Indulge your sweet tooth with these decadent dessert recipes from Ina Garten! The Barefoot Contessa has delighted us with her delectable creations for years, and we’ve curated 20 of her most mouthwatering desserts to try. From classic tiramisu to indulgent brownie pudding, each recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings.
In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through Ina’s sweetest treats, including show-stopping cakes, tartes, and mousse. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, these recipes are designed to inspire and delight. So go ahead, get baking, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a little bit of dessert heaven!
Ina Garten’s Ultimate Chocolate Cake
This rich and decadent cake is a showstopper at any gathering, with its moist texture and deep, velvety chocolate flavor. Perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth, this cake is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
– 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans and line the bottoms with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans and smooth tops.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Barefoot Contessa Lemon Bars
These tangy and sweet lemon bars are a classic Barefoot Contessa recipe that’s perfect for springtime gatherings or anytime you need a burst of sunshine on your plate.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Whisk together flour, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar in a medium bowl.
3. Add softened butter and whisk until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Press dough evenly into prepared baking dish.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
6. While crust is baking, whisk together eggs, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt in a large bowl.
7. Pour lemon filling over baked crust and smooth top.
8. Return to oven and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes or until filling is set.
Cooking Time: 40-50 minutes
Ina Garten’s Famous Coconut Cupcakes
These moist and flavorful cupcakes are a perfect treat for any occasion. With the combination of coconut, butter, and sweet vanilla, you’ll be hooked from the first bite.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 cup shredded coconut
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and eggs until light and fluffy. Add vanilla extract.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
5. Stir in shredded coconut.
6. Divide batter evenly among cupcake liners.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Decadent Ina Garten Brownie Pudding
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this rich and fudgy brownie pudding, inspired by the Barefoot Contessa herself, Ina Garten. This indulgent dessert is perfect for special occasions or as a treat for yourself.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
– 2 cups sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and cocoa powder; set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler. Allow to cool slightly.
5. Add melted chocolate to sugar mixture; whisk until combined.
6. Add flour mixture and milk; stir until just combined.
7. Pour batter into prepared baking dish and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Let pudding cool completely before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Barefoot Contessa Fresh Fruit Tart
A show-stopping dessert perfect for warm weather gatherings, this Fresh Fruit Tart from Barefoot Contessa is a symphony of flavors and textures. A buttery pastry crust gives way to a tangy whipped cream topping and an explosion of colorful fresh fruit.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
– 1 cup sliced peaches or nectarines
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. Place pastry in a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
4. Fold edges of pastry up over rim of tart pan, pressing gently to form a crust.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Allow tart to cool completely on a wire rack.
7. In a large bowl, whip heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form. Add vanilla extract and whisk until combined.
8. Arrange fresh fruit on top of cooled tart crust.
9. Top with whipped cream and dust with confectioners’ sugar.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ina Garten’s Perfect Peach Galette
This stunning galette is a showstopper for any summer gathering. Fresh peaches, sugar, and butter create a sweet and tangy filling that’s perfectly balanced by the flaky pastry crust.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp salt
– 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice-cold water
– 3-4 ripe peaches, sliced
– 2 tbsp granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp honey
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work into a crumbly mixture. Gradually add water until dough forms.
3. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
4. Arrange peaches in a spiral pattern, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
5. Sprinkle sugar, honey, and vanilla extract over peaches.
6. Fold crust up over filling, pressing gently to seal.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Classic Ina Garten Tiramisu
This iconic Italian dessert is a crowd-pleaser, with its creamy mascarpone cheese filling and delicate ladyfingers soaked in espresso and liqueur. Perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 12-16 ladyfingers
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons rum (optional)
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine coffee, cocoa powder, and sugar. Stir until dissolved.
2. Dip each ladyfinger into the coffee mixture for about 3-5 seconds on each side.
3. In a separate bowl, mix mascarpone cheese with heavy cream and vanilla extract.
4. To assemble, create a layer of ladyfingers in a serving dish, followed by a layer of mascarpone mixture. Repeat this process two more times.
5. Dust with powdered sugar and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Cooking Time: None needed! This dessert is best served chilled.
Barefoot Contessa Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
In this beloved recipe from Barefoot Contessa, the perfect balance of spices and sweet carrots is topped with a tangy cream cheese frosting for an unforgettable dessert.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup grated carrots
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– Cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, beat sugar and eggs until light and fluffy. Add carrots and walnuts (if using); mix well.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; beat until combined.
Ina Garten’s Homemade Apple Crisp
This classic apple crisp recipe is a timeless favorite that’s sure to become a staple in your household. With its tender apples, crunchy oat topping, and hint of cinnamon, it’s the perfect dessert to serve at any gathering.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
5. Spread oat topping evenly over the apple mixture.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Luscious Ina Garten Chocolate Mousse
Impress your friends with this rich and creamy chocolate mousse, perfect for special occasions or a spontaneous treat. This classic dessert is surprisingly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 8 ounces high-quality dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 2 large egg whites
Instructions:
1. In a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt the chocolate chips.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and continue whipping until stiff peaks form.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the egg whites until frothy. Fold the egg whites into the whipped cream until well combined.
4. Once the chocolate has melted, let it cool slightly. Fold the cooled chocolate into the egg-white mixture until smooth.
