the buttermilk. Sift the flour and baking powder on top of these ingredients.
Whisk everything together until it is completely combined.
Finally, use a silicone spatula to stir the batter through a couple of times.
Fill a large piping bag, fitted with a circle piping tip (if using), with the doughnut batter. Snip the end of the disposable bag off, so that it it approximately 1cm wide.
Carefully pipe circles into the doughnut pan, taking care not to overfill.
Once the pan is piped place in the centre of the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.
The doughnuts are baked when they are a golden colour and firm to touch – a pressed finger should not leave any indentation.

As soon as the doughnuts are baked remove them from the oven.
Tip the doughnuts out on to a cooling rack.
Wash up, dry and re-grease the doughnut pan and continue as before, unto all of the batter is used.

Decorating The Doughnuts With Lemon Drizzle

While the doughnuts are cooling the lemon drizzle icing can be made.
Into the bowl of sifted icing sugar add the juice of one lemon. Stir thoroughly to mix, ensuring there are no lumps. The icing should be fairly thick, but still be able to pour, ensuring it can be drizzled.
Fill a small piping bag with the icing. Snip the end of the bag off to create a very small hole. Alternatively, you can use a teaspoon to drizzle over the icing.
First, place the cooling rack over a baking tray to catch any drips.
The doughnuts should be completely cooled before icing.
Keeping an even pressure on the piping bag, pipe back and forth, across each doughnut, until they are all iced.
While the icing is still wet scatter over sprinkles.
Place the doughnuts to one side to allow the icing to set.

Thinking of sneaking a doughnut to ‘taste test’? I won’t tell 😉.

As these doughnuts are so yummy, don’t expect them to hang around for long. They will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days, however, they are at their best within the first 24 hours.

A sunny, refreshing treat, that is perfect served at anytime of the year.

If you have enjoyed the recipe for these Baked Lemon Drizzle Doughnuts you may also like these:

Lemon Ripple Ice Cream

Mini Lemon Drizzle Bundt Cakes

Baked Pumpkin Spiced Doughnuts

As well as creating a treat that can help boost the immune system, these Baked Lemon Drizzle Doughnuts brought smiles to faces that were suffering. While not advocating these as a health food, there is something to be said for the power of feeling good. Rather than simply accepting things as they are and waiting for them to pass, small presents, or treats can make the process more bearable.

Whatever you are making, baking and creating in you kitchens, I wish you a happy, healthy and fun 2017.

Sammie xx

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Maple Drizzled Apple Blueberry Loaf Cake

As a family we eat a fairly balanced diet, with lots of fruit and vegetables and the occasional takeaway. Because balance is everything, in life, as it is in cooking and eating. While I cook most of our meals from scratch I’m also realistic. So in our freezer there is usually a bag of oven chips, frozen peas and some good quality sausages. Occasionally though it’s treat time and my Maple Drizzled Apple Blueberry Loaf Cake is not only delicious it’s also packed full of fresh fruit.

To be clear, I am not advocating that this cake is a ‘health food’. Rather, that anything homemade firstly, has to be better than a mass produced, long shelf life product and secondly, while cooking and baking, we become more aware of the ingredients that go into our food.

FF Maple Drizzled Apple Blueberry Loaf Cake — **Maple Drizzled Apple Blueberry Loaf Cake** perfect for sharing.

Because there is a large portion of fruit packed into this cake, it is extremely and deliciously moist. Ideal for slicing, wrapping and adding to a packed lunch. Yet equally enticing, shared with friends or neighbours over a mid morning cup of coffee. Since all food tastes better when shared, why not bake this cake and take it with you to work? Sharing does not have to be confined to our homes!

A quick note before making this cake: similar to Maple Syrup Frosted Apple Cupcakes, the cake batter is made before grating and adding the apple. Because a sweeter variety works best, unlike Granny Smith’s which are more acidic, this helps to ensure the apple browns as little as possible. Also, the skins are left on the apple quarters whilst grating.

Recipe: Maple Drizzled Apple Blueberry Loaf Cake serves 8

175g/6oz Unsalted Butter softened

150g/5oz Caster Sugar

1/8tsp Salt – I use Maldon

50g/2.5tbsp Maple Syrup I use – Pure Maple

1tsp Vanilla Extract I use – Nielsen-Massey

3 Large Free Range Eggs

225g/8oz Plain White Flour

2tsp Baking Powder

1/4tsp Cinnamon

225g/8oz Grated Apple preferably a sweeter variety

125g/4.5oz Blueberries

75g/3oz Icing Sugar

2tbsp Maple Syrup

Method: Preheat the oven to 160C/140C fan, gas mark 3, 315F

First of all grease a 2lb loaf tin, 26cm x 12cm x 7cm (approx. 10″ x 5″ x 3″). Line the base with baking parchment.

Making The Apple And Blueberry Filled Cake Batter

Into a bowl sift the flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt – dry ingredients. Set this to one side.
Next, in a large bowl add the softened butter, caster sugar and 2.5 tablespoons of maple syrup. Beat until pale and creamy. Rub the mixture between your finger and thumb, it should feel smooth. If it feels gritty continue mixing until the sugar is fully combined with the butter.
Add the vanilla extract and beat to incorporate.
Now add all 3 eggs and then the sieved, dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined.
To grate the apple set a bowl on to digital scales. Cut one apple at a time into quarters, removing the core. Use a box grater and grate the apple, using the coarse grater, until only skin remains. Continue until the whole apple has been grated. Add the grated apple to the bowl on the scales, this will give you an idea of how much each grated apple yields.
Continue grating the apples, as before, until you have the desired weight.
Tip the grated apple and whole blueberries into the cake batter.
Fold the fruit into the batter using a spoon and taking care not to break up the blueberries.
Spoon the cake batter into the prepared loaf tin and smooth the surface using the back of a spoon.

Baking The Loaf Cake

Place the tin into the centre of the oven and bake for 1 hour – 1 hour 20 minutes.
The cake is baked when an inserted skewer comes out clean.
As soon as the cake is baked remove from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely in the tin.
When the cake is cooled, use a palette knife to run around between the cake and the inside of the tin, releasing any sticky bits.
Now turn the cake out on to a cooling rack and gently peel away the baking parchment.
Place the cooling rack over a clean baking tray.

