Delicious Caramel Desserts

Who can resist the rich, decadent taste of caramel? It's delicious by itself, of course, but it's even better when incorporated into some type of dessert. Many of your favorite desserts can be spiced up with a little caramel, and creating delectable desserts with this tasty ingredient is way easier than you probably think. Sure, there are lots of elaborate recipes out there involving caramel, but there are plenty of simple ones, too. We found two particularly easy and tasty examples, so be sure to give them a try as soon as possible!

Chocolate-Caramel Cream Puffs

For this recipe, you'll need a 13.2-ounce box of frozen cream puffs, 12.25 ounces of caramel — we love Peter’s caramel for almost any application — and one 16-ounce jar of hot fudge sauce.

This mouth-watering dessert couldn't be easier to make. First, defrost the cream puffs according to the directions on the package. This usually only takes 45 minutes to one hour, but read the instructions ahead of time and plan accordingly.

Next, heat the caramel in a small pan and bring it to a boil. Allow it to boil until it achieves a thick, chewy, glaze-like consistency, which should take about one minute. If using a candy thermometer, melt the caramel to approximately 125ºF - 150ºF.

Using a pair of tongs or a fork, gently dip one side of a cream puff into the caramel sauce and then put it on the serving plate. Repeat this process for each additional puff. Plan on placing four puffs per plate.

Immediately before serving your caramel-coated cream puffs, heat the hot fudge sauce on over low heat and then spoon it over the puffs. You can also set aside some extra caramel sauce and drizzle it over the completed dessert to give it a fancy appearance.

Caramel-Almond Ice Cream Cake

As elaborate as the name of this dessert may sound, it's a snap to prepare. You'll need a carton of vanilla ice cream, a package of sliced almonds, one cup of caramel sauce and a nine-inch springform pan.

Let the vanilla ice cream soften a little, and then press it into the springform pan. Freeze it in the pan until it becomes slightly firm, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes.

Next, top the ice cream in the pan with the caramel sauce. You might need to heat it up a little immediately beforehand for easier pouring. Toast your sliced almonds in the oven until they are slightly browned, and then sprinkle them over the caramel sauce. Place the cake in the freezer and freeze it for anywhere from one hour to up to two days. When you're ready to serve it, just remove it from the pan, slice it up and enjoy!

Once you're whetted your appetite with these delicious caramel recipes, you'll eagerly seek out more! There are plenty out there, so get baking now!

What are your favorite caramel recipes? Leave us a comment and let us know!

Cake Decorator’s Essential Tool Set

Want to bring your cake decorating to the next level? The right tools are sure to make a huge difference. Professional bakers and pastry chefs have lots of talent, skill and experience, of course, but without the right tools, their results would be less than enticing. Shouldn't you have the perfect tools too? The best cake decorating tools are simple and affordable, so there's no reason to go without them. Once you've switched over to using top-quality cake decorating tools, you'll wish you did so much sooner!

Build your own cake decorator's essential tool set by investing in the following items:

• Decorating Tips - Open up new worlds of creativity with a nice assortment of decorating tips. There are tips that can be used to create all kinds of neat effects on cakes, including flowers, petals, stars, ruffles, leaves and basket-weave designs. Tips are affordable and come in a huge assortment of styles, so stock up on your favorites!
• Parchment Paper - If you've ever tried to release a cake from a pan only to have the bottom half tear apart from the rest of it, you know how frustrating it can be. All that hard work goes to waste! Put an end to the issue with parchment paper. Just cut it so it fits in the bottom of your cake pan for a smooth, easy release. Parchment paper can also be placed beneath a cake while covering it in fondant to keep the fondant from sticking and tearing.
• Cake Pads - Cake pads provide the strength and stability you need to move your cakes from place to place without incident. They're affordable and easy to use, so be sure to stock up on a few before tackling your next project!
• Sharp Knives - Although any sharp, precise knife will do, you can't go wrong with an X-Acto knife. In addition to using it to release a cake from the pan, you can use it to cut and add details to fondant to make a truly stellar masterpiece.
• Turntable - Whether you call it a turntable or a lazy Susan, this item is indispensable when it comes to decorating a cake professionally and easily. The days of awkwardly spinning a cake on a countertop are finally over.
• Off-Set Spatula - Once you've used an off-set spatula to spread frosting on a cake, you'll never go back to using a regular knife. Our customers love this 12-1/2” angled spatula.
• Straight Spatula - After spreading the frosting on a cake, give it that smooth, elegant style by using a straight spatula like this one.

