Name: Gingerbread Layer Cake with Candied Kumquats
Yield: Makes 12 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup cola; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda; 1 cup mild-flavored (light) molasses; 2 cups all purpose flour; 2 tablespoons ground ginger; 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 1/4 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup (packed) dark brown sugar; 3/4 cup vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 1 cup water; 3/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup sugar; 15 whole cloves; 2 cinnamon sticks, broken in half; 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise; 22 ounces kumquats, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds, seeded; 1 1/3 cups (packed) dark brown sugar; 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon whipping cream; 2 8-ounce packages cream cheese, room temperature; 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 1 cup pecans, toasted, chopped; 1/3 cup chopped crystallized ginger

Image may contain Food Dessert Cake Torte Confectionery and Sweets

Gingerbread Layer Cake with Candied KumquatsMark Thomas

The warm caramel flavors in cola complement the molasses and brown sugar in this cake. The remaining candied kumquats are delicious served over vanilla ice cream. For best results, use Philadelphia-brand cream cheese in the frosting.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.