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Preparation is the key for a low stress, relaxed party. Check out these 5 Make-Ahead Celebration Desserts that you can make in advance and stash in your freezer.
Last week I shared a fun and unique opportunity we had to partner with Anne Tollett, an incredibly talented interior designer from Richmond, Virginia. Anne designed a gorgeous, but affordable kitchen and I was able to give her input from a cook’s point of view.
I also had fun creating a menu for a virtual family celebration that would be perfect for any real party or get together with family or friends. The menu includes dishes that can be prepared in days advance, some even weeks ahead!
We shared the menu for the main course last Monday along with the majority of the kitchen but saved a delightful little part of Anne's design as well as the best part of my menu for today!
It's a beautiful dessert table which is spread out in Anne's lovely breakfast/dining area.
I love the clean, classic design and brightness of the room and how it's also charming and cozy at the same time. And look, the room is all dressed up in party clothes today and looking quite gorgeous!
Wait till you see these 5 Make-Ahead Celebration Desserts! Everyone of these can be prepared weeks in advance and stored in the freezer which eliminates last minute stress when entertaining. Are you ready?
Irish Chocolate Cheesecake - in a jar! So rich, so decadent, so delightful ... and ... so portable! Take them anywhere and enjoy! It's a crushed Oreo crust with the yummy chocolate cheesecake piped right into the jar in a pretty swirl. Make them ahead and store in the freezer. Pull out a few or a bunch at a time and thaw for 30 minutes before serving.
Vanilla Bean Celebration Cookies - these cookies are simple to throw together and melt-in-your-mouth delicious - the perfect way to celebrate any special occasion. Make them ahead and stash in the freezer, no one will ever know when they're thawed and looking so festive!
Raspberry Melt Aways - these simple but delicious butter cookies have a fresh raspberry drizzle icing. They're a really fun project to do with kids as there are just a few ingredients and the technique is easy.
Pink Lemonade Ruffle Cupcakes - kids always love cupcakes so we included super moist, lemony cupcakes studded with bits of delicious raspberry - a flavor match made in heaven! Oh and the crème de la crème? A fun and delicious lemon buttercream with pink-tinged ruffles (or any color you choose).
Seven Layer Lemon Cake -- this stunning layer cake was the special celebration cake for our birthday party. I made mine lemon but you could adapt this cake with lots of variation in the flavors of the cake and also the filling. The icing technique is simple but gives a very fancy effect!
We choose lots of desserts for our party table so that you'd have plenty of options but feel free to choose one or two of these. Remember, they can be made ahead of time which will make things seem quite effortless on the day of the party or event.
Be sure to pop on over to Anne's website, Hanover Avenue for details and a complete Buying Guide for the beautiful breakfast room as well as the entire kitchen design!
elizabeth says
When you say freeze great, do you mean with the frosting on the cookies? can you specify the freezing instructions? tia
Chris Scheuer says
Yes, that's exactly what I mean Elizabeth. I freeze the cookies on a flat tray or plate, uncovered till they are firm, about an hour. Then I put them in an airtight storage container. Freezing the cookies before stacking them helps them to stay intact.
Lindsey Meyer says
What is the best technique you have found for freezing the raspberry melt aways? I'm trying to get a head start on desserts for the dessert table of a dear friend's vow renewal. They look delicious! Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Lindsey, I just freeze the cookies on a flat try or plate, uncovered till they are frozen, about an hour. Then I put them in an airtight storage container. Freezing the cookies before stacking them helps them to stay intact.
Lindsey Meyer says
Thanks so much!
Mary Hirsch says
Fantastic. A party atmosphere. Everything looks special as only you can do as well as delcious.
Sandra says
I may have to sneak a couple of these in before the big day!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
I love lemon, so that cake has my name on it. Plus it's gorgeous! As are all the other goodies. Fun stuff -- thanks.
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Each one looks phenomenal, but my favourite will be those vanilla cookies!
Valya @ Valya' s Taste of Home says
Love chocolate. Beautiful dessert 😉
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
What a gorgeous array of wonderful celebration desserts. My birthday is coming up - I think I would love this cake please! Pinning and sharing 🙂
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch says
I think I'll just have one or two of each! They all look fabulous and what an adorable kitchen she designed!
Susan says
I would love one of everything 🙂 They all look fabulous, Chris, but the chocolate cheesecake and lemon cake are calling my name!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan says
I second Sue - I'll do your dishes and clean up if I can be on your next guest list - pretty please! I couldn't pick a favorite - each time I thought I found one I liked, I'd scroll down and there'd be another one I liked!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I hope I'm on the guest list for your next party!!
Monique says
Those little cookies ae so cte:) Everything!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks Monique! I love those cookies too 🙂