Dessert is the natural conclusion to any good feast (cheese course notwithstanding), but making one worthy of a dinner party table can be daunting.
Here to help demystify the art of creating effortless-yet-impressive sweet treats is I’ll Bring Dessert, the latest cookbook by author, food stylist, and Guardian Feasts baking columnist Benjamina Ebuehi. Whether you’re looking to make something quick yet delicious, cater for dietary requirements, master a classic dessert, or bring something sweet to the potluck or picnic, this cookbook has the perfect pudding for any occasion.
Plucked from Benjamina’s own curated list of ‘Quick Picks’, we’ve rounded up just some of the 70 recipes you can expect to find inside this gorgeous book.
Something that feels fancy
Salted Honey Sesame Tart
The perfectly balanced contrast of sweet, salty and nutty flavours, encased in buttery pastry, creates a tart with a sophisticated twist.
Something speedy
Last-Minute Strawberries and Cream
Perfect for when you’re short on time, this make-ahead dish of syrupy macerated strawberries is a go-to dessert for the summer months.
Something classic
Tiramisu
You can’t go wrong with a dinner party classic like tiramisu. This make-ahead recipe serves up to 12 people, making it a great crowd-pleaser.
Something that looks like you made a lot of effort but didn’t
Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Delicious warm or cold, this classic cheesecake with its distinctive burnt top and baking parchment-rippled edges, makes for a gorgeously rustic centrepiece dessert.
Something that is actually a lot of effort but worth it
Pistachio Gâteau Basque
For a more ambitious bake from the Basque region, try this dessert that combines pastry, a rich pistachio custard filling, jam and cream, to create something truly unique.
Something for the vegans
Creamy Coconut and Passionfruit Tart
Proving you don’t need eggs or dairy to make a decadent dessert, this tart combines fresh and fruity flavours with the warmth of a crisp gingersnap biscuit base.
Something for summer
Hot Honey Peach Shortcakes
Perfect for making the most of stone fruit season, these simple-yet-delicious shortcakes are topped with peaches soaked in red chilli-infused honey and a dollop of whipped cream.
Something boozy
Irish Cream Chocolate Mousse
Decadent yet light, these six-ingredient mousse pots featuring a dash of cream liqueur are a chocolate lover’s paradise.
Something your mum would love
My Perfect Crumble
From the mix of apples and spices to the golden topping, Benjamina has gone to great lengths to establish all the factors that make the ideal crumble with plenty of wow-factor.
Something casual
Halva and Smoked Salt Chocolate Cookies
Who says cookies aren’t a viable (or popular) dessert option? Featuring a sweet and nutty filling of the Persian sesame-based confection halva, these cookies pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
