easy baking

  • A saffron and pistachio babka wreath styled on a rustic green backdrop. Pistachios are scattered around, and the scene is styled with saffron and holiday accents.

    Saffron and Pistachio Babka Wreath

    December 3, 2025marissajmakes

    When I think of the winter holidays, I automatically think of a bread wreath. This saffron and pistachio babka wreath is festive and flavorful, making it the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. It’s sweet, but not too sweet, and filled with nutty and earthy flavors from pistachio and saffron. The gorgeous yellow hue that the…

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  • A dish of dinner rolls sprinkled with parmesan and black pepper, styled in a rustic and autumnal setting.

    Black Pepper and Parmesan Dinner Rolls

    November 24, 2025marissajmakes

    Bread is one of my absolute favorite things to bake, and I love playing with the flavor profiles of my tried-and-true recipes. These Black Pepper and Parmesan Dinner Rolls are made with the tangzhong method, which gives the rolls the fluffiest, softest texture. I originally adapted these rolls from Claire Saffitz’ recipe, and over the years…

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  • A caramelized banana cake, styled in a warm, rustic setting with hazelnuts.

    Caramelized Banana Upside Down Cake with Hazelnuts and Brown Butter

    October 2, 2025marissajmakes

    This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This caramelized banana upside down cake is the perfect answer to wanting a cozy fall dessert that doesn’t use apples or pumpkin. The bananas bake in a faux caramel sauce that…

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  • A slice of peach semolina upside down cake, on a wooden plate. The slice of cake is styled on a pale pink wooden table, with slices of peaches and cutlery surrounding it.

    Peach Semolina Upside Down Cake

    August 28, 2025marissajmakes

    This peach semolina upside down cake is one that I look forward to making every summer. I adapted this recipe from the NYT version made with apricots and almond flour by Vallery Lomas: my version is made partially with semolina flour, which gives it a gorgeous texture and yellow color of the sponge. I’ve also snuck…

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  • A cake adorned with raspberries and flowers, with light pink buttercream frosting.

    Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Mousse

    July 21, 2025marissajmakes

    This chocolate cake with raspberry mousse and white chocolate buttercream is the perfect mixture of the richness of chocolate, with the brightness of raspberry, and smooth sweetness of white chocolate. It’s the perfect celebration cake for birthdays or special occasions, and you can use frozen raspberries for the mousse, making it friendly for year-round baking. I’m…

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