Inside BruCrew Life

menu icon
subscribe
search icon
Get my Cheesecake Cookbook! →

Pina Colada Bars

These Pina Colada Bars bring all the tropical paradise vibes right to your kitchen! Chewy coconut sugar cookie bars topped with creamy pineapple frosting and toasted coconut make them beautiful and delicious. And the best part? Everything is made in one pan!

If you love easy desserts, check out these funfetti cookie bars or these lemon cookie bars.

Squares of pina colada cookie bars with coconut on a black plate.

These pina colada sugar cookie bars were first published in April 2018. The post was updated and republished in May 2026.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

One of my favorite things about sugar cookie bars is how easy they are to customize. Who needs cookie cutters when you can press the dough into a pan and be done in 10 minutes? I'm all about working smarter in the kitchen, not harder.

Over the years, I have made many different versions of these bars. From salted caramel cookie bars to sugar cookie s'mores bars and everything in between, they are always one of the first things to disappear at any gathering. Pretty much any flavor combo you love can be worked into the dough or frosting.

Pineapple and coconut are two of my favorite summer flavors. So when I needed an easy dessert for a teacher appreciation luncheon, the pina colada pina bars were the obvious answer. My pan came home completely empty, so I think everyone else loves this combo too!

  • Tropical flavors in every bite. Coconut baked into the dough and a creamy pineapple frosting make these dessert bars taste like a tropical getaway!
  • Baked and frosted in one pan. The dough gets baked and frosted right in the same pan. Easy cleanup!
  • That creamy pineapple frosting! The creamy topping is loaded with crushed pineapple and coconut. It's honestly the best part of the whole bar!
  • Fun toppings. Toasted coconut, maraschino cherries, and dried pineapple add a pretty and festive flair.
  • Great for any summer occasion. These bars are always a hit at parties, picnics, potlucks, or just a random weeknight at home.
[Read more...]

Chocolate Butterfinger Cookies

These chocolate Butterfinger cookies are seriously so good! These cookies have crisp edges, soft and chewy centers, and each one is packed with big Butterfinger chunks. Trust me, one batch is never enough!

If you love baking with candy bars, try these Reese's chocolate chip cookies or these Snickers surprise cookies next.

Three chocolate Butterfinger cookies on a white plate with more behind it on a wire rack.

The post for dark chocolate Butterfinger cookies was first published in June 2013. It was updated and republished in May 2026.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Some flavor combinations are just incredible, and this one started years ago at Coldstone Creamery. My daughter always got the same order every time we went. It was always dark chocolate ice cream with Butterfingers mixed in. After trying a bite, I realized she was on to something.

One day, I realized that if dark chocolate and Butterfinger made an amazing ice cream combo, they would probably taste awesome in a cookie. So I headed to the kitchen and got to work. The result was a rich, deeply chocolate cookie loaded with crunchy Butterfinger pieces

My daughter was so excited when she got home. I turned her favorite candy and ice cream combo into a great cookie recipe! These chewy cookies have been a favorite in our house ever since.

Why You'll Love These Chewy Butterfinger Cookies

  • Rich dark chocolate flavor. Dark cocoa powder gives these cookies a deep, bold flavor that goes so well with the peanut butter candy bars.
  • Soft and chewy with a little crunch. The crisp edge, chewy center, and crunchy pieces make every bite perfect.
  • No chill time required. Mix the dough, roll the balls, and bake. That is it! These cookies are ready for you in no time.
  • A fun twist on a classic chocolate cookie. If you love candy bar cookies, this dark chocolate and Butterfinger combo is about to become your new favorite.
[Read more...]

Banana Marble Muffins

These banana marble muffins have gorgeous swirls of chocolate baked right into each one. They are soft, tender, and a delicious way to use up those overripe bananas sitting on your counter.

If you love baking with bananas, try this birthday cake banana bread or these chocolate banana muffins next.

Two chocolate banana marble muffins stacked on each other and bite out of the top one.

The post for chocolate banana marble muffins was first published in September 2017. I updated the information and then republished it in April 2026.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Can I confess something? I only buy bananas so I can bake something delicious after they turn brown. It's one of my quirky habits!

