With the creation of Libertyville’s Carrot Cake Latte and Easter hosting duties being right around the corner, I was inspired to bake something worthy of a brunch spread. The perfect combination of a hearty pastry and a delicious dessert, this Carrot Coffee Cake recipe was given to me by my coworker Marissa, who found it on Soko’s Kitchen. If anyone knows Marissa, she is an incredible baker, so I trusted her endorsement easily.

Ube is a purple yam originally from the Philippines, known for its nutty, vanilla-like flavor and stunning color. We use it in our ube latte syrup, but this flavor deserves a spotlight beyond the cup. Its natural sweetness and subtle earthiness pair beautifully with cinnamon, brown sugar, and creamy frosting for the most decadent cinnamon rolls.

Spring has officially sprung in the Midwest! While the spring equinox brings about sunnier weather and longer days, it also signals the rotation of our seasonal menu at Tala! There’s no better way to celebrate spring than with a refreshing drink in hand and a great book by your side.