Skip to content

Tina Zaccardi Bakes

About
Recipes
Baking Classes & Demos
Get In Touch
Press

Tina Zaccardi Bakes

vanilla

Easy Vanilla Pastry Cream

Baking Basics

Easy Vanilla Pastry Cream

Chocolate Espresso Christmas Tree Ice Box Cake!!

Chocolate Espresso Christmas Tree Ice Box Cake!!

This is the Christmas dessert you didn't know you needed!!

The idea for this cake came out of a class I did last year. The theme of the class was "Last minute holiday inspiration." I wanted to demonstrate an Icebox Cake, which is one of the easiest desserts to put together, but I didn't want to make it in a round or loaf pan. I wanted something fun and different. I thought about different things that made you think of Christmas, and a tree popped into my head. I immediately put pen to paper and started drawing tree shapes and figured out how to best place the cookies. And this is what I landed on.

I wanted it to be reminiscent of a snow-covered tree, so I covered the outside with plain, sweetened whipped cream, but the inside is where I was able to add an additional flavor. The cookies are sandwiched with espresso cream, which is flavored with instant espresso powder.

I've also included a recipe for my thin chocolate wafer cookies, which work beautifully in this cake. I even cut them in squares, which helps them to stand up on your platter. The cookies can be made 3-4 days ahead and stored in an airtight container until you are ready to assemble the cake.

I am so happy with the way this turned out, and I hope you love it too!!

If you do give it a try, I would live to see it, so don't forget to tag me at @theitaliancookie or #tinazaccardibakes

Grab the recipe on my website www.tinazaccardi.com or at the link in my bio.

#tinazaccardi
#theitaliancookie
#iceboxcake
#cake
#chocolate
#espresso
#whippedcream
#christmasbaking
#howiholiday
#bakerlife
#bhgfood
#thekitchn
#thebakefeed
#bombesquad
#baker
#americanbakingshow
#greatamericanbakingshow
#rokuchannel

Chocolate Sugar Cookies with Holiday Sprinkles!!

Chocolate Sugar Cookies with Holiday Sprinkles!!

These cookies will brighten up any cookie box with their festive sprinkles.

But these cookies ate nut just cute to look at, they delicious too!!

They have a slightly chewy texture and are one of my favorites. I could eat the whole batch! The sprinkles give them a nice crunch on the outside, but if sprinkles are not your thing, leave them plain or roll in some granulated sugar. I also make these with bread flour, which gives them a slightly chewier texture than using all-purpose flour.

And these are great because you can customize them with any color sprinkles you fancy!

The recipe is on my website, click the link in my bio under the ⬇️. or check out my stories for the link, too.

Now I want to see your holiday cookies. Tag me @theitaliancookie and #holidaycookiefun2023!!

Happy Baking!!

#tinazaccardibakes #theitaliancookie .
#holidaybaking
#christmascookies
#christmasbaking
#holidaycookies
#cookies
#cookielove
#cookiesofinstagram
#instacookies
#makebakingfun
#stressfreeholiday
#recipe
#baker
#homebaker
#learntobake
#baking
#bakersofintagram
#lohudfood
#thebakefeed
#feedfeedbaking
#bombesquad
#bhgfood
#westchester
#thekitchn
#chocolate
#kingarthurbaking
#lohudfood
#eatvoraciously

Chocolate Piped Shortbread Cookies!! I'll be maki

Chocolate Piped Shortbread Cookies!!

I'll be making these cuties tonight with @therockabillybaker , from season 6 of The Great American Baking Show, during our Instagram Live Tonight!!

Please join us as we talk all things cookies and all the tips and tricks to make your piped cookies look and taste amazing!

Tonight, December 4th
7:00pm Eastern
4:00 Pacific

Come by, ask some questions, or just say hi. We can't wait to see you!!!

You can grab the recipe on my website or at the link in my bio!

#tinazaccardi
#cookies
#pipedcookies
#I love cookies
#bakingtips
#rokuchannel
#greatamericanbakingshow
#gbbo

Get ready for some cookie fun!! Tomorrow December

Get ready for some cookie fun!! Tomorrow December 4th at 7:00pm Eastern, 4:00 pacific join Dyana O'Brien, from season 6 of The Great American Baking Show and me, from season 4 for our cookie centric Instagram Live. We will both be making our favorite piped cookies and sharing our tips and tricks to make your cookies look and taste fabulous this holiday season. Looking forward to seeing all of you!!!

