Cooking with Manuela
Step-by-step, Quick Italian recipes (but not only), Cooking Tips and More. Get Inspired and Get Creative!
Thursday, May 15, 2025
Easy-to-Make Blueberry Cornmeal Cake
Saturday, May 10, 2025
Sweet Treats for Mom: 12 Desserts to Make Her Mother’s Day Extra Special
Celebrate Mom with something sweet and homemade—here are 12 delicious dessert recipes that are perfect for making her feel extra special this Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show just how much you care—with something homemade, beautiful, and irresistibly delicious.
Whether you're planning a full brunch spread, a quiet afternoon tea, or a sweet surprise at the end of dinner, these dessert recipes are sure to make Mom feel loved and celebrated.
Each treat is made with simple ingredients, easy-to-follow steps, and all the heart.
Let’s bake something special for the most important woman in your life!
1. Classic Italian Tiramisu
A timeless no-bake dessert layered with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and creamy mascarpone—light, luscious, and unforgettable.
Get the recipe »
Friday, April 25, 2025
Invisible Apple Loaf Cake
A delicate French-style Invisible Apple Cake, made with paper-thin apple slices layered into a light vanilla-lemon batter. As it bakes, the apples absorb the batter and seem to disappear, creating a soft, custardy texture with beautifully stacked layers of fruit. Finished with a glossy apricot glaze, it’s a stunning and delicious treat for any occasion
Tuesday, April 15, 2025
Italian Carrot-Orange Cake
This soft and fragrant Italian carrot cake is made with fresh carrots, orange zest and juice, and almond flour for a naturally sweet and moist treat. It’s light, simple, and full of wholesome flavor - the perfect cake to enjoy with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.
After the success of my Italian Camille Mini Carrot Cakes, I knew I had to share a full-size cake version—and here it is!
This Italian carrot cake is just as light, moist, and flavorful, but perfect for slicing and sharing with family and friends.
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Grilled Asparagus Tart with Crème Fraîche & Gruyère
This elegant grilled asparagus tart with crème fraîche and Gruyère is the perfect spring-inspired appetizer or light lunch—flaky, creamy, and full of fresh flavor.
There’s something undeniably elegant about an asparagus tart—and this one, made with creamy crème fraîche, nutty Gruyère, and golden, flaky puff pastry, is as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s the perfect way to celebrate spring and a fantastic option for your Easter brunch, light lunch, or even a simple weeknight dinner paired with a green salad.
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Moist and Tender Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake
A bright and tender Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf Cake, bursting with citrus flavor, and a hint of crunch. And finished with a sweet, tangy glaze for the perfect balance of moisture and texture. It's sure to brighten your day with every slice.
There’s something so irresistible about the bright, citrusy flavor of a lemon poppy seed pound cake —a perfect balance of zesty freshness, subtle crunch from the poppy seeds, and a soft, tender crumb. This loaf is easy to make, and with a few simple baking tips, you can ensure it turns out moist, flavorful, and absolutely delicious every time.
Saturday, March 15, 2025
Gluten-Free Blueberry Lemon Loaf Cake
This Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Loaf is bursting with fresh lemon flavor and juicy blueberries. It's soft, moist, and perfect for a sweet treat or breakfast delight!
After the big success of my blueberry lemon loaf recipe, many of you asked me for a gluten-free version—so here it is!
This gluten-free lemon blueberry loaf is just as soft, moist, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor as the original.
Monday, March 10, 2025
Italian Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Crispy Sage and Pine Nuts
Soft, pillowy, and full of fall flavors—these homemade butternut squash gnocchi are tossed in a fragrant brown butter sauce with crispy sage and pine nuts. It’s a comforting and elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion.
There’s something so satisfying about making gnocchi from scratch, especially when it involves the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted butternut squash.
These homemade butternut squash gnocchi is light, pillowy, and sautee' in a golden, crispy sage butter sauce with toasted pine nuts for a rich, aromatic finish. With a little patience and the right technique, you can bring this restaurant-quality dish to your own table!
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Puff Pastries with Mascarpone Whipped Cream and Blueberry Sauce
Flaky golden puff pastries filled with luscious mascarpone whipped cream and a vibrant homemade blueberry sauce—a delightfully elegant and effortlessly delicious dessert perfect for any occasion!
There’s nothing quite like the combination of buttery, flaky puff pastry, silky mascarpone whipped cream, and homemade blueberry sauce for a truly indulgent treat.
This recipe is laughably simple, yet it delivers bakery-quality results with minimal effort. Whether you're serving it for a special occasion or just treating yourself to breakfast or dessert, these puff pastries are guaranteed to impress!