Coconut Macaroons – Gluten Free

If you want to make something really delicious in a very short time, then these macaroons are the answer. You can make them in different shapes and sizes depending on the occasion but they never fail to please!

Just 3 simple ingredients (well four if you count the chocolate drizzle on top) and 10 minutes to put together with 18 in the oven. That’s it! The fact they’re gluten free is a bonus!

Continue reading

Viennese Shortbread Mini Cakes

These sweet, pretty bakes are a lovely buttery and delicious shortbread biscuit which are made in paper cases for a different look from the traditional Viennese Whirls. You can use strawberry, raspberry or apricot jam in the center. They are quick and easy to make and look so pretty presented together dusted with icing sugar.

Little bites of melting heaven …. For a Festive feel, spoon some delicious homemade mincemeat in the centre 🙂

Continue reading

Halloween Surprise Cake

There are so many fun ways to bake at Halloween and this surprise cake featuring a hidden pumpkin is one of them.

There are 2 cakes to be made; one coloured and one plain. You need to plan ahead as they can’t be made at the same time. I tend to make my coloured one in the morning, get my jobs done and then get the second one made later in the day. It can be decorated the same or next day.

Continue reading

Banana & Cranberry Gluten Free Muffins

These delicious muffins are perfect for an on the run breakfast or midday snack as they are low sugar and full of goodness. You can make them dairy free if you need to and I’ve put those options on the ingredients list.

I’ve used dried cranberries because they are a firm favourite in our house and they are sweet enough to greatly reduce the original sugar content in the recipe, but you can use other dried fruit options too. Pecans or walnuts would also be a great addition.

banana cranberry muffins, gluten free muffins, gluten free baking, cozebakes, low sugar muffins, low sugar gluten free muffins Continue reading

Bakewell Cherry & Raspberry Buns

bakewell cherry and raspberry buns, bakewell buns, bakewell cakes, cozebakes

I’m a sucker for Bakewell Tart, the combination of almonds and cherries will win with me every time! This is such a quick and easy alternative to the original tart recipe which still retains all the lovely bakewell traditional flavours. The only problem …. they are way too tasty but I work around that by eating one only and putting them away till the next time 😉

The recipe makes a dozen fairy bun sizes but you can use muffin cases too but will probably only get about 8. I used a mix of glace cherries and fresh raspberries with raspberry jam for the centres but you can decide what you would like based on what you have and your personal taste. I would recommend you give the cherries a good wash before using them to prevent them sinking.

bakewell buns, almond and cherry bakewell buns, bakewell muffins, cozebakes Continue reading

Berry Muffins

One of the easiest recipes on the cozebakes blog has to be for these Berry Muffins. No special equipment needed and they are made in no time. I filled mine with 100g each of raspberries and blueberries but there are lots of options and I’ll list them in the ingredients.

I used tulip cases to make large muffins and got 10 from this quantity.  If you use traditional muffin cases you should get about 15.

Continue reading

Gin & Tonic Cupcakes

I have a house full of G & T fans, it’s not my tipple but it’s my son and his girlfriend’s favourite drink and as it was her birthday, I decided to make these cupcakes.

I opted not to use a recipe which incorporates gin into the batter as I felt it would be a very wet mixture and the time to bake could result in a tougher cupcake rather than a light, moist one. Using the lemon drizzle method, I opted instead to brush the baked cupcakes with the gin for it to sink in and flavour the entire bun. There’s also gin in the buttercream (of course there is!) so it’s a treat for gin lovers.

Continue reading

Double Chocolate Muffins

Found this great recipe which results in muffins that are just like the ones you see in the shop. Large, light as air and the perfect dome shape. You need to fill the cases right to the top to get this result and start off with a hot oven to get the initial lift and to prevent them burning, use hot water in some of the tin to produce steam.

I know I’ve mentioned this before but perfect muffins are made in the mixing. Be careful when mixing – less is more in the case of muffins. The more you mix the tougher muffin you will produce.

muffins, chocolate muffins, double chocolate muffins, cozebakes, perfect muffins Continue reading

Chocolate Orange Cupcakes

These cupcakes have a great surprise once you take a bite! Nice chunks of chocolate orange pieces throughout and this adds such a special touch. They are topped with an orange flavoured buttercream and I used the Golden Yellow from the Wilton Gel Dye range to get this shade.

The recipe is originally from Jane’s Patisserie and I’ve changed a couple of things and the method to get a perfect result each time.

chocolate orange cupcakes, nestle chocolate orange, cupcakes, pretty cupcakes, cozebakes, chocolate cupcakes, orange flavoured cupcakes, Continue reading

Mixed Berries Low Fat Muffins

These are a great way to get a burst of fruit and healthy berries in the morning and they have no added sugar. A great low fat option also for those “on the run” times you can’t stop.

I used a pack of dried “super berries mix” and some sultanas. It’s up to you what you use but dried fruit will probably give better results. You can add some fresh blueberries for a nice burst in a bite 🙂

Continue reading

Iced Lemon Polenta Mini Cakes

iced lemon polenta, polenta cake, gluten free buns, gluten free cakes, wheat free cakes, lemon cakes, gluten free lemon polenta, cozebakes

A very delicious gluten and wheat free recipe full of gorgeous lemon flavor and topped with a fabulous lemon icing. These Iced Lemon Polenta Cakes look so dainty and lovely. Topped with an edible viola each, you will have a perfect Afternoon Tea treat for you and your guests.

They do have a more crunchy texture due to the polenta and some people find this different but it’s a good different 🙂

iced lemon polenta, polenta cake, gluten free buns, gluten free cakes, wheat free cakes, lemon cakes, gluten free lemon polenta, cozebakes Continue reading