19 Celebrity Recipes To Dish This Holiday Dinner

celebrity holiday recipes

We love our holiday staples but sometimes we like to mix it up with someone new, whether it's a new appetizer to try (love this baked brie recipe), a new side dish, or even a new dessert or holiday cocktail. Conversations around the holiday table can't help but center on the food, and when you can drop a celeb name to the dish the conversation takes a juicy turn. This year, our holiday dinner goes to Hollywood for celebrity takes on holiday desserts, dishes and drinks. Make them now and well into winter. Who knows, they may become your family favorites too. Now scene!

Taylor Swift Chai Cookies

Taylor Swift adapted this cookie recipe from Joy the Baker and our editor Meredith Holser gave them a go in her kitchen. She was starstruck by how easy they were to make!

Blake Lively's Sausage And Brie Puff Pastry

Lively recreates one of her favorite personal recipes using locally sourced meats and ingredients with Elletra's Goodness. (via Vogue)

Jesse Tyler Ferguson's Roast Chicken with Lemon Pepper Rub

If you're over turkey and turkey leftovers, this flavorful roast chicken from the Modern Family star will mix up your holiday meal with lemon-y deliciousness.

Bundle “Le Emilia” By Emilia Clarke

  • 2 fl oz Pegasus Vodka
  • 1/2 fl oz Eau D'or Liqueur
  • 1/2 fl oz simple syrup
  • 1 fl oz lime juice
  • 5-6 fresh mint leaves
  1. Shake and strain in a cocktail glass.
  2. Add Eau D’Or foam.
  3. Decorate with fresh mint leaves and lime zest.
  4. Suggested glassware: Riedel Sour Glass

Joanna Gaines' Friendsgiving Casserole

This chicken casserole is the perfect one-pot meal to take to your holiday potluck or just whip up for a delicious winter meal for days. (from Magnolia)

Dolly Parton's Walnut Pie

  • 1 fold-out pie crust (thawed)
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cup of sugar
  • 3/4 cup of light corn syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups of finely chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbsp butter, melted
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • whipped cream
Directions:
  1. Preheat over to 400 degrees. Roll out the crust and line a 9-inch pie plate with it.
  2. Beat eggs in a large bowl with hand mixer. Gradually add the sugar, corn syrup, vanilla, and salt. Continue mixing until combined. Add the melted butter and beat until thoroughly incorporated.
  3. Pour the egg mixture into the pie shell. Add the walnuts, spreading them evenly within the mixture. Bake for 10 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to 300 degrees and bake 45 minutes more. Place a collar of foil around the edge of the crust after 30 minutes.
  5. Serve with a Dolly-up of whipped cream.

Kristen Bell's Everything Cookies

For your next cookie party serve up the Bell's favorite Everything Cookie (oats, butterscotch and chocolate, oh my!). Get points for gluten-free too! (from Today)

Sarah Michelle Gellar's Gingerbread Cookies

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer alum makes this adorable Gingerbread family at home with her two little ones. (from Us)

Chrissy Teigen's Sweet Potato Streusel Pie

Buttery pecan topping? Yes, please! Thanks to Cravings by Chrissy Tiegen for the recipe.

Martha Stewart's Shortbread Cookie Wreaths

Slay your cookie party with these candied flowered cookies from the baking queen.

Kylie Jenner's Calabasas Combo

Ingredients:

Directions: Combine all ingredients except Sprinter Vodka Soda in a cocktail shaker and shake until frosty. Pour into a rocks glass and top with Sprinter Vodka Soda. Garnish with a lime wheel or grapefruit slice.

