Cakes, Desserts, Recipes

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Sauce

So, I used to post once a month on a blog called Today’s Housewife. Last fall, the group decided together to stop posting due the busyness of life and families and such. Though sad, I enjoyed being part of the group. As of early January, the blog was officially taken down. But I don’t want to lose my recipes, so periodically I will be reposting them on here. Enjoy!

~

from March 8, 2012…

So are you craving rich chocolate cake, but don’t want to take the time to make one? Or does another box of brownies just seem boring? Perhaps you need a gluten free dessert and just don’t know what to make. Well, have I got a solution for you!

Flourless Chocolate Cake | thepajamachef.com

How about Flourless Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Sauce? Think a rich, sophisticated chocolate fudgy cake topped with sweet, smooth, homemade strawberry sauce. Sound delish? Mmhmm, I thought so.

And despite how indulgent this recipe sounds–it’s actually fairly healthy, calorie wise. You know, as far as chocolate cakes go. What I love about this recipe is that the sweetness comes from the chocolate and the strawberry sauce, not tons of added sugar. That’s how the richness shines through. If you’re pressed for time, you can use strawberry preserves or another all-fruit spread, but don’t skip the sauce, as it really brings the cake up a notch or two.

Flourless Chocolate Cake | thepajamachef.com

Each slice of this Flourless Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Sauce is absolutely divine, and it’s so simple to make that it has definitely earned itself a spot on my emergency dessert list. It is just that good! Enjoy!

one year ago: Pumpkin Spice Cream Cheese
two years ago: Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake
three years ago: Stovetop Mac & Cheese with Broccoli

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Strawberry Sauce [cake from You Can Trust a Skinny Cook by Allison Fishman, sauce from Our Best Bites]
click to print

Ingredients:

for cake

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder + more for dusting/garnish
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • vanilla ice cream, for serving

for sauce

  • 1 pint strawberries [I used frozen]
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract [I used vanilla]

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 inch cake pan with cooking spray, then thoroughly “flour” with cocoa powder.

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, add chocolate chips, and remove from heat. Stir together until chips have melted.

Next, stir together sugar and cooca in a medium bowl. Make a well and add the eggs and vanilla. Whisk to combine, then pour in chocolate mixture and fold in with a wooden spoon. Pour into pan and cook in oven for 60 minutes. Cool on cooling rack for at least one hour or until mostly cool, then invert on serving dish.

While cake is cooling, prepare strawberry sauce.

Combine strawberries, sugar, and extract in saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, always stirring and breaking up berries along the way. Cook for five minutes or until berries are hot and sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and puree with an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached. Alternatively, you could let mixture cool and [carefully] puree in a blender or food processor.

Dust cake with extra cocoa powder, then serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of strawberry sauce.

Time: 80 minutes [20 minutes active], plus time to cool.

Yield: 12 servings.

Notes: If you’re nervous about inverting the cake pan without breaking the cake, feel free to try lining with parchment paper [the recipe suggested it, but I didn’t do it] or use a springform pan–since it has a removable bottom, it should work perfectly! If you need this cake to be gluten free, be sure to double check that all ingredients are gluten free, as some things [chocolate chips, cocoa powder, etc.] sometimes can contain wheat additives. I’m no expert on gluten free, but just a little heads up. Be sure to investigate on your own!

Linked up with: Weekend Potluck, Foodie Friday.

Desserts, Pies, Recipes

Mystery Dish: Sweet Potato Pie with Cranberry Compote

Good morning, everyone! I’ve got a wonderful pie to share with you today! But not just any old pie–Sweet Potato Pie with Cranberry Compote!

sweet potato pie with cranberry compote | thepajamachef.comRegular readers know that I don’t usually post on Tuesdays [I’m on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule] but this month our Mystery Dish posting happened to fall on a Tuesday. So here I am! 🙂 As a refresher, Mystery Dish is a fun new blogging group that I’m a part of– the premise is this: each month, one blogger will create a mystery box of ingredients. Ingredients can be themed related to a cuisine, a meal, a season, a specific ingredient, or anything else creative. Then, the other eleven bloggers have to create a recipe using some of the ingredients. SO FUN! This month it was Nora’s turn to come up with our assigned ingredients. Nora blogs at Buttercream Fanatic [yummmm] and she chose:

  • Sweet Potato
  • Kale
  • Squash (any kind, including pumpkin)
  • Nutmeg
  • Venison
  • Turkey
  • Cranberries
  • Caramel
  • Candy Corn

Since I made a pie for the first edition of Mystery Dish, I didn’t intend to make another one for this go-round. It just happened. I saw a picture on instagram of a sweet potato pie and inspiration struck! I have always wanted to try sweet potatoes in a pie and here was my chance. Oh, and Ben nixed the idea of anything else butternut squash, pumpkin, or kale. I guess he’s tired of those ingredients. I don’t understand… But I digress.

sweet potato pie with cranberry compote | thepajamachef.comI’ve typically shied away from making sweet potato pie because it seems so close to pumpkin… but YOU GUYS! It’s not! It’s pumpkin pie’s savorier cousin. It has a subtle sweetness, and when paired with tangy sweet cranberries, each bite is like Thanksgiving. Seriously. So I hope you make this pie and can look past the photos I took at 7 am in the morning because central time and fall and having a full time job are [gratefully] messing with my photography/blogging rhythm. The pie is great with coffee for breakfast, great for a late night snack, and just great all around. Try it out!

So there you have it. Mystery Dish is fun and Sweet Potato Pie is just as amazing as I dreamed it was… but don’t just check out my recipe. There are eleven permanent members in the group, and one guest each month who have each made something utterly fabulous! This month, our guest is Cate of Chez Catey Lou. She’s super sweet so be sure to check out her site! For a look at what everyone else made, check out the collage and links below. Enjoy my pie, and enjoy your day! 🙂

Mystery Dish Collage

1. Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream
2. Roasted Acorn Squash with Cranberries, Almonds, and Brown Sugar
3. Sweet Potato and Sausage Soup
4. Pumpkin Magic Bars
5. Pumpkin Pie Cake
6. Sweet Potato, Smoked Turkey, and Cranberry Croque Madame
7. Caramel Candy Corn Poke Cake
8. Roasted Butternut Squash Pizza with Kale and Ricotta
9. Sweet Potato Cranberry Quick Bread
10. Venison with Sweet Potato Hash & Fried Egg
11. Orange Cranberry Bread
12. Sweet Potato Pie with Cranberry Compote

Sweet Potato Pie with Cranberry Compote [pie recipe slightly adapted from Paula Deen]
click to print

Ingredients:

for sweet potato pie

  • 2 large sweet potatoes [~1.25 lb]
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon allspice
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 9 inch pie shell, unbaked – I used the recipe and method here

for cranberry compote

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries, rinsed

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Peel sweet potatoes and cut into large chunks. Place in a microwave safe dish and add about 1/2 cup water before microwaving for 10 minutes, checking halfway through for doneness. When potatoes are very soft, add butter and mash until smooth. Set aside.

Meanwhile, combine sugar, eggs, vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice in a bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until combined, then pour in milk and mix again. After potatoes have cooled, add to sugar and milk mixture and beat on low for 2-3 minutes until very smooth.

Pour into unbaked pie crust, and bake for 45-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the crust starts browning too much during cooking, cover with aluminum foil.

To make cranberry compote, stir together sugar, water, and orange juice in a small pot. Bring to a boil, then add cranberries. Return to a boil and then reduce heat to low. Cook until berries begin to burst, stirring occasionally. Cool completely then store in the refrigerator.

Cool pie completely before cutting.

To serve, cut pie and top each slice with a generous serving of cranberry compote.

Time: 75 minutes.

Yield: 8-10 servings.