Making The Maple Syrup Drizzle And Decorating The Cake

Sift the icing sugar into a bowl. Then add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and stir until the icing has a smooth consistency.
Use a spoon to drizzle the icing across the cake. Also encouraging the icing to drip down the sides of the cake.
Leave the cake to set.

While the icing is setting, put the kettle on and invite your neighbours round!

Since this delicious cake was made a little while ago, it is very tempting to jump through the screen and grab a slice!

Serve this cake sliced and with a smile. It will keep in an airtight container for 3 days. During warmer weather store in the fridge.

If you have enjoyed this Maple Drizzled Apple Blueberry Loaf Cake you may also enjoy these:

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Loaf Cake

Mascarpone Topped Carrot Cake

Lemon Blueberry Bundt Cake

Adding fresh fruit to cakes makes them deliciously moist. And fruit filled cakes are a million miles away from dry, moisture sucking, mass produced alternatives that are readily available in the shops. Most of all, home baked cakes not only taste so good, their flavour is far superior to most bought cakes.

Whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun preparing your feast.

Sammie xx

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Raspberry Coulis Drizzled Mixed Berry Pavlova

A very Happy New Year to all of my readers. And I hope this coming year brings good health, peace, love, lots of fun and feasting. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to read this blog and for trusting the recipes that have lovingly been created to share with you. And, with that in mind I have a beautiful dessert recipe for you that is a complete knock-out. Why not celebrate with my Raspberry Coulis Drizzled Mixed Berry Pavlova?

This pavlova has a delicious combination of textures and flavours. First of all, the crunchy meringue shell hides a marshmallow inner, which is draped in thickened cream, topped with tumbling, assorted, fresh berries and drizzled with a tart raspberry coulis. Resulting in a tastebud sensation with each mouthful. A truly elegant dessert that is light and also fulfills that need for something sweet at the end of a meal.

Fruit topped meringue dessert with indoor sparklers for celebrating. — Indoor sparklers add a celebratory element.

Pavlova And Mixed Berries – Dessert Heaven:

While beautifully adorned with fresh, ripe berries, the sweetness of this pavlova is complimented by the raspberry coulis, which is quick and easy to make, and utterly transforms the flavour of the finished dessert. As well as adding to the aesthetic of this stunning pavlova. While the coulis cuts through the richness of the cream, providing balance against the sweetness of the dessert.

Making Pavlovas is not difficult, requiring only a whisk and patience. Yet, the reward they give, in return for effort, is outstanding. And, any cracks that may develop are easily covered with cream and the meringue can be topped with any fruit desired such as my Winter Fruit Topped Pavlova. Since the pavlova shell can be made up to 2 days in advance, they are perfect for entertaining.

This Raspberry Coulis Drizzled Mixed Berry Pavlova was made to celebrate New Years Eve, which also happens to be the night before my hubby’s birthday. Using cake sparklers to add fun, fizz and sparkle, ensures this is no ordinary dessert. A fabulous celebration of the year passed and the new year to come.

Recipe: Raspberry Coulis Drizzled Mixed Berry Pavlova serves 8

For the Pavlova:

4 Large Free Range Egg Whites at room temperature

1tsp Lemon Juice

200g/7oz Caster Sugar

1tsp White Wine Vinegar

1tsp Cornfour – certified gluten free I use Doves Farm

400ml Double Cream

1tsp Vanilla Bean Paste – I use Nielsen-Massey

Berry Topping

450g/1lb Mixed Berries – I used strawberries, blueberries and raspberries removing stalks and leaves as necessary

For the Coulis

200g/7oz Raspberries

1tbsp each of Fresh Lemon Juice and Tap Water

1tbsp Caster Sugar

Method: Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan, gas mark 4, 350F

Making The Pavola:

First of all line a baking tray with baking parchment. Using pencil draw a 20cm/8″ circle on one side. Flip the paper over so that the pencil mark is underneath.
Next in a scrupulously clean large bowl add the 4 egg whites.
Whisk until they are light and airy. While whisking at medium speed gradually add the caster sugar one spoonful at a time. Continue whisking on medium – high until the meringue is shiny and glossy. Rub a little of the meringue mixture between your thumb and forefinger, when it feels smooth and there are no signs of grittiness, the sugar is completely dissolved into the egg white.
Next, while still whisking, add the lemon juice, vinegar and cornflour. Continue whisking for a further minute.
Stop the whisk and using the beater, place 4 dots of meringue on to the baking tray. Place the parchment on top, the meringue acts like glue and will stop it from moving around.
Using a clean, metal spoon, scoop the meringue on to the centre of the circle marked baking parchment.
Continue with a pallet knife, spreading the mixture evenly to form a disc, building up the sides so they are slightly raised.

FF Raspberry Coulis Drizzled Mixed Berry Pavlova — Creating the Pavlova shell.

Baking The Pavlova Base:

Place the meringue into the centre of the oven and immediately reduced the heat to 160C/140C gas mark 3, 325F.
Bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes and DO NOT open the oven door while baking.
As soon as the baking time has elapsed the oven off and allow the pavlova to cool completely in the oven. Also, cooling the meringue slowly in the oven helps reduce any cracking.
Tip: Make the pavlova the night before it is needed, then cool overnight in the oven.

Making The Raspberry Coulis:

To make the coulis, tip the raspberries, lemon juice, water and sugar into a small saucepan.
Place the pan over a high heat, stirring with a wooden spoon to mash the raspberries up. As soon as the mixture has bubbled to a boil, turn the heat off.
Strain the raspberry mixture into a heatproof bowl, through a sieve. And then press the raspberries with a spoon to extract all of the juice. Set the bowl aside to cool.

Assembling The Raspberry Coulis Drizzled Mixed Berry Pavlova:

Note: For best results, assemble the Pavlova no more than 3 hours ahead and keep chilled in a refrigerator.

