Cookies & Cream Cookie Cake

Chocolate chip cookie meets Oreo cookie in this fun dessert that scores bonus points for presentation, making it the perfect treat for birthday celebrations!

Cookies & Cream Cookie Cake
Yield: 8" springform pan

Ingredients
Cookie Cake:

• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 egg, room temperature
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 3/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 cup crushed gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies (about 12 cookies)
• 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Icing:

• 6 Tbsp butter, softened
• 6 Tbsp shortening
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp clear vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup crushed gluten free chocolate sandwich cookies (about 9 cookies)
• 4 tsp almond milk
• additional Oreos for topping, cut in quarters

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease sides and bottom of 8 inch springform pan with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Mix in egg and vanilla extract.
4. Add flour and baking soda and mix until combined.
5. Stir in crushed cookies and chocolate chips. Dough will be thick.
6. Press dough evenly into prepared pan.
7. Bake for 16 minutes, or until edges are lightly golden.
8. Remove from oven and place on cooling rack. After two (or more) hours, remove sides of pan and place back on cooling rack to cool completely before decorating.
9. For icing: Beat butter and shortening until smooth. Slowly add 2 cups of powdered sugar. Mix until combined. Mix in vanilla and 1 tsp milk. Add remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth. Stir in crushed cookies. Add more milk to reach desired consistency. Ice edges of cake and press quartered Oreos into icing.

Recipe adapted from Life, Love and Sugar.

Rich Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

My daughter has been talking about functional texts in school, and her teacher asked every student to bring an example from home to share with the class. She chose a cookbook and found this recipe inside. Since I want to support her budding interest in the kitchen, we spent the day baking together. Cake is definitely my love language!

Rich Chocolate Cake with Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Yield: 2 layer cake

Ingredients
Chocolate Cake:

• 1 cup boiling water
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 tsp instant coffee
• 1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup Crisco (original flavor in blue tub)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp clear vanilla extract
• 5 cups powdered sugar
• 6-8 Tbsp milk (I use almond milk)
• sprinkles, for decorating

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, then grease parchment paper; set aside.
2. Whisk together boiling water, cocoa powder, and instant coffee in small bowl until smooth; set aside.
3. In separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.
4. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, scraping down sides of bowl as needed, about 5 minutes.
5. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. Add vanilla and beat until combined.
6. Add hot cocoa mixture and beat until combined, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
7. Add flour mixture and stir on lowest speed until combined. Finish by scraping bottom of bowl with spatula and folding all batter together.
8. Pour batter into prepared pans and bake 20-22 minutes, or until cake feels firm and toothpick inserted in center comes out with a few crumbs. Be careful as cakes overbake easily!
9. Remove from oven and run knife around edges between cake and pan. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out from pans, remove & discard parchment paper, and cool completely on wire racks. Cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
10. Once cakes are cooled, prepare frosting. In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, cream together Crisco and butter until smooth. Add cocoa powder, 2 cups powdered sugar, and 3 Tbsp milk; mix until smooth.
11. Add remaining powdered sugar and milk; mix until smooth. Keep an eye on frosting consistency - add more powdered sugar if too thin or more milk if too thick.
12. To assemble cake, place one cake layer (dome side down) on platter and top with about 1 cup of frosting. Smooth frosting into an even layer. Place second cake layer on top (dome side up). Smooth remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired.
13. Cake doesn't need to be made a day in advance, but do allow a few hours after assembly before serving for moisture and flavors to develop.
14. Serve at room temperature. Cake is best for 3-5 days.

Cake recipe adapted from "Creamy, Dreamy Chocolate Gateau" found on page 189 in The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook by Dinah Bucholz.

Frosting recipe adapted from Wilton.

Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars

My husband's favorite pistachio dessert from childhood was full of dairy: butter in the crust, milk to prepare the pudding, whipped cream on top... you get the point! Since the two of us try to limit the amount of dairy we consume, I was super excited when I stumbled upon this recipe that would evoke similar feelings of nostalgia while still accommodating our current dietary needs. His final verdict? They are just like a Lofthouse cookie! (And our youngest daughter has asked me to make this for her birthday next fall.) I'd call that a resounding win!