Cookies, Desserts, Recipes

Peanut Butter Apple Oatmeal Cookies

One of my favorite snacks in the fall is apple slices and creamy natural peanut butter. I enjoy this treat year round, but in the fall it is especially delicious since apples are in season! I love finding new ways to enjoy this combo, such as in yogurt parfaits or oatmeal, so I was super excited a year ago to see this recipe for Peanut Butter Apple Oatmeal Cookies from Jessica at A Kitchen Addiction.

Peanut Butter Apple Oatmeal Cookies | thepajamachef.com

Somehow though I didn’t get around to making this recipe until this fall, but let me tell you… these cookies were worth the wait! Usually I’m not a huge fan of soft oatmeal cookies, but the combination of apples and peanut butter just won me over here! These cookies are absolutely addicting, and the best part is that they are pretty healthy, for a cookie at least, so you don’t feel weighed down after eating one [or three].

Peanut Butter Apple Oatmeal Cookies | thepajamachef.com

Though these cookies come together pretty quickly, the most time consuming part of this recipe was shredding the apples. I’d recommend using a food processor if you can, and then straining out the excess juice with a mesh strainer. The juice is delicious–the best, freshest apple juice out there! 🙂 But when these chewy and thick cookies come out of the oven, better make sure you have a tall glass of milk handy because they are perfect for dunking! Enjoy!

one year ago: Mom’s Lasagna
two years ago: Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
three years ago: Tofu Shrimp Bowls

Peanut Butter Apple Oatmeal Cookies

  • Servings: 2 dozen cookies
  • Print

from A Kitchen Addiction

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup or honey
  • 3/4 cup no-stir natural peanut butter
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 4 cup quick (not instant) oats
  • 1 1/4 cup shredded apple (tart apples work best), strained to remove excess juices

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

With an electric mixer, cream together sugars with butter. Add eggs and vanilla, beating on low until creamy. Then add in corn syrup/honey and peanut butter.

Gradually add in flour and baking soda until just combined. Then, using a wooden spoon, mix in oats and apple. Dough will be very thick!

Scoop dough onto prepared baking sheets in 1/4 cup scoops. Bake for about 11-12 minutes or until edges are golden brown. Cool on baking sheet for 4-5 minutes, then remove to wire rack to cool completely.

Linked up with: What’s Cookin’ Wednesday, Weekend Potluck, and Foodie Friday.

Cookies, Desserts, Recipes

Funfetti Cookies

I debated sharing this ‘recipe’ because it’s basically a four ingredient dessert that’s semi-homemade and has been done over and over and over again on the internets. But then I decided this is my blog, I like these cookies, and I just wanted to blog about them! 🙂 Haha. Anyways, Funfetti Cookies probably don’t need much of an explanation, but humor me, will you?

Funfetti Cookies | thepajamachef.com

These cookies are super simple because you make them with cake mix [and some eggs and oil], and then frost them with frosting from a can! Definitely not gourmet, but definitely delicious and crave-worthy. They combine everything I love in a good cookie. They are soft and sweet, are iced, AND have sprinkles. What’s not to like? Sprinkles just makes everything better, I think! Don’t you agree? 🙂 The sprinkles are just my favorite part of these cookies. I know I can make homemade funfetti cake mix and then make super soft cookies from scratch, but sometimes a box is necessary on busy days when you don’t want to experiment and just want to go with the tried and true.

Funfetti Cookies | thepajamachef.com

Additionally, I know I have friends who are scared to cook [and maybe you do too, or maybe this is you]. Well, these semi-homemade recipes are great for them because then they see that they can just combine a few ingredients and make something at home that’s just as tasty as storebought. Then next time, they can make something from scratch. Baby steps! No shame in starting off easy… or indulging in ‘easy’ once and awhile. These cookies are just perfect for that! Enjoy!

one year ago: Chicken Enchiladas with Green Chili Sour Cream Sauce
two years ago: Pumpkin Brownies
three years ago: Twice Baked Apple Crisp for Two

Funfetti Cookies [from Pillsbury]
click to print

Ingredients:

  • 1 package [15.25 ounce] Pillsbury Funfetti Cake Mix
  • 1/4 cup canola oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 can [15.6 ounces] Pillsbury Funfetti Frosting [you won’t need it all]
  • extra sprinkles, optional

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a large bowl, stir together dry cake mix, oil, and eggs. Shape dough into 1 inch balls, then place on cookie sheet 2 inches apart.