Gwyneth Paltrow's Potato Apple Latkes with Smoked Salmon

We never met a fried potato we didn't like. This Hanukkah hit from GP makes a great holiday breakfast or side dish. (from Goop)

Avaline

Cameron Diaz's Cambrusco Spritz

Here's my twist on the classic Shirley Temple that's become my favorite fall cocktail — the Avaline Cambrusco Spritz! It combines Avaline's fruity, fizzy Lambrusco with refreshing pomegranate-cranberry juice and lemon-lime sparkling water. It’s the perfect blend of tart, bubbly, and not-too-sweet, with a nostalgic touch from the maraschino cherries. Whether you’re hosting happy hour or planning a dinner party with fresh fall produce, this spritz will add a fun pop of color (and flavor) to your autumn gatherings. Cheers to making new memories! - Cameron

  1. Fill to top with sparkling water
  2. Add 1 squeeze of a lemon wedge
  3. Add 1-3 maraschino cherries for garnish

Kylie Jenner's Famous Matzo Ball Soup

Warm up a winter holiday day with a bowl of matzo ball soup courtesy of the Kardashians star. She walks you through her recipe — the matzo balls can be made by following the instructions on the box.

Meghan Markle's The TIG Cozy Cocktail

The duchess calls this warm and cinnamon-y bourbon-based drink "the very best apres ski drink I can think of." Cue the roasting fire. (from The Mail)

Jamie Chung's The Moet 75

A twist on one of our faves, the French 75, this official Golden Globes cocktail created by the The Misfits star has a kick of tequila. (from Haute Living)

Kourtney Kardashian's Pomegranate Champagne Punch

So easy and so tasty! Give this festive Champagne-based cocktail a swig to ring in the new year in style. (from In Style)

Carly Pearce's Pumpkin Pie

The country music singer, based in Nashville, shared her mom's pumpkin pie recipe with us and we are all over it.

Dough:

  • 1 1/4 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 stick of butter
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten

Filling:

  • 2 cups of unsweetened pure pumpkin puree
  • 1 cup evaporated milk
  • 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 1/4 cups half-and-half
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/3 teaspoon of ground cloves (we like to add an extra pinch!)
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
Instructions:
  1. For the dough, mix together flour, sugar and salt evenly in a bowl
  2. Lightly beat in butter and egg
  3. Cover the dough in plastic and let chill in refrigerator for 2 hours
  4. Once chilled, sprinkle flour on a flat surface and roll out dough, then roll dough onto pie pan. Leave about half an inch extra around the edge and fold underneath the edge of the crust.
  5. Pinch edges of pie with your fingers, then freeze the shell for 30 minutes.
  6. Add parchment paper over the pie shell and fill with pie weights (this can be dried beans or even sugar)
  7. To prep the dough for the filling, bake on a baking sheet for 30 minutes on 375 degrees, or until pie shell is golden brown
  8. Take the crust out of the oven and remove the weights, then let the crust cool.
  9. Set oven temp to 350 degrees
  10. For the filling, mix the pumpkin puree, evaporated milk, half-and-half, light brown sugar and spices and eggs into a bowl. Whisk until smooth.
  11. Pour mix into pie crust, bake at 350 degrees for 50-60 minutes.
  12. Remove from oven, let pie cool for 30 minutes

Amy Grant's Fudge Sauce

The 6-time Grammy Award winner shared with us her mom Gloria's recipe for fudge sauce. Dip cookies, add to ice cream or drizzle on pie:

  • 4-5 unsweetened chocolate squares
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 stick butter

In a double-boiler, melt Chocolate Squares and Sweetened Condensed Milk, then fill empty can with water. Add water, a little at a time, to the melted chocolate mixture. Allow it to cook down, and add more water and repeat. After about 20 minutes, remove from heat, add butter and beat until shiny.

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Eating healthy does not have to be boring. Nowadays, there are plenty of options to help you stay on track – and these 15 superfood recipes are our absolute faves! Incorporating superfoods into your diet means you’ll get more antioxidants, vitamins, fiber, healthy fats, and protein on a daily basis, which ultimately can support a balanced, healthy lifestyle. A lot of superfoods are even known to improve your immunity, heart health, andgut health score!

Scroll on for 15 superfood recipes that are nourishing, easy to make, and super satisfying.

What are superfoods?

Jane Trang Doan / PEXELS

According to Cleveland Clinic, superfoods are a type of “super-charged, super-healthy foods,” especially ones that are typically nutrient-dense while boasting a low calorie count.

