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    Oven Roasted Cauliflower

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 20, 2024 · 5 Comments

    A white plated with roasted cauliflower on it.

    This Oven Roasted Cauliflower is delicious and incredibly easy to make. Its crispy caramelized edges make it the perfect side dish for any meal.

    Baked cauliflower on a dark sheet pan.
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    Baked Cauliflower

    I love how versatile cauliflower is. It's a tasty substitute for so many ingredients. Plus, this veggie is always in season, so you can always find it at the grocery store. Over the past few years, we have enjoyed it in so many different ways.

    Cauliflower is delicious when pureed in cauliflower soup. It can also be used to make cauliflower rice for dishes like coconut curry shrimp or mashed and served with chicken stroganoff meatballs.

    I like eating healthy dinners with cauliflower, but I also love the taste and texture of roasted vegetables. Coat cauliflower with oil and spices, then bake for a quick and easy dinner with minimal effort.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Roasted cauliflower tastes amazing and is so easy to make.
    • Cauliflower holds up under high heat, and even if it gets a little bit charred and crispy, it still tastes great. 
    • You can also add different seasonings to change the flavor of the roasted cauliflower.
    • It pairs well with different meats. Serve it with steak, parmesan chicken tenders, or stuffed pork tenderloins.
    • It is flavorful and healthy, making it an excellent choice for any eating plan.
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    Coconut Nutella Cookies

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 18, 2024 · 44 Comments

    A stack of cookies stuffed with Nutella.

    Try our Nutella Stuffed Cookies with white chocolate and toasted coconut on top. They are the most delicious stuffed cookies you'll ever taste. The coconut flavor and hidden chocolate center are an amazing way to enjoy an island flavor at home.

    Soft coconut cookies stuffed with a gooey Nutella center.
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    Coconut Nutella

    Have you ever tried coconut and Nutella before? Although this may be a new flavor combination for you, trust me! It's a keeper.

    Years ago, we vacationed in St. Maarten, and I enjoyed hazelnut coconut crepes every morning for breakfast. It quickly became one of my favorite things to combine! Try it in these Nutella brownies with coconut frosting or a coconut Nutella latte! 

    As I prepared to bake more cookies, I knew that combining those ingredients in a soft stuffed cookie would be delicious. Although they like regular sugar cookies on the outside, the gooey Nutella center makes them extra special. 

    Why You'll Love Nutella In Cookies

    • It's a delicious flavor combination. The nutty tropical flavor of coconut tastes fantastic with the chocolate hazelnut spread. We love this combo!
    • They have the best texture. Each cookie bakes up soft and thick and has a sweet, gooey center.
    • This is a surprising treat. Serving these thick cookies to family and friends is so much fun! Keep the filling a secret, and watch everyone smile when they take that first bite.

    Can't get enough of this creamy spread? Add it to Nutella no bake cookies or chocolate banana Nutella muffins!

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    Reese's Banana Bread

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 16, 2024 · Leave a Comment

    Sliced banana bread with a peanut butter glaze.

    Our Peanut Butter Banana Bread is a must-try for breakfast or snack. This recipe is packed with mini Reese's cups and topped with a rich and creamy glaze. It's guaranteed to become your new favorite way to use up ripe bananas.

    Peanut butter banana bread on a plate.
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    Peanut Butter Cup Banana Bread

    Banana bread is one of my favorite things to bake when we have extra-ripe bananas on the counter. I usually make sour cream banana bread because our kids love it the most. It is my favorite quick bread recipe because it's also easy to customize with different flavors.

    Over the past few years, I have made several fun variations on our classic recipe. Two of my favorites are Funfetti and double chocolate banana bread.

    This week, I decided to add peanut butter to the batter. Trust me, that was a great idea. This simple ingredient takes it to a whole new level. Candy bars and a creamy peanut butter glaze make this Reese's banana bread irresistible!

