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Ambrosia Fruit Salad

If you need a quick and easy fruit dish for your next dinner, this Ambrosia Fruit Salad is perfect. Just mix the canned fruit, marshmallows, and Cool Whip in a bowl, chill it until dinner, and get ready for a sweet, creamy dessert everyone will love.

Want more easy fruit salads? This orange fluff and this pistachio fluff are a few of our favorites.

A bowl of fruit salad mixed with Cool Whip on a blue towel.
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We usually bring a fruit salad to holiday dinners. Sometimes, I switch it up with this easy ambrosia fruit salad. It's creamy, sweet, and a fun twist on the classic!

The creamy Cool Whip and soft mini marshmallows make this recipe a hit at family gatherings. Our kids love the fluffy texture and bright colors. It's sweet and fun and feels like dessert disguised as a side dish.

I've been making this creamy dish for years, and it's easy to see why it's still so popular. It's light and sweet and brings back memories. I make it for everything from Easter brunch to summer cookouts, and it always disappears fast.

So, if you're looking for an easy way to jazz up your holiday menu, try this light dessert. It might become one of your family's favorites, too.

Why You'll Love This Canned Fruit Salad

  • Kids and adults of all ages love this sweet side dish. 
  • The best part is how easy it is to make it with just a few simple ingredients.
  • It's perfect for holidays, potlucks, or even last-minute dinner parties. 
  • Although it is light and refreshing, it still manages to feel like a dessert!
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Mocha Muffins

If you love chocolate and coffee as much as we do, you will adore these mocha muffins! They're simple to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for a quick breakfast or a sweet treat in the afternoon.

A close up of a chocolate chip mocha muffin on a pile of muffins.

This post was originally posted February 2012. The recipe was modified, and new photos were taken in April 2016. The post was updated and republished in March 2025.

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Chocolate Chip Mocha Muffins

My daughter and I love chocolate and coffee. Whether it's homemade chocolate chip brownies or a chocolate latte, we just can't get enough.

So, I thought, why not combine the two into a delicious breakfast muffin? They vanished in just one day, so I knew it was a winning combination!

Each soft and fluffy muffin is filled with chocolate chips. They are perfect for breakfast with morning coffee or a quick afternoon snack. Plus, they stay moist for several days, but honestly, they never last that long here!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The batter for this simple recipe is easy to prepare, and no fancy ingredients are required!
  • Using coffee with chocolate brings out the rich chocolate flavor in baked goods.
  • These muffins use dark cocoa powder AND chocolate chips for double the chocolate goodness!
  • These soft and fluffy muffins are delicious on day one, but they actually get better the longer they sit.

Main Ingredients

Bowls of ingredients needed to make chocolate mocha muffins on a white board.

You can easily bake a batch of mocha muffins in your oven. The batter consists of only a few simple ingredients.

  • Unsalted Butter: Set the butter out before you start so it has time to soften.
  • Sugar: I like mixing regular white and brown sugar for a rich, moist texture. 
  • Large Egg: An egg helps hold the batter together and gives it a slight rise. 
  • Sour Cream: Gives the muffins a soft and moist texture. If you prefer plain Greek yogurt, use it.
  • Leavening Agents: Use baking soda and baking powder for the best rise.
  • Dark Cocoa Powder: Many different types of cocoa powder are available, but I prefer Hershey's dark cocoa. It gives the batter a rich, dark color and flavor.
  • Flour: These muffins call for all-purpose flour. To avoid adding too much, use the fluff and spoon method.
  • Milk: You can use any milk or dairy substitute you prefer.
  • Coffee: Strongly brewed coffee enhances the chocolate flavor. You can substitute milk if you do not want coffee flavor in your baked goods.
  • Mini Chocolate Chips: I prefer the mini ones because they spread the chocolate even more. For bigger chocolate pockets, you can use regular chips or chocolate chunks.

How To Make Mocha Muffins

This mocha muffin recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. It's a great treat to curb your sweet cravings any time!

Four pictures collaged together showing how to make chocolate muffin batter.

In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, and sour cream, then beat again.

Stir the dry ingredients in a bowl. Alternately add the flour mixture and wet ingredients until it comes together, but do not overmix.

Gently stir the mini chocolate chips into the batter. Spoon the muffin batter evenly into 16 regular-sized muffin cups. Then, sprinkle the remaining chips on each muffin top.

Bake the muffins until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Let them cool for a few minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

Two mocha muffins on white papers.

Storage Recommendations

On the Counter: Store the leftover muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for 4-5 days. 