Generally, superfoods support heart health, a strong immune system, reduced inflammation, lower cholesterol levels, and can even help with cancer prevention.

Avocado, berries, beets, dark leafy greens, garlic, ginger, legumes, lentils, salmon, and yogurt are just a few of the most common superfoods.

What is the healthiest superfood?

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

The “healthiest” superfood might depend on what you consider healthy. For someone that prioritizes protein, salmon might be the healthiest superfood for them. Meanwhile, someone that’s aiming to eat more fiber might think dark leafy greens are the healthiest option for them.

How can I eat more superfoods?

Людмила Самсонова / PEXELS

You can eat more superfoods by incorporating them into easy superfood recipes like the ones we’ve listed below! Superfood recipes don’t have to be obviously healthy, and these delicious dishes prove it.

The Best Superfood Recipes For Healthy Eating In 2025

Half Baked Harvest

Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potatoes & Crispy Chickpeas

Dark, leafy greens like kale are a great superfood for getting in lotsa vitamins and fiber. Try out this bulked-up Caesar salad prepped with lemony parmesan tahini dressing. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Vikalinka

Creamy Orzo Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash

This orzo-based dish makes a perfect comfort meal that's still very healthy for you. Spinach and sweet potato add some great nutrients, plus you could make the dish more filling by adding a protein source of your choice! (via Vikalinka)

The Real Food Dietitians

Sheet Pan Veggie Shawarma with Lemon Tahini Dressing

Veggies on veggies! This sheet pan meal is loaded with a zesty Mediterranean flavor that'll keep you coming back for more. And more. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

The Girl on Bloor

Easy BBQ Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Salmon is a known superfood that delivers beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Since it can be less than appealing on its own, spice it up with some of this delish homemade avocado salsa! (via The Girl on Bloor)

The First Mess

Spiced Chickpeas & Rice with Roasted Crispy Cabbage and Sweet Mustard Dressing

Legumes like chickpeas are another nutritious superfood to keep stocked in your kitchen. This "pilaf-like" recipe will encourage your love for chickpeas even more. (via The First Mess)

Earthly Provisions

Vegan Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans

Just a single skillet and 15 minutes are all you need to craft this creamy vegan dinner recipe. The garlic, spinach, and hummus make it totally superfood-worthy, though you wouldn't initially guess it was packed with healthy stuff. (via Earthly Provisions)

Crowded Kitchen

Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad with Pomegranate & Candied Pecans

Fruit and veg together can be really yummy. The proof is in this ahh-mazing shaved Brussels sprouts salad! (via Crowded Kitchen)

No Eggs or Ham

Lemongrass Cauli-Rice Bowl with Sweet Ginger Mushrooms

Dense in nutrients, mushrooms are a superfood must-have. Combine 'em with anti-inflammatory ginger, and your body's gonna feel so nourished! (via No Eggs or Ham)

The Original Dish

Roasted Broccolini with Calabrian Chile Vinaigrette

A good rule of thumb for healthy eating is getting lots of greens in. Start with this addictive AF broccolini-based side dish that's delicious dressed with a spicy vinaigrette. (via The Original Dish)

Gastroplant

Easy Lentil & Sweet Potato Chili

Healthy, legume-loaded chili? We're here for it. (via Gastroplant)

Veggie Society

Korean Glass Noodle Stir Fry

This healthy stir fry beats takeout any day of the week, plus, it's not at all labor-intensive to make. (via Veggie Society)

Kathryn's Kitchen

Baked Spinach Artichoke Dip

This dip's made with 2 bags of fresh spinach to give you all that great, green goodness. This recipe is perfect for snacky. meal preppers or if you have a potluck party to attend. (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Vanilla and Bean

Avocado Toast with Roasted Asparagus

Avocados are a superfood known to be heart-healthy, gut-healthy, and rich in healthy fats. Sounds like an everyday avo toast is in store! (via Vanilla and Bean)

Completely Delicious

Asian-Glazed Sheet-Pan Salmon & Broccoli

Chef up some salmon in any way you like, but this Asian-inspired recipe is absolutely the best route to go. (via Completely Delicious)

Whole and Heavenly Oven

Instant Pot Butter Chickpeas

You need to check out these chickpeas. Packed with Indian spices, yogurt, garlic, and ginger, you're gonna fall in love with this Instant Pot beauty. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

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I can't stop thinking about Nosferatu, and I know why. Robert Eggers obviously created a cinematic masterpiece, but it's the gothic horror theme that I appreciate more than anything. Some of my favorite films in this genre are Bram Stoker's Dracula, Sleepy Hollow, Candyman, and 2010's The Wolfman. But it's not movies that made me fall in love with them; it's books.

