Just in time for Easter! Wow guests and family with this easy Spring Surprise Cake

Photo providied

NewsUSA - Hosting an Easter brunch or other spring gathering? What better way to top off an event than with a showstopping dessert! The baking experts at Wesson created a new bundt cake with a twist on the popular surprise cake trend. It’s easy to make, and as delicious as it is impressive.

Wesson oil is the secret ingredient that makes this cake taste like it was made by a professional pastry chef. It creates a light, moist texture that lets the crunch and flavor of the pistachio honey fillings sing. A simple glaze gives it a sweet touch and the gold leaf takes this cake to the next level. Simply fill the open center with spring candies like mini chocolate eggs or jelly beans and you have a beautiful party finale to wow your guests!

WESSON EASY EASTER SURPRISE BUNDT CAKE

Ingredients ~

For the cake:

3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon kosher salt
3 cups granulated sugar
¾ cup Wesson oil
1 ½ cups milk
6 eggs

For the filling:

1 ½ cups plus 2 tablespoons chopped, shelled, raw pistachios
¼ cup flour
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons Wesson oil

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk

Edible gold flake, for sprinkling on top

Easter candies to fill center of cake when displayed

Directions:

Making the cake:

Pre-heat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 10-inch (12-cup) Bundt pan.

In a large bowl, whisk together, flour, baking powder and salt until well combined.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, combine sugar, Wesson oil, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.

On medium speed, in four stages, add flour mixture alternating with milk, blending after each addition, ending with flour. Pour half of the batter into the pan and set aside. Next, make the filling.

Adding the filling:

In a medium bowl, mix 1 ½ cup pistachios, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of honey, and 2 tablespoons of Wesson Canola Oil. Combine filling ingredients and mix well. Spoon the filling evenly over the surface of the batter in the pan. Top with remaining batter. Bake the cake in the center of oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a tester inserted in center comes out clean.

Remove cake from oven; cool in pan on a rack for 15 minutes. Carefully turn cake out onto serving platter and cool completely.

TIP: If cake does not turn out easily, gently run a knife around the outside edge of the cake.

Creating the glaze:

In medium bowl, combine 1 cup icing sugar (powdered sugar) and 2 tbsp of 3% milk. Stir until smooth. Spoon icing onto top of cooled Bundt cake and allow to glaze to dry for 15 minutes.

The finishing touch:

Decorate cake with flakes of gold leaf and chopped pistachios. Fill center of the Bundt with your favorite Easter candies. Cut the cake in front of your guests to wow them with an outpouring of sweet treats and serve. To view the recipe online, visit purewesson.com.

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Luscious Red Velvet for your Valentine sweetheart

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Culinary.net - On the sweetest day of the year, a day full of flowers, love and sweets, Valentine’s Day is the ultimate opportunity to try a different dessert meant for two.

It’s hard to resist a perfectly blended, rose-red, luscious Red Velvet Mug Cake that is sure to put a warm smile on the faces of those you love dearly.

It’s the perfect size, with just a handful of instructions, and it’s easily cooked before your eyes in the microwave. That’s right, the microwave.

This mug cake is a simple way to make something delicious and keep the portions small. Whether you have a small party, just you and your loved one or just simply want something easy and small, this quick treat is designed just for you.

Start by mixing all the dry ingredients into a large mug, including flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

Then add milk, melted butter, vanilla and red food coloring. Use a spoon and stir the ingredients together until blended. Mix powdered sugar and cream cheese then drop the mixture into the cake batter and mix once more. Microwave the mug for up to 3 minutes until your cake is baked.

Valentine’s Day means sharing with someone how much you care, and it’s difficult to find a better way than to share something sweet.

This dessert has Valentine’s Day written all over it, however, it can be enjoyed anytime throughout the year and is perfect for a late-night snack if you’re craving something sugary-sweet.

Find more recipes and dessert ideas for every celebration at Culinary.net.

Red Velvet Mug Cake

Servings: 1

6 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter, melted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
30 drops red food coloring
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened

In 12-ounce mug, whisk flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Add milk, butter, vanilla and food coloring; mix until blended.

In small bowl, mix powdered sugar and cream cheese until smooth.

Drop cream cheese mixture into cake batter. Press into batter until covered.

Microwave up to 3 minutes until cake is done.

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Heating things up; five tips to buying the right stove for your kitchen

StatePoint Media - Choosing the right slide-in range, (AKA “stove”) is essential for any home chef, and yours should not only cater to your cooking needs, but also complement your kitchen design. With the holiday season quickly approaching, now might be a good time to buy for delivery and installation after the new year.

