breakfast

Bready or Not: Pumpkin Spice Bars

Posted by on Sep 16, 2026 in Blog, blondies, Bready or Not, breakfast, cookies, pumpkin | 0 comments

There’s no denying it’s pumpkin spice season, so let’s make it official with these Pumpkin Spice Bars.

Bready or Not: Pumpkin Spice Bars

They do not use pumpkin puree, but instead use pumpkin butter or pumpkin spread, the kind of thing that is found near jams or in special seasonal areas of grocery stores. For these pictures, I used Pumpkin Maple Spread from Aldi.

Bready or Not: Pumpkin Spice Bars

This is a fast recipe to put together. The confectioners’ sugar in the dough results in a powdery, soft texture. A lot of bars that look like this tend to be dense, but this reminded me more of a light coffee cake.

Bready or Not: Pumpkin Spice Bars

Bready or Not: Pumpkin Spice Bars

These Pumpkin Spice Bars don’t use pureed pumpkin, but instead use pumpkin butter or spread. I used Pumpkin Maple Spread, a seasonal item from Aldi.
Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Keyword: bars, cookies, pumpkin
Author: Beth Cato

Equipment

  • 9×13 pan
  • aluminum foil
  • nonstick spray

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats also called old-fashioned oats
  • 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter (3 sticks) room temperature
  • 12 ounces pumpkin butter or spread, about 1 1/2 cups

Instructions

  • Preheat oven at 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 pan with foil and add nonstick spray.
  • In a big bowl, combine flour, oats, confectioners’ sugar, pie spice, baking powder, and salt. Use fingers or a knife with fork to mash in the butter until the mixture starts to turn clumpy.
  • Press about 3/4 of the dough into the pan. Press down with hands, or use a piece of waxed paper and a heavy glass. Spread the pumpkin butter/spread on top using an uneven spatula. Crumble the reserved dough over the top.
  • Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Top should just be tuning golden and pass the toothpick test in the middle. Cool to room temperature, speeding process in fridge, if desired. Use foil sling to lift onto a cutting board to slice into bars.
  • Store sealed at room temperature or in fridge. Best eaten within 2 days.

OM NOM NOM!

    Read More

    Bready or Not Original: Chocolate Pumpkin Marble Bundt Cake

    Posted by on Sep 9, 2026 in Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, bundt, cake, chocolate, pumpkin | 0 comments

    That’s right, it’s time to start featuring pumpkin! I’m kicking off the season with a simple yet pretty bundt cake. This Chocolate Pumpkin Marble Bundt Cake balances chocolate with pumpkin spice.

    Bready or Not Original: Chocolate Pumpkin Marble Bundt Cake

    First of all: yes, this is a cool bundt pan. I’m blessed to be within a long drive of the NordicWare Factory Store, and I try to get there at least once a year to check out the heavily discounted pans and accessories!

    Bready or Not Original: Chocolate Pumpkin Marble Bundt Cake

    This is such a good cake. It’s not heavily sweet but has loads of good flavor. It’s the kind of cake that is great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

    Bready or Not Original: Chocolate Pumpkin Marble Bundt Cake

    Bready or Not Original: Chocolate Pumpkin Marble Bundt Cake

    This beautiful bundt includes chocolate and pumpkin spice in a cake that is loaded with flavor without being hardcore sweet.
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Keyword: bundt cake, chocolate, pumpkin
    Author: Beth Cato

    Equipment

    • large bundt pan (10-12 cups)
    • nonstick spray with flour

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
    • 3 large eggs room temperature
    • 15 ounces pumpkin puree can
    • 2 1/4 cups white sugar
    • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) melted and cooled
    • 1/2 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder sifted
    • 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
    • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
    • confectioners’ sugar to sprinkle on top

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven at 325 degrees. Generously coat interior of pan with nonstick spray with flour.
    • In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
    • In a large bowl, beat together eggs, pumpkin puree, sugar, and butter. Combine the dry ingredients with the wet. Batter may be lumpy.
    • Use the now-empty bowl from the dry ingredients to hold 3 cups of the batter. Stir in the sifted cocoa powder and vanilla, mixing until this portion of batter is one color.
    • To the other portion of batter, add the cinnamon and stir to spread throughout.
    • Add spoonfuls of each batter to the pan in an alternating pattern. Smooth out the top, but don’t swirl a knife through.
    • Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick plunged into the cake comes out clean. Let cool in pan 20 minutes, then carefully invert onto a rack to cool completely.
    • Before serving, sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over the top. Store covered at room temperature. Pieces can also be individually wrapped and frozen.