I wish I would've embraced being a 'weird' Black girl who loved cutesy things as much as she enjoyed reading about monstrous creatures, but there's always now. If you're a proud fan of supernatural, morally gray characters, and psychological warfare, I have more than a few surprises for you. Here are all the gothic horror books you should pick up ASAP!

Scroll to see all the gothic horror books to read after watching Nosferatu!

Amazon

1. HUNGERSTONEby Kat Dunn (February 18, 2025)

Lenore has been married to the successful steel magnate Henry for a decade, but there doesn't seem to be anymore love between them. Still, they put on a united front to travel to the moorlands and that's when it happens — tragedy.

One accident unites the couple with Carmilla, an intriguing woman who's appearance changes depending on the time of day. The longer she's in their lives, the more Lenore feels inexplicably drawn to her. But, the timing of Carmilla's presence coincides with young girls developing insatiable appetites accompanied with a perplexing illness.

Also, Lenore doesn't feel like herself anymore. Rather, she's questioning if she's been honest about who she is all along. She thinks she wants to rekindle the passion in her marriage, but she can't ignore Carmilla's influence on her...

Amazon

2. Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

Kidan Adane's an heiress who's trying to outrun the fate of living among vampires, but is drawn back in when her sister June vanishes. Kidan decides accepting her place as a student at Uxlay University is the only way to seek revenge against the house vampire she 'knows' took June — Susenyos Sagad.

He's as dangerous as he is enchanting, but Kidan will quickly discover that he's not the most dangerous being she needs to worry about. In fact, she'll confront the morally ambiguous students, faculty, and families that are tied to Uxlay as she searches for answers about June's whereabouts.

However, there'll be no turning back once she discovers the truth.

Amazon

3. The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix

Patricia Campbell is a housewife who was certain she was going to have an amazing life with her husband and kids, but they're too busy for her. The only things that are consistently present are her volatile mother-in-law, her never-ending checklist, and the true crime book club she's a part of.

Life begins to imitate art when Patricia is left scarred after a terrifying attack by a neighbor lands her in the hospital. Shortly after, she meets James Harris and begins to welcome his presence. As soon as she lets her guard down, she can't help but feel alarmed at news of young Black children going missing.

And the night she sees something so terrible no one will believer her is when she Patricia decides to take matters into her own hands.

Amazon

4. Salem's Lot by Stephen King

The disappearance of a young boy creates a suspicion in Mears considering nothing like that has ever happened in the small town he lives in. Before long, people he once knew begin to change into darker versions of themselves and he rushes to create a group of survivors/hunters to stop this unnatural takeover. But he'll have to find the source first and it just make take everything he's ever held dear.

Amazon

5. Hemlock Grove by Brian McGreevy

When a young girl is discovered brutally murdered in the town of Hemlock Grove, PA, whispers about what's truly going on begin to stir since she was found near what's left of the Godfrey Steel mill. There's also rumors that someone could've escaped from the biotech building that the Godfreys are also in charge of.

On the other side of suspicions about them lie accusations that a young Gypsy named Peter Rumancek is responsible. After all, he's been telling people he's a werewolf. It doesn't come as a shock when he and Roman Godfrey become best friends as they try to uncover what happened.

But fate has something different planned for them and it'll change who they thought they were.

Amazon

6. Vampires of El Norteby Isabel Canãs

Life for Nena and Néstor is full of grief in 1840s Mexico. With threats of Mexican land being taken over by settlers, Nena's seen it all. Plus, she's been attacked by an evil spirit before.