These chocolate banana marble muffins are the result of spotty bananas. I started with my banana caramel muffins and mixed in dark cocoa powder for pretty marble swirls. I couldn't resist adding some chocolate chips for more flavor!

My daughter took a bite, immediately said these were a winner! Then she asked me to make another batch right away. Honestly, I was thinking the same thing. These have been a regular in our muffin rotation ever since!

These marble muffins are perfect for a grab-and-go breakfast or an afternoon snack with a chocolate latte. And if you pop one in the microwave for just 10 seconds, it tastes like it just came out of the oven. That little trick alone is worth making a double batch for.

Why Make Banana Chocolate Swirl Muffins

  • Those pretty chocolate and banana swirls! The marble effect in each muffin looks impressive, but they are surprisingly easy to make.
  • Great way to use up ripe bananas. The riper the bananas, the better they taste. So do not throw those brown bananas away!
  • Delicious any time of day. Breakfast, after-school snack, or a little something sweet after dinner, it's your call.
  • Freezer-friendly. This recipe makes plenty to enjoy all week, plus a few extras to toss in the freezer for later.
[Read more...]

Coconut Cream Cookies

If you're a fan of coconut cream pie, you are going to love these mini coconut cream cookies! With a fluffy cream filling and a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top, these cookie cups are pretty and delicious. They might just become your new favorite treat!

Coconut cream cookie cups on a gray board with a bite out of the front cookie.

The post for coconut cream cookie cups was first published in December 2013. The photos and recipe were updated and then republished in April 2026.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Pillsbury kitchens as part of their Holiday Bloggers Event. Getting to bake in their professional kitchen, with a team of bakers, was a dream come true. It was an experience I will never forget!

We spent the day learning about food styling and photography, and then the real fun began. They challenged us to make a recipe using ingredients in the Pillsbury kitchen. That's where these coconut cream cookie cups came to life! I love finding ways to combine two desserts into one treat. So, putting fluffy pie filling inside a cookie cup felt like the perfect idea.

These little cookie cups have been one of my favorites ever since that trip. Over the years, I made my own sugar cookie dough instead of buying it. But I kept the filling the same, because why change something so good? Soft cookies, creamy filling, and toasted coconut are a combination that I'll never get tired of.

  • All the flavors of coconut pie in a cookie. Sweet coconut mousse inside a soft cookie cup is a fun treat to make and eat.
  • Great for any occasion. Bake these for parties, potlucks, cookie exchanges, or just a Tuesday at home. They look fancy but take way less effort than you think.
  • Easy to make ahead. Bake the cups and make the filling separately, then assemble when you are ready. Party prep has never been so easy!
[Read more...]

Strawberry Banana Coffee Cake

If you have brown bananas sitting on your counter, this strawberry banana cake needs to happen. Every bite is moist and tender, swirled with strawberry pie filling, and topped with a buttery crumb topping. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or honestly any time you need a little something sweet!

Two white plates with squares of strawberry banana cake on it.

This banana split coffee cake was first published in May 2015. The photos and text were updated and republished in April 2026.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

I'm a huge fan of banana splits and have been adding those flavors to desserts for years! Two of our favorites are this banana split fluff and a banana split pie.

So the last time we had a few overripe bananas, I decided to make another banana split treat. I gave this banana toffee cake a delicious makeover by adding mini chocolate chips, nuts, and strawberry pie filling. Since then, we have been making this strawberry banana coffee cake on repeat.

Fair warning, though, this cake gets better with time. I've been sneaking bites every time I walk through the kitchen. Someone has to be the chief taste tester, right?

Why You'll Love This Banana Coffee Cake

  • Perfect for ripe bananas. The browner they get, the sweeter and more flavorful this cake turns out. Honestly, it's the best excuse to "forget" about them for a few extra days.
  • Soft, moist, and so hard to stop eating! The cream cheese baked into the batter is the secret that makes every slice rich and tender.
  • Sweet strawberry swirl. Ribbons of pie filling running through the cake give you sweet, fruity bites in every bite. It's so pretty and delicious!
  • Crunchy buttery crumb topping. The oat crumble adds the perfect little crunch on top.
  • Great anytime! Breakfast, brunch, or dessert? Yes to all of the above. This cake works anytime you need something sweet with your coffee.