Place the cream into a bowl with the vanilla bean extract. Whisk until it just starts to thicken, but will still slowly drop from a spoon.
Peel the pavlova carefully away from the baking parchment. Place on a plate or cake stand.
Spoon over the thickened cream so that it fills the central well in the pavlova.
And then add the prepared berries, arranging so they look attractive.
Finally, drizzle over the raspberry coulis, encouraging it to drip down the sides of the Pavlova.
Serve the Raspberry Coulis Drizzled Mixed Berry Pavlova sliced, with a smile and on special occasions a glass of bubbly!

A delicious, refreshing dessert, that is a wonderfully light way to celebrate and makes a great change from cake.

Store any remaining Pavlova in the fridge and eat within 24 hours.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Raspberry Coulis Drizzled Mixed Berry Pavlova you may also like these:

Lemony Strawberry Pavlova

Raspberry Chocolate Pavlova

Strawberry Eton Mess

Pavlovas are a favourite of mine, because they are extremely forgiving as a dessert. And, even if they crack and crumble beyond repair, switch to making an Eton Mess as pictured above or, alternatively make Raspberry Chocolate Ice Cream Sundae.

And as this recipe is easily made gluten free, it is a great way of serving dessert, without excluding people who have dietary restrictions. Most importantly at Feasting is Fun, the aim is to create recipes that more people can share and enjoy. And, on that note, from experience, when transporting this dessert, it is easier to take the separate components and assemble once there.

Finally, whatever the past year held for you, my hope is that the coming year will be one of love, peace and reconciliation

Sammie xx

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Multi Millionaires Shortbread Squares

First of all I want to wish all of my readers a very happy Christmas. And I have a festive looking and delicious sweet treat for you, my Multi Millionaires Shortbread Squares. So, close your eyes and imagine biting into a luxury shortbread base, covered in caramel and then topped with velvety smooth chocolate. Finally a festive finish with contrasting white chocolate stars. Christmas in a bite!

Christmas Chocolate Sparkle:

Although I attempted to make these last year, also at Christmas time, it resulted in a big mess! Because of lacking confidence the caramel wasn’t cooked for long enough and didn’t set. And this only became apparent after chilling for a good length of time in the fridge. Resulting in an oozing, caramel mess when the squares were cut. So it was time for me to attempt the caramel again.

Since I never give up on a challenge, even if it has taken a whole year, I decided to start again from scratch. First of all a new shortbread recipe for the base. Last year’s attempt used a cookie recipe. Followed by nothing short of sheer bravery, when making the caramel. Please don’t be scared or alarmed, I will talk you through each step, so that you will have success first time and every time you make the caramel. Finally, the chocolate topping needed no alteration. Although I’ve improved the cutting technique, which minimises the risk of the chocolate cracking.

Falling For A Millionaire

Now, I am not known for my sweet tooth – Caramac is an entirely different matter😉 – however, these squares may very well be my undoing. Years ago, when our children were young, a group of us mums would meet up regularly. We all, at that time, had girls who were friends at school. Meeting up gave the girls an opportunity to play together and allowed us mums to get to know each other. 10 years on, I now count two of those wonderful ladies as my best friends.

Overhead image of festive sweet bakes decorated with white chocolate stars. Votive candles are placed on the slate platter. — Multi Millionaires Shortbread Squares

One particular time, we met up at my friend Lizzie-Lou’s house. Let me tell you, that lady can cook AND bake! That morning she had been busy in the kitchen, baking with her two gorgeous girls. I honestly cannot remember what they made, except for Millionaires Shortbread. Having never tasted it before I tentatively took a square AND then another. I was hooked! Everything about me shouldn’t have enjoyed the sweet, chocolate covered wonders. But I did, ooh I so did. I’m embarrassed now to think back and wonder how many squares I ate. I simply couldn’t stop!

Friends For Life:

So this post and this recipe are dedicated to my beautiful friends Lizzie-Lou and K. For the love, friendship and support they have given and continue to give. I have learned so much from both of them and wherever we may be, we will always be friends. Looking back over the years, they have truly proven the backbone of this blog. That is, that food really does taste better when it is shared and feasting is fun when friends or family take part.

Recipe: Multi Millionaires Shortbread Squares makes 18

For The Shortbread Base:

300g/10oz Plain White Flour

200g/7oz Unsalted Butter – softened

100g/4oz Caster Sugar

1 Large Free Range Egg

1/4tsp Salt – I use Maldon

2tsp Vanilla Bean Paste – I use Nielsen-Massey

For The Caramel Middle:

100g/4oz Golden Syrup

150g/5oz Unsalted Butter

379g Can of Condensed Milk – I use Carnation

1/8tsp Salt

For The Chocolate Topping:

200g/7oz Milk Chocolate

100g/4oz Dark Chocolate

White Chocolate Stars – available from Waitrose

Method: Preheat the oven to 170C/150C fan, gas mark 3, 325F.

Lightly butter a 28cm x 20cm x 5cm (11″x 8″x 2″) swiss roll tin and line with baking parchment.

Making The Shortbread Base:

First of all, add the softened butter, caster sugar, vanilla bean paste, egg and salt into a large bowl. Whisk until pale and creamy.
Next sift in the plain flour and then stir with a spoon until the whole shortbread dough comes together.
Tip the shortbread dough into the prepared tin and then using the back of a spoon press the dough evenly into the tin.
Prick the shortbread dough all over with a fork. This will stop any air bubbles forming under the cooked shortbread.
Now place the tin into the centre of the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time turn the tin around, this helps the shortbread to bake evenly
The shortbread is baked when it is a golden colour and firm to touch.
As soon as the shortbread is baked remove the tin from the oven and set to one side.

Making The Caramel Centre:

Add the butter, golden syrup and condensed milk to a medium sized saucepan, over a medium heat.
Stir continuously until the butter is melted, then increase the heat to bring the liquid up to a bubbling boil. Continue to stir. The mixture will gradually become thicker and as it does it will darken.
Once thickened, remove the caramel mixture from the heat and spoon over the cooled shortbread.
Using an offset palette knife spread the caramel so that it completely covers the shortbread.
Set the caramel shortbread to one side to cool completely.