At some point, she and Néstor are separated without any contact. The latter believes his love has been lost and has been trying to drown himself in vices to forget what he thinks could've happened to her.

So when they finally see each other a few years later, their meeting is anything but pleasant. One's running from possibly marrying someone she doesn't love while the other is trying to reconcile his habits.

But nothing is more troubling than the fact the evil spirit is still out there and is looking to wreak more havoc on anyone who's unfortunate to cross its path.

Amazon

7. Thirst by Marina Yuszczuk

Thirst breaks from tradition by attempting to humanize a female vampire and her desire to live despite her nature. Escaping from Europe, she takes up residence in Buenos Aires and assimilates into its culture.

Years later, another young woman finds herself coming to terms with what motherhood means to her now that she's watching her own mother's life slip away. When she and the female vampire from long ago connect, something sparks between them and their lives take on a new meaning.

Amazon

8. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

Louis has been alive for a long time and is ready to tell his story to a young, eager journalist. He begins with the early telling of his former life when he was still a 'good' man in Louisiana who happened to cross paths with the manipulative Lestat. Unable to grapple with becoming a 'monster,' he remembers trying to survive off animals but never could satisfy his thirst.
Louis remembers giving in to vampirism and even the sweet Claudia who he gingerly took under his wing instead of harming her. However, the familial love they have for each other is cut short when they commit an unspeakable crime against Lestat and are forced to flee the opulent space they called home.

And lastly, Louis remembers what it was like to love Armand but feel unable to cope with knowing he did nothing to stop his band of vampires from seeking their own private justice against those he loved.

Amazon

9. House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson

All Marion Shaw's ever known is what it feels like to be poor. Though she's dreamt of finding somewhere else to start over, she lacks the motivation to do so until she discovers an opening for a bloodmaid.

She's not sure what it means but she ventures to the House of Hunger anyway. There she becomes indoctrined in a new way of life that's led by the charming and horrifying Countess Lisavet. Somehow, Marion's caught her eye and they develop a consensual mistress-servant relationship.

But there's much more to the House of Hunger than Marion knew about and she'll have to use all of her wits to pay attention or she'll never be able to leave.

Amazon

10. This Cursed House by Del Sandeen

Jemma Baker decides to leave Chicago to pursue a job working for the Duchon family in New Orleans. It feels like an answered pray until she realizes how colorist they are.

Despite being Black, the Duchons have no problem feeling like they're superior because of their wealth and lighter skin. Jemma doesn't understand why they act the way they do until she realizes they're a cursed family who's relying onher to free them.

Soon, Jemma will have to use her gift to unlock secrets about the Duchons but she'll discover something dark that seeks to threaten her life if she's not careful.

Amazon

11. Her Little Flowers by Shannon Morgan

55-year-old Francine Thwaite has never left her childhood home in England's Lake Manor, but she doesn't mind. She fills her days interacting with the ghosts in the manor, especially her 'friend' Bree. However, Francine's sister Madeleine returns home and disrupts the quiet reality Francine had with a reimagining of what really happened there.

Suddenly, Francine's forced to realize the Thwaites weren't always so kind and have a sinister past that she may not be able to escape.

Amazon

12. Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

In the 1970s, young women who dare to have sex before marriage and get pregnant are sent to Wellwood House in St. Augustine, Florida. It's a way for families to hide their shame and pretend like 'sinful' stains no longer exist.

When young Fern is sent there to contend with Miss Wellwood, she realizes there are other girls who's situations mirror her own. While their backgrounds differ, their pregnant bellies and controlled reality do not.

The girls are given a chance to rewrite the rules when Fern receives an occult book that introduces them to witchcraft. As they being casting spells and realizing how powerful they are, a growing realization that there's a price to learn for increased knowledge dawns on them.

Amazon

13. The Book of Witchingby C.J. Cooke

Clem's worst fears come true when she rushes to her daughter Erin's hospital bedside after a hiking trip went wrong. What's even scarier is that Erin refuses to believe that's her name and has no recollection of Clem being her mother.

