Dessert Articles

Flaky Puff Pastry Italian Cream Horns

Flaky Puff Pastry Italian Cream Horns

Ingredients:

1 sheet puff pastry, thawed

1 egg, beaten

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup mascarpone cheese

Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Lightly flour a surface and roll out the puff pastry sheet. Cut the sheet into 1-inch wide strips.

Grease cream horn molds (or use cone-shaped molds) and wrap each strip of puff pastry around the mold, starting from the bottom and overlapping slightly as you go.

Brush the pastry with the beaten egg and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

Place the wrapped molds on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and puffed. Let cool completely before removing from the molds.

While the pastry cools, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.

Gently fold in the mascarpone cheese until smooth and creamy.

Transfer the cream filling to a piping bag and fill each horn with the cream mixture.

Dust with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.

Servings: 8 cream horns

Homemade Tang/Cool-Aid Ice Cream

Homemade Tang/Cool-Aid Ice Cream

(No-churn, no machine needed!)

Ingredients:

- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2–3 tbsp Tang powder or 1 packet Kool-Aid (any flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for extra richness)
- Optional: sprinkles, fruit swirls, mini marshmallows, or candy bits for mix-ins

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Directions:

Step 1: Whip the cream
1. In a large chilled mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until stiff peaks form (about 3–4 minutes).

Step 2: Flavor it up
1. In a separate bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk with the Tang powder or Kool-Aid packet until fully dissolved and bright in color.
2. Stir in vanilla extract if using.

Step 3: Combine
1. Gently fold the flavored condensed milk mixture into the whipped cream until fully combined and fluffy — don’t overmix!
2. Add any optional mix-ins if desired and swirl gently.

Step 4: Freeze
1. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe loaf pan or container.
2. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or a lid.
3. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or overnight, until firm and scoopable.

Step 5: Serve
1. Scoop and serve in cones, cups, or with extra sprinkles for that full retro vibe!

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Tips:

- Tang gives a bold orange creamsicle flavor; Kool-Aid adds fruity flair — try strawberry, blue raspberry, or grape!
- For swirls of flavor, divide the base and add two colors/flavors before swirling.
- Freeze in popsicle molds for easy grab-and-go treats.
- Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping for best texture.

Strawberry Oreo Cups

Strawberry Oreo Cups

Ingredients:

- 16 Oreo cookies, crushed (save a few for topping)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the creamy filling:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (8 oz) tub whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed
- 1 1/2 cups diced fresh strawberries (plus a few extra for garnish)

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Directions:

Step 1: Make the Oreo crust
1. In a bowl, mix crushed Oreos and melted butter until combined.
2. Spoon 1–2 tablespoons of the mixture into the bottom of small cups or dessert jars. Press down lightly to form a crust.

Step 2: Make the cream filling
1. In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Fold in whipped topping gently until fluffy.
3. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.

Step 3: Assemble the cups
1. Spoon or pipe the strawberry cheesecake mixture over the Oreo crust in each cup.
2. Top with more crushed Oreos and a strawberry slice.

Step 4: Chill & serve
1. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

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Tips:

- Add a swirl of strawberry sauce for extra fruity flavor.
- Use Golden Oreos if you want a strawberries-and-cream vibe.
- Pipe into mini dessert cups or shot glasses for party portions.
- Make ahead and refrigerate for up to 2 days — perfect for prepping ahead!

Raspberry Marshmallow Slice

Raspberry Marshmallow Slice

Ingredients:

For the biscuit base:
- 1 1/2 cups crushed plain biscuits (like Marie or graham crackers)
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/3 cup melted unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk

For the raspberry marshmallow layer:
- 1/2 cup hot water
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 3 tsp powdered gelatin
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup raspberry jelly crystals (or raspberry-flavored Jello powder)
- Pink food coloring (optional, for a deeper hue)

For topping (optional):
- Extra desiccated coconut for sprinkling
- Freeze-dried raspberries, crushed (for a fancy finish)

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Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the base
1. Line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
2. Combine crushed biscuits, coconut, melted butter, and condensed milk in a bowl.
3. Press firmly into the base of the prepared pan. Place in fridge to set while you make the marshmallow.

Step 2: Make the marshmallow layer
1. In a small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over cold water and let bloom for 5 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, dissolve sugar and raspberry jelly crystals in hot water over medium heat, stirring.
3. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until fully dissolved.
4. Pour mixture into a large mixing bowl. Beat on high speed (with a hand or stand mixer) for 10–12 minutes, until thick, pale pink, and fluffy (like marshmallow fluff).
5. Add a drop of pink food coloring if desired for extra vibrance.

Step 3: Assemble & set
1. Pour the fluffy marshmallow mixture over the chilled biscuit base and smooth the top.
2. Sprinkle with extra desiccated coconut or crushed freeze-dried raspberries.
3. Refrigerate for 3–4 hours, or until set and firm.

Step 4: Slice & serve
1. Lift out of the pan using parchment, and cut into squares with a sharp, warm knife.
2. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

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Tips:

- Lightly grease your knife or dip it in hot water before slicing for clean edges.
- You can swap raspberry jelly for strawberry or use unflavored gelatin with raspberry extract.
- Add a layer of melted white chocolate over the marshmallow for a richer finish.
- Perfect for pink-themed parties, Valentine’s Day, or bridal showers.

COCONUT CREAM PIE BARS

For the crust:

2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup granulated sugar

For the coconut cream layer:

2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
4 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut

For the topping:

1 1/2 cups whipped cream or whipped topping
1/3 cup toasted coconut flakes

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until well combined.
Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes. Let cool completely.

For the coconut cream layer:
4. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Fold in the shredded coconut and whipped cream.
6. Spread evenly over the cooled crust and refrigerate while preparing the custard layer.

For the coconut custard layer:
7. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
8. Add the egg yolks and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
9. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and shredded coconut.
10. Allow the custard to cool slightly before spreading it over the coconut cream layer.
11. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

For the topping:
12. Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled custard layer.
13. Sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes for a decorative touch.

Decoration Tips:

Lightly toast the coconut flakes for a golden, crunchy contrast.
Drizzle a little melted white chocolate over the top for an extra indulgence.