If you love easy coffee cake recipes, you might also want to try this cherry coffee cake or this blueberry pecan coffee cake.

[Read more...]

Chocolate Pistachio Loaf

This chocolate pistachio loaf is a homemade copycat that is honestly even better than the original. Swirls of pistachio and chocolate batter topped with a glossy ganache and chopped nuts make every slice absolutely beautiful. Skip the Starbucks line and make this quick bread at home instead.

Slices of chocolate pistachio bread on a white tray.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

The moment I spotted the chocolate pistachio loaf on the Starbucks spring menu, I knew I had to try it. It was just as gorgeous and delicious as it looked, but I knew right away I had to make my own version at home.

I love recreating coffee shop favorites, and this one goes perfectly with my lemon loaf and marble loaf cake. Why spend extra money when you can make something just as good or better in your own kitchen?

To get the sweet flavor and light green color, I started with this pistachio loaf. Then I added a swirl of chocolate batter to create that gorgeous marble effect. Chocolate ganache and chopped pistachios give every slice that beautiful bakery case look.

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Pistachio Loaf Recipe

  • Budget-friendly! You can make an entire loaf for less than the cost of one slice and a cup of coffee at Starbucks. Your wallet will thank you!
  • Pretty marble swirl. Swirls of chocolate and pistachio batters make this loaf look beautiful and delicious.
  • Chocolate topping. A rich chocolate topping and chopped nuts make every slice look like you bought it from the coffee shop. Your friends will be so impressed!
  • Great any time of day. Pair it with your morning coffee, pack a slice for an afternoon snack, or serve it as dessert. Any way you slice it, this loaf is always a good idea.
[Read more...]

Pistachio Toffee Chocolate Chip Cookies

Inspired by the famous Gideon's Bakehouse, these pistachio toffee chocolate chip cookies are packed with mix-ins. A sprinkle of sea salt makes them every bit as delicious as the original, and the best part? No waiting in line!

A stack of pistachio toffee cookies on a white plate.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

If you have ever visited Disney Springs and spotted the long line outside Gideon's Bakehouse, you already know their desserts are worth the wait. I have stood in that line more times than I can count, and I have zero regrets about it.

Gideon's is famous for their giant half-pound cookies packed with mix-ins from edge to edge. My husband's favorite is the pistachio toffee, so naturally, I had to recreate it at home.

Starting with my thick chocolate chip cookies, I created my own delicious version of the pistachio toffee cookie. I kept them a little smaller, so they are easier to enjoy in one sitting. And I love the way the cookie shows through between all those amazing mix-ins.

Each one is thick, chewy, and loaded with chopped pistachio nuts, buttery toffee, and chocolate chunks. They are seriously so good, and the best part? No waiting in line required!

Why You'll Love These Pistachio Toffee Cookies

  • Thick and chewy cookies. These big cookies have crisp edges, soft gooey centers, and a gorgeous bakery look you love without leaving your house.
  • Loaded with extras. There are plenty of nuts, bits, and chocolate mixed into the dough and added after baking.
  • No chill time required! Mix the dough, scoop, and bake. That is it!
  • Inspired by Gideon's Bakehouse. If you love those famous Disney Springs cookies, this homemade version will make you very happy.

If you love treats inspired by Disney Springs and Disney World, you might like this edible cookie dough or these Jack Jack cookies.

[Read more...]

Lemon Pie Filling

This homemade lemon pie filling is made with fresh lemon juice and zest and comes together on the stovetop in minutes. Skip the canned filling and make this easy recipe instead. Perfect for pies, tarts, cupcakes, and so much more!

A jar of lemon pie filling with lemons all around it.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Finding lemon pie filling at the store is hit-or-miss, so I decided to just make my own. Turns out it comes together on the stovetop in minutes, and the fresh lemon flavor is absolutely worth it.

Now I always make homemade whenever a recipe calls for lemon filling. Once you taste how bright and fresh it is, you will never look for the canned version again.