Resolved to get to the bottom of things, Clem ventures to the Orkneys where her daughter was before the accident took place. She encounters tales of someone being tied to a murder and witchcraft long before she or Erin were born.

The deeper she digs, the more Clem questions what's capable of being true in a world that doesn't always believe in the occult.

Amazon

14. A Haunting on the Hillby Elizabeth Hand

Playwright Holly Sherwin hasn't seen much success until she's granted the chance to bring Witching Night to the big stage. To gain inspiration, she takes a mini vacation where she discovers Hill House. It's a sprawling mansion who's presence is felt even from it's partially hidden location.
Holly and her girlfriend Nisa decide to live there a month along with those who will make Witching Night a success. As everyone grapples with their own inner terrors, Hill House comes to life.

Amazon

15. The Only One Left by Riley Sager

In 1929, Lenora Hope's family were found murdered and everyone was sure she did it. Yet, she goes free when there's not enough evidence to convict her. As such, she's remained tucked away behind the walls of Hope's End.

When health aide Kit McDeere is assigned to assist Lenora in 1983, she's not sure what to expect since the previous nurse abruptly left. What Kit finds is an older mute woman who's only form of communication involves a typewriter.

Soon, Lenora surprises Kit by telling her she's ready to recount what happened the night her family was murdered. Insisting she wasn't responsible for her family's death, Kit helps Lenora document what happened.

The more Kit writes, the more she realizes Lenora may not be a victim after all.

Amazon

16. Our Share of the Night by Mariana Enriquez

Gaspar and his father are still grieving the death of both mother and wife when they decide to journey to the home tied to her ancestry. Their mission is to understand the origins of the Order which is the family she left behind.

They quickly realize this cult is menacing and tied to Gaspar's fate. Choosing to run from them, Gaspar and his father try their hardest to avoid something terrible coming to past.

Alternating between the present and the future, readers will come to understand how the Order was created and if Gaspar is destined to join them.

Amazon

17. Rouge by Mona Awad

Belle's known for prioritizing her skin's health and spends time creating skincare content. However, she's forced to deal with her mother Noelle's death and travels to Southern California to confront what happened to her.

When Belle sees a woman wearing red at her mother's funeral, she's confused about who she is. Her confusion deepens when the woman alludes to what may have happened to her mother and somehow leads Belle to La Maison de Méduse, a cult-like spa Noelle frequented.

Once there, Belle realizes there's a reason she and her mom shared the same obsession with looking at themselves in the mirror because there's more behind the glass than she bargained for.

Amazon

18. Plain Bad Heroines by Emily M. Danforth

While at the Brookhants School for Girls in 1902, Flo and Clara develop an obsessive bond with each other as well as Mary MacLane. The latter's written a moving bestseller that details her life and leads the young girls to create the Plain Bad Heroine Society.

After meeting at an apple orchard, Flo and Clara are discovered murdered by yellow jackets while holding copies of Mary MacLane's work. Soon, the Brookhants School for Girls shuts down after more people die while there.

Years later, writer Merritt Emmons has written a book about the history of Brookhants that's set to be adapted into a horror movie. With lesbian actress Harper Harper set to play Flo and Audrey Wells starring as Clara, production gets the green light to arrive at the school.

However, it's hard to tell where the past ends and the present begins when Merritt, Harper, and Clara arrive. What is clear is that history has a way of repeating itself.

Are you in need of more shocking twists and turns? Check out the thriller books we've already pre-ordered!

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Whether you're spending Valentine's Day with your sweetie, hosting a Galentine's brunch for your gal pals, or basking in love with your fam, there's no question that a fancy dessert helps set the tone for a cozy and love-filled night in. We personally love cooking pasta recipes followed by a succulent dessert, but the menu options for Love Day run the gamut from seafood to international cuisine.

One thing that's not optional is chocolate — known to promote feelings similar to being in love or spending time with those closest to you, chocolate is one of the best flavors for Valentine's Day desserts. Combined with red wine and seasonal pear, it makes for a simply decadent treat — hence, this Red Wine Pear Cake. Trust us: This is going to be the best chocolate cake recipe you have ever tried.