There are lots of other great tools that come in handy when decorating a cake, and you can invest in them as you go!

Did we miss any of your favorite cake decorating tools? Let us know in the comments below!

Back to School Treats for Students and Teachers

You'd be hard-pressed to find a kid who's excited about going back to school after a long, fun-filled summer. A great way to smooth the transition for your child is by baking some creative, back-to-school-themed treats! You can let your imagination go wild in this regard, but it never hurts to get a few tips for inspiration. Also, these treats don't need to be reserved strictly for students. Teachers and other school officials will love being welcomed back to work with colorful, tasty treats too, so be sure to make enough for everyone!




Chocolates and Candies

There are so many neat school-themed molds out there that it would be a shame not to put them to good use! If you've ever used a candy or chocolate mold before, you know how easy it is. The hardest part is selecting one mold from so many different options! This is the type of project that your child can easily help you with too, so be sure to invite him or her to lend a hand in the kitchen.

Cakes

What could be cuter than a cake shaped like a school bus, huge crayon or other school-themed item? Not surprisingly, there are all kinds of school-themed baking forms out there, so all you have to do is choose your favorite one, whip up your favorite cake batter and bake it as directed. Once it's cooled sufficiently, let your imagination go wild with icing, frosting and other decorative touches. This is a great way to welcome back the students and to say thanks to the teacher for embarking on another year of instruction!

Cookies

Whether you tuck a few into your child's lunch or deliver an entire platter to his or her classroom on the first day of school, back-to-school-themed cookies are sure to go over in a big way. Just use your favorite cookie recipe — sugar cookie recipes are perfect for this — and invest in some creative, school-themed cookie cutters. Whether you create tiny, edible composition notebook cookies, globe cookies or something different, you'll love the results.

Once you've made your special back-to-school treats, whether they're cupcakes, cakes, candies, chocolates or cookies, package them up to make them even more delightful. It's easy to find treats bags that mesh perfectly with your school-related theme, or you could always tuck them into a colorful cake box or other container. If you'll be giving treats to the teacher, be sure to include a nice little card welcoming him or her back for the year. If your child participates in making the treats, that's even better! You'll have a blast making back-to-school treats, and your child will love bringing them to his or her school!

How do you plan to make the school year sweet? Let us know in the comments below!

Brighten Up Your Day with Rainbow Cupcakes

Whether you need them for a birthday party, another special occasion or just because, rainbow cupcakes are fun, unique treats that are sure to brighten up any day. At first glance, it's easy to assume that a lot of work is involved in creating these delectable desserts, but it's a lot simpler - and more enjoyable - than you probably think.

What You'll Need

For simplicity's sake, go ahead and buy a package of white cake mix. Stick with a reputable brand to ensure superior quality and taste. You will find great deals on premium white cake mixes at Sweet Treat Supply.

You'll also need white buttercream frosting to act as a base for your rainbow icing. Since you'll be making rainbow patterns, food coloring is an absolute must. Buy a basic pack of primary colors — this one is a great option — and mix them to create additional colors. Tally up how many different colors you'll be using to determine how many mixing bowls and spoons you'll need.

Make sure you have the ingredients you'll need to make the cake batter, and round up your mixing bowls, spoons, rubber spatulas and other essentials. That's it - now it's time to get down to business!