    OM NOM NOM!

      Read More

      Bready or Not Original: Chocolate-Almond Bundt Cake with Almond Glaze

      Posted by on Jul 1, 2026 in Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, bundt, cake, chocolate, nutty | Comments Off on Bready or Not Original: Chocolate-Almond Bundt Cake with Almond Glaze

      I’m not going to lie: this cake has so many of my favorite things all in cake form, and it made me very happy. I hope you love this Chocolate-Almond Bundt Cake with Almond Glaze, too.

      Bready or Not Original: Chocolate-Almond Bundt Cake with Almond Glaze

      First of all, you can do your own from-scratch almond paste for this recipe. I did not. I used a tube from Trader Joe’s. You can also find it at Walmart and many other places.

      Bready or Not Original: Chocolate-Almond Bundt Cake with Almond Glaze

      Almond flavor carries through every bite of this recipe, in different forms, with different textures. There is sweetness here, but not hardcore. Really, it’s about how the almond and chocolate complement each other.

      Bready or Not Original: Chocolate-Almond Bundt Cake with Almond Glaze

      Bready or Not Original: Chocolate-Almond Bundt Cake with Almond Glaze

      If you love chocolate and almond together, this bundt cake will be your slice of heaven. The cake looks beautiful, too, with a crown of glaze and sliced almonds.
      Course: Breakfast, Dessert
      Keyword: almond, bundt cake, chocolate
      Author: Beth Cato

      Equipment

      • 10-cup bundt pan
      • baking spray with flour

      Ingredients

      Cake

      • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) room temperature
      • 7 ounces almond paste
      • 1 1/4 cups white sugar
      • 3 large eggs room temperature
      • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
      • 3/4 teaspoon almond extract
      • 3 cups all-purpose flour
      • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
      • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
      • 1 1/4 cups half & half (or milk) warmed to 70 degrees
      • 6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

      Glaze

      • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
      • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
      • 3 + Tablespoons half & half or heavy cream
      • sliced almonds

      Instructions

      • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Coat the interior of a 10-cup bundt cake with baking spray with flour.
      • Beat butter and almond paste together until smooth and creamy. Add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time followed by the extracts. Scrape the bottom of the bowl to mix in everything.
      • In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet alternatively with the half & half/milk. Scrape the bottom of the bowl again, mixing until just combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
      • Scoop the batter into the prepared pan, leveling out the top.
      • Bake for 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes. A thermometer plunged into the cake should read over 205 degrees.
      • Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a cooling rack. Cool completely, speeding in fridge, if desired.
      • For the glaze, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, almond extract, and half & half, adding more sugar or liquid as needed to reach a good thick, oozy consistency. Dollop onto the cake so that it dribbles down the sides. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top.
      • Store in a sealed container in the fridge or at room temperature. Cake can also be individually sliced and frozen for later.

      OM NOM NOM!

        Read More

        Bready or Not: Caramel-Apple-Pecan Bundt Cake

        Posted by on Jun 17, 2026 in apples, Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, bundt, cake | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Caramel-Apple-Pecan Bundt Cake

        This Caramel-Apple-Pecan Bundt Cake is an absolute showstopper, a cake that looks incredible no matter the pan and tastes amazing, too.

        Bready or Not: Caramel-Apple-Pecan Bundt Cake

        Of course, to get those results, it takes work. This is a recipe that dirties a lot of dishes. Worth it, though? Oh yes.

        Bready or Not: Caramel-Apple-Pecan Bundt Cake

        I modified this recipe from the September/October 2025 issue of Bake from Scratch.