Pistachio Sugar Cookie Bars
Yield: 9x13 pan

Ingredients
Cookie Bars:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 tsp almond extract
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 1 (3.4 oz) pkg instant pistachio pudding mix
• 2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt

Buttercream Frosting:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1/4 cup Crisco (original flavor in blue tub)
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp almond extract
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 3 Tbsp milk, plus more if needed
• green sprinkles, for decorating

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together butter and sugar. Mix in vanilla and almond extracts. Add eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed.
3. Stir in dry pudding mix. Add one cup of flour, baking soda, and salt; mix until combined. Add remaining one cup of flour and mix until just combined.
4. Press dough *very* evenly into prepared pan. (Bars will not spread when baking, so this step is important!)
5. Bake for 12-14 minutes. Cool completely in pan on wire rack.
6. Once bars have cooled completely, prepare buttercream frosting. In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, combine butter, Crisco, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract; mix until creamy.
7. Add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and beat until smooth and creamy, adding milk to reach desired consistency.
8. Spread frosting over cooled sugar cookie bars and top with sprinkles.

Recipe adapted from Eat Cake For Dinner.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake

Reese's lovers unite! Three layers of moist chocolate cake are sandwiched between rich peanut butter frosting and studded with crumbled peanut butter cups in this deliciously decadent dessert.

Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Cake
Yield: 3 layer cake

Ingredients
Chocolate Cake:

• 3 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup cocoa
• 2 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 cup hot water (or coffee for deeper flavor!)

Peanut Butter Frosting:

• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/4 cups creamy peanut butter (I use Jif)
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 7 cups powdered sugar
• 6–7 Tbsp milk
• 12 full size Reese's peanut butter cups

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, then grease parchment paper; set aside.
2. Add flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt to large mixer bowl fitted with paddle attachment and combine. Set aside.
3. In medium-sized bowl, whisk together milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and beat on medium-low speed until well combined.
5. Slowly add hot water to batter and mix on low speed until well combined. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed to make sure everything is well combined.
6. Divide batter evenly between prepared cake pans. Bake for 17-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
7. Remove cakes from oven and allow to cool for 2-3 minutes, then turn out from pans, remove & discard parchment paper, and cool completely on wire racks. Cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
8. Once cakes are cooled, prepare frosting. In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, cream together butter, peanut butter, and salt until smooth.
9. Add about half of powdered sugar and 3 Tbsp milk; mix until smooth.
10. Add remaining powdered sugar and milk; mix until smooth. Keep an eye on frosting consistency - add more powdered sugar if too thin or more milk if too thick.
11. To assemble cake, place one cake layer (dome side down) on platter and top with about 1 cup of frosting. Smooth frosting into an even layer. Top with 4 crumbled Reese's peanut butter cups and gently press into frosting. Spread a small amount of frosting on top of Reese’s so that it’s sticky on top for the next cake layer.
12. Add second cake layer and top with about 1 cup of frosting. Smooth frosting into an even layer. Top with 4 crumbled Reese's peanut butter cups and gently press into frosting. Spread a small amount of frosting on top of Reese’s so that it’s sticky on top for the next cake layer.
13. Add third and final cake layer to top of cake. Smooth remaining frosting over top and sides of cake. Crumble remaining 4 Reese's peanut butter cups over top of cake and gently press into frosting.
14. Cake doesn't need to be made a day in advance, but do allow a few hours after assembly before serving for moisture and flavors to combine.
15. Serve at room temperature. Cake is best for 3-5 days.

Recipe adapted from Life, Love and Sugar.

Chocolate Chip Cake with Buttercream Frosting

The combination of flavors in this dessert is reminiscent of everyone's favorite milk and cookies duo, only in cake form!