    Why You'll Love This Recipe 

    • Best way to use up old bananas. Seriously, it's the best banana bread ever right here. At least, that's what our oldest son told me. He is my chief taste tester right now, so you can believe him.
    • Great flavor combo. Each slice has just the right amount of banana and peanut butter. Both adults and kids enjoy this sweet combo.
    • Serve any time of day. This is a great sweet bread for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. Your family and friends will love it!
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    Kitchen Sink Bars

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 13, 2024 · 23 Comments

    Three cookie bars filled with candy stacked on a pan.

    Kitchen Sink Bars are a delicious treat loaded with candies, chocolate chips, pretzels, and more. This easy one-bowl recipe comes together in minutes and has a sweet and salty flavor everyone loves.

    Three cookie bars stacked on a black pan.
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    Kitchen Sink Bars 

    Our pantry always has extra candy, chocolate, and pretzels because I bake sweet treats often. One of my favorite ways to use these leftovers is in blonde brownies.

    This time, I added peanut butter chips, M&M's, Rolos, and pretzels to the thick and chewy cookie bars. The combination of sweet and salty flavors in a dessert always makes me smile.

    If you've never tried blonde brownies, you're missing out. The chewy texture and caramel flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

    Why You Will Love This Recipe 

    • No chill time is needed. You can bake the bars immediately after making the dough. Plus, there is no need to scoop any dough for individual cookies!
    • Loaded with mix-ins. Use your leftovers by emptying your cupboards and pantry for this recipe. Have fun combining your favorite ingredients!
    • Sweet and salty flavor. Pretzels and sea salt complement the sweetness of the candy, creating a delicious taste.

    Are you looking for more sweet and salty desserts? If so, you'll want to try our Take 5 bars or our salted caramel brownie bites.

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    Confetti Cookie Dough Ice Cream

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 11, 2024 · Leave a Comment

    A white bowl filled with confetti ice cream.

    Beat the heat this summer with our easy-to-make Confetti Cookie Dough Ice Cream! This frozen treat is made without an ice cream machine and is loaded with colorful sprinkles and cookie dough bites. It's the perfect way to cool down and satisfy your sweet tooth.

    A white bowl filled with no churn confetti ice cream.
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    Confetti Ice Cream

    One of my favorite kitchen hacks is making ice cream with only four simple ingredients. This base can be used to create any flavor combination you desire.

    A few years ago, I added cookie dough bites and sprinkles to our no churn vanilla ice cream. Cookie dough is one of my favorite flavors, and adding sprinkles makes this treat a fun addition to birthday parties and summer picnics.

    I was pleasantly surprised to find out that McDonald's had released a new confetti cookie dough McFlurry in 2023. Unfortunately, it was only available in Canada, so I couldn't try it.

    If you're sad that this tasty flavor isn't in the US, make my easy confetti ice cream recipe instead. Who needs the Golden Arches when you can make this creamy and delicious treat at home?

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Amazing texture. The combination of cream cheese and whipped cream gives it a smooth and creamy texture like soft serve ice cream.
    • No churn recipe. You don't need an ice cream maker to make it. Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl and freeze.
    • Loaded with mix-ins. Cookie dough pieces and colorful sprinkles make the creamy dessert festive and perfect for summer.
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    Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 8, 2024 · 17 Comments

    Three strawberry bars stacked on top of each other.

    Say hello to dessert paradise with our Strawberry Cheesecake Bars! Creamy cheesecake, strawberry crisp, and a buttery cookie crust make them the ultimate dessert for every occasion.

    Three strawberry bars stacked on top of each other.
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    Strawberry Cheesecake Bars

    Who doesn't love cheesecake? After all, it is a dreamy and decadent dessert. However, the downside is that preparing, baking, and chilling takes a lot of time.

    That's why I prefer making cheesecake bars. They are easy to make and offer endless possibilities for flavors. A few of our favorites are rainbow, chocolate, and lemon.

    I absolutely love strawberries, especially during the spring season. This simple bar recipe combines cream cheese and strawberry pie filling in one pan. 