“Navigating the many slide-in range options available today can feel daunting. That’s why it’s important to identify your must-have features before making a purchase,” says Peter Weedfald, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Sharp Home Electronics Company of America.

Not sure where to start? This range-purchasing guide offers five important factors to consider:

1. Size. A standard 30-inch slide-in range is a great option for most homes. If you’re looking for more cooking surface however, scale up to a 36-inch model. There are also 24-inch options for compact kitchens. Before making any purchase, measure the space to ensure the unit will fit, and that you can open the door.

2. Cooktop Surface and Fuel Source. There are three main cooktop surfaces to choose from: gas, radiant (electric) and induction. This decision can be influenced by the power source supply in your kitchen. If you have a gas line, you could choose any of the three, as long as there is also electric connectivity. If you don’t, consider a radiant or induction slide-in range. If you love the power from the open flame of a gas cooktop but desire the cooking capabilities of electric ovens, you can narrow your search to dual ovens. Helpful Hint: The cooking power measurement will indicate whether you’re dealing with gas or electricity. Gas ranges use BTUs (British Thermal Units) and electric ranges measure power output in watts.

3. Capacity. The interior capacity is the space within the range’s cavity. This is the oven. Knowing your cooking habits can help guide you in the right direction. While a standard slide-in range often offers enough capacity for an average-sized family, if you’re prone to entertaining crowds, a larger capacity like 6.1 or 6.3 cubic feet may better suit you. If you find yourself often preparing food at two different temperatures and cooking times, a dual oven may be your best bet.

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4. Finish. Whether you’re curating your kitchen piece by piece or all at once, choose an exterior finish that fits your vision. Check out the oven’s interior cavity as well. You can make a statement with an unexpected pop of color here! The Sharp 30-inch Electric Convection Slide-in Range with Air Fry (SSR3065JS) offers a sleek edge-to-edge black glass exterior paired with a cobalt blue interior. If you prefer a more neutral, toned-down feel, keep it classic with a black or gray cavity.

5. Oven Features. When prioritizing features, consider your cooking habits and needs. If counter space is a priority, the Sharp SSG3065JS is a family-size air fryer, so that is one less thing to take up your precious space.

The Sharp SSG3065JS has 34,500 BTUs of cooking power and a variety of cooking modes, including Pizza, Convection Bake/Roast, and Air Fry. The Sharp Slide-In Ranges SSG3065JS and SSR3065JS can help take the guesswork out of cooking meat. Both ranges have built-in precision probe thermometers that automatically turn off the oven when the internal food temperature reaches the programmed setting.

Learn more about slide-in range cooking features and design choices by visiting shop.sharpusa.com/products/ranges.

“When curating your dream kitchen, the ultimate goal is finding a range that looks great in your space and can help you bring your culinary creations to life,” recommends Weedfald.

Recipe | Flavor-rich fresh homemade peach pie

Photo provided

StatePoint Media - From the hearty and warm flavors of winter to the bold, rich and bright flavors of summer, herbs and spices are not only a delicious and better-for-you addition to any dish, they can transform it into unforgettable memories.

Summer is the perfect time of year to celebrate food, flavor and time with family or friends. As you prepare for all this season’s gatherings, remember to shop carefully, as freshness is essential when it comes to herbs and spices.

"Fresh flavors and aromas are strong triggers that ensure that experiences today are remembered tomorrow," says Giovanna DiLegge, vice president marketing, North America Consumer at McCormick, a global leader in flavor.

That’s why for the first time in nearly 40 years, McCormick is debuting a brand new design for its red cap branded products that audibly seals in aromas and flavors, for long-lasting freshness of herbs and spices. And to help you make the most of summer, McCormick is sharing this recipe for Fresh Peach Pie, which incorporates rich and bright summer fruits, and a sweet note of cinnamon spice:

Ingredients:
• 3 pounds fresh peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced (about 7 cups)
• 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar, divided
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon plus 1/8 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Ground Cinnamon, divided
• 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts, (2 crusts)
• 3 tablespoons corn starch
• 1 tablespoon McCormick All Natural Pure Vanilla Extract
• 1 tablespoon water

Instructions:
1. Mix peaches, 1/2 cup of sugar, lemon zest and juice, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt in large heat-safe bowl until well blended. Let stand 30 minutes. Drain peaches, reserving 8 tablespoons of juice. Return peaches to bowl; sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.