Creating The Chocolate Topping And Adding Decorations:

Break the chocolate up and place into a heatproof, microwaveable bowl.
Heat the chocolate for 30 seconds at a time, stirring in between.
As soon as the chocolate has started to melt, remove the bowl from the microwave and stir. Continue stirring until the chocolate is completely liquid. If needed, zap the chocolate in the microwave for 10 seconds at a time, until the chocolate has completely melted.
Pour the melted chocolate over the caramel covered shortbread. Again using a clean, offset spatula to spread it evenly.
Now, take the tin and rap it against the worktop 3 times. This brings any air bubbles to the surface and leaves the chocolate surface completely smooth.
Finally scatter over white chocolate stars and then set to one side to cool.

When the chocolate has just set, use a sharp knife to score through the chocolate layer, in the tin, creating the squares. Resulting in a crisp, clean cut after the chocolate is chilled. Therefore removing the risk of the chocolate shattering on cutting after chilling.
Place the tin into the fridge for a couple of hours to completely firm up.
Once chilled, remove the slab of chocolate and caramel covered shortbread from the tin, using the parchment paper to help ease it out.
Finally, cut through, where the score marks are, so that you have 18 pieces of Multi Millionaires Shortbread Squares.

Enjoying These Multi Millionaires Shortbread Squares At Their Best:

Serve with a smile and something delicious to drink. Either a hot not-too-sweet beverage, alternatively they pair very well with Brandy. Since it is the Season to be Merry!

These Multi Millionaires Shortbread Squares are not overly sweet. There is a pleasant balance of flavours that are just sweet enough and they are extremely more-ish 😉.

The Multi Millionaires Shortbread Squares can be kept in an airtight container for up to one week. In warm weather keep them in the fridge.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Multi Millionaires Shortbread Squares here are some others you may also like:

Lemon Drizzle Cake Bars

Dark Chocolate Ginger Brownies

Crunchy Vanilla Shortbread

Traybakes are so versatile. Since they travel well and are ideal, individually wrapped, as an addition to packed lunches and picnics. And so they make ideal Christmas gifts wrapped in cellophane with a big, festive bow. Because Christmas is the season to share, why not hand out bags of these squares to thank your post lady, delivery men, garbage collectors, anyone who would appreciate a thank you.

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun, relax, laugh and enjoy your feast in the company of others.

Sammie xx

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Cherry Bakewell Soda Bread

Nothing smells better than the aroma of homemade bread, baking in the oven. As many of my regular readers will know, I adore making bread. Yet sometimes, time is the enemy. Especially if it’s needed for breakfast and we have run out. The solution is to bake this beautiful and delicious Cherry Bakewell Soda Bread.

An un-yeasted bread, made even easier by using a packet of Wrights Scofa Bread Mix. All this tasty loaf requires is a little mixing, shaping and popping in a preheated oven to bake. The addition of cherries and flaked almonds gives this loaf the wow factor. Especially with the almond flavour icing, temptingly drizzled over the loaf and finished with ruby red, glacé cherries.

Since this loaf takes less than 45 minutes from start to baked, it is perfect for lazy weekend breakfasts. Still, if you are in a real rush, ditch the icing and crown of cherries and serve this sliced, warm from the oven, with butter if desired.

While this bread can be made and baked in under an hour, leaving to cool allows for simple, yet stunning decoration. Thick, almond icing, draped over the rustic loaf, simply topped with jewelled cherries. Creating a sensation for the eyes as well as the palette. Cooled and sliced, I found this delicious, hearty loaf needed no further addition. Each bite full of almonds, cherries and rustic, wholemeal bread.

Recipe: Cherry Bakewell Soda Bread

1 Packet Scofa Bread Mix available from Wrights Baking

Cold Water

150g/5oz Glacé Cherries

100g/4oz Flaked Almonds

3tsp Almond Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

200g/7oz Sifted Plain Icing Sugar

Method: Preheat the oven to 220C/200C fan, gas mark 7.

First of all, remove 12 whole glacé cherries and set them to one side for decoration.
Next cut all the remaining cherries in half.
Place the volume of water, as specified on the packet, into a large bowl.
Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract to the water. Swirl to mix.
Add the entire packet of Scofa Bread Mix.
Now add the cherry halves on top of the bread mix, lightly dusting them with the mix to stop them sticking together.
Reserve one tablespoon of flaked almonds for decoration and add the rest to the bowl.
Use a wooden spoon to stir the mixture until it comes together.
Tip the dough out on to a lightly floured work top and shape into a round.
Place the shaped dough on to a greased baking sheet.
Cut a deep cross into the dough, if not icing, sprinkle the remaining almonds over the bread.
Next place in the centre of a preheated oven.
Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes. Once baked it will sound hollow when rapped on the base with your knuckle. Note – this baking time is slightly longer than specified on the packet. This is due to the addition of cherries and almonds.
Once baked remove the bread from the oven and place on a cooling rack.

Note – the bread doesn’t change colour very much whilst baking.
Allow the bread to completely cool before icing and decorating.
To make the icing: Add 2 teaspoons of almond extract to the sieved icing sugar. Now add enough water, approximately one tablespoon, to the icing and stir. It should be a thick paste that can hold a figure of eight for a few seconds.
Place the cooling rack with the bread on it, over a baking tray, to catch any drips.
Start in the centre. Spoon thick icing over the bread, encouraging it to drape down over the sides of the loaf.
Continue until the bread is evenly drizzled with the icing.
Next, place the reserved cherries on top of the bread, forming a crown-like circle.
Finally, scatter the reserved almond flakes over the bread.

Set the decorated bread to one side to allow the icing to set.

Serve this delicious bread sliced, for breakfast, lunch of afternoon tea. In fact, it is perfect for anytime of the day.

Store in an airtight container. This bread is at its best when eaten wishing 24 hours of baking. That shouldn’t be too much of a problem!

If you have enjoyed the recipe for this Cherry Bakewell Soda Bread you may also like these:

Ginger Date Hot Cross Buns

Christmas Spiced Fruit Loaf

Toffee Banoffee Waffles

Making something different for breakfast at the weekend is a real treat. Whilst most of my baking is made from scratch, the convenience of having good quality packet mixes in the cupboard cannot be denied. Balancing time spent together as a family with, the time it takes to create a feast, is important.