#tinazaccardi
#tinazaccardibakes
#instagramlive
#cookies
#bakers
#americanbakingshow
#greatameticanbakingshow
#gbbo
#great british bakeoff
#bakingtips
#pipedcookies

Simply decorated gingerbread cookies!! Let's keep

Simply decorated gingerbread cookies!!

Let's keep it simple!!

Ornately decorated cookies take a lot of time and talent, but with one color icing, one color sprinkles, and 1 decorating tip, you can make something simple and elegant.

There is something so striking about gingerbread cookies with pure white icing!!

Royal Icing Recipe:

60 grams of Pasteurized Egg Whites
300-350 grams of powdered sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or other flavoring.

Whip the egg whites until foamy. Gradually add enough sugar, and whip on high until you reach a pipable consistency.

#tinazaccardi
#tinazaccardibakes
#gingerbread
#gingerbreadcookies
#cookies
#bakingsimple
#keepitsimple
#cookie
#baker
#holidaybaking
#cookiedecorating
#christmasbaking
#easybaking
#americanbakingshow
#bakerlife
#bombesquad
#thebakefeed
#thekitchn
#bhgfood
#nytcooking

I gussied up my slice and bake cookies by covering

I gussied up my slice and bake cookies by covering the outside of the log with some finely chopped pistachios.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

✔️ Very lightly brush egg white all over the log. Too much egg white will make a gloppy mess.

✔️ Make sure your log is chilled. This way, when you roll and press it in the nuts, sugar, etc it won't become miss shapen.

✔️ Take your time and make sure it's totally covered. You may need to press them on in spots.

✔️ Cover with plastic wrap or foil and chill until ready to slice and bake.

These cookies contain semi-sweet chocolate and dried cherries. I covered them with pistachios... What would you use?

Bake Share Enjoy
Tina 💕

#theitaliancookie
#Tinazaccardibakes
#cookies
#holidaycookies
#christmascookies
#howiholiday
#sliceandbake
#bakingtip
#bombesquad
#americanbakingshow
#gabs
#gbbo
#cookielover
#baking
#baker
#holidaybaking

I had the most amazing time yesterday morning on @

I had the most amazing time yesterday morning on @nylivingtv with @alexleemedia and @hsancheztv . Thank you, Stephanie, for having me on.

I made my Chocolate Espresso Christmas Tree Icebox Cake. As you can see from the picture, it was devoured very quickly!!

Link to the entire segment is in my stories.

#tinazaccardi
#tinazaccardibakes
#livetv
#TV
#segment
#iceboxcake
#baking
#baker
#americanbakingshow
#greatamericanbakingshow
#tvbakingsegment
#nylivingtvshow
#pix11
#Espresso
#chocolatecookies
#whippedcream

Mocha Latte Sandwich Cookies!! I'm so excited to

Mocha Latte Sandwich Cookies!!

I'm so excited to have these cuties featured in the December issue of @westchestermagazine

Where are my coffee lovers? How about a cozy drink of steamed milk, espresso, and chocolate turned into a cookie!!

Two delicious espresso and chocolate flavored cookies sandwiched with my latter buttercream. The buttercream that gets its unique flavor from milk powder.

I hope you give these a try. You can grab the recipe in Westchester Magazine or head to my website.

#tinazaccardi
#tinazaccardibakes
#Cookies
#holidaycookies
#mochalatte
#mochalattecookies
#sandwichcookies
#cocoa
#espressopowder
#mocha
#milkpowder

Did you know my Slice & Bake Cookies make great g

Did you know my Slice & Bake Cookies make great gifts!?

Keep the rolls in the freezer for last-minute invites or gifts for friends and neighbors.

I like to roll them in a dish towel, add a bottle of bubbly and some festive spatulas, and you're all set!! And if you have advance notice of your invite, you can customize the mix-ins to your host's tastes.

Remember to label with the name of the cookie, how thick to slice and temperature, and cook

🥂 Here's to a stress free holiday season!!

You can grab the recipe on my website and click the link in my bio under the ⬇️.