2. Meanwhile, prepare pie crust as directed on package. Roll each crust into 12-inch circles on lightly floured surface. Press 1 crust into bottom of 9-inch pie plate. Cut remaining crust into 10 strips, about 1-inch wide. Refrigerate pie plate with bottom crust and prepared strips until ready to assemble pie.

3. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Mix 2 tablespoons of remaining sugar, remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt, remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon and corn starch in small bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of reserved peach juice to cornstarch mixture, whisking to mix well; set aside.

4. Place remaining 6 tablespoons peach juice in small saucepan. Bring to simmer on medium-low heat. Stir in vanilla. Whisk cornstarch slurry into saucepan. Cook and stir just until thickened and smooth, about 30 seconds. Remove from heat. Pour syrup mixture over peaches; toss to coat. Allow to cool slightly.

5. Spoon peach mixture into chilled pastry-lined pie plate. Arrange pie dough strips over top to create a lattice (see below for instructions). Trim dough strips about 1/2-inch longer than bottom pie crust. Fold strips underneath crust and pinch to adhere. Crimp or flute crust edges, as desired. Brush lattice with water and sprinkle evenly with remaining 1 tablespoon sugar. Place pie plate on large shallow baking pan.

6. Bake 25 minutes or until crust is lightly browned. Reduce heat to 375 degrees F. Rotate pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes longer, until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool on wire rack. Serve with vanilla ice cream, if desired.

How to weave a lattice top crust: Using longer strips for the center of pie and shorter strips for edges, arrange 5 pie dough strips vertically over top of filling, leaving about 1 inch of space between each strip. Fold back every other strip (2 and 4) to just above midline of pie. Place one of the longer strips across pie horizontally, just below the fold. Fold vertical strips back down over top of the horizontal strip. Fold back the opposite vertical strips (1, 3 and 5) and place another strip below the first horizontal strip, again leaving about 1 inch of space between them. Fold vertical strips back down over top. Repeat this process with one more strip below, and then 2 strips above first crosswise strip. Work quickly, as the warm filling may make the dough difficult to work with.

After 15 to 20 minutes of baking, cover edge of crust with foil strips to prevent excessive browning.

Food: Tempt guests with this Apple Oat Crumble treat

(Family Features) -- Entertaining guests during the holidays isn't just about a main course that calls all to the table. What often makes a festive gathering more fruitful is a spread of delicious appetizers, delightful drinks and divine desserts that keeps everyone coming back to the kitchen for more.

Photo provided

For appetizing dishes from the first guest at the house to the last out the door, you can heighten the flavor and appearance of favorite recipes with one simple ingredient: apples. Ranging from tart to sugary sweet, finding the right balance for your palate is key. Scent can also influence taste, especially when you have a balanced sweetness with an uplifting, fresh aroma.

Turn to an option like Envy Apples this holiday season for satisfying texture and taste with a consistently balanced, refreshing sweetness coupled with a crisp, elegant crunch. They make for an easy snack when eaten fresh out of hand but are also perfect for holding over pre-dinner appetites in small plates like Bell-Issimo Brie Melt or Apple Stuffing Bites with Rosemary Gravy.

The versatile flavor of apples isn't just limited to foods, however. For the adults in the room, Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider with a splash of bourbon is a seasonally appropriate way to quench thirst and break the ice. Simply omit the bourbon for a kid-friendly version so the whole party can savor a sip.

Easy to spot with their crimson red skin over a golden background that practically glows, Envy Apples offer an easy, eye-catching way to try new tastes and celebrate joyful occasions together. The bright white flesh is naturally slow to brown when sliced for a fresher flavor in sweet treats like Apple Oat Crumble and Citrus Caramel Topping for a tasty way to elevate your holiday get-togethers.

Find more sweet holiday recipes at EnvyApple.com.

Apple Oat Crumble and Citrus Caramel Topping

3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 Envy Apples, diced into large cubes
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup cold butter, diced small
1/2 cup caramel
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 orange, zest only
1 tablespoon orange juice
vanilla ice cream

Preheat oven to 350 F.

In bowl, stir together sugar and ground cinnamon.

Toss apples in lemon juice then in cinnamon sugar mixture. Spread in 9-inch pie dish.

In another bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour and oats. Using hands or fork, cut in butter until pea size crumbs form. Sprinkle evenly over apples.

Bake 40-45 minutes until mixture is bubbling and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes.

In small pot, whisk caramel, salt, orange zest and orange juice until warm.

Spoon apple oat crumble over large scoop vanilla ice cream and top with salted citrus caramel.