Do you make breakfast more of a treat at the weekend?

After all, it is the most important meal of the day?

Sammie xx

Wrights Baking supplied me with the mix to create this recipe. All views, content and photography are my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Coconut White Chocolate Snowball Cupcakes

Today is the first day of December. Visits from Jack Frost over the last few nights and Winter has well and truly arrived. Sparkling pavements and frosted windscreens add to the beauty of crystal clear, blue skies. Inspired by the frosty weather I made these Coconut White Chocolate Snowball Cupcakes.

Vanilla and coconut sponge, topped with a whipped, white chocolate buttercream. Ooh that got your attention! And a complete covering of sweetened coconut and dusting of edible Magic Sparkles finishes the decoration. If you like coconut, I can guarantee you’ll love these cupcakes.

Using Sweetened Shredded Coconut

While there is a potential for these cupcakes to be overly sweet, I can assure you that they are not. Since the sweetened ‘Angel Flakes’ coconut is not, as one would imagine, overly sweet. Rather, the taste is predominantly that of pure coconut, with a little addition of sweetness to enhance the flavour. Resulting in a perfectly balanced, delightful cupcake.

I have been unable to source the ‘Angel Flakes’ from regular shops or supermarkets. However, it is readily available to buy online, from Amazon. Desiccated coconut is a real no no for me. In fact, I find it much sweeter than the coconut used here. Of course, if you like the flavour, then feel free to substitute it in this recipe. Likewise, if you can get hold of freshly grated coconut, that also can be used.

These cupcakes are a delicious bake for over the festive season. So, why not bake up a batch and share them with your work colleagues or friends? I have yet to meet anyone who doesn’t enjoy a delicious, homemade cupcake. And, as Christmas is the season for sharing, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could extend that season throughout the whole year?

Recipe: Coconut White Chocolate Snowball Cupcakes makes 12

For the cupcake sponge:

125g/4.5oz Unsalted Butter – softened

125/4.5oz Caster Sugar

Scant pinch of salt – I use Maldon

1/2tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

3 Large Free Range Eggs

125g/4.5oz Plain White Flour

1.5 tsp Baking Powder

50g/2oz Sweetened Shredded Coconut

2-3tbsp Milk

For the frosting:

400g/14oz Icing Sugar

200g/7oz Unsalted Butter softened

1tsp Vanilla Extract

2tbsp Very Hot Water

100g/4oz White Chocolate

For the decoration:

Approximately 200g/7oz Sweetened Shredded Coconut

Edible glitter

Method: Preheat the oven to 170C/150C fan, gas mark 3.5, 325F

Making And Baking The Coconut Cupcakes

First of all, line a 12 hole cupcake tin with cupcake cases.
Next, in a large bowl add the butter, sugar and salt. Whisk until light and creamy.
Now add all 3 eggs and the vanilla extract. Then sift in the flour and baking powder. Next add the coconut and whisk until everything is just combined, adding 2 or 3 tablespoons of milk to achieve a soft, dropping consistency.
Place a dessertspoon of cake batter into each cupcake case.
Finally, put the cupcake tin into the centre of the preheated oven and bake for 20-30 minutes.
The cupcakes are baked when they are risen, golden and spring back from a light touch.
As soon as the cupcakes are baked, remove from the oven.

Baking the cupcakes at a slightly higher temperature results in a domed rise. This is deliberate, as it helps the shape of a snowball later when icing and covering.
Remove the hot cupcakes from the tin and place on to a cooling rack.

Making The White Chocolate Frosting And Piping Onto The Cupcakes

While the cupcakes are cooling make the buttercream icing.
First, place the softened butter into a large bowl and then sift in the icing sugar. Now add 2 tablespoons of very hot water from a recently boiled kettle and one teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Whisk, starting on a slow speed and then gradually increasing, whipping until the buttercream is light and fluffy. Set to one side.
Next, break up the white chocolate and place in a heatproof, microwaveable bowl. Zap for 20 seconds at a time, stirring in between, until the chocolate starts to melt. Remove the bowl from the microwave and stir continuously. The residual heat will continue to melt the remaining chocolate.
Once the chocolate is completely melted pour it into the buttercream.
Now whisk the buttercream and chocolate together, gradually increasing the speed, until the frosting is fully combined and cooled.
Fit a piping bag with a round piping tip approximately 12mm in diameter.
Fill the bag with the whipped, white chocolate, buttercream. Set to one side.
Remember to wait until the cupcakes are completely cooled before icing.
To ice the cupcakes, start in the centre and pipe a double swirl (one on top of the other), keeping an even pressure on the piping bag. Continue until all of the cupcakes have been iced.

Decorating The Cupcakes

Next, weigh out the sweetened coconut into a bowl and break any clumps apart with your fingers.
To cover the first cupcake, hold it in your hand over the bowl of coconut. Use your other hand to cover the sides of the frosting with the coconut, gently pressing so that it sticks. Rotate the cupcake until the sides are covered with coconut, letting any excess drop back into the bowl. Now sprinkle a good amount over the top of the cupcake. Again pressing lightly so that it sticks to the buttercream. Continue until all of the cupcakes are covered in coconut.
Next, sprinkle over the edible sparkles. Add as much glitter as you like!

Coconut White Chocolate Snowball Cupcakes, decorated with a snowy, festive theme.

These delicious, fun cupcakes are ready to serve straight away. To store, place in an airtight container and eat within 4 days. Although they are at their very best eaten within the first 24 hours of making.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Coconut White Chocolate Snowball Cupcakes you may also like these:

Gingerbread Frosted Ginger Christmas Cupcakes

Maple Syrup Frosted Apple Cupcakes

Marshmallow Frosted Mango Cupcakes

While baking these coconut cupcakes with the festive season in mind, they would be a delicious treat at any time of the year. Because, baking to share, with love stirred in abundance, also makes a delicious treat for family, friends, or work colleagues. And food always tastes better when it is shared, these cupcakes are ideal for sharing.

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, over this festive season, I hope you have lots of fun and laughter preparing and sharing your feast.