Chocolate Chip Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Yield: 2 layer cake

** Note: This recipe needs to be made one day in advance! **

Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Cake:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, loosely packed
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips

Buttercream Frosting:

• 3/4 cup Crisco (original kind only!)
• 3/4 cup butter, softened
• 2 tsp clear vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 4-6 Tbsp milk

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, then grease parchment paper; set aside.
2. Using stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until just combined after each. Add sour cream and pure vanilla extract, and mix until well combined.
4. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and milk. Mix just until combined. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
5. Fold in mini chocolate chips. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake 30-35 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Allow cakes to cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out from pans, remove & discard parchment paper, and cool completely on wire racks. Cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
7. Once cakes are cooled, prepare frosting. In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, cream together Crisco and butter. Add clear vanilla extract and salt. Gradually add powdered sugar alternately with milk, beating on low speed until blended. Scrape down sides of bowl as needed. Then continue at high speed until smooth and creamy.
8. To assemble cake, place one cake layer (dome side down) on platter, spread with frosting (make sure layer is even!), place second cake layer (dome side up) on top of frosting, and spread additional frosting over top and sides of cake.
9. Cover and store at room temperature overnight before serving.

Recipe adapted from Life, Love and Sugar.

Orange Dreamsicle Cake

This light and flavorful citrus cake is a throwback to everyone's favorite childhood ice cream treat: the Dreamsicle! This cake is sure to be the hit of any summertime party.

Orange Dreamsicle Cake
Yield: 2 layer cake

** Note: This recipe needs to be made one day in advance! **

Ingredients
Cake:

• 1 1/2 sticks (12 Tbsp) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs, room temperature
• 3/4 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 Tbsp orange extract
• 2 1/4 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt

Filling:

• 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups whipping cream
• 1 tsp orange extract

Frosting:

• 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp clear vanilla extract
• 1 tsp orange extract
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 6 cups powdered sugar

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, then grease parchment paper; set aside.
2. Using stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until smooth and creamy. Add eggs and mix well. Beat in orange juice, milk, and orange extract. (Scrape sides and bottom of bowl as needed.) Add dry ingredients and mix just until combined. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
3. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached. Allow cakes to cool in pans 10 minutes, then turn out from pans, remove & discard parchment paper, and cool completely on wire racks. Cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
4. Once cakes are cooled, prepare filling. In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, combine pudding mix, whipping cream, and orange extract on high speed until thick and fluffy. Set aside for assembly.
5. In stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, cream together butter and cream cheese. Add vanilla and orange extracts. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating on low speed until blended. Continue at high speed until smooth and creamy.
6. To assemble cake, place one cake layer (dome side down) on platter, spread with filling (use all of it and make sure layer is even!), place second cake layer (dome side up) on top of filling, and spread frosting over top and sides of cake. Pipe additional decorations, if desired. (There will be plenty of frosting leftover!)
7. Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving.

Recipe adapted from My Cake School.

Snickerdoodle Cake

Three layers of vanilla cake are studded with crunchy cinnamon streusel and topped with creamy brown sugar cream cheese buttercream frosting. My 6 year old daughter has already decided that this will be the cake she requests for her birthday in October!

Snickerdoodle Cake
Yield: 3 layer cake

** Note: This recipe needs to be made one day in advance! **

Ingredients
Cake:

• 3 1/4 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/3 cup corn starch
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs + 2 additional egg whites, room temperature
• 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (or substitute 1.5 Tbsp lemon juice plus enough milk to equal 1.5 cups, stir & let stand 5 minutes)

Streusel:

• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/3 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Frosting:

• 1 1/4 cups (2 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
• 8 oz block full-fat cream cheese, room temperature
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon
• 6 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease three 9-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray, line with parchment paper, then grease parchment paper.
2. Sift flour, corn starch, salt, baking powder, and baking soda together; set aside.
3. Using stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on high speed until smooth and creamy, about 3 minutes. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl as needed.
4. Beat in 3 eggs, 2 egg whites, and vanilla on high speed until combined, about 2 minutes. (Mixture will look curdled.) Scrape sides and bottom of bowl as needed.
5. With mixer running on low speed, slowly add dry ingredients. With mixer still running on low speed, slowly pour in buttermilk; mix just until combined. You may need to stir by hand to ensure no lumps remain at bottom of bowl. Batter will be slightly thick. Pour batter evenly into cake pans; set aside while making streusel.
6. With a fork, mix brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon together until combined. Pour melted butter on top and mix just until combined. Immediately crumble streusel over batter in cake pans; gently pat down with hands.
7. Bake 23-26 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans 15 minutes, then turn out from pans, remove & discard parchment paper, and cool completely on wire racks. Cakes must be completely cool before frosting and assembling.
8. Using stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat butter and cream cheese on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and cinnamon; beat on medium-high speed until combined, about 1 minute. Stop mixer and add powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt. Turn mixer on low speed and beat for 30 seconds, then turn mixer up to medium-high speed and beat until completely smooth and creamy. (Scrape sides and bottom of bowl as needed.)
9. To assemble cake, place one cake layer on platter, spread with 3/4 cup frosting, top with another cake layer, spread with 3/4 cup frosting, and end with final cake layer. Spread remaining frosting over top and sides of cake.
10. Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving. (This cake ages well!)

Recipe adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction.

Cake Batter Cookies

These soft, chewy cookies are simply the portable form of this delicious Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cake! Personalize the recipe with your choice of sprinkle colors to celebrate birthdays, holidays, sports teams, or school mascots. This is also a fun recipe for kids to help with in the kitchen!

Cake Batter Cookies
Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla
• 2 1/3 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until combined.
3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; mix until combined.
4. Fold in white chocolate chips and sprinkles until evenly distributed.
5. Use small cookie dough scoop and roll dough between hands before placing 2-3 inches apart on prepared baking sheets.
6. Bake 9 minutes, or until edges are set and dough is no longer shiny. (Cookies will brown just slightly.)
7. Cool on baking sheets 3 minutes, then remove from pan to wire rack to cool completely.

Recipe adapted from What the Fork.

Gluten Free Vegan Cookie Cake

I don't really talk about my health issues on my blog even though that's what prompted me to start this whole thing in the first place. I've been suffering from chronic craniofacial pain for over four years, and the past week has been brutal. The severity of my pain has been at an all-time high, literally the worst it's ever been, and no external remedies provide relief. (OTC medications, ice, heat, massage, etc. don't even touch it.)

One thing I've learned during these last few years is that inflammation is largely responsible for how I feel day to day. And reducing inflammation starts with the food I put into my body. The first time I tried to go gluten free, I failed. I ended up trying again a few months later and have been successful ever since. Last year around this time I tried going dairy free, but I didn't really notice a change, good or bad, so I stopped being too careful about avoiding milk products. I've been saying to my husband for a while now that I think it's only a matter of time before my body decides for me that I must go dairy free, and that time is now. What better way to kick off attempt #2 than with a new recipe!

Gluten Free Vegan Cookie Cake
Yield: 8″ springform pan

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups almond flour
• 1/2 cup coconut flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
• 1/3 cup SunButter
• 3/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup vegan chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 8″ springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Add almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt to large bowl and whisk to combine. Be sure to remove any large lumps.
3. In small bowl, add melted coconut oil, sunbutter, maple syrup, and vanilla; mix to combine.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients, then mix. When almost combined, add chocolate chips. Batter will be stiff.
5. Dump dough into prepared pan and flatten into even layer.
6. Bake 18-20 minutes, or until top is golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
7. Allow to cool completely on wire rack.
8. Store in airtight container at room temperature.