In the Freezer: Extra muffins can be frozen in a freezer-safe bag or container for several months. Just be sure to thaw them (either in the fridge or at room temperature) before serving! 

Tips and Tricks

  • Substitute other liquids. If you do not like coffee or do not want any caffeine in your baked goods, you can substitute milk or water for it.
  • Do NOT over-mix your batter. Overmixing the batter can make your muffins tough.
  • Skip the paper liners. Spray the muffin pan with nonstick baking spray, then use a paper towel to wipe out the excess before filling it with batter.
  • Fill them neatly. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan using a large cookie or ice cream scoop.
  • All ovens run differently. Before the timer goes off, check the muffins by inserting a toothpick in the center. They are done when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
A white plate with a pile of chocolate chip mocha muffins on it.

More Chocolate Muffins

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Please leave a 5-star ⭐️ rating and a review in the comments section below. 

Recipe

A mocha muffin on white paper.

Mocha Muffins

Yield: 16 muffins
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 31 minutes

Two times the chocolate makes these Chocolate Mocha Muffins the perfect breakfast choice to get you going in the morning. Grab a cup of coffee and a muffin before heading out the door.

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ⅓ cup milk
  • ⅓ cup strong brewed coffee, cooled
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • ½ cup dark cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all purpose flour (240g)
  • 1 ¼ cups mini chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place 16 cupcake liners in two cupcake pans.
  2. Beat the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the egg, sour cream, and vanilla and beat until creamy.
  3. Sift the dry ingredients and add them alternately with the milk and coffee, beating slowly. Do not overmix.
  4. Stir in 1 cup mini chocolate chips by gently. Spoon the batter evenly into the cupcake liners.
  5. Sprinkle the tops of the batter with the remaining chocolate chips. Bake for 15-17 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  6. Remove the muffins from the oven and let them cool in the pan for 2-3 minutes. Then, place the muffins on a wire rack to cool completely. Store in a sealed container.

Notes

  • Substitute other liquids. If you do not like coffee or do not want any caffeine in your baked goods, you can substitute milk or water for it.
  • Do NOT over-mix your batter. Overmixing the batter can make your muffins tough.
  • Skip the paper liners. Spray the muffin pan with nonstick baking spray, then use a paper towel to wipe out the excess before filling it with batter.
  • Fill them neatly. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan using a large cookie or ice cream scoop.
  • All ovens run differently. Before the timer goes off, check the muffins by inserting a toothpick in the center. They are done when the toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Place a muffin in the microwave for 10 seconds for that fresh from the oven taste.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 16 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 251Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 36mgSodium: 287mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 2gSugar: 16gProtein: 4g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Jocelyn
Cuisine: American / Category: Muffins and Scones

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Try our copycat recipe if you enjoy the spicy chicken chipotle pasta from The Cheesecake Factory. This homemade pasta dish is loaded with vegetables and coated in a sweet, creamy chipotle sauce. It's sure to become a new family favorite.

A plate of spicy pasta on a black towel.

The post for chipotle chicken pasta was first published in April 2012.  The photos were updated in August 2019 and were republished in March 2025.

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The Cheesecake Factory has always been our go-to for date nights, and we used to order the same dish every time. One day, my husband and I decided to try something new. After scanning their massive menu, I ordered the spicy chicken chipotle pasta, and it was love at first bite! 

This dish has tender chicken covered in a creamy, smoky chipotle sauce, along with some asparagus and peas. The ingredients are mixed with pasta and then topped with crispy tortilla strips. It is creamy, spicy, and downright delicious!

Since I can't always eat out (as much as I'd love to), I decided to recreate this restaurant favorite at home. And let me tell you-it's just as good, if not better!

This Chipotle chicken pasta has a variety of flavors and textures. The crunchy veggies, soft pasta, and creamy sauce will have you filling your plate with more.

Why You'll Love This Chipotle Pasta

  • The Perfect Dish: It's rich and creamy with just the right amount of sweet and spicy flavor.
  • No Reservations Needed: Skip the long wait times and enjoy this Cheesecake Factory favorite anytime.
  • Saves Money: Eating out adds up fast, but you can make a big batch of this for way less!
  • Easy to Customize: Add more veggies, adjust the heat, or use shrimp instead of chicken!
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M&M Chocolate Chip Cookies

Our colorful M&M chocolate chip cookies are packed with chocolate and candies. They have golden, crispy edges and thick, soft centers. Best of all, the dough comes together in minutes, and no chill time is needed.

Chocolate chip cookies with M&M candies on a cooling rack.
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Giant M&M Cookies

The past year, I have been in my cookie-baking era. It all started with my thick chocolate chip cookies. Now, I use that base to make fun and exciting flavors each month. Trust me, my neighbors don't mind all the cookies!

