Tessa Huff

Filipino Sans Rival Cake ✨✨ Have you tried this cake before? Sans Rival, meaning “without rival” is a dessert truly in a class of its own. While the pastry techniques and name are French, the cake is decidedly Filipino. The recipe traces back to the Philippines during the 1920-30’s, but the origins have been disputed. Some say that the Sans Rival was created after many Filipinos traveled to Europe to work and study around that time. The cake is undoubtedly similar to the French dacquoise. Instead of hazelnuts, the Sans Rival is made with cashews native to the Philippines. It makes sense that these French cooking techniques would be employed using local ingredients after returning back to the Philippines. However, another journalist claims the dessert took inspiration from the Spanish Tarta Imperial Rusa that has Russian roots - also made with French meringue and ground nuts. While my grandfather’s family is from the Philippines, this is not a recipe we grew up eating. In fact, I only found out about this cake last year and just had to recreate one as immediately as possible. Whether you’ve been enjoying this cake for years or just discovered it like me - oh my goodness it is so dang good! Yes, I’ve made my share of meringue and layer cakes, but I am not kidding when I say that this cake truly is unbeatable and unique.

Let’s make a Summer Peach Pavlova! ✨🍑☁️ My Top Tips: Add an Acid Add vinegar or cream of tartar to help expand and stabilize the whipped egg whites for the most voluminous meringue. Low and Slow Trouble with weeping meringue? It’s probably because the sugar is undissolved. To build a better meringue, add the sugar low and slow. Keep the mixer on medium-low speed and spoon the sugar in just a little bit at time. It will feel like it’s taking a lot longer than it should, but to add the whole cup of sugar should take 1 to 2 minutes. About halfway through, bump up the speed to medium. You can also use caster sugar, but still go slow. Cornstarch I’ve read that cornstarch helps keep pavlova soft, and my results seem to support this statement. I don’t use it when making smaller meringues, but if you are going for those marshmallow centers, don’t skip the cornstarch. Things We Don’t Need to Worry About Slight Browning Some ovens run a little warm, so don’t worry if your pavlova isn’t stark white. You can always lower the temperature if it is browning too much. Cracking A bit of cracking is the casualty of a crispy exterior. It happens and it’s totally okay! Even Slices You know that feeling when you are standing over a finished dessert, knife in hand, thinking “Now what”? Well there is no expert way to slice and serve a pavlova, so don’t stress. Use the tip of the knife to nudge the fruit around and slice like a pie.

CONFETTI CAKE! ✨🌈 Are you Team Funfetti or Rainbow Chip? This homemade version starts with a buttermilk cake with a chocolate cream filling surprise. #funfetti #funfetticake #confetticake #sprinkles #sprinklecake #birthdaycake #rainbowchip

The texture of this Plum Yogurt Cake is actual perfection ✨✨✨ #plumcake #plums #yogurtcake #frenchyogurtcake #summerdessert #snackingcake #teacake

Espresso Granita Con Panna inspired by the espresso soft serve from @cafeolimpico on our recent trip to Montreal. Add this simple refreshing recipe to your weekend plans!! Recipe on Bake Club link in bio #espresso #granita #espressogranita #coffeedessert #espressoconpanna☕️ #frozendrinks #frozendessert #summerdessert #softserve #coffeeicecream

Strawberry Vanilla Cake with fresh strawberry puree filling and frosting. The perfect summer cake!

Blueberries are in! Honestly, I typically bake with frozen blueberries but even the little blueberry bush in our yard is poppin’ right now. Time to stock up on loads of these fresh berries for the best blueberry bakes! These blueberry cupcakes are awesome, but I can’t decide which style I prefer. What do you think? #blueberrycake #blueberrymuffins #cupcakedecorating #summerbaking

Sunday scenes from the week 🌊☀️🌸 A summer Friday beach session, blooms from the garden, my best sourdough yet, our first blueberries, a test bake on a new strawberry almond cake, and more green things that I grew!

Let’s make this Three-Layer Lemon Berry Cake the official celebration cake of summer! The light and fluffy whipped buttercream locks in the tangy lemon curd filling and juicy berries. Paired with lemon-soaked sponge cake - you’re gonna love it!! #lemoncake #strawberrycake #summercake #berrycake #nakedcake #cakedecorating #birthdaycake

Lime Chiffon with mint is giving Mojito vibes 🍋‍🟩💦 I usually prefer fluffy chiffon with cream and berries but this tangy glaze is perfect for summer. #chiffoncake #lime #mojito #summerdessert #limecake recipe link in bio.

I’m campaigning to make this LEMON BERRY CAKE the official cake of summer celebrations! Who’s with me?!? Super soft and moist lemon cake, lemon syrup, pockets of lemon curd alternating with the lightest whipped buttercream plus the ripest berries summer can offer. Recipe on Bake Club #nakedcake #lemoncake #berrycake #lemoncurd #strawberrycake