        Bready or Not: Caramel-Apple-Pecan Bundt Cake

        This is a showstopper of a bundt cake, but yes, it also involves extra work. The compliments will make that effort worthwhile! Modified from the September/October 2025 issue of Bake from Scratch.
        Course: Breakfast, Dessert
        Keyword: apple, bundt cake, caramel, pecans
        Author: Beth Cato

        Equipment

        • 10-cup bundt cake pan
        • nonstick spray with flour

        Ingredients

        Cake

        • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) melted and cooled slightly
        • 1 cup white sugar
        • 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
        • 3 large eggs room temperature
        • 1/3 cup apple cider
        • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
        • 3 cups all-purpose flour
        • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
        • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
        • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
        • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
        • 2 large firm sweet apples (such as Honeycrisp or Cosmic Crisp) peeled and cored
        • 5 tablespoons caramel sauce

        Glaze

        • 1/2 cup caramel sauce
        • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
        • chopped pecans for garnish

        Instructions

        • Preheat oven at 325 degrees. Thoroughly coat the interior of a 10-cup bundt pan with baking spray with flour.
        • In a large bowl, mix together melted butter and sugars. Add the eggs, cider, and vanilla.
        • In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
        • Dice up the apple into small pieces. This can also be done with a box grater.
        • Mix half of dry mixture into the butter mixture. until just combined. Fold in apples along with any juice. Mix in remaining flour mixture. Scrape the bottom of the bowl, and make sure there are no white streaks.
        • Scoop 2 cups of the batter into another bowl. Stir in the caramel sauce until the batter is fully incorporated and darker.
        • Use two spring-loaded scoops or large serving spoons to dollop alternating lumps of the two batters into the prepared pan. Once all of the batter is inside lay out a folded kitchen towel and firmly tap the pan on it several times to help the dough settle and release air bubbles.
        • Bake cake for an 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 25 minutes; the middle needs to pass the toothpick test. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then invert the cake onto a wire rack. Cool completely.
        • For glaze, if the caramel sauce is cold or stiff, measure it into a microwave-safe bowl and briefly and carefully zap in microwave to loosen. Mix in the vanilla.
        • Place cake on a serving platter or plate. Drizzle caramel over top. If desired, sprinkle pecan pieces on top.
        • Serve at room temperature; store for up to three days, covered. Leftover cake can be individually wrapped and frozen for later.

        OM NOM NOM!

          Read More

          Bready or Not: Almond Croissant Bars

          Posted by on Jun 3, 2026 in Blog, blondies, Bready or Not, breakfast, nutty | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Almond Croissant Bars

          These Almond Croissant Bars can’t match the texture of the real-deal, but the flavors? Oh yeah. Honestly, I think of the pastry base here as a buttery conveyance for the glories of frangipane.

          Bready or Not: Almond Croissant Bars

          Frangipane is one of my favorite things on the planet. Oh, you ask, what is frangipane? To quote Wikipedia, which has scarily become one of the better media platforms in this doomed timeline: “…A sweet almond-flavored custard, typical in French pastry, used in a variety of ways, including cakes and such pastries.”

          Bready or Not: Almond Croissant Bars

          Frangipane can be part of some very fancy, complicated desserts. This bar recipe is incredibly straightforward. You don’t even need to wash the bowl between making the crust and frangipane. This is the kind of treat that works well as a dessert but is also a fantastic breakfast or brunch item.

          Bready or Not: Almond Croissant Bars

          Bready or Not: Almond Croissant Bars

          These Almond Croissant Bars are super-easy to make and taste lush and delicious. This is a must for almond lovers! Modified from The Kitchn.
          Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
          Keyword: almond, bars, cake
          Author: Beth Cato

          Equipment

          • 9×9 or 8×8 pan
          • aluminum foil
          • nonstick spray
          • uneven spatula

          Ingredients

          Crust:

          • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 stick
          • 1 cup brown sugar packed
          • 1 large egg room temperature
          • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
          • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
          • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
          • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
          • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

          Frangipane:

          • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick) room temperature
          • 1/3 cup white sugar
          • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
          • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
          • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
          • 2 large eggs room temperature
          • 1 1/4 cups almond flour or almond meal, sifted

          Topping:

          • 1/2 cup sliced almonds
          • confectioners’ sugar for dusting optional

          Instructions

          Make the crust:

          • Melt the butter, either in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave or in a pot on the stove. Set aside to cool.
          • Preheat oven at 350. Line an 8×8 or 9×9 baking pan foil to extends up all four sides. Apply nonstick spray to base and sides.
          • Mix together the unsalted butter, brown sugar, egg, both extracts, and kosher salt. It will become smooth and glossy.
          • Beat in the flour and baking powder to form a thick batter. Spread into an even layer.