#tinazaccardibakes
#tinazaccardi
#holidaygifts
#bomesquad
#christmasbaking
#christmascookies
#theitaliancookie
#sliceandbake
#baker
#holidaycookies
#stressfree
#bakingtips
#Cookies
#holidaybaking

Cookies! Cookies! Cookies! It's officially holid

Cookies! Cookies! Cookies!

It's officially holiday cookie season, and are you as excited as I am?

Here are some oldies but goodies, with some newbies scattered about.

I hope you'll join me on my cookie journey from now until December 25th. I'll be bringing you lots of tips and tricks to make the best holiday cookies. But not to worry, there will be other bakes too!!

So what's your favorite cookie?

#tinazaccardibakes
#cookies
#holidaycookies
#cookiequeen
#baker
#Ladyfingers
#pizzelle
#peanutbutterchocolatechipcookies
#pignoli
#custardcreams
#holidaybaking
#bombesquad
#ilovecookies
#holidaybaking
#flour
#sugar
#butter
#eggs
#chocolate

Thankful for family, friends, and all of you shari

Thankful for family, friends, and all of you sharing this crazy baking journey with me.🧡🦃🥧

Pumpkin White Chocolate Mousse Tart with a Gingersnap Pecan Crust!!

#thanksgiving
#pie
#pumpkinpie
#thankful

Date Nut Bread!! Need a breakfast treat for Thank

Date Nut Bread!!

Need a breakfast treat for Thanksgiving morning or the long weekend coming up?

This date, nut bread, would be perfect!

You can grab the recipe on my website and link in my bio.

If you want to take it to the next level, serve it with my whipped orange cream cheese!!

4 ounces of Softened Cream Cheese
3-4 Tablespoons of Powdered Sugar
2 Teaspoons of Fresh Orange Zest

Just whip up the cream cheese, sugar, and zest, either by hand or with a hand mixer and enjoy!

Happy Baking!!

#tinazaccardibakes
#tinazaccardi
#theitaliancookie
#datenutbread
#quickbread
#easybaking
#onebowlbaking
#dates
#walnuts
#fallbaking
#baker
#westchester
#westcheserbaker
#bakersgonnabake
#bakersofinstagram
#dole
#bombesquad
#foodfluffer
#bakedfromscratch
#thebakefeed
#usapan
#americanbakingshow

Cannoli Board!! Do you need a fun dessert that's

Cannoli Board!!

Do you need a fun dessert that's not a pie, or does not contain apples or pumpkin? I've got you covered!!

Silky smooth sweetened ricotta topped with all your favorite cannoli flavors...chocolate, pistachios and homemade orange peel. Don't forget the cannoli chips for dipping.

It you want to make this for Thanksgiving, you still have time.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

⭐️ Drain your ricotta for at least 24 hours prior to using. 48 hours is best.

⭐️ Using a pasta roller will make preparing the dough for the chips super easy. If you don't have one, you will need to knead the dough for about 3-4 minutes until smooth.

⭐️ After you have cut the squares, make sure you take the time to dock them all over with a fork. This will prevent them from puffing up like a pillow when fried.

⭐️ You can make the chips the day before and store them in an airtight container after they are completely cool.

Recipe on my website, link in my bio.

#tinazaccardibakes
#tinazaccardi
#theitaliancookie
#cannoli
#cannoliboard
#dessert
#holidaybaking
#dessertboard
#baker
#bakerlife
#ricotta
#chocolate
#pistachios
#candiedorangepeel
#sweet
#baking
#bombesquad
#thebakefeed
#feedfeed
#wonderful pistachios
#sunkistcitrus
#instafood
#damnthatsdelish
#italianbaking
#americanbakingshow

Lots of pies going to be made in the next couple o

Lots of pies going to be made in the next couple of days, but what to do with all your pie dough scraps. Well, I've got you covered!!

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

✔️ Take your scraps and lay them flat and wrap in plastic.

✔️ Place the small packages of dough in a large, labeled ziploc bag and tuck that into the freezer.

✔️ Keep adding to the bag, and when you have scraps from 3-4 pies, you're ready to begin.

✔️ Remove them from the freezer and place them slightly overlapping on a lightly floured surface to about the size of the pan you would like to use.

✔️ Begin rolling so that the pieces become one. I like to make a fold or two, which will give you extra layers.

✔️ Place the dough in the pan, and you can use it anyway you like.
- Add filling and bake.
- Par bake
- Blind bake
- Or use the dough to make tarts or hand pies.