Flatten slightly with the bottom of a drinking glass, then bake for 6-8 minutes or until edges are light golden brown. Centers should appear set.

Cool for a couple minutes on the cookie sheets, then remove to cooling racks. Immediately frost warm cookies, then top with included sprinkles [and more from your collection if you’d like!] Let frosting and cookies cool completely before storing.

Time: 30 minutes.

Yield: 3-4 dozen cookies.

Cakes, Desserts, Recipes

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cake with Nutella Frosting

Ohhh, pumpkin spice. Is there a better fall flavor? I think not. Especially when paired with not just one, but TWO kinds of chocolate–mini semi-sweet chocolate chips and Nutella. This cake is basically gonna rock your socks off. It’s rich and moist [sorry, it is] with a perfect crumb texture that you will not be able to stop eating. Or at least, I couldn’t. The sprinkles on top make it even better!

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cake with Nutella Frosting | thepajamachef.com

I think this cake was the first pumpkin recipe I made this fall, and I am so glad it turned out! See, I adapted the recipe from another favorite–Banana Chocolate Chip Cake. Usually improv recipes work out, especially if there aren’t tons of changes, but ya never know.

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cake with Nutella Frosting | thepajamachef.com

As I whipped the cake together [literally whipped, this cake takes about two seconds to throw together], I worried that it wouldn’t bake right or something. A few years ago I had a horrible experience with a pumpkin bread recipe I adapted from a banana bread and just didn’t want a repeat of that. I didn’t need to worry though. This cake was just a dream. Perfect warm out of the oven, perfect frosted, perfect as a snack, perfect as breakfast, perfect as dessert. Perfect, perfect, perfect. When can I make it again? Or more importantly… when will you make it?

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cake with Nutella Frosting | thepajamachef.com

The flavor of fall and the flavor of chocolate. How can you go wrong? Especially when you add in my new favorite rich and creamy Nutella frosting. You know how smooth Nutella is by the spoonful? Well, adding cream cheese and butter and sugar, milk, and vanilla too makes it even smoother. 🙂 Be really careful when you’re frosting the cake–make sure to save enough for the cake. This frosting has a way of ending up in your mouth instead. It’s really bizarre, I say. But that’s okay–the cake is made with white whole wheat flour and a vegetable, so it’s healthy, right? 🙂

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cake with Nutella Frosting | thepajamachef.com

This is a cake I’d highly recommend if you like cake. Or pumpkin. Or chocolate. Cause it is just darn good. Enjoy those sprinkles too! 🙂

Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cake with Nutella Frosting [cake adapted from Banana Chocolate Chip Cake; frosting is a TPC original]
click to print

Ingredients:

for Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Cake

  • 2 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ginger
  • 1 15 ounce can pumpkin puree [not pumpkin pie filling]
  • 1/2 cup skim milk
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

for Nutella Frosting

  • a generous 3/4 cup Nutella
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened [regular or Neufchatel]
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar [perhaps more]
  • 2-3 tablespoons milk [perhaps more]

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.

Combine the flour, sugars, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low for a minute to combine. Then add pumpkin, milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla and beat on low until incorporated. Increase to medium speed and beat for 3 minutes. Fold in chocolate chips.

Pour into prepared pan, then bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown or when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool completely, then frost.

To making frosting, whisk together Nutella, cream cheese, butter, and vanilla. Add powdered sugar by the half cup and milk by the tablespoon, whisking well in between incorporations. Add additional powdered sugar and/or milk to reach desired consistency.

Spread on cooled cake, then top with sprinkles or more chocolate chips. Store covered in the refrigerator.

Time: 45 minutes [10 minutes active] + time to cool.

Yield: 16-20 servings, depending how you cut it.

Linked up with: Foodie Friday, Weekend Potluck.