Kitchen Delight | Fruity Lemon Cheesecake

(Family Features) -- Fresh fruit is finally in season. When the sun is out and kids are hitting the pool, it’s also time to indulge in some sweet fruit flavors. Watermelon, berries, bananas and more can all be found near perfect ripeness at grocery stores or farmer’s markets during the warm summer months.

Photo provided

On a hot day, there is almost nothing better than trying something new that sounds delicious. Throw your apron on, prepare your kitchen and get baking.

If you’re craving something sweet with no ideas where to start, try this sweet Lemon Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit. It’s tangy and rich, and allows you to escape to the summer oasis of your dreams, at least for a few minutes.

It has the smooth, creamy texture of cheesecake mixed with a hint of tart lemon juice. Topped with raspberries, mint and oranges, the burst of fresh fruit enhances the cheesecake flavor. It’s the perfect sweet treat for summer for people of all ages with its bright colors and varying flavors.

In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter then press into a springform pan.

Beat cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, three eggs, lemon juice and vanilla extract then pour it on top of the graham cracker mixture.

Bake for 50-55 minutes before cooling completely in the fridge and adding fruit and mint leaves.

The outcome is a fluffy cheesecake with a small hint of lemon topped with your favorite fresh fruits. It’s a delightful, sweet and satisfying recipe your family can make again and again to enjoy during those warm summer months.

Find more recipes perfect for summer at Culinary.net.

Lemon Cheesecake with Fresh Fruit

Photo provided

Servings: 6-8

1 1/4 cups graham cracker crumbs
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
3 eggs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 orange, peeled and separated
8 raspberries
3 mint leaves, for garnish

Directions

Heat oven to 350 F.

In medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter. Press firmly into 9-inch springform pan.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Add eggs, fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract; mix until combined.

Pour into pan. Bake 50-55 minutes, or until center springs back when lightly pressed. Chill in refrigerator until completely cooled. Arrange orange slices around border of cake and place raspberries in middle. Top with mint leaves.

Food | Tuscan Chicken Pierogi

Photo provided

Family Features - Moms. From big things like juggling a career and family priorities to little things like writing lunchtime love notes, there are so many ways they support their growing families and the people they love around them every day. One of the sweetest things you can do for that special, all-star mom or partner in your life is to make her a hearty homemade meal and enjoy quality family time together at the dinner table.

If you are looking for a tasty option sure to impress her, consider this Tuscan Chicken Pierogi recipe for a sure-to-impress dish that you can throw together while she's out shopping, carting the kids to sports practice or volunteering with a school project.

The key ingredient for this filling main course that takes about 45 minutes to cook is Mrs. T's Pierogies. Perogies, a filled dumpling most often associated with the cuisine of Poland and other Eastern European nations, are stuffed pasta pockets made with creamy mashed potatoes, cheese and other big, bold flavors.

Mrs. T's can usually be found in the frozen food aisle and available in 13 flavors. Available in full and mini size varieties, they can be boiled, baked, sauteed, fried or grilled. They are quick and easy to prepare, for a full meal or quick snack, which means less time in the kitchen.

Pierogis are normally simmered until they float in boiling water until the puff up, then drained before serving. Some people prefer to then fry or bake them in butter. There are great for leftovers, especially if you fry them in saved animal fat like bacon grease or with olive oil for a healthier option.

They also can be served with melted butter or sour cream, or garnished with small pieces of fried bacon, onions, and mushrooms. For the dudes at the table make sure you have a cold Pilsner or two ready wash them down or for the romantic dinner, serve with a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay.

Tuscan Chicken Pierogi Skillet

Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4

1 box Mrs. T's Pierogies 4 Cheese Medley
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
kosher salt, to taste
ground black pepper, to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 bag (5 ounces) fresh baby spinach
2 cups diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus additional, for garnish
1 tablespoon cold water
1/2 tablespoon cornstarch
fresh basil, for garnish
crushed red pepper flakes, for garnish

Boil perogies according to package directions. Drain then toss pierogies with 1 tablespoon olive oil to keep from sticking.

In 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste, and cook 8-10 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to plate, cover and allow to rest 5-8 minutes. Slice thin.

While chicken rests, lower heat to medium-low and add remaining oil to same skillet. Add garlic, spinach and tomatoes; saute 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant. Season with Italian seasoning and salt and pepper, to taste.

Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream and 3/4 cup Parmesan. In small bowl, whisk cold water and cornstarch then stir into pan. Simmer 4-5 minutes until thickened and creamy.

Return chicken and pierogies to skillet and toss to combine. If desired, top with additional seasonings, to taste. Garnish with fresh basil, Parmesan and red pepper flakes, if desired.