I blind baked my crust and then sacrificed it to show you how flaky it is!!

🚨The key to doing this is not to handle the scraps too much and do not roll them up into a ball. 🚨

#tinazaccardibakes
#tinazaccardi
#theitaliancookie
#piedough
#piedoughscraps
#reuse
#recycle
#pie
#holidaybaking
#baking
#baker
#bombesquad
#thebakefeed
#feedfeed
#feedfeedbaking
#plugra
#kingarthurflour
#kingarthurbaking
#bakingtips
#bakersgonnabake
#doughez
#pastry
#pastrylove
#flaky

Lattice Top Tip!! There is nothing more classic t

Lattice Top Tip!!

There is nothing more classic than a Lattice Top Pie Crust!

It looks difficult, but it doesn't have to be.

How many times have you tried to weave the crust right on top of your pie filling and made a terrible mess?

Think blueberry pie filling!😳🤪

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

⭐️ Roll your dough out about 1/8" thick and slice into strips whatever width and length you need to accommodate the size of your pie and the lattice design you are making. Place the strips on a parchment lined baking sheet and place them in the fridge or the freezer until you can easily handle them. You don't want them to be frozen solid.

⭐️ On a piece of parchment paper, draw a circle a bit larger than the size of the top of your pie. This will act as a guide. Turn the parchment over and begin to assemble your lattice top.

⭐️ Once your lattice top is complete, slide it onto a sheet oan and place it back in the fridge or freezer to chill until the firm.

⭐️ When firm enough to handle, you can either lift it up and place it on the top of your pie or slide it on to the top of your pie. Allow the dough to soften a bit before crimping the edges as you would normally do.

#tinazaccardi
#tinazaccardibakes
#theitaliancookie
#piecrust
#lattice
#latticepiecrust
#baking
#bakingtips
#holiday baking
#pie
#piedough
#thanksgiving
#holidaydesserts
#baker
#bakersofinstagram
#thegreatamericanbakingshow
#americanbakingshow
#therokuchannel
#pies
#pielove
#bombesquad
#food52grams
#food52
#thebakefeed
#feedfeedbaking

Chocolate Silk and Strawberry Mousse Pie!! Rememb

Chocolate Silk and Strawberry Mousse Pie!!

Remember my Sour Cream Pie dough that I showed you how to blind baked a few days ago?

It's the perfect crust to be filled with something creamy and dreamy. Mine is no exception, I filled it with chocolate silk and strawberry/raspberry mousse.

It was a bit of a, let me see what I have in the pantry and fridge, situation

After chilling it overnight, I decorated with some whipped cream and chocolate dipped strawberries.

Not what you would expect for a Thanksgiving dessert, but doing the unexpected is so fun!!

#tinazaccardibakes
#pie
#blindbake
#chocolatesilkpie
#strawberrymousse
#baker
#holidaybaking
#baking
#dessert
#sourcream
#sourcreampiedough
#flaky
#nosoggybottom
#pastry
#americanbakingshow
#greatamericanbakingshow
#chocolate
#strawberry
#raspberries

Pumpkin Brie!! Last year, I collaborated with @de

Pumpkin Brie!!

Last year, I collaborated with @deciccos
to bring you this PumpkinBrie, the viral sensation, perfect to serve on Thanksgiving. It was so good that I'm bringing it back this year.

Here are the ingredients you will need, which can all be purchased at DeCicco & Sons if you are local to Westchester. If you are not near Deciccos, you can probably get all the ingredients at your local supermarket.

1 Brie Round
1 Egg
@stonewallkitchen Jam of your choice
@dufourpasyrykitchens Frozen Puff Pastry
@deciccos Pecans

Decorative accompaniments:

@mccormickspice cinnamon sticks
@goodnessgardens sage leaves
@deciccos Store Baked Rustic Baguette
@firehook Baked Organic Crackers
Satsuma Citrus Fruit
Thinly Sliced Granny Smith Apples

Directions:

🍁On a flat surface, lay out 6 pieces of kitchen twine.
🍁Cut out a round piece of puff pastry larger than the wheel of brie.
🍁Lay the puff pastry round in the middle of the kitchen twine.
🍁Spread some of the jam in the middle of the puff pastry and sprinkle with some toasted pecans.
🍁Place the round of Brie on the jam and bring up the sides of the puff pastry to encase the Brie.
🍁Tie opposite side strings all around the Brie.
🍁Turn over and place on a parchment lined baking sheet and brush lightly with a beaten egg.
🍁Place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
🍁Brush lightly with more beaten egg and bake in a preheated 400° for 20 minutes until golden brown.
🍁Slowly and carefully remove the strings and place on your board with the accompaniments.
🍁Place a cinnamon stick in the center and decorate with sage leaves.
🍁Enjoy!!

