It's my birthday today — here are my top 15 favorite desserts

Birthdays have a way of reminding us what we genuinely enjoy, and for me, the day has to involve desserts. Since it’s my birthday today, I decided to share the 10 cakes and desserts I love most. Over the years, I’ve baked countless recipes, but a few really stand out for their flavor, texture, or the memories attached to them. Some are classics I’ve made for as long as I can remember, while others became favorites after a single unforgettable bite.

New York Cheesecake

A classic New York cheesecake is one of the most iconic desserts around. A crisp Graham cracker crust is filled with the creamiest, richest vanilla cheesecake filling with the perfect silky texture and just the right amount of tang. Many cheesecakes out there tend to look dry, which usually means they were overbaked. A proper New York cheesecake should be dense without being airy, but still creamy rather than dry. 

Go to the recipe: New York Cheesecake

Apple Pie

A classic apple pie is a cozy Fall staple, designed to be enjoyed with family and friends throughout Fall and Thanksgiving. My apple pie recipe features a crisp and buttery pie crust, filled to the brim with a juicy homemade apple filling. Every bite is filled with nostalgia!

Go to the recipe: Apple Pie

Blueberry Heaven on Earth Cake

Layered with moist cake, a delightful blueberry pie filling, two luscious creams, and toasted almonds, this blueberry heaven-on-earth cake truly lives up to its name! Impressive enough to serve at special events yet simple enough to whip up at home when craving something sweet, this dreamy dessert is bound to be a crowd favorite!

Go to the recipe: Blueberry Heaven on Earth Cake

Raspberry Brownies

If you like brownies, you will love these gooey raspberry brownies! Decadent chocolate brownies baked with fresh raspberries that perfectly balance the sweetness and give the most amazing flavor.

Go to the recipe: Raspberry Brownies

Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers

Baked to golden brown perfection, these delicious puff pastry apple turnovers are perfectly flaky & crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside filled with cinnamon-spiced sweet apples.

Go to the recipe: Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers

Tres Leches Cake

This easy, melt-in-your-mouth tres leches cake is the perfect dessert recipe for your next celebration! It's made with super moist vanilla sponge cake soaked in "tres leches" sauce and then topped with fluffy homemade whipped cream. After one slice, it may become your favorite dessert! 

Go to the recipe: Tres Leches Cake

German Bee Sting Cake

This delicious two-layer traditional German Bee Sting Cake is sure to be the talk of your guests at your next gathering! Made with soft, airy, French brioche bread filled with creamy vanilla pastry cream and a honey-glazed, crunchy almond topping, it is more than tasty but also eye-catching!

Go to the recipe: German Bee Sting Cake

Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

This delicious, easy Italian Lemon ricotta cake is by far one of the best lemon desserts you will ever try. It is made with fresh lemons, creamy ricotta cheese, and a hint of vanilla extract. It has a gently sweet, citrusy flavor and an irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture that resembles a moist sponge cake.

Go to the recipe: Italian Lemon Ricotta Cake

Madeleines

Classic French Madeleines are one of the easiest, most delicious little tea cakes you can make. I flavor them with vanilla and lemon for a classic taste, and the iconic shell shape makes them look so elegant. It's clear why this traditional French snack is so popular!

Go to the recipe: Madeleines

Italian Tiramisu

This classic Italian Tiramisu features airy ladyfingers soaked in coffee, layered between a silky, enriched mascarpone cream filling and a touch of cocoa on top. Buon Appetito!

Go to the recipe: Italian Tiramisu

Classic Chocolate Eclair

This is seriously the BEST classic chocolate eclair recipe that will take you through how to make eclairs at home step by step. It's a foolproof recipe designed for home bakers in their kitchen environment but delivers professional results. Mastering homemade eclairs is one of the most rewarding skills to learn!

Go to the recipe: Classic Chocolate Eclair

Basque Burnt Cheesecake

This easy Basque burnt cheesecake has an unbelievable texture and taste and a beautifully rustic appearance. It is the perfect choice if you feel intimidated by making traditional cheesecakes; it is the easiest cheesecake of all!

Go to the recipe: Basque Burnt Cheesecake

Paris-Brest

Paris-Brest, a delicate ring-shaped choux pastry with hazelnut praline crème mousseline filling, is definitely the Queen of French pastries! Crispy pâte à choux bonds together with silky, nutty creme mousseline filling in my classic French recipe! Extra praline paste and roasted hazelnuts in the filling bring additional crunchiness, making this Paris-Brest one of the most impressive desserts of all!

Go to the recipe: Paris-Brest

Jiggly Japanese Cheesecake

This jiggly Japanese cheesecake is a unique dessert that stands out for its soft, jiggly texture and delicate flavor. Made primarily with cream cheese and eggs, this sponge-like cheesecake has a souffle-like consistency that's both jiggly and fluffy. To achieve its signature texture, the recipe calls for whipped egg whites, which are gently folded into the batter. 

Go to the recipe: Jiggly Japanese Cheesecake

Baklava Cheesecake

This delicious baklava cheesecake recipe is a must-try for baklava and cheesecake lovers. It's the rich and creamy flavor of a traditional cheesecake wrapped in a nutty phyllo crust, drizzled in honey and rosewater syrup. What's more, it's effortless to make!

Go to the recipe: Baklava Cheesecake