One of my favorite candies is the classic M&M's, so I just had to make a giant cookie loaded with them. It's become a family favorite. I love making these for different holidays and swapping out the candy colors each time.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This easy recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients.
  • Each cookie is packed with chocolate and candies, making them a festive treat.
  • No chilling time! You can bake this chocolate chip cookie dough as soon as you make it.
  • These treats are perfect for any occasion or holiday. The colorful candies add a bright pop of color to each one.
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Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars

If you love Reese's, these Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake Cookie Bars will be your new favorite dessert. Chewy chocolate cookies layered with creamy peanut butter cheesecake and topped with a chocolate drizzle make these extraordinary.

Two chocolate peanut butter cheesecake bars stacked on top of each other.

The post for chocolate peanut butter cheesecake cookie bars was first published in August 2013. It was updated and then republished in March 2025.

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Years ago, my husband and our oldest son ran a Warrior Dash together. It was one of the most fun (although challenging) things I have ever done. 

After walking through mud, climbing walls, and questioning my life choices during the obstacle run, I couldn't wait for a sweet dessert. Thank goodness I had a pan of these Reese's cookie bars waiting in the fridge.

I jazzed up these cheesecake cookie bars with chocolate and peanut butter. They're also loaded with peanut butter cup chunks. I don't know what it is about Reese's, but they always seem to sneak into my recipes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

 Whether you're treating yourself after a long day or need a peanut butter and chocolate fix, these bars have you covered!

  • The Best of Both Worlds - These bars mix chewy chocolate cookies with creamy peanut butter cheesecake. Now, you don't have to choose between two favorite desserts.
  • Loaded with Chocolate and Candy - Peanut butter cups and chocolate chips give these cookie bars a sweet, delicious taste!
  • Easy to Make - No fancy techniques or equipment are needed! Just mix, layer, and bake.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion -These bars are always popular, whether at a party, bake sale, or just a night out for something sweet.

Sara says, "My whole family loves them! Definitely finger-licking worthy 🙂 I will definitely be making them again!!!"

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Fruity Pebbles Crispy Treats

These Fruity Pebbles Crispy Treats are soft, chewy, and so fun! They're a great go-to for a quick snack or dessert. With just three simple ingredients, you can make these colorful no bake bars in no time!

A stack of fruity pebbles crispy treats on a white plate.
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Fruity Pebbles Treats

I love regular Rice Krispies treats, but I also enjoy using different kinds of cereal in the same no bake dessert. One of my all-time favorite twists is these cinnamon toast crunch bars. 

This month, while I was at the grocery store, I noticed that Fruity Pebbles were on sale, so naturally, I brought home a box. With St. Patrick's Day just around the corner, it's the perfect time for rainbow marshmallow treats!

The bright, colorful cereal adds a fun element to the crispy bars, and who can resist that fruity flavor? Just one whiff of the cereal box takes me back to my childhood.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you're a fan of Fruity Pebbles, these colorful rainbow crispy treats are a must-try!

  • Gooey marshmallow treats. They have the same sweet texture as classic Rice Krispies but with a fun twist.
  • Ready in minutes. This easy snack can be made and cooling on your counter in 30 minutes.
  • Kid-friendly dessert. Kids of all ages will love the bright colors and the fruity twist.
  • Great for birthday parties or St. Patrick's Day. The marshmallow bars are easy to serve from the pan or to share in small party bags.
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Chicken Corn Chowder

There's nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of Chicken Corn Chowder on a chilly day! This creamy, homemade soup comes together in less than 30 minutes and is packed with potatoes, bacon, and sweet corn.

Two bowls of chicken potato corn chowder with toppings.

The post for chicken corn chowder was first published in January 2017. It was updated and republished in February 2025.

Chicken Potato Corn Chowder

There's nothing quite like a big pot of soup on a cold night. Our kids love canned chunky soups, but I was on a mission to make a homemade version so good they wouldn't miss the store-bought ones.

I checked the kitchen and found potatoes, frozen corn, and chicken. Just what I needed to make an easy chicken corn chowder. The bubbling broth filled the kitchen with a cozy, comforting smell all afternoon.

The real test was when my kids got home from school. The moment they smelled the chowder, they were ready for dinner. They ate in silence and then went back for seconds. Mission accomplished.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken corn chowder is a family favorite and is part of our regular winter menu. I'm confident you'll love it as much as we do!