Visit mrstspierogies.com to find more recipes to celebrate the mother in your life.

Food | Two delightfully delicious twists on Easter carrot cake

Photo: StatePoint Media/John Kanell

StatePoint Media

Carrot cake has been an Easter staple for years, so why not serve some fun takes on this popular dessert for your celebration?

With Easter landing on International Carrot Day, April 4, John Kanell, culinary expert and founder of Preppy Kitchen, partnered with McCormick spices to create exclusive Easter dessert recipes that put a delightful twist on the classic carrot cake.

"Growing up, desserts were always the highlight of Easter, with my mother and grandmother making wonderful carrot cakes from scratch," says John Kanell.

Because carrot cake brings back great memories, Kanell wanted to channel that nostalgia, while adding whimsical touches. His resulting creations are fun, family-friendly and beyond-delicious.

As darling as they are tasty, Carrot Cake Cookies bring all the flavors of carrot cake in a fun, handheld way that allows the whole family to get involved in the kitchen. Big and little kids alike can help frost and decorate!

Make room at the dessert table for Carrot Cake Roll with Lemon Cream Cheese Filling – a fluffy spiced cake loaded with carrots and the warm flavor of McCormick spices. Rolled up with a light and airy lemon and cream cheese filling, it’s a sweet way to celebrate the season.

"As a nod to my Greek heritage, my family always incorporated lemon into our dessert recipes. Adding it to the cream cheese filling provides a bright complement to my slightly sweet and tender Carrot Cake Roll recipe," says Kanell.

Kanell is also sharing his top baking tips for success.

• Feature carrots front-and-center in desserts. Beyond their beautiful orange color, they add moisture to baked goods.

• Too much flour makes for dense, gummy baked goods. Always measure your flour correctly by using a scale or fluffing the flour and sprinkling it into your measuring cup before leveling off.

• Don’t over-mix your batter. It will activate the gluten in the flour and cause your baked goods to go from tender and airy to tough and overly chewy. Mix your dry and wet ingredients until just combined.

• Use room temperature butter and cream cheese – left out of the refrigerator for about 30 to 60 minutes. They should show a slight indent when pressed, yet still hold shape. Remember that consistency is important when creaming butter with sugar and it should be visibly fluffy and not cling to the side of your mixing bowl.

• Stock your spice rack with McCormick pure vanilla extract, cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg so it is ready for all your baking needs. Spring is all about nature waking up after a long slumber and these essential spices brighten and add warmth to seasonal dishes.

• Even if your little ones are too young to make a recipe, they can still help measure, mix and combine ingredients, and of course decorate cakes, cupcakes and cookies.

For these exclusive Easter carrot cake-inspired recipes, crafting ideas for kids and kids-at-heart, and everything else you need to complete your Easter celebration, visit mccormick.com/easter.

With delicious takes on the classic carrot cake, your family can hit the sweet spot between nostalgia and whimsical fun this Easter.

Food | Breakfast treat: Easy to make cherry coffee cake

(Family Features) There is nothing better than tasty pastry treat to go along with your morning coffee or hot chocolate. You can add some sweetness to your breakfast routine with this no fuss, no mess recipe. This delicious, easy-to-make Cherry Coffee Cake can be served for dessert, too. Just add ice cream or whipped cream on top to make that food coma even more enjoyable.

What's great about this recipe is it requires almost no prep time and requires just three ingredients. Throw it together, pop it in the oven and it's ready by the time you've finished your morning shower. How easy is this to make? Check out the video. Find more breakfast recipes like this at Culinary.net.

Cherry Coffee Cake

Here's what you will need:

Nonstick cooking spray
1 can (12.4 ounces) refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing
1 1/2 cups (21-ounce can) cherry pie filling
1/2 cup slivered almonds or pecans (optional)
Now put it all together: First, heat your oven to 375º F. Spray 9-inch round cake pan with nonstick cooking spray.

Next, separate cinnamon roll dough into eight rolls. Cut each roll into quarters and place dough rounded-side down in pan.

Spoon pie filling over rolls. Then sprinkle almond slivers or pecans over cherry filling, if desired.

Depending on your oven bake between 25-35 minutes, or until golden brown.

While still warm, placed a plate or cutting board over the pan and flip so that the pastry fall out. Place your serving plate on top of the upside down rolls and invert again.

Remove lid from icing and microwave the contents for 3-10 seconds until the mixture is creamy. Stir icing and drizzle over warm coffee cake.

Serve warm.

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Did you try this recipe? Tell us in the comment section below how it went for you.