Learn how to make the best Chocolate Cake ever

Red Wine Pear Cake With Chocolate Ganache

Sarah Anderson

Ingredients:

Pears

  • 3-4 firm Bosc pears
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups red wine
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3-4 whole cloves or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Cake

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 11 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup red wine
  • 1/2 teaspoon pink salt
  • 1/2 cup 85% dark chocolate chips or bar broken into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 cup gluten-free or regular all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Ganache

  • 2/3 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1/3 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons reserved spiced wine (see recipe notes)

Sarah Anderson

Directions:

  1. Peel the skin off the pears and remove the stems, seeds, and core. Slice in half. Add water, red wine, cinnamon, and cloves into a saucepan and place the pears in the liquid. Bring the wine mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let simmer for 20 minutes, until the pears are tender. Remove the pears from red wine and let cool. Continue simmering until sauce is reduced, and reserve 2 tablespoons for the chocolate ganache.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  3. Grease two 9-inch springform cake pans with butter or oil and set aside.
  4. Whisk two eggs in a separate bowl and set aside.
  5. In a small bowl, add the coconut milk and apple cider vinegar and whisk thoroughly. Let sit for at least 5 minutes.
  6. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Whisk in the coconut sugar then remove from heat and add in the red wine and salt until well mixed. Quickly add in the dark chocolate pieces and stir constantly until the chocolate is melted. Pour the vanilla extract in and whisk again.
  7. Add about one third of the chocolate mixture to the whisked eggs. Mix thoroughly and then pour back into a mixing bowl with the rest of the chocolate mixture.
  8. Add in coconut milk mixture, cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and baking soda, and mix until well combined.
  9. Pour the cake batter into two greased cake pans.
  10. Slice wine-poached pear halves in quarters and place in your desired design on top of the cake batter in the cake pans.
  11. Bake the cakes for 20-30 minutes.
  12. While cakes are baking, add the dark chocolate and coconut milk or heavy cream to a small saucepan. Heat on low until the chocolate is melted, whisking so that it is well mixed. Add in the reserved wine sauce and whisk again. Remove from heat and set aside.
  13. Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool completely before removing them from the springform pans. Place one cake on a cake platter or stand, and drizzle some chocolate ganache on top. Then place the second cake on top of the first and pour the remaining chocolate ganache over the top.

If this is the best chocolate cake recipe you've ever tried, you'll want to sign up for our newsletter for more recipes like this one!

Recipe by Sarah Anderson

This post has been updated.

Sweet Magnolias season 4 is almost here — and based on the new trailer, we're in for a ton of surprises...and not just because Maddie has declared this to be a "new chapter." Despite the tragedy and storm that are coming in the TV show this season, Helen, Maddie, and Dana Sue (JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Heather Headley, and Brooke Elliott) are definitely going to get through it together.

Keep reading for a breakdown of that new Sweet Magnolias season 4 trailer before new episodes drop February 6, 2025.

JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Heather Headley, and Brooke Elliott weather a variety of storms in 'Sweet Magnolias' season 4.

There's always a lot that happens between Halloween and Christmas Day, but Sweet Magnolias season 4 is really packing on the drama. I'm talking "a tragedy, a town crisis and a fierce storm," according to the official trailer.

Throughout the new Sweet Magnolias season 4 trailer, we get a glimpse of that storm, protests in town, and what appears to be a funeral. Dana Sue hugs an emotional Annie, Maddie finally voices her fear of losing someone she loves, and Helen has to deal with just how much the town is struggling. TLDR; Serenity is dealing with a lot of unrest in a lot of different forms. But despite the difficulty the message of the show remains clear.

"We're best friends," Heather Headley's Helen reminds Maddie. "Best friends carry each other, and each other's burdens." And that's really what the show is all about.

Showrunner Sheryl J. Anderson told TUDUM that season 4 will look at "the twists and turns of romance, the complexity of friendship, the surprises that pop up in life and how all these things make us more grateful for the people who love us, the people who fight for — and with — us, and the people who can make us laugh, whatever we’re going through.”