  • Easy One-Pot Meal - Everything gets tossed into one pot, so clean-up is a breeze!
  • Packed with Hearty Ingredients - Tender chicken, sweet corn, and soft potatoes mix for great flavors and textures.
  • Better Than Store-Bought - This homemade version uses fresh ingredients and contains no preservatives. It tastes way better and doesn't have that metallic flavor you get from canned foods.
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Chocolate Banana Muffins

These double Chocolate Banana Muffins are the solution for the ripe bananas on your counter. Soft, fluffy, and packed with chocolate flavor, they're easy to make and loaded with melty chocolate chips in every bite. One batch is never enough!

If you love chocolate and bananas as much as we do, you should also try this chocolate banana bread.

Two stacked muffins with more behind them.

The post for double chocolate banana muffins was first published in November 2013. It was updated and republished in February 2025.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

You know that moment when you look at the counter and see brown bananas? It happens every week at our house. But instead of seeing overripe bananas as a problem, I see them as an opportunity to bake something delicious.

Let's be honest: bananas make everything better. Some of our favorites are banana scones, banana bread made with sour cream, or these decadent chocolate banana muffins.

These moist chocolate muffins are soft, fluffy, and packed with chocolate chips in every bite. We baked two batches in two days because our kids couldn't get enough.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy - No complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
  • Rich and Fudgy - Combining ripe bananas with cocoa powder creates a rich chocolate flavor. The result is muffins that are perfectly moist and incredibly tasty!
  • Uses Overripe Bananas - No more wasting those brown bananas on your counter! This recipe is the perfect use for them.
  • Packed with Chocolate - Melty chocolate chips inside and on top, make every bite extra chocolatey goodness.

Dena says, "Made these muffins last night and they are divine. Kids loved them, I loved them and everyone at work that tried one loved it. Thanks!"

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Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

You can make frosted strawberry pop tarts at home. They're made with a flaky pie crust, filled with strawberry preserves, and finished with icing and sprinkles. They're perfect for a fun breakfast or a dessert treat!

Homemade pop tarts filled with strawberry preserves in a pile.
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Pop Tarts with Pie Crust

Growing up in the 90s, I remember eating store-bought Pop-Tarts for breakfast and snacks. There was always something fun about tearing open those foil wrappers and seeing the classic treats.

Did you know you can make a simple version of pop tarts using pie crust? It's a fun and easy way to create a semi-homemade treat quickly. 

I made Nutella pop tarts a few years ago, and our kids loved them! Recently, I decided to try a strawberry version since I had leftover pie crust and preserves in the fridge.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These strawberry pop tarts are a breeze to make and taste better than boxed ones! They're perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a fun nostalgic treat anytime.

  • Flaky & Buttery Goodness: Nothing beats a flaky pie crust. It's crispy, golden, and melts in your mouth.
  • Simple Ingredients: You only need a few essential ingredients to make a treat that tastes bakery-quality.
  • Quick and Easy: Using pre-made ingredients means no extra steps and less stress. Just roll out a pastry crust, add jam, and bake. That's all there is to it!
  • Fun to Customize: Customize them using different fillings, adding themed sprinkles, or drizzling them with chocolate.
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Jerk Shrimp Tacos

Jerk Shrimp Tacos are a great way to change your regular taco night. Each tortilla shell is filled with mango salsa, crumbly cheese, and shrimp, creating a sweet, spicy, and flavorful dish.

Three shrimp tacos with toppings in a metal serving dish.

The recipe for Caribbean jerk shrimp tacos was first published in May 2016. It was updated and republished in February 2025.

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Caribbean Shrimp

Shrimp tacos are my go-to order whenever I see them on a restaurant menu. When we lived in Texas, our date nights often meant going to our favorite taco place. I always ordered seafood tacos and green chili pork tacos.

Eating out for tacos can add up, so I made a version of those spicy shrimp tacos at home instead. I like to keep a big bag of frozen shrimp around for grilling or frying. Just make sure you don't forget the shrimp in the freezer while getting dinner ready.

What I love most about this dinner is how quickly everything comes together! You can have delicious shrimp and pineapple mango salsa ready in just a few minutes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe 

Jerk shrimp tacos are a fantastic mix of spicy, sweet, and fresh flavors. They're perfect for quick weeknight dinners or fun taco nights with friends.

  • Ready in Minutes: Shrimp cook in about 3 minutes. This makes it one of the fastest and easiest ways to prepare a restaurant-quality meal at home.
  • Sweet and Spicy Flavor: The heat from jerk seasoning pairs well with sweet fruit salsa, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
  • A Taste of the Islands: The juicy shrimp and fresh toppings make you feel like you are at the beach in the Caribbean. No passport is needed.
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