Once you're ready to cut into the cookie cake, you may notice that the inside has turned GREEN! According to SunButter FAQs, the naturally occurring chlorogenic acid (chlorophyll) in sunflower seeds reacts with the baking soda when cooked, causing the green color when the cookie cake cools (and oxidizes). I know that’s awfully science-y, but I am married to a chemistry professor, after all! The take-home message from all of this: the green hue is totally normal, completely harmless, and 100% safe to consume.

I know what you're thinking: what if I want to avoid this whole green conundrum altogether?! Simply substitute your favorite nut butter of choice! Peanut butter and almond butter would be my top two runners up. The main reason I ventured into the SunButter world is that on top of gluten and dairy issues, I've also noticed I feel bad after I eat peanut butter. Did I mention that I'm grain free, too? Good thing I love to cook, because everything I eat these days is made in my own kitchen!

Recipe adapted from Fooduzzi.

Bottom Round Roast

I decided to try something new for our family Christmas dinner this year (I can't believe that was already a month ago!) when I came across a beautiful roast marked down in price while shopping at Sam's Club. I usually put meat in the crockpot (because it's hard to mess it up that way!) so this was a bit of an experiment on my part. Boy am I glad I went out of my comfort zone! The end result was a juicy, tender roast on the inside complemented by a crunchy, mouth-watering herbal crust on the outside.

Bottom Round Roast
Yield: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

• 3-4 lb beef bottom round roast, room temperature
• 8 garlic cloves, peeled
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 1 Tbsp dried parsley
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup olive oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking pan with foil and grease with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
2. Using a mortar and pestle, turn garlic cloves and sea salt into a paste. Stir in parsley, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and olive oil.
3. Remove roast from packaging and place on prepared pan. Rub all sides with herb mixture. When finished, place roast in pan with fatty side up.
4. Bake 18-20 minutes per pound, or until internal temperature reaches 125-130°F, for medium-rare (or until roast is at desired doneness and/or temperature).
5. Remove roast from pan and place on platter or cutting board. Cover loosely with foil (so the meat doesn't "sweat") and allow roast to rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing.
6. After resting, thinly slice the roast against the grain for the most tender bite. (If you cut with the grain, the meat will be much harder to chew.)

Recipe adapted from Allergy Free Alaska.

The Very Best Vanilla Cupcakes

Tender, moist, and fluffy... what more could you ask for?! These cupcakes are so delicious on their own that you almost don't even need to frost them! No one will believe they are both gluten free and dairy free.

The Very Best Vanilla Cupcakes
Yield: 1 dozen

Ingredients

• 1 cup Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 3 Tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 5 Tbsp Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3 eggs, room temperature
• 2/3 cup plain dairy free yogurt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line muffin tin with paper liners; set aside.
2. Sift together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
3. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream "butter" and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in vanilla.
4. Alternate additions of sifted flour mixture and yogurt, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
5. Using ice cream scoop, fill muffin liners about 2/3 full.
6. Bake 15-18 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. (Centers will spring back up when gently pressed.)
7. Cool in pan for 5 minutes, then place cupcakes on wire rack to finish cooling.
8. Once completely cool, decorate cupcakes with frosting and sprinkles. Enjoy!

Notes

• For one 8-inch round cake: Prepare recipe as stated above.
• For two 8-inch round cakes: Double recipe.
• For three 8-inch round cakes: Triple recipe.
• To bake round cake layer(s), grease pan(s) and line bottom(s) with parchment paper. Cook about 25 minutes.
• For frosting, try my buttercream recipe, using Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks in place of butter to make dairy free.

Recipe adapted from Gluten Free on a Shoestring.

Chocolate Cake {from Scratch}

Have a birthday coming up in your family? (My daughter's was yesterday.) Don't bother with a boxed cake mix this year... make it from scratch! This moist, tender cake is packed with rich, chocolate flavor and pairs perfectly with my homemade buttercream frosting. This will surely be a birthday to remember!

