Baking With Spices

One of the most fun and easy ways to introduce more spices into your life is through desserts. Warming spices are probably the most commonly used spices in desserts, however, we encourage you to think outside of the box.

As you experiment, you may find that some savory spices enhance sweet flavors or that different chilies complement chocolate desserts. We encourage you to play around in the kitchen and experiment with with sweets and spices.

Blank Canvas Recipe

The easiest way to begin experimenting with spices in desserts is by using a blank canvas recipe. This is means choosing a fairly simple recipe as a base and adding different herbs and spices.

We recommend using a base recipe like shortbread, olive oil cake, or even brownies. Make the recipe and then divide the batter into different bowls. Add different spices and herbs and have fun experimenting with flavors!

LA BOITE BLANK CANVAS RECIPES

To use these recipes for a blank canvas, omit the spice blend and add your own!

• Shortbread
• Brownies
• Olive Oil Cake

Common Baking Spices

CINNAMON

Sprinkle it in your hot chocolate. 

FLAKY SALT

Sprinkle on chocolate chip cookies when they come out of the oven.

LAVENDER

Add to a plain ice cream base and sweeten with honey. 

ALLSPICE

Use in pumpkin pie or spiced apple cider. 

VANILLA BEANS

Scrape out the seeds and use in a custard or pudding.

Using Spices in Desserts

• Adding salt intensifies sweet flavors. Add salt to milkshakes, smoothies, cakes, and cookies.
• Much like salt, other savory spices can intensify sweet flavors, allowing you to cut back on sugar sometimes. However, savory spices are not a replacement for sugar, so add a little at a time and taste as you go!
• Use chocolate and chiles together. The complex flavor of chocolate pairs well with heat.