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The Classic British Treat
She may live in a palace and rock a tiara, but Kate Middleton's preferred dessert is reported to be wonderfully, unexpectedly plain-looking: sticky toffee pudding. It's not a pudding in the American sense of the word; instead, it's a soft, moist cake that you top with a silky, warm caramel sauce. It's sweet but not cloying, and serving the pudding alongside whipped cream or vanilla ice cream gives it the perfect balance between sweet and rich.

Get the recipe: Kate Middleton's Favorite Sticky Toffee Pudding
banana muffins

Photo: Amy Neunsinger

A Pretty (Awesome) Muffin
She's probably best known for her roles in Steel Magnolias, Pretty Woman and Erin Brockovich, but we think Julia Roberts also deserves major props for her delicious and nutritious banana muffins. They perfectly encapsulate the actor's healthy, natural California vibe—and, lucky us, we found the recipe in Candace Nelson's new The Sprinkles Baking Book. They're pumped up with omega-3-rich hemp hearts and flaxseed meal, plus antioxidant-filled, crunchy chia seeds. Plus, the muffins are sweetened with coconut sugar, which beautifully complements the banana flavor.

Get the recipe: Julia Roberts' Banana-Hemp Heart Muffins

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The Only Biscuit Recipe You'll Ever Need
Nashvillian Reese Witherspoon learned everything she knows about Southern hospitality from her grandparents Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon. Dorothea, who drove white Cadillacs and always wore pearls, was a renowned entertainer, and her buttermilk biscuits were always crowd-pleasers. Bake them until the tops are puffed and golden brown—and then split one open to reveal the pillowy goodness inside.

Get the recipe: Grandma Dorothea's Buttermilk Biscuits

Photo: Chris Terry

The Famous Chef's Dessert That Goes with Anything
Jamie Oliver says shortbread is a great dessert if you're unsure what to make (especially if it's for a party where there will be other items on the table), and we have to agree: It's simple enough to accompany a cup of tea, but can also complement anything from panna cotta to a tart. The British celebrity chef's version is buttery, crumbly and adaptable, so you can add flavors such as lemon or orange, even lavender.

Get the recipe: The Best Shortbread in the World

The Fritters That Oprah's Made Her Own
In 2005, viewers and readers saw Oprah like they'd never seen her before—preparing a batch of sizzling-hot corn fritters. "One morning, Stedman asked me for those corn fritters, so I just did it my own way," she says. They're supereasy to make; you can use fresh, frozen or canned corn. The one non-negotiable: cornmeal. It gives the cakes nice texture and a bit of heft.

Get the recipe: Oprah's Corn Fritters
Published 11/11/2016