These recipes are perfect for waiting in the wings. As Labor Day weekend approaches and friends and family descend, you might be feeling the catering crunch. Plan ahead for breakfast, dessert, and the inevitable sweet cravings with recipes for plum-pretzel cheesecake pie, rum-soaked pound cake, crumbly jam bars, and more. Whether chilling in the fridge or resting for an overnight rise, these baked goods will allow you to get your three-day weekend on. Bake them now, and thank us later.
Salty pretzels are an excellent base for this slightly sweet mascarpone cheesecake. The plums macerate in a mixture of brown sugar and nutmeg then bake directly on the cheesecake batter. Finish this dessert with an orange-scented glaze for a pretty presentation.
The stickier, the better with this timeless treat. One of our favorite comfort foods, the recipe originated in Sweden, where they actually observe a Cinnamon Roll Day (Kanelbullens dag) on October 4, but we recommend celebrating these rolls every chance you get.
Ripe strawberries and fresh cucumbers are stirred into the batter to create a Strawberry Cucumber Bread that’s light enough for a morning snack, but sweet enough to be an afternoon treat.
4. Orange and Pistachio Strawberry Tart
Sweet strawberries and a hint of cardamom balance the classic bright and nutty combination of orange and pistachio in this tart.
5. Tropical Hummingbird Layer Cake
In this Tropical Hummingbird Layer Cake, we swapped out pecans for macadamia nuts and reconstituted dried apricots in pineapple juice for a unique spin on this timeless treat blanketed in rich, swoopy frosting.
6. Strawberry Jam Crumble Bars
These make a great breakfast, afternoon snack, or casual dessert. The strawberry jam may also be exchanged for any other flavor you might fancy.
