A delightful symphony of flavors, this layered dessert combines zesty lemon curd, light yogurt cream, and a satisfying graham cracker crumble.
Discovering the Art of Layered Desserts with “Glorious Layered Desserts”
Every now and then, a cookbook crosses my path that doesn’t just inspire a recipe or two, but rather ignites a desire to bake my way through every single page. It’s a rare gem, one that makes choosing where to start an utterly delightful challenge. Such was my experience with Glorious Layered Desserts by the talented Glory Albin. This book isn’t just a collection of recipes; it’s an invitation to explore a world where dessert is transformed into an edible work of art, each layer contributing to a harmonious whole.
Initially, I had planned to feature just one recipe from this captivating book for my review. While I typically love to make multiple dishes from cookbooks, the sheer indulgence of dessert recipes often limits how many I can realistically prepare and enjoy. I meticulously went through the pages, flagging several tempting options before asking my husband to help me narrow it down to a single choice. But the book’s allure was too strong to resist. What started as one recipe quickly blossomed into three, each more enticing than the last. This speaks volumes about the irresistible appeal and variety found within its covers.
Why “Glorious Layered Desserts” is a Must-Have Cookbook
If you’re searching for a dessert cookbook that promises to impress, whether for a special occasion or simply to elevate an everyday meal, Glorious Layered Desserts deserves a prominent spot on your bookshelf. Glory Albin has created a masterpiece, featuring dozens of visually stunning layered desserts that are as delicious as they are beautiful. But the book’s brilliance extends beyond just pretty pictures and enticing names. The second half of the book is a treasure trove of fundamental recipes, guiding you through the creation of every decadent layer from scratch. From airy cheesecake mousses to rich caramel sauces and delicate vanilla sponge cakes, you’ll learn the building blocks of exceptional desserts.
What truly sets this cookbook apart is its thoughtful approach to practicality. Glory understands that not everyone has endless time for elaborate baking. Throughout the book, she offers ingenious “swap” ideas, suggesting store-bought shortcuts that allow you to achieve stunning results even when time is short. This flexibility makes her recipes accessible to bakers of all skill levels, ensuring that no one misses out on the joy of creating a glorious layered dessert.
Visual Feast: Photography That Inspires
Photography: Abundant and Exquisite
One of the immediate takeaways from “Glorious Layered Desserts” is the sheer volume and quality of its photography. Not only is there a stunning photograph for every single recipe, but each image is executed with such artistry that it makes you want to reach out and taste the dessert right off the page. The vibrant colors, perfect lighting, and artful arrangements truly capture the essence of each creation, providing immense inspiration and a clear vision of what your finished dessert will look like. It’s a visual feast that makes the baking journey even more exciting.
Achievable Elegance: Difficulty and Ingredients
Difficulty Level: Surprisingly Accessible
Despite their impressive appearance, the recipes in this cookbook are remarkably easy to follow. While some layered desserts naturally involve multiple components and steps, Glory breaks down each process into manageable stages. Her clear instructions and encouraging tone ensure that even novice bakers can tackle these recipes with confidence. And, for those moments when you feel a bit overwhelmed, her suggested store-bought shortcuts are a welcome lifeline, allowing you to simplify the process without compromising on flavor or presentation.
Ingredient Availability: Effortless Sourcing
You won’t need to embark on a scavenger hunt for obscure ingredients with this cookbook. Every item required is readily available at most standard grocery stores. In fact, for two of the three recipes I chose to make, I already had all the necessary ingredients on hand, a testament to their everyday practicality. While the ingredients are simple to find, it’s worth noting that you might want to invest in some beautiful individual glasses or dishes to truly showcase these stunning layered creations, transforming them from mere desserts into true showstoppers.
A Trio of Temptations: My Favorite Creations
My journey through “Glorious Layered Desserts” began with three irresistible choices. Each dessert offered a unique experience, confirming the cookbook’s promise of delicious variety.
Chocolate and Nutella Cream Dessert
If I had to pick, my husband’s absolute favorite among the three was the Chocolate and Nutella Cream Dessert. And I wholeheartedly agree; it was incredibly rich, luxuriously creamy, and utterly delicious! This decadent treat starts with a homemade pudding, which is then layered with a whipped cream infused with the subtle, beloved flavors of chocolate and Nutella. I found that preparing the pudding the night before streamlined the assembly process considerably, making it a quick and easy dessert to put together on the day of serving. The Nutella flavor, rather than being overpowering, offered a delightful, nuanced hint that perfectly complemented the deep chocolate, creating a truly satisfying dessert experience.