Sammie xx

Christmas Spiced Fruit Loaf

Christmas is only four weeks away and I am thoroughly enjoying the build up. Especially when it comes to creating new recipes to share with you here. And food is a big part of our Christmas, with tradition dictating our ham is cooked on Christmas Eve, as well as fresh sausage rolls and mince pies. While this year there will also be a Christmas Spiced Fruit Loaf on offer for breakfast on the big day itself. Filling the house with scents of Christmas spice, as it is sliced and toasted.

FF Spiced Christmas Fruit Loaf — **Christmas Spiced Fruit Loaf** delicious toasted for breakfast.

Packed full of dried fruits including dates, cherries and cranberries, in a brioche style loaf. While the added milk, eggs and butter used in a Brioche give it a wonderfully soft crumb. Delicious eating sliced as is, or toasted and slathered in butter, this loaf really does smell and taste of Christmas.

Creating a flavour packed sweet bread loaf

Most importantly use the best quality ingredients such as the Medjool Dates from The Medjool Date Company, certainly enhances the taste of this loaf. While sweeter than my Spiced Fruit Loaf, it does not hold back on the Christmas spices of Cinnamon, Ginger, Nutmeg and Allspice. Resulting in the most amazing aroma, filling the kitchen and then the house, as this beautifully bronzed loaf bakes.

FF Christmas Spiced Fruit Loaf — **Christmas Spiced Fruit Loaf** perfect with a cup of tea mid afternoon.

Baked in the British Bakeware, 3lb Farmhouse Loaf Tin, this fruited bread never sticks. And the deep sides of the tin ensure the dough is supported as it rises. Resulting in an evely risen loaf, without a muffin top. And the advantage is a great shaped loaf that is easy to slice and fit in the toaster. Also, this loaf tin has become a treasured piece of kitchen bakeware.

Recipe: Christmas Spiced Fruit Loaf

2 Large Free Range Eggs

Approx 320mls Whole Milk – to make volume to 350mls when added to eggs

1tsp Caster Sugar

7g Easy Bake Dried Yeast – I use Allinson in the green container/sachets

500g/1lb 2oz Strong White Flour

50g/2oz Unsalted Butter – at room temperature and cut into cubes plus extra for greasing the loaf tin

7g Salt – I use Maldon

1tsp Vanilla Bean Paste – I use Nielsen-Massey

2tsp Ground Cinnamon

1tsp Ground Ginger

1tsp Freshly Grated Nutmeg

1/2tsp Ground Allspice

100g/4oz Medjool Dates – I like The Medjool Date Co.

100g/4oz Dried Cranberries

50g/2oz Glacé Cherries

1 Egg whisked with a teaspoon of water for the egg wash

Method:

A stand mixer was used to make and knead the dough for this loaf. You may choose to make this by hand, however, the dough is incredibly sticky. So using a mixer is recommended.

Making the Christmas spiced fruit dough

First of all, measure 320mls of milk into a microwaveable jug. Zap on full power for 20 seconds. Stir and check the temperature, it should be the same as body temperature.
Into the slightly warmed (not fridge cold) milk add 2 whole eggs. The volume should be 350mls. Tip away any small excess of milk.
Pour the milk and eggs into the large bowl of a stand mixer.
Next add the sugar and yeast. Stir with a sooon to break up the eggs and mix the ingredients.
Now add the flour, on top of the liquid ingredients. This forms a barrier so that the yeast does not come into direct contact with the next addition, salt.
Add the salt and cubes of butter.
Fit a dough hook to the stand mixer and mix on a slow speed for 10 minutes.
While the dough is mixing prepare the fruit; remove stones from the dates and cut in half, cut each half into four pieces. Next cut each glacé cherry into quarters. Place the cranberries, cherries and dates in a bowl together.
After 10 minutes of mixing, stop the mixer and lift the dough hook. Remove a small piece of dough and stretch it. The dough is properly kneaded when it can stretch, without tearing, thinly enough to see light through it. This is called the windowpane test. If the dough tears, lower the dough hook and continue mixing for a further 2 minutes, after which test it again.

Adding fruit and spices to the dough

As soon as the dough passes the windowpane test, add the fruit and spices.
Lower the dough hook and mix again on low speed for a further 2 minutes.
After the fruit is incorporated stop the mixer and lift the dough hook.
Use clean fingers to scrape the dough from the hook and place it in the bowl.

Cover the bowl with a clean tea towel and place it somewhere warm and away from draughts.
Now leave the dough to double in size.
NOTE: The presence of spices will slow down the action of the yeast. Therefore, the dough may take longer, up to 2 hours or more, to double in size.

Shaping the dough and proving for a second time

While the dough is proving thoroughly grease a 3lb deep farmhouse loaf tin with butter.
When the dough has at least doubled in size, scrape it out on to a lightly floured surface.
Press the dough into a rough rectangular shape. Now fold the bottom third up and then fold the top third down, so that it slightly overlaps the previous fold.
Finally, tuck either end under, so that you have an oval-ish shape. Place the shaped dough into the buttered loaf tin. Cover with the same tea towel as before and leave, as before until doubled in size.
While the dough is proving preheat the oven to 220/200fan, gas mark 7, 425F.
As soon as the dough has doubled in size, remove the tea towel. Using a pastry brush lightly brush over the egg wash.

Baking the Christmas Spiced Fruit Loaf

Now place the loaf carefully into the centre of the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes before reducing the oven heat to 200C/180C fan, gas mark 6, 400F.
Continue baking for a further 20 minutes and then remove the loaf from the oven.
Turn the loaf out on to a cooling rack. Rap the base of the loaf with your knuckle. The bread is baked if the rapping produces a hollow sound. If not, place the loaf, on its side back in the oven and check every 5 minutes until it is fully baked.

Allow the Christmas Spiced Fruit Loaf to fully cool before slicing.