Chocolate Cake {from Scratch}
Yield: 2 cake rounds

Ingredients
2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
2 cups sugar
1 cup cocoa powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
3 eggs, room temperature
1 cup sour cream
1 1/3 cups coffee, cooled
1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tsp vanilla

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans with nonstick spray, line bottom with parchment, and spray again.
3. Whisk dry ingredients together. Add wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Divide evenly between cake pans.
4. Bake for 35 minutes, or until cakes are set and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
5. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove cakes from pans, discard parchment, and place cakes on wire rack to cool completely before frosting.

Recipe adapted from Pinch of Yum.

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cake

Growing up, all five members of my family had birthdays in November (crazy, right?!). So it was totally fitting when my son was born just a couple days before my husband's birthday! Since we have two celebrations so close together, it's nice that this cookie cake (and the one I made for son) is on the smaller side to recognize the birthday boy with his own special treat without going overboard and eating cake for days on end. (I can't believe I just said that...)

Funfetti Sugar Cookie Cake
Yield: 9" springform pan

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 1/2 tsp cornstarch
• 2/3 cup white chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles (jimmies, not nonpareils)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9" springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; mix until completely combined.
3. Pour in flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch; stir just until incorporated (don't overmix!).
4. Once combined, gently fold in white chocolate chips and sprinkles.
5. Press dough evenly into prepared pan. Bake 18-24 minutes, or until very lightly browned on top. You want the cookie cake to be extra soft in the center, so be careful not to overbake.
6. Allow cookie cake to cool completely in pan on wire rack before removing sides of pan. (The center will slightly sink - that's normal!) Frost and decorate, if desired, then cut into slices and enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction.

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

This recipe has become somewhat of a tradition at our house because my son is not a big fan of classic birthday cake (blasphemy, I know!). If it weren't for our uncanny resemblance to each other, I might question whether or not, in fact, he is actually related to me because cake is my favorite food! But he is the birthday boy this weekend, and I am happy to make whichever sweet treat is requested. :)

For decoration, I like to make my buttercream frosting (cut the recipe in half and make it on the stiff side) and pipe it around the edges with a star tip. Then top the cake with additional mini M&M's or sprinkles to make it even more colorful! I haven't frosted the cake above quite yet (my son's birthday is on Sunday), but here is the cake I made for him two years ago:

The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake
Yield: 9" springform pan

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup brown sugar
1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
2 eggs, room temperature
1 Tbsp vanilla
1 cup + 2 Tbsp M&M’S Minis milk chocolate baking bits, divided

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 9" springform pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. In large bowl, cream softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla; stir until completely combined.
3. Pour in flour, pudding mix, baking soda, and salt; stir just until incorporated (don't overmix!).
4. Fold in 1 cup mini baking bits by hand until evenly distributed.
5. Press dough into prepared pan until even and level. Sprinkle reserved 2 Tbsp mini baking bits on top of cookie cake and press down lightly with hand. Bake 16-20 minutes, or until top/center just starts to golden slightly. Cookie cake may look underdone in middle, but it will set up as it cools and stay extra soft.
6. Allow cookie cake to cool completely in pan on wire rack before removing sides of pan. Frost and decorate, if desired, then enjoy!

Recipe adapted from Sprinkle Some Sugar.

Caramel Buttercream Frosting

This caramel buttercream is a delicious blend of salty and sweet! With only three ingredients, the prep time is super short and the frosting comes together in a matter of minutes. It is the perfect topping for cupcakes and can be scaled up for decorating layer cakes or special celebration cakes, too!

Caramel Buttercream Frosting
Yield: about 2 cups

Ingredients
2/3 cup butter, softened
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup + 1 Tbsp caramel sauce

Directions
1. Cut butter into cubes and beat with electric mixer on low speed until soft.
2. Beat in powdered sugar in small batches.
3. Once butter and sugar are fully incorporated, beat in caramel sauce until smooth.

Notes
• Use thick caramel sauce that comes in a jar (not thin syrup in a squeeze bottle).
• Recipe makes plenty of frosting for a dozen cupcakes (with some leftover).

Recipe adapted from Charlotte's Lively Kitchen.