menu icon
subscribe
search icon
Get my Cheesecake Cookbook! →

Salted Caramel Brownies

If you're craving something sweet with a little salty crunch, these Salted Caramel Brownies will hit the spot! Made with a brownie mix, soft caramel, and sea salt, these chocolate brownies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty goodness.

Three chocolate brownies topped with caramel and pretzels stacked on a plate.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Caramel Pretzel Brownies

Years ago, Starbucks offered a delicious salted caramel mocha and a salted caramel brownie pop. I was so disappointed when they stopped selling these items. 

I loved the small brownie pop so much that I created a salted caramel brownie recipe to mimic the flavor. I included salty pretzels in the brownies, adding a delightful crunch, which was a fantastic idea.

To this day, it remains one of my favorite desserts. I get requests for the recipe whenever we bring it to parties and potlucks.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and Salty Heaven: The chocolate, caramel, and pretzel combo is a winner, with the perfect mix of sweet and salty in every bite.
  • Easy to Make: You can quickly prepare the dessert using a box mix. The toppings make it look and taste like you put in extra effort.
  • Great Texture: This dessert is a dream, with soft, fudgy brownies, melty caramel, and crunchy pretzels. Biting into layers of different textures is so satisfying.
  • Crowd-pleaser: Caramel brownies are perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them at home with the family, they are a hit.
[Read more...]

Apple Butter Bread

Our sweet Apple Butter Bread is a must-make for fall. It's easy, delicious, and makes your home smell amazing while baking. The warm flavors capture all the cozy vibes of the season, making this bread a new favorite.

A loaf of apple butter bread on a white plate.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Apple Butter Bread

As the weather gets cooler and the leaves start to change, I'm ready to head into the kitchen and bake something cozy. Fall isn't complete without the scent of apples and spices filling our house. 

One of my favorite things to make with extra apples is apple butter. The sweet, warm, and tastes like fall in every bite. It's perfect for toast, rolls, and, of course, sweet bread!  

This year, I transformed my pumpkin bread into a delicious fall treat. After baking six loaves, I finally achieved the perfect texture and flavor to share with my friends and family. The extra sprinkle of cinnamon sugar gives it a sweet crunch that everyone loves.

Whether you have it with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack, this delicious bread is a perfect way to enjoy fall flavors.

You'll Love This Recipe

  • All the Fall Flavors: Apple butter contains apples, cinnamon, and other spices. Using it in baked goods gives every bite a warm fall taste, and the cinnamon sugar topping adds a sweet crunch.
  • Super Moist and Tender: Thanks to the apple butter, this bread is not dry. It's soft and tender and stays moist for days.
  • Quick and Easy: This is a quick bread, so you don't need to deal with yeast or rising times. Mix, pour into a pan, and then bake. It's that simple.
  • Perfect Anytime: This sweet bread recipe is great for breakfast with coffee. It can also be enjoyed as a snack or a fall dessert.
[Read more...]

Apple Butter Cake

This Apple Butter Cake is perfect for fall. The snack cake is made with apple butter and warm spices and topped with a sweet vanilla bean glaze. It's easy to make and will impress everyone on any fall occasion.

A slice of glazed apple spice cake on a white plate.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

There's nothing quite like the smell of apple butter simmering on the stovetop to create a warm and cozy atmosphere in your home. I used this year's first batch of apple butter to bake this delicious autumn cake. 

This snack cake is everything you want in a fall treat. It's filled with a sweet apple flavor, warm spices, and a vanilla glaze that melts into the top of the cake.

Trust me, a slice of this dessert will make you want to snuggle up with a cozy blanket and a cup of tea.

Why Make This Apple Butter Cake Recipe

  • Cozy Fall Flavors: Apple butter has a rich, spiced apple flavor, which makes it the perfect base for a fall cake. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves combine to create a warm, cozy taste that feels like a hug in every bite.
  • Moist and Tender: The apple butter keeps this cake incredibly moist. It's tender and soft and practically melts in your mouth.
  • The Vanilla Bean Glaze: Let's be honest. The glaze is what takes this cake to the next level. Poured over the warm cake, it melts slightly, creating a delicious top layer that's just irresistible.
  • Easy to Make: This cake might taste like it took all day to make, but it's actually super simple. You can make a stunning dessert for any occasion with just a few simple ingredients. It's great for family dinners and Thanksgiving tables.
[Read more...]

S'mores Cookies

S'mores Cookies are a delicious twist on the traditional campfire treat. They have a gooey marshmallow center, crunchy graham crackers, and lots of chocolate. Best of all, they're easy to make, and you don't need to start a fire to enjoy them.