Fried Ice Cream Cheesecake
The Fried Ice Cream Cheesecake was the first recipe my husband selected for me to make, and I’m so glad he did. I have a long-standing soft spot for anything reminiscent of fried ice cream, and this dessert certainly hit all the right notes. Let me just say: the cheesecake filling in these individual desserts? It was addictively delicious. I honestly worried I wouldn’t stop “sampling” it long enough for it to make it into the final layered creation! When this incredible filling is combined with the buttery, cinnamon-spiced cereal crumble, it’s nothing short of a match made in dessert heaven. The textures and flavors play off each other beautifully, creating a truly memorable treat.
Lemons on a Cloud
Of course, I couldn’t possibly let a lemon recipe slip by! And judging by the overwhelming response on my Facebook page when I asked which recipe you’d all like to see, I’m certainly not alone in my love for all things lemon. “Lemons on a Cloud” was the clear winner by a landslide, and for good reason. This dessert is a refreshing masterpiece featuring layers of vibrant lemon curd, a crunchy graham cracker crumble, and a silky, smooth yogurt cream. It strikes the perfect balance: smooth, intensely lemony, and delightfully tart. Initially, I thought the lemon curd layers might be too thin, but the resulting flavor was absolutely perfect – bright and zesty without being overwhelming. Preparing the lemon curd ahead of time makes assembly incredibly simple. This was, without a doubt, my personal favorite of the three (no surprise there!), and I could have easily devoured the entire batch myself! The recipe details are provided below.
Final Thoughts: A Cookbook for Every Occasion
Overall Verdict: An Essential Addition to Your Kitchen
“Glorious Layered Desserts” is an absolute keeper! While I don’t entertain frequently, I can easily envision these elegant desserts as the perfect grand finale to any dinner party, leaving guests thoroughly impressed. Yet, they also transformed an ordinary weeknight into a special occasion for my children, proving their versatility. Next time I dive into this book, I might opt for slightly smaller serving glasses, as my portions were quite generous – though that certainly didn’t stop us from enjoying every last bite! The cookbook boasts a fantastic array of flavors and diverse recipes, making it suitable for any season or holiday celebration. I can confidently say this is a book I’ll return to again and again, finding new inspiration with each flip of the page.
More Irresistible Creations to Explore
The list of recipes I’m eager to try from “Glorious Layered Desserts” is extensive. Here are just a few that have caught my eye:
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Trifle
- Chocolate Mint Crunch
- Mango Lime Coconut Cheesecake
- Strawberries on a Chocolate Cloud
- Banana Caramel Cream Dessert
Ready to create your own glorious layered desserts? You can purchase Glorious Layered Desserts directly from the author, Glory Albin’s website, or conveniently order it from Amazon.
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Lemons on a Cloud
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Ingredients
Lemon Curd
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 3 tablespoons butter
Graham Cracker Crumble
- 1 sleeve 9 whole crackers graham crackers
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6 tablespoons butter
Yogurt Cream
- 2/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 3/4 cup 6 oz plain Greek yogurt (any fat content)
Instructions
Make the Lemon Curd:
- Combine all the curd ingredients in the top of a double boiler. Heat, while stirring with a whisk, until it thickens. It is thick enough when it coats the back of a spoon. Remove from the heat and cover. Refrigerate until completely cool. This can be made up to 2 weeks in advance.
Make the Graham Cracker Crumble:
- Preheat the oven to 350F.
- Crush the graham crackers in a large ziptop bag. Pour into a small bowl, then stir in the sugar.
- In another small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave. Pour the melted butter over the bowl of graham cracker crumbs and stir to coat. Spread the crumbs on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Allow to cool completely.
Make the Yogurt Cream:
- In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream until it begins to thicken. Slowly add in the powdered sugar and vanilla with the mixer on low. Continue to beat until the mixture holds a stiff peak. Using a spatula, gently fold in the yogurt.
Assemble the dessert:
- Place a layer of the graham cracker crumble in the bottom of your dessert dishes. Layer the yogurt cream, followed by a thin layer of lemon curd. Repeat the layers. Garnish with fresh lemon zest, if desired.
Recipe Notes:
Assembled desserts can be assembled and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.
source: Glorious Layered Desserts