We are happy to be in the thick of spring here on the Colorado Front Range. Trees are budding, leaves are popping out, and there are beautiful blooms starting to peek out everywhere you turn. Nothing gets us more excited than the signs of a new season and the promise of warmer weather and beautiful, long, sunny days ahead. Well, maybe all of that and baking some springy treats. This is the perfect season to welcome some of our baking skills out of hibernation after a few months to recover from the busy baking season. Not to mention, there is an abundance of tempting spring produce and fruit that work so perfectly in the kitchen! We’re sharing a few of our all-time favorite spring recipes, and a couple of spring baking tips today!
Spring Baking Tips
- Looking to use up some or that rhubarb from your garden or the farmer’s market? Avoid stalks that are limp with blemishes, and look for small leaves that indicate younger plants (just don’t eat the leaves!). We recommend tasting your recipes as you go with rhubarb dishes – sometimes one’s palette may require more sugar and other times, what you make might really shine because of a little rhubarb-tart flavor!
- Spring strawberries are among the best produce at our local grocers right now. Always go for ones that are bright red and shiny – and it’s good to know that the size of the berries does not influence their sweetness.
- Go through your pantry – if you’re spring cleaning the rest of the house, now is a good time to check out your baking “kit” and remove any flours, extracts, spices, etc. that may be past their “best by” dates. Or, you might be able to reorganize to make sure you definitely use up any older duplicates of ingredients before opening a newer package with a longer shelf life!
Spring Recipe Favorites
Coconut Vanilla Cream Tart – Coconut pairs with the subtle sweetness and flavor of Rodelle Vanilla in this tart. You’ll love the crunchy vanilla crumb crust, smooth and rich coconut custard and whipped vanilla bean cream!
Lemon Pound Cake with Lemon Glaze – This pound cake is the perfect amount of citrus and sweet – with that traditional crumb and dense texture you love about pound cakes!
Angel Food Cupcakes – We’ve created a light, fluffy, and delicious cupcake using our Vanillas and Almond Extract. We then filled these little delights with strawberries and topped them with vanilla bean whip cream!
Strawberry Vanilla Bundt Cake – This decadent masterpiece was created by Lyndsy Hassett from The Dinnervine. “Sweet strawberries and Pure Rodelle Vanilla come together in this lovely cake! Perfect as a dessert…”
Spring Macarons – These delicious French Macarons have been created with Rodelle by Sugar Bakeshop. They are a delicious assortment of vanilla, chocolate, and raspberry. Mix and match and have a perfect spring dessert!
Layered Carrot Cake – This elegant recipe is borrowed from Saveur magazine. We’ve added our vanilla extract and vanilla beans. The extra vanilla brings a warm and sensual aroma and flavor to this extravagant dessert.
Bird’s Nest Cupcakes – These cupcakes are a perfect accompaniment to any springtime feast. They are moist and creamy, delectable creations that will make your mouth water! They are our most favorite spring recipe!
Chocolate Mousse Filled Strawberries – Delightfully easy and cute for spring and summer – fun for kids to help with filling the strawberries. And, they are light enough that you can enjoy a couple!
Almond Cupcakes with Rhubarb and Strawberries – A light, irresistible mini-cake – perfect for spring entertaining and desserts! They are secretly gluten-free, too, so everyone can enjoy.
Happy *Spring* Baking!