Marshmallow chocolate chip cookies on a white plate.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Cookies

Our family enjoys sitting around a bonfire throughout the year, making s'mores, and catching up on life. Toasted marshmallows, melted chocolate, and graham crackers are timeless flavors. So, I wanted to include them in a stuffed cookie.

I have been experimenting with different versions of my thick chocolate chip cookies, and this s'mores variation has quickly become one of my favorites. They are thick and gooey with a marshmallow center, the perfect combination of a s'more and a cookie.

If you love marshmallows and chocolate chip cookies, you'll adore our gooey s'mores cookies! They are a great treat for when you want something sweet but don't want to start a fire.

  • Gooey Marshmallow Surprise. The best part of these cookies is the ooey, gooey marshmallow inside. It melts down while baking, creating a sweet surprise in the middle of each cookie.
  • S'mores All Year Round. These s'mores-inspired cookies can be enjoyed without starting a fire. The mix of chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham crackers brings the camping classic into the kitchen.
  • Easy to Make. These cookies are not only delicious but also fun to make. This easy recipe creates a delicious treat for parties, family events, or holidays.
[Read more...]

Pumpkin Pecan Bread

Enjoy the delicious smell of Pumpkin Pecan Bread baking in your oven this fall. This tender and moist quick bread is topped with a sweet praline frosting that quickly makes it disappear.

A loaf of pumpkin nut bread on a slate board.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

I absolutely adore the smell of fall treats baking in my oven. Once pumpkin treats hit store shelves, I'm ready to add pumpkin spice to everything I bake. 

This year is no different. I've already whipped up pumpkin spice muffins and indulged in multiple pumpkin cream cold brew coffees. 

One thing I make without fail every year is chocolate chip pumpkin bread. I always like to add a unique twist, so I topped it with a praline glaze and plenty of pecans this time. 

I understand that there are countless pumpkin bread recipes available online. But trust me, you definitely need to try this version. It will quickly become your go-to treat for pumpkin season.

Why You'll Love This Recipe 

  • Great fall flavor. The combination of spices and pumpkin makes this treat smell amazing.
  • Moist and tender texture. Brown sugar and pumpkin puree make the loaf soft and tender.
  • Praline glaze. This sweet brown sugar topping and extra nuts finish off the loaf perfectly.
  • Versatile sweet bread. Pumpkin bread can be enjoyed anytime - as a breakfast, snack, or dessert. It's also an excellent recipe for different holidays.
[Read more...]

Tomato Basil Pasta

Tomato Basil Pasta is a simple yet satisfying dish. It's quick and easy, making it the perfect homemade meal without all the hassle. Pair it with a garden salad or a loaf of bread for a tasty dinner.

A bowl of tomato basil pasta topped with grated cheese.

This post was first published in May 2014. It was updated and then republished in August 2024.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

I'm always looking for simple, inexpensive dinner recipes that taste great and can be made in under 30 minutes. A few that we make all the time are cheesy chicken and rice casserole, chicken pasta bake, and tomato soup.

This tomato pasta recipe is another one that checks all the boxes. It's easy to make in minutes, packed with flavor, and our whole family loves it. 

The highlight is the light sauce, made from juicy tomatoes and a handful of sweet basil leaves. It's guaranteed to be a favorite on busy weeknights when you need to get dinner on the table fast.

Why You'll Love Pasta with Tomatoes and Basil

  • Quick and Easy: This simple pasta dish can be on the table in under 30 minutes with just a few ingredients. It's perfect for those nights when you want a home-cooked meal without all the fuss.
  • Versatile: This delicious meal can be paired with various proteins, such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or meatballs. It can be easily adjusted to your taste or whatever you have in your kitchen.
  • Light and Fresh: The sauce uses tomatoes instead of heavy cream or cheese, making it lighter but still satisfying.
[Read more...]

Brookies

Brookies are the ultimate treat, combining the best of two classic desserts. With layers of fudgy brownies and buttery chocolate chip cookies, brownie cookie bars have a delicious combination of flavors and textures.

A stack of four brookie bars on a white plate.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Brookie Bars

We frequently bake these chocolate chip brownies and this thick chocolate chip cookie recipe for parties and get-togethers. But there are days when I can't decide which one I'm craving the most.