Make Beautiful Rainbow Cupcakes Following These Easy Steps

1. Prepare the Cake Batter - Follow the instructions on the package of cake mix to prepare the batter.
2. Divide the Batter - Split the white cake batter as equally as possible into separate, small mixing bowls. It's crucial to keep each batch separate to ensure that your cupcakes look like rainbows and not like a strange mishmash of colors.
3. Add the Food Coloring - Add two to three drops of the food coloring of your choice into each batch of cake batter. Be sure to use separate spoons as well to keep the colors as bright and vibrant as possible. Mix each batch thoroughly to ensure color uniformity.
4. Prepare the Cupcake Pan - Place paper liners in the cupcake or muffin pan. Pouring the batter directly into the pan can cause extreme darkening, so don't skip this step.
5. Pour the Batter - Go down the line pouring one color of cake batter after another to create a layered effect.
6. Bake the Cupcakes - Follow the cake mix directions to bake your cupcakes to perfection.
7. Prepare the Frosting - While the cupcakes are in the oven, split the buttercream frosting into three small bowls and use food coloring to dye them different colors. Fill a plastic baggie with all three colors, and cut a hole in one corner of the baggie.
8. Add the Frosting - After they've cooled sufficiently, squeeze frosting onto each cupcake, and then swirl it around with a fork to create a tie-dye effect.

That's all there is to it! You now have pretty rainbow cupcakes that are just as fun to look at as they are to eat!

Fun Summer Baking Crafts with Your Kids

It’s summer, and you’re probably getting tired of hearing the usual grumbles from the kids. If “I’m hungry” and “I’m bored” are making you crazy, put the two together with these fun baking crafts. They will keep the kids creative and give them something to eat after they’ve worked up an appetite.

Rice Krispie Pops

You don’t need a mold to make these Rice Krispie pops, but kids can decorate them individually and show off their creativity.

What You Need:

Rice Krispie Treats – 2 Pound Treat Sheet (or make your own)
Peanut butter or chocolate confectionary coatings
Small items for decoration: Small candies, chocolate chips, crushed graham cracker crumbs, crushed pretzels, finely chopped nuts and/or shredded coconut
Sucker sticks
Cookie cutters

What You’ll Do:

1. Shape the Rice Krispie treats using cookie cutters or roll them into ball shapes with your hands.
2. Insert the sucker sticks into the treats.
3. Prepare the confectionary coating according to package directions and dip the treats into the coating. Cover the treat completely or just dip it partway. Once the coating dries, the pop can be dipped into another flavor for a unique blend.
4. Decorate the pop using the decorative items. While the confectionary coating is still wet, roll the pop onto a plate filled with the decorative item or have kids press small candies or chocolate chips into the coating, creating their own designs.

Cupcake “Pies”

Make a kid-friendly sweet treat reminiscent of grandma’s berry pies.

What You Need:

Cake mix
Cupcake cups
Muffin tin
Colored candies, such as M&Ms or Skittles
White or cream-colored frosting
Vanilla sugar
Pastry bag and narrow decorating tip
Frosting knife

What You’ll Do:

1. Prepare the cupcakes in cupcake cups according to the package directions.
2. Once cool, spread about one teaspoon of frosting on top of each cupcake.
3. Press the colored candies into the icing, covering the top of the cupcake.
4. Finish making the cupcakes look like pies by squeezing frosting around the edge (to make the crust) and in a grid over the candies (to make the lattice).

Ice Cream Cookies

This simple craft is great for toddlers or older kids and won’t melt in the heat.

What You Need:

Nutter Butter cookies
Frosting in a variety of colors
Sprinkles
Red candies

What You’ll Do:

1. Dip half of the Nutter Butter cookies into the frosting. This will look like ice cream, and the other half of the cookie will look like the cone.
2. Decorate the ice cream with sprinkles.
3. Place a red candy on top to represent the cherry.
4. Eat and enjoy!

How to Decorate Cupcakes like a Pro

If you’ve never decorated your own cupcakes before, it can be somewhat daunting. Afterall, you don’t want your cupcakes to look like they were made by an amateur. With a few simple tools and decorating ideas, anyone can create unique and fancy cupcakes. Whether it is for a child's birthday or adult luncheon, here are a few tips that will help decorate the tiny desserts like a pro:

Tools Needed:

• Pastry bags
• Various piping tips
•  Food coloring
• Decorative liners
• Offset spatulas
• Fondant pre-made rolls
• Mini cutters
• Sprinkles
•  Specialty candies, cookie pieces, or other decorations

Directions:

