For fans of a baking hack

+yay cold, but the early darkness can kick rocks

I might just say it every time: This is my absolute favorite time of year. When the holidays are about to hit, but they haven’t hit yet, so the hope and joy of them are still to come. Sign. Me. Up.

To be clear, though, I could give a rat’s buttcrack about Halloween.

Although I’ve realized I do have a solid appreciation for people who go ham for decorations (really, at any time of year). Makes me miss the Upper West Side and the decorated brownstones…

To call myself out, this should have hit your inboxes yesterday (since I know you’re all awaiting these with bated breath), but I lost track of the days. My bad.

GOLDEN GOODIES

I mean, who doesn’t love a hack? Especially when it makes your time baking in the kitchen so much easier.

I’ve put together some of my favorite baking hacks here, and, no, it’s not how to make buttermilk from milk and lemon juice (though that is solid info if you need it).

Also snuck in a bonus one here, and it’s extra yum :)

My grandma had 8 children, so her easy recipe for pumpkin cookies makes 60. You read both of those facts correctly.

Me and my cat-mothering-self could nevahhh (on the former) but will scarf down all of the latter.

While describing anything but a cake as “cake-y” often leads to turned-off faces, these are truly like mini cakes in cookie form. So light and fluffy, with an optional quick icing.

But I mean… is icing ever really something we turn down?

I wouldn’t call myself CEO of the Oreo fan club, but I’m definitely on the board. Also, I need some chocolate to break up the spice level of this season (which I love, but chocolate is an always-on need).

If you need an Oreo (or chocolate) fix, this Oreo cake with Oreo buttercream is easy-peasy, quick, and a delicious addition to your weekend plans.

However, I am the chair of the single-layer cake committee. While I love a layered situation, day-to-day, a single layer is all I need. And you can do so much with one! Here are 8 of my favorites (recipes included!).

I always have leftover test bakes, so when I had a spare Oreo cake round, I thought… let’s make some cake pops.

But rolled out, cut, and decorated to look like mummies for Halloween. I mean, I can do casually cute things.

Also, if you’re like, “but where do I get edible eyeballs?” You can get them on Amazon for cheap or likely at the dollar store this time of year.

If you’re new here, I started a series last year where I’m making 50 of the world’s favorite small treats.

These Canadian butter tarts marked #38 (tbc, we’re going up, not down, in number) and the second time I’ve managed to post a Canadian treat. On Canadian Thanksgiving. Completely by happy accident.

I’ve included a Bite Size round-up here, with all the recipe details for each bake so far. If there are any recipes you think I should try next, leave a comment and I’ll add them to my list!

Now back to cuddles my heating pad.

See ya next time!

Hannah

Tag me @accentgolden on Instagram and TikTok if you make any of these!

P.S. If you’re looking for a cause to support, let it be the MDA. They fund critical research on neuromuscular diseases while also supporting families with access to care and financial assistance. Head here to support.

P.P.S Sometimes there will be affiliate links in these emails, which may earn me commission for purchases made at no additional cost to you.