This fruited loaf will last for 3 days in a proper bread bin. Serve sliced, as is, or slice and toast for a delicious, fruit and spice filled breakfast.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Christmas Spiced Fruit Loaf you may also like these:

Chocolate Christmas Pudding Cookies

Snowy Black Forest Roulade

Peppermint Candy Cane Topped Brownies

Since you are setting the stand mixer up to make this fruited loaf, why not double up the ingredients and make two loaves? Sharing is inherently part of Christmas. I can think of no better reason, than to give one loaf away. Surely anyone would be happy to receive the gift of a freshly baked, Christmas Spiced Fruit Loaf!

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchens, have fun and remember food always tastes better when it’s shared.

Sammie xx

No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Dark Chocolate Ginger Brownies

Baby it’s cold outside! The second of two storms is currently battering the southern half of the British Isles. While gale force winds and squally showers are battering outside, baking makes indoors warm and cosy. Especially when the aroma of these Dark Chocolate Ginger Brownies escapes from the oven. A brilliant and tasty way to warm up the day.

Since discovering Sugar and Crumbs gingerbread flavour icing sugar, I have become a little obsessed with all things ginger flavoured. Wanting to create a winter spiced brownie, I decided to substitute the flavoured icing sugar for some of the treacly dark sugar in the recipe. Having been sent some Dark Chocolate Ginger Thins from Beech’s Chocolates, to try, I couldn’t resist adding some to the brownie batter. Resulting in a deep, dark chocolate brownie with a background warmth from the gingerbread sugar and nuggets of ginger chocolate studded throughout.

While not as dense, or fudgey as regular gingerbread and brownies, these squares are perfect as they are. Bordering on cake-like, yet not light and fluffy, these squares tick all the boxes. Sweet, but not overly so. Chocolatey, yet not cloying. Warming, without being overwhelming. Perfectly balanced flavours that satisfy with every bite.

Dark Chocolate Ginger Brownies a delicious comforting treat.

So easy to make and bake, these brownies also make a delicious edible gift. Ensure the icing is set, then pop a few into a pretty tin, or cellophane bag tied with ribbon. All food tastes better when shared. Homemade treats have the extra luxury of love mixed into them. Now that is something that cannot be bought!

Recipe: Dark Chocolate Ginger Brownies makes 15

150g/5oz Unsalted Butter

225g/8oz Dark Brown Muscavado Sugar

50g/2oz Gingerbread Icing Sugar available from Sugar and Crumbs see *note

1/8tsp Salt – I use Maldon

50g/2oz Cocoa Powder – I use Callebaut

150g/5oz Plain White Flour

1/2tsp Sodium Bicarbonate

4 Large Free Range Eggs

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

100g/4oz Dark Chocolate Ginger Thins – available from Beech’s Fine Chocolates

*note – if flavoured icing sugar is unavailable use 275g/10oz of D/B Muscavado sugar and add 2tsp of ground ginger to the sieved flour.

For the icing:

100g/4oz Gingerbread Flavour Icing Sugar – if not available use plain icing sugar.

Method: Preheat the oven to 180C/160C fan, gas mark 4

You will need a 28cm x 20cm x 5cm (12″ x 8″ x “2) traybake tin lined with aluminium foil.

First add the butter, both types of sugar and salt to a heavy bottomed large saucepan. Place over a medium heat and stir constantly until the butter is melted.
Take the pan off the heat and add the cocoa powder, stirring until it is thoroughly combined. Set the saucepan to one side to cool slightly.
While the pan is cooling, crack the eggs into a jug, add the vanilla extract and whisk lightly to combine – liquid ingredients.
Next sift the flour and sodium bicarb. into the saucepan. Stir to combine. The mixture will be quite stiff, that is normal.
Now pour the liquid ingredients into the saucepan and stir thoroughly until the brownie batter is thoroughly combined.
Roughly chop the ginger chocolate and add to the saucepan. Stir a couple of times to distribute evenly.
Finally pour the brownie batter into the prepared tin. Give the tin a couple of sharp raps against the work top. This will bring any bubbles to the surface.

Place the tin in the centre of the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, open the oven door and rap the tin against the shelf. This really helps to stop the brownies becoming too airy and cake-like.
The brownies are baked when the top is set and there is not hint of wobble in the centre.
Once baked, remove the tin from the oven and allow the brownies to completely cool in the tin.

While the brownies are cooling, make the gingerbread icing.
First, sift the icing sugar into a medium sized bowl, then add a teaspoon of water. Stir, adding extra water, drop by drop, until you have a thick, drizzling consistency.
Spoon the icing into a small piping bag. Alternatively, cover the bowl with cling film and you can use a spoon to drizzle the icing.
When the brownies are completely cooled, lift the entire slab from the tin, using the foil to help. Peel the foil carefully away from the baked brownie and place on to a large piece of baking parchment. Now cut the brownie into 15 equal sized squares. First cutting across the width, diving into 3 and then cutting across at 5 equal intervals to create 15 individual brownie squares. Spread the squares out so that each one can be iced individually.
Next, snip the end from your piping bag to leave a very small hole. Pipe diagonal lines across each brownie, or lightly drizzle the icing using a teaspoon.

Leave the icing to set before serving, or storing in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

These Brownies are delicious served just as they are, with a hot drink and a smile. However, if you really want to turn them into a fantastic dessert, warm briefly (10 seconds in the microwave) and serve with a scoop of you favourite ice cream!

If you have enjoyed these Dark Chocolate Ginger Brownies then you may like these too:

Chocolate Christmas Pudding Cookies

Gingerbread Frosted Ginger Christmas Cupcakes

Chocolate Sparkle Cake

Whether you bake these Dark Chocolate Ginger Brownies as a treat for yourself and you family, or to take into school or work to share with friends, they are sure to be a big hit. Homemade bakes taste infinitely better, unless you live close to a great bakery. Sharing our bakes shows others that they are valued in our lives. Regardless of their situation, someone has thought of them. I personally, cannot think of a better reason to get in the kitchen and bake!

Whatever you are creating, making and baking in your kitchen, have fun and remember to stir some extra love in.

Sammie xx

Beech’s Chocolates sent me the dark chocolate ginger thins to try. This is not a sponsored post. All opinions, views, photographs and content are my own. Please see my Disclosure Policy.