1.  After mixing the cupcake batter, place decorative liners in the pan. This will set the tone for the finished product. Make sure to fill each cupcake liner three-quarters of the way to the top. Adding more will result in a sloppy cupcake.
2.  After the cupcakes have completely cooked, it is possible to begin the decorating process. To start, it is essential to form the perfect base. This will smooth out the crumbs. A small amount of icing and a spatula will create a great foundation for further decoration.
3.  It is important to choose an icing. Most people select a fondant or buttercream frosting. Rolled fondant provides the neatest appearance. It is possible to purchase fondant sheets at a specialty or craft store.
4. To top a cupcake with fondant, simply roll it out, and cut it to size. Gently lift it with a rolling pin, and place it into position. If preferred, further decorations may be applied.
5.  Decorating with buttercream frosting is popular and easier than it looks. Before filling the piping bag, select a tip. Star tips are the most popular. A closed star tip will add increased definition to the swirl topping. A round tip will provide a plain and smoother swirl. An open star will create a less defined swirl but will work better with a soft frosting. To fill the bag, roll it down, and spoon in the frosting. Make sure to gently pack the frosting, so air bubbles are eliminated. After it is filled, twist the top closed. Never overfill the bag, or it will be difficult to control. To frost the dessert, hold the bag perpendicular to the cupcake. With constant pressure, move in a fluid motion from the edges to the center. Grow the icing to the top, then release the pressure on the bag before lifting up. To create a rosette look, begin in the center, and work to the edges.
6. Finish the cupcakes with sprinkles, cookie pieces or other decorative candies to create a flavor or look that fits the occasion.

What are your best tips for creating professional-looking cupcakes? Let us know in the comments below!

Delicious Desserts for the Fourth of July

Everyone enjoys a great picnic around the Fourth of July. Of course, no outdoor barbecue is complete without a delicious dessert to finish it off. Since no one wants to slave in a hot kitchen while everyone else is in the pool, here are some quick, simple, and festive dessert recipes that will become a holiday tradition.

Candy Bar Flags

A great and easy Fourth of July treat is a chocolate candy bar flag. Prep time is minimal and the results will be ultra-gratifying.

 

Ingredients:

12 oz Mercken’s Marquis Milk Chocolate

2/3 cups rice crispy cereal

Red, white, and blue candy pieces

Directions:

1. Prepare chocolate by melting it in the microwave at 30-second intervals, until it is smooth.
2. Add the crunchy cereal, and pour the mixture onto a covered baking sheet. Spread mixture to 10x8 inch dimensions and one-quarter inch thick.
3. With a knife, mark four equal rectangles. The mixture will be too soft to cut completely.
4. In the top one-quarter of each rectangle, place blue candy pieces where the stars of a flag would go. The rest of each rectangle is lined with white and red stripes. Work quickly before the chocolate hardens.
5. Refrigerate and cut. Nothing is cuter or easier.

Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Strawberries are the perfect summer fruit, and there is no better or easier dessert than a strawberry ice cream cake.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients:

2 pints vanilla ice cream

2 1/2 cups strawberries (sliced into pieces)

1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Use foil to line the bottom of a nine-inch springform pan. Chill in the freezer for 10 minutes.
2. Scoop ice cream into the bowl of an electric mixer, and beat until soft.
3. Add strawberries. Beat one minute longer.
4. Transfer mix to pan.
5. Freeze until firm. (2+ hours)
6. When ready to serve, whip the heavy cream, and spread it over the cake. Slice into wedges and serve for a refreshing end to any meal.

Red, White, and Blue Strawberry Shortcake

Another spectacular summer holiday dessert is a strawberry shortcake. In less than one hour, the family will be enjoying a simple and tasty dessert.

Ingredients:

1 package premium yellow cake mix

1 pint blueberries (sliced)

2 pints strawberries (sliced)

8 oz frozen whipped topping

Directions:

1. Prepare cake mix and bake in a 9x13 inch pan according to the package directions.
2. Cool cake, then apply the whipped topping.
3. Place blueberries in the top left corner, and arrange the strawberries into stripes like the American flag.
4. Slice and enjoy!

What’s your favorite dessert to make for Independence Day cookouts? Let us know in the comments below!