With brookie bars, I don't have to choose. I love to combine homemade brownies with soft, chewy chocolate chip cookie dough in one pan. It's like getting two treats in one, and I can't get enough of them.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The Best of Both Worlds: With brookies, you don't have to settle for a brownie or a cookie. In every bite, you get both treats.
  • Ultimate Crowd-Pleaser: Brownie cookies are always a hit, so they are great for parties or bake sales. The combination of flavors makes them hard to resist.
  • Easy to Make: Despite appearing impressive, brookies are surprisingly simple to make. They're perfect for a special treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Have Fun with Them: For extra flavor, try adding nuts, peanut butter, caramel, or sea salt. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings.
[Read more...]

Pizza Pasta Salad

Pizza Pasta Salad combines all your favorite pizza toppings with noodles and a zesty Italian dressing. This cold pasta salad is a great choice for summer picnics, back-to-school lunches, or potluck dinners. 

A serving of pizza pasta salad on a plate.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Pizza Pasta Salad Recipe

My husband usually chooses what's for dinner because he makes savory food in our home, while I stick to dessert. One of his specialties is homemade pizza dough, which we use every weekend for pizza nights!

This week, I was motivated to make dinner. We had leftover toppings, so I used them to change up our usual veggie pasta salad. It was the perfect side dish to serve with the rotisserie chicken I purchased from Sam's Club. Finding that balance is key, isn't it?

This pizza pasta salad recipe is ready in minutes and can be custom-made to your taste. We use our favorite toppings with the pasta, but you can adjust it to your preferences. It's perfect for any season, so we make it all year long!

Why You'll Love Pizza and Pasta

  • No oven required: When it's too hot to turn on the oven, this pasta salad gives you pizza vibes without breaking a sweat.
  • Easy to customize: Just like pizza, you can make this salad with your favorite pizza toppings. Try meat lovers or veggie-packed version
  • Great for gatherings: It's easy to prepare in large amounts, so it's ideal for parties, picnics, and family events.
  • Can be made ahead: You can make pasta salad in advance. It tastes better after sitting for a while, allowing the flavors to mix together.
[Read more...]

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Our Pumpkin Spice Muffins are a fall favorite because they are easy to make, and everyone loves them. Whether you enjoy them with your morning coffee or share a batch with friends, these glazed muffins will make your day warm and cozy!

A glazed pumpkin muffin on an orange towel.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Best Pumpkin Muffins

Fall is in the air, which means it's time to embrace everything pumpkin spice! There's nothing like a warm, fluffy pumpkin treat to get you in the autumn spirit. 

As soon as August arrives, I'm ready to start every day with a pumpkin cream cold brew and a pumpkin muffin. I've been making these pumpkin coffee muffins for years, but this time, I decided to go for a simple pumpkin spice flavor.

These pumpkin muffins are soft, moist, and perfectly spiced. Adding the sweet glaze and cinnamon sugar is optional, but it gives them a finished look.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Delicious Fall Vibes: The pumpkin spice blend is like a warm, comforting hug in muffin form. It's everything you love about fall in one sweet bite!
  • Simple Ingredients: Our easy pumpkin muffins can be made in under an hour with basic pantry items and canned pumpkin.
  • Great for Sharing: Whether you're hosting a fall brunch or want to treat your coworkers, these muffins will surely be a hit with everyone.
  • Adaptable: Enjoy them plain or load them up with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit. They're delicious either way!
[Read more...]

Apple Butter Coffee Cake

This Apple Butter Coffee Cake will steal the show this fall. With layers of soft cake, apple butter, oat crumble, and a sweet glaze, it's the perfect treat to enjoy with coffee or to share with friends and family.

Two squares of apple coffee cake on parchment paper.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Fall is my favorite season. I love the changing leaves, crisp air, apple picking, and all the apple treats. This is also the time of year when you can find jars of rich apple butter in stores.

Apple butter takes me back to my childhood. We always had a jar of this spicy, thick spread in our refrigerator for toast or biscuits.

This apple spread is delicious on toast but has many other uses. Last year, I used it in this apple butter bread and these apple butter cinnamon rolls, which are still family favorites. 

This fall, I wanted to make a coffee cake that could be enjoyed for breakfast or dessert. I used the base recipe from my strawberry snack cake and added apple butter filling and a cinnamon crumb topping.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Fall Flavors: Apple butter and cinnamon create the perfect fall flavor combination, making this cake a seasonal delight.
  • Perfect for Sharing: This autumn snack cake is perfect for brunches, potlucks, or a cozy family breakfast.
  • Comfort Food: The warm, sweet, spiced flavor makes it perfect for chilly mornings or evenings.
  • Easy to Make: This coffee cake is simple despite its fancy layers.
[Read more...]