Gingerbread Frosted Ginger Christmas Cupcakes

Happy holidays to all of my lovely readers of Feasting Is Fun. Today’s recipe for Gingerbread Frosted Ginger Christmas Cupcakes topped with mini gingerbread men, I hope will excite you and add some festive cheer to your day.

Is anyone else else excited about Christmas? For me a large part of the fun of Christmas is in the build up. Getting the children to write Christmas lists, putting up decorations and ordering our turkey and ham from Graig Farm. Finally making the Christmas cake, yet knowing it can’t be eaten until Christmas Day is always hard on certain members of the family. So, I baked these Gingerbread Frosted Ginger Christmas Cupcakes. Perfect festive sweet treats to enjoy, during the build up to the big day!

Warning, the frosting on these cupcakes is truly addictive! Because it really, REALLY, tastes of gingerbread and once you’ve tasted it I can guarantee that you will want more. And so, in order to provide balance, the cupcake itself is only lightly spiced with ginger. The final combination of both cake and frosting is absolutely perfect. Warming, sweet and not heavy, these really are the perfect festive, sweet treat.

A single small, spiced, festive individual cake with two candles alight behind it. — Gingerbread Frosted Ginger Christmas Cupcakes

Because these cupcakes are so yummy, they disappear very quickly. Always a good sign when everyone in the family absolutely loves them. And I have a feeling that making these may well become a Christmas tradition like so many other things have, in our home.

Christmas Traditions

Traditions include, decorations going up on December 1st, making mince pies then giving them to our neighbours whilst carol singing and cooking the ham on Christmas Eve. Also, tracking Santa Claus’ schedule, whilst munching on cheese straws and playing cards, have all become Christmas traditions. Each as important as putting out a drink, mince pie and carrot, before bed, on the night before Christmas.

Three festive spiced individual sponges topped with spiced whipped buttercream and a little man. — Gingerbread Frosted Ginger Christmas Cupcakes

Each of the traditions has crept upon us, unplanned. If something has been done two years in a row, the children automatically dictate that it is now a tradition. So, this year, I think I will make some Gingerbread Frosted Ginger Christmas Cupcakes to hand out whilst carol singing, alongside the warm mince pies. We are blessed to call our neighbours friends, so sharing homemade goodies with them, whilst they listen to our singing is always fun!

Do you have family traditions at Christmas? I’d love to hear about them.

Recipe: Gingerbread Frosted Ginger Christmas Cupcakes makes 12

For the cupcakes:

175g/6oz Unsalted Butter softened

175g/6oz Caster Sugar

3 Large Eggs – I use free range

1/8tsp Salt – I use Maldon

1tsp Vanilla Extract – I use Nielsen-Massey

2tsp Baking Powder

175g/6oz Plain White Flour

1tsp Ground Ginger

For the frosting:

500g/1lb 2oz Gingerbread Natural Flavoured Icing Sugar from Sugar and Crumbs

alternatively use the same quantity regular icing sugar (confectioners sugar) and add 2tsp of ground ginger

250g/9oz Unsalted Butter softened

2tbsp Very Hot Water

Mini Gingerbread Men (made by Culpitt) and White Edible Glitter to decorate both available online from Amazon.

Preheat the oven to 160C/140C fan, gas mark 3, 325F.

Making and baking the cupcakes:

First of all, line a cupcake tin with 12 deep cupcake/muffin cases
Next, in a large bowl add the butter, sugar and salt. Whisk, gradually increasing the speed, until pale and creamy.
Now add the vanilla extract and whisk until fully incorporated.
Into the bowl add the eggs and sift in the flour, baking powder and ground ginger. Then mix together until just combined. Over mixing can result in a tough, not light and airy, cupcake.
Spoon the cake batter into the cupcake cases, taking care to ensure that they are evenly filled.
Place the tin into the centre of the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. Once baked each cupcake will spring back from a light touch. The cupcakes will be soft and fairly pale, this is because they have been cooked at a low heat to ensure a flat top.
As soon as the cupcakes are baked from the oven. Carefully take each cupcake out of the tin and place on a cooling rack. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before icing.

Making the frosting and decorating the cupcakes:

So, to make the icing; place the softened butter into a large bowl and sift the icing sugar on top of it. Next add 2 tablespoons of very hot water from a recently boiled kettle. Whisk, starting on a very slow speed and gradually increasing to a high speed. Continue until the icing is very light and creamy.
Fit an icing bag with a Wilton round piping tip #12, or use a large disposable piping bag. Fill the bag with the whipped, gingerbread frosting. If using a disposable bag without a tip, snip off the end to leave a 7mm diameter hole – approximately.
Check the cupcakes to ensure they are completely cooled, then begin piping the frosting. Keeping an even pressure on the bag pipe a double swirl. One on top of the other, pressing down in the centre before pulling away at the end.
Continue piping until all of the cupcakes are frosted.
Place a gingerbread man or woman in the centre of the frosting.
Finally, finish by sprinkling each cupcake with a dusting of edible glitter.

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 4 days, however, you’ll be lucky if they last that long, unless you hide them 😉.

Individual spiced sponge cut through to show inner crumb. — Light and fluffy cupcake sponge.

Serve each cupcake with a smile.

If you have enjoyed this recipe for Gingerbread Frosted Ginger Christmas Cupcakes here are some other festive recipe you may like:

Chocolate Christmas Pudding Cookies

FF Gingerbread Frosted Ginger Christmas Cupcakes — Chocolate Christmas Pudding Cookies

Sparkling Snowflake Cake

Cream Cheese Pastry Mince Pies

While it is nice enjoying the build up to Christmas Day, the excitement of children, unexpected guests, the hope of snow, it is also important to remember the true meaning of Christmas.

A baby boy, born of a virgin mother, Emmanuel – God with us. Jesus may not have been born on December 25th, yet that is the day we choose to remember His birth. So, amongst all of the hustle and bustle surrounding Christmas, it is important to remember why we celebrate it. Please see Important Stuff for more information.

So, whatever you are making, baking and creating in your kitchen, have fun preparing and sharing your feast.

Sammie xx

Note – this is not a sponsored post. I genuinely love Sugar and Crumbs products. No part of this post may be reproduced or duplicated without the written permission of the owner. Please see my Disclosure Policy.