          Make the frangipane:

          • Beat together the butter, white sugar, and kosher salt the mixture is pale and fluffy. Scrape the bottom of the bowl.
          • Add the two extracts followed by the eggs one at a time. The mixture may look curdled. Scrape down the bottom of the bowl again. Fold in the almond flour, mixing until everything is smooth.
          • Dollop the frangipane over the base layer and smooth out using an uneven spatula. Evenly sprinkle the sliced almonds over the top and gently press in.

          Bake and finish:

          • Bake until golden brown and passes the toothpick test in the middle, 38 to 42 minutes. Let cool completely. Speed process in the fridge.
          • Use foil to lift the contents onto cutting board. Sprinkle on confectioners’ sugar, if desired. Cut into pieces. Store in a sealed container in the fridge.

          OM NOM NOM!

            Read More

            Bready or Not: Sock-It-To-Me Bundt Cake

            Posted by on Mar 18, 2026 in Blog, Bready or Not, breakfast, bundt, cake, nutty | Comments Off on Bready or Not: Sock-It-To-Me Bundt Cake

            I love a good bundt cake, and this Sock-It-To-Me Bundt Cake is especially good. To me, it seems like a coffee cake with the spiced crumble on the inside!

            Bready or Not: Sock-It-To-Me Bundt Cake

            I’ve had this recipe for years and years, clipped from a pretty old issue of Cook’s Country magazine. Their goal was to make a from-scratch version of the Duncan Hines cake mix recipe that dates to the 1970s–hence the very 1970s name.

            Bready or Not: Sock-It-To-Me Bundt Cake

            They used a food processor, and so I did as well. It does make the cake-making extremely easy, and the crumb was light and soft, as they promised. However, the cake can be mixed by hand or with a mixer. If you do, however, be sure to chop the pecans.

            Bready or Not: Sock-It-To-Me Bundt Cake

            Bready or Not: Sock-It-To-Me Bundt Cake

            This big bundt cake is rewritten from a version in Cook’s Country, the February/March 2009 issue. It’s rather like a coffee cake but the streusel is on the inside.
            Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
            Cuisine: American
            Keyword: bundt cake, pecans
            Author: Beth Cato

            Equipment

            • food processor
            • large bundt cake or tube pan (12 cups)
            • baking spray with flour

            Ingredients

            Streusel

            • 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
            • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted and cooled a smidgen
            • 1/4 cup brown sugar packed
            • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
            • 3/4 cup pecans

            Cake

            • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
            • 1 teaspoon baking powder
            • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
            • 1 teaspoon salt
            • 2 cups white sugar
            • 4 large eggs room temperature
            • 1 cup sour cream or vanilla or plain Greek yogurt, room temperature
            • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
            • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) melted and cooled

            Glaze

            • 1 1/4 cups confectioners’ sugar
            • 1 1/2 Tablespoons milk or half & half
            • 1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract

            Instructions

            • The base recipe is written for the food processor, but the ingredients can be mixed by machine or hand as well, though the crumb will not be as fine.
            • Preheat oven at 325 degrees. Use a baking spray with flour to fully coat every nook and cranny on the interior of the bundt or tube pan.
            • Start by making the streusel. In the food processor, combine the flour, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans. Pulse until everything is ground down. Transfer to another bowl. Wipe out food processor (no need to do a thorough wash).
            • Now it's time for the cake batter. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In the bowl of the food processor, blend together sugar, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually pour in the melted butter. Add the dry ingredient mix, pulsing until just combined.
            • Pour about half the batter into the bundt pan. Sprinkle the streusel to cover. Pour on the other half of the batter. Smooth out the top.
            • Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick plunged into the center comes out clean. Cool for about 20 minutes, then carefully invert onto a rack to cool.
            • After the cake is fully cool, mix up the glaze. The result should be thick and smooth. Place cake on cutting board or serving dish. Drizzle glaze over cake so it oozes down the sides. Let set about 2 hours, speeding the process in fridge, if desired.
            • Slice and serve. Keeps well at room temperature for at least 4 days. Cake pieces can also be individually wrapped and frozen.

            OM NOM NOM!

              Read More