5. Spoon the mousse into individual serving cups or a large serving dish. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes (including melting time)
Barefoot Contessa Raspberry Cheesecake
In this recipe, Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa shares a classic cheesecake recipe infused with the sweetness of raspberries. This dessert is perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a surprise treat for friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup fresh raspberries
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
3. Press mixture into a 9-inch springform pan.
4. Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in granulated sugar, then fold in raspberries and cornstarch.
6. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until center is set.
8. Let cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Ina Garten’s Rich Bread Pudding
A classic dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in, Ina Garten’s Rich Bread Pudding is a sweet treat that combines the comfort of bread with the indulgence of caramel sauce. This recipe yields a moist and flavorful pudding that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups stale white bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Caramel sauce, for serving (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and spices until well combined.
3. Add bread cubes and melted butter; toss until bread is evenly coated.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish and let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until puffed and golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving with caramel sauce.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Simple Ina Garten Blueberry Pie
This classic blueberry pie recipe from Ina Garten’s kitchen yields a deliciously sweet and tangy dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just 7 ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll be enjoying a warm slice in no time.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add blueberries and toss until they’re evenly coated.
3. Stir in melted butter and beaten egg until well combined.
4. Roll out pie crust to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with the blueberry mixture and smooth top.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
6. Let cool on a wire rack before serving.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Barefoot Contessa Maple Pecan Tart
In this recipe, the rich flavors of maple syrup and toasted pecans come together in a stunning tart that’s perfect for any occasion. With its flaky crust, gooey filling, and crunchy topping, it’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/4 cup ice water
– 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup pecan halves
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Make the crust by combining flour, butter, and ice water in a bowl. Roll out to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together maple syrup, sugar, and salt. Add pecan halves and stir until well combined.
4. Arrange the pecan mixture on the crust, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the crust up over the filling to form a tart shell.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Ina Garten’s Crème Brûlée with Vanilla Bean
This rich and creamy dessert is a crowd-pleaser, and the addition of vanilla bean takes it to the next level. A caramelized sugar crust adds a satisfying crunch to this smooth and velvety custard.
Ingredients:
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
– 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
– 1/2 vanilla bean, split lengthwise
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the egg yolks, heavy cream, sugar, and salt.
3. Split the vanilla bean lengthwise and add it to the mixture.
4. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.
5. Remove from heat and strain into a clean bowl.
6. Pour the mixture into 4-6 ramekins or small baking dishes.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until set.
8. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
9. Just before serving, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top of each ramekin and caramelize with a kitchen torch.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Delicious Ina Garten Banana Bread
Moist and flavorful, this classic banana bread recipe from Ina Garten is a perfect treat any time of the year. With the sweetness of ripe bananas and a hint of warm spices, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground cloves
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In another bowl, combine mashed bananas, sugar, eggs, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
4. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the banana mixture and stir until combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in chopped walnuts, if using.
7. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 55-60 minutes
Barefoot Contessa Strawberry Shortcake
Experience the classic American dessert with a twist of simplicity and elegance. Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa recipe for strawberry shortcake is a timeless treat that showcases sweet strawberries, fluffy biscuits, and creamy whipped cream.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups heavy whipping cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large egg whites
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 2 cups sliced strawberries (fresh or frozen)
– Confectioners’ sugar (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Roll out dough to about 1/4 inch thickness.
5. Cut into squares or rounds for shortcakes.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
7. Whip heavy cream with granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
8. Split baked biscuits in half and top each with sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Ina Garten’s Elegant Profiteroles
These classic French cream puffs are a show-stopping dessert perfect for special occasions. With their light, airy texture and rich chocolate sauce, you’ll impress your guests with this elegant treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting
– Chocolate sauce, warmed (recipe below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
4. Gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Pour in milk and mix until smooth.
6. Pipe dough onto prepared baking sheet in small balls.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Chocolate Sauce:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
Combine cream, butter, and chocolate chips in a saucepan over low heat. Stir until smooth.
Easy Ina Garten Peach Melba
This classic dessert gets a modern twist with fresh peaches and whipped cream, making it perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick weeknight treat.
Ingredients:
– 4 ripe peaches, sliced
– 1 cup heavy whipping cream
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup caramel sauce (such as dulce de leche)
– Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
2. Stir in the vanilla extract.
3. Arrange the peach slices on a serving dish or individual plates.
4. Drizzle the caramel sauce over the peaches.
5. Top with the whipped cream and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Barefoot Contessa Dark Chocolate Sorbet
In the world of sorbets, this rich and creamy treat stands out as a dark horse – a true showstopper for anyone with a sweet tooth. With its deep, velvety texture and intense chocolate flavor, it’s the perfect way to cap off a dinner party or satisfy your cravings on a warm summer evening.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) dark chocolate chips (at least 70% cocoa)
– 1 1/2 cups (375ml) heavy cream
– 1/4 cup (60g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions:
1. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream and granulated sugar until stiff peaks form.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the melted chocolate until well combined.
4. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Once frozen, scoop into cones or bowls and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 2 hours (includes freezing time)
Summary
Get ready to indulge in the sweetest treats with Ina Garten’s most decadent dessert recipes! From classic tiramisu and carrot cake to rich bread pudding and luscious chocolate mousse, these mouthwatering desserts are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Try making Ina’s ultimate chocolate cake, coconut cupcakes, or fresh fruit tart for a taste of perfection. With a range of flavors and textures, there’s something for everyone in this collection of 20 divine dessert recipes from the Barefoot Contessa herself. Treat yourself and loved ones to a world of sweetness and indulgence!
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