#bakedbrie #pumpkinbrie #thanksgivingideas #holidaybaking #tinazaccardibakes

Pumpkin White Chocolate Mousse Tart!! I'll be dem

Pumpkin White Chocolate Mousse Tart!!

I'll be demonstrating how to make this cutie at the @mtpleasantlib on Saturday, November 18th at 2:00pm.

Lovely light pumpkin white chocolate mousse in the cookie crust of your choice. I used gingersnap cookies and finely chopped toasted @schermerpecans but graham crackers would work just as well, or how about chocolate. Its topped with a toasted swiss meringue and more pecans!

Shake thinks up a bit on Thanksgiving this year and make this instead of the standard pumpkin pie.

One of the best parts is that it's pretty much a no-bake situation except for 10 minutes for the crust.

Hope you give it a try!

The recipe is on my website 🔗 in my bio.

If you want to make a chocolate crumb crust, I also have a recipe for chocolate wafer cookies that would work great.

#tinazaccardi
#tinazaccardibakes
#theitaliancookie
#pumkin
#gingersnaps
#pecans
#pumpkinmousse
#bakingdemonstration
#fallbaking
#holidaybaking
#mousse
#tart
#baking
#bakersgonnabake
#baker
#eastchester
#westchester
#lohudfood
#todayfood
#thekitchn
#thebakefeed
#feedfeed
#bombesquad
#westchestermagazine
#foodnetworkkitchen
#eatvoraciously
#meringue
#swissmeringue
#dessert
#sweet

Blind Baking!! When you are filling your pie wit

Blind Baking!!

When you are filling your pie with a cooked custard, mousse or a filling that is precooked, it will be necessary to blind bake your crust.

Blind baking is when you totally bake your bottom crust, not to be confused with partial baking of your crust.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

✔️ Make sure to dock the bottom and sides, with the tines of a fork, before your pie takes a rest in the freezer. If you try and do it after the crust is frozen it will be very difficult and you may even Crack the crust.

✔️ Once frozen, remove the crust from the freezer. Scrunch up a piece of parchment paper and line the crust with it.

✔️ You will then want to fill the parchment with pie weights, but my favorite is dried beans. They are inexpensive and can be used over and over again.

✔️ The baking directions are for my Sour Cream Pie Crust. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and remove the parchment paper and weights. Return the crust to the oven and bake an additional 10-12 minutes or until it's golden brown and no longer looks glossy.

✔️ Allow the crust to cool completely.

#sourcreampiecrust
#tinazaccardibakes
#tinastips
#tinasbakingtips
#bakingtips
#piedough
#blindbaking
#usapan
#howiholiday
#daisysourcream
#pie
#baker
#bakersofinstagram
#piedough
#piecrust
#pielove
#blindbake
#americanbakingshow
#gabs

Your Sunday baking project! Pistachio Dried Cherr

Your Sunday baking project!

Pistachio Dried Cherry Cornmeal
Orange Biscotti

Roasted pistachios, tart dried cherries, and orange zest all mixed up in a simple batter with the addition of some ground cornmeal

The cornmeal adds this great crunchy texture and flavor.

So simple to put together, and they last about 2 weeks stored in an air-tight container.

Here they are in a traditional biscotti shape and method. Swipe to see them baked in the @usa_pan biscotti pan. They come out all exactly the same size.

I hope you give them a try. The recipe is on my website , link in my bio.

#tinazaccardi
#tinazaccardibakes
#theitaliancookie
#biscotti
#italianbaking
#cookies
#baking
#baker
#bakersofinstagram
#bombesquad
#thebakefeed
#pistachio
#driedcherries
#orange
#wonderfulpistachios
#sunkistcitrus
#traderjoes

Follow on Instagram

© 2023 Tina Zaccardi Bakes

About
Recipes
Baking Classes & Demos
Get In Touch
Press