And if you ask me, most importantly, Sweet Magnolias proves that friendship has the power to change our lives. “True friendship is a living thing: It has to change and grow as we do," she continues. "And that’s not always easy. But that’s what makes it beautiful.”

Are you excited for Sweet Magnolias season 4? Let us know what you want to see on Facebook and read up on the 14 New TV Shows To Watch In February.

As much as I love Valentine's Day, Galentine's Day is actually my favorite February holiday! There's nothing I adore more than getting together with my girlfriends and celebrating each other with drinks and games — and gifts — galore. This year, the bestie basket is the best (and easiest) way to show your girls how much you care about them! These adorable gifts are super easy to make — you just have to pick a cute basket, fill it with your BFF's favorite things, and voila! You've got a perfect, thoughtful, last-minute gift!

Don't know what you need to get started? I've got you covered!

Here's everything you need to craft the perfect, last-minute bestie basket for Galentine's Day!

Target

Coiled Rope Basket

Obviously the first piece you need for your bestie basket is an actual basket. This pink rope basket from Target is cute, big enough to hold plenty of goodies, and is only $6!

Target

Felt Heart Valentine's Day Basket Red

But if you're looking for something a little more cutesy — and a little smaller — this heart basket will do the trick, too! Plus, the handle makes your gift way easier to transport to your BFF.

Target

Valentine's Day 8ct Pegged Tissue Red Heart on Cream

You can totally just put your gifts right into the basket, but a little tissue paper adds an extra zhuzh to your gift as well! And look at how pretty this heart paper is!

Target

16 fl oz Stoneware You are Loved Mug Pink/Red Striped

Whether your bestie is a coffee addict á la Lorelai Gilmore, loves a hot cuppa tea, or can't resist a decadent hot chocolate, a cute mug is a must-have in your basket. I love, love, love the pink and red stripes on this one!

Target

14 fl oz Figural Heart Tumbler with Straw

However, if your BFF is more of an iced-coffee kinda gal, she may be more into this sweet little heart-shaped tumbler!

Target

Stanley 4pk 40oz Quencher Tumbler Straws

It's no secret the gals are into Stanley cups — so why not grab some pink and red straws to make everyone's favorite hand accessory even cuter?

Target

Paucax Water Bottle Pouch for Stanley 18-40oz

This little pink pouch is another perfect addition to your emotional support water bottle, too! You can toss your phone, credit cards, lip balm, or whatever else you need on your hot girl errands in here!

Target

Women's Concentric Hearts Valentine's Day Cozy Crew Socks

Cozy socks are a definitely must in your bestie basket! These are super on-theme — and super soft!

Target

LOOPS Double Take Glow Mask

I seriously love LOOPS masks! Grab this for your girlfriends, and maybe even throw 'em on while you grab some wine and gab during your Galentine's Day celebration!

Target

Tree Hut Moroccan Rose Shea Sugar Body Scrub

Winter is doing a number on everyone's skin right now, so a body scrub is a nice little luxury to gift your girlfriends right now. Revive your skin — and smell good doing it!

Target

essie Salon-Quality Vegan Nail Polish

A little nail care is a total hallmark of a good girls night! Grab this sweet shade of red for the perfect at-home mani for you bestie!

Target

Salon Clip Hair Bow Set 2pc

Are people over bows? IDK, but I'm sure not. These are coquette and cute and so going in your bestie baskets this year!

Target

Nerds Valentine's Gummy Clusters

Bestie baskets absolutely need candy — it's a non-negotiable. Nerds gummy clusters are super viral right now, and for good reason! They're chewy, crunchy, and totally delicious.

Target

Dove Valentine's Dark Chocolate Hearts

If your friends aren't into gummy candy, classic Dove dark chocolate hearts are a solid way to go as well!

Target

Lindt Lindor Milk Chocolate Candy Truffles

And if dark chocolate is too bitter, then these sweet little milk chocolate truffles are also amazing!

Looking for more fun seasonal recs? Be sure to sign up for our weekly newsletter so you never miss a thing!

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