I first made this filling as a layer in my lemon supreme pie. It was so good, I knew it needed its own post. Whether you are making a classic lemon pie or lemon parfaits, this is a great citrus topping. Trust me, you will want to keep it on hand.

Why You'll Love This Lemon Filling

  • Better than store-bought. Fresh lemon juice gives this filling a bright, bold citrus flavor that canned filling lacks.
  • Ready in minutes. This filling comes together quickly on the stovetop and is ready to use once it cools.
  • So versatile. Use it in pies, tarts, parfaits, and more. Once you have a batch in the fridge, the possibilities are endless.
[Read more...]

Cheeseburger Tortellini

If your family loves burger night, this cheeseburger tortellini is about to become a new favorite. It is a quick and easy pasta dinner loaded with ground beef, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheddar sauce that pulls it all together. One skillet, 30 minutes, and dinner is done.

A skillet of cheeseburger tortellini with a spoon lifting some out.

This tortellini skillet was first published in December 2017. It was updated and republished in April 2026.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

There was a season of life when our evenings were basically a blur of school pickups, sports practices, and church activities. Getting dinner on the table meant finding something quick and easy. Some nights, it looked like a BLT wrap, or slow cooker pulled pork, but this cheesy pasta skillet quickly became a favorite.

Burgers were always a hit in our house, and pasta was the one thing I could count on all the kids to devour happily. So one night, I threw the two together in a skillet, and just like that, this cheeseburger tortellini was born. It was on the table in under 30 minutes and gone even faster.

Honestly, I still make this dinner even though the kids are grown, and the house is quieter. The seasoned beef, crispy bacon, and cheesy sauce wrapped around the soft tortellini are so good. It's the kind of meal that makes you want to go back for seconds before you have even finished your first bowl.

Why You'll Love This Cheeseburger Tortellini

  • Ready in 30 minutes. Dinner is on the table fast, which is exactly what you need when everyone is asking what's for dinner.
  • A fun twist on burger night. All the flavors you love about a cheeseburger, but cooked in a cheesy pasta skillet instead.
  • One skillet, easy cleanup. Everything comes together in one pan, so you can spend less time on dishes and more time enjoying dinner.
  • The whole family will love it! Beef, bacon, pasta, and melty cheese are a combination that is hard to say no to.

If you love easy dinners like this one, you might want to try this bacon cheeseburger stuffed zucchini for another fun twist on burger night.

[Read more...]

Carrot Cake Bread

This carrot cake bread has everything you love about classic carrot cake baked into the perfect breakfast loaf. Each slice is soft, full of warm spices and coconut, and topped with creamy frosting. Whether you call it cake or bread, it always disappears fast!

If you enjoy the flavor of carrot cake, try our carrot cream cheese muffins or carrot cake bars.

Slices of frosted carrot cake bread laying on a black tray.

The post for carrot coconut bread was first published in November 2011. The photos were updated in April 2019 and republished in April 2026.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

I've always loved carrot cake. It's usually my go-to dessert when we go out to dinner. I just cannot resist the mix of spices, sweet carrots, and cream cheese frosting.

That's exactly why I don't make this carrot cake sheet cake at home anymore. Because I'm the one sneaking bites for breakfast until it's gone. I mean, it's got fruit and veggies, so that makes it acceptable, right?

So instead, I took all the flavors I love from this carrot bundt cake and baked them in a bread pan. Somehow baking it in this shape makes it feel more like a breakfast treat.

Of course, once I added frosting and toasted coconut on top, my husband was quick to point out that it still looked like cake. But I'm ignoring that and happily calling it carrot cake bread while enjoying it with my morning coffee.

Why You'll Love This Carrot Bread

  • Soft, moist texture. Thanks to the fresh carrots, oil, and sour cream, this loaf stays tender and delicious for days.
  • Sweet tropical flavor. Shredded coconut adds flakes of sweetness and just the right amount of texture to each bite.
  • Fun topping. A thick layer of creamy frosting and toasted coconut makes it taste just like a slice of your favorite carrot cake.
  • Perfect for spring baking or Easter. This recipe is great for a holiday brunch, but it's just as fun to bake for a slow weekend morning.
[Read more...]