    We made these strawberry crumble bars for our Easter dinner, and they were a huge hit. Everyone agrees that this cream cheese dessert with the strawberry topping and crunchy oatmeal crumble is a must-try.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe 

    Thanks to the easy-to-make, simple layers, this dessert tastes like a traditional cheesecake without all the effort. Trust me, you will fall head over heels for this strawberry dessert!

    • Bars have a shorter baking time compared to a full-size cheesecake.
    • They look fancy, but they are actually easy to make.
    • The best thing is that this recipe does NOT need special pans, tools, or water baths.
    • Easy cream cheese bars are the perfect dessert for parties, picnics, and potlucks.
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    Pineapple Mango Salsa

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 5, 2024 · 1 Comment

    A bowl filled with salsa.

    Transform your dinner creations with our refreshing Pineapple Mango Salsa recipe! The tropical taste of fresh pineapple, ripe mango, and zesty lime pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, seafood, and more.

    Fresh fruit salsa being served on a spoon.
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    Pineapple Mango Salsa

    During the summer, we love to host backyard barbecues with our family and friends. We often grill hot dogs, chicken, fish, and burgers and serve a variety of condiments and sides to complement the dishes.

    I love making homemade salsa. Once you try it, you'll never want to return to the store-bought versions. It's surprisingly easy to make, and you can control each ingredient. The fresh flavors and colors in our traditional salsa and pineapple peach salsa enhance many of our meals.

    A few years ago, we made pineapple mango salsa. We served it with hot dogs and Hawaiian buns for our 4th of July celebrations. The topping has become a new summer staple in our home, replacing traditional options like ketchup and mustard.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    This spicy mango salsa recipe is simply irresistible! It has become one of our favorite dishes since we shared it at a backyard picnic. You won't regret giving it a try! It is the perfect addition to any party or gathering!

    • So easy to make. All you need is a large bowl and a handful of colorful ingredients. It's incredibly easy to make and requires no special equipment!
    • Delicious tropical flavors. The fresh flavors of the sweet fruit make this easy salsa a hit during the summer months.
    • Versatile condiment. While my favorite way to enjoy this spicy fruit is on hot dogs, there are many different ways to serve it! Try it on tacos, chicken breast, pork chops, rice bowls, or as a summer side dish with tortilla chips.
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    Banana Pudding Popcorn

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 3, 2024 · 28 Comments

    Chocolate covered popcorn in a bowl with cookies and dried bananas.

    Enjoy a delicious twist on a classic dessert with this easy Banana Popcorn recipe. This snack mix has an irresistible banana pudding flavor and is loaded with sweet vanilla cookies.

    Two bowls filled with banana popcorn.
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    Banana Pudding Popcorn

    I have been making unique chocolate-covered popcorn for years, and it's become a monthly tradition. Popcorn can be transformed into various flavors, such as Nutella, Neapolitan, Key Lime, and many more.

    My husband loves banana pudding. So, I decided to try something new by incorporating those flavors into a batch of crunchy popcorn.

    Did you know that popcorn could taste like pudding? It might sound surprising, but it's true! Mixing white chocolate, instant pudding, Nilla wafers, and dried bananas creates a snack mix that tastes like the classic pudding dessert.

    Fun Fact: I actually created this banana popcorn flavor in 2012 before it became popular. Today, quite a few shops sell this unique flavor, but I like to think I was the first to come up with it.

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    This sweet snack will take your movie nights to the next level of snacking. Everyone will go bananas over this fun treat, so I suggest making a double batch.

    • Easy to make. Despite its gourmet appearance, this popcorn recipe is surprisingly easy to make. All you need are a few simple ingredients plus 5 minutes.
    • Fun flavor combo. This snack combines the sweetness of banana pudding with salty, crunchy popcorn.
    • Great for sharing. Serve it in a bowl or hand it out in small bags. It doesn't matter how you serve it because everyone will want more.
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    Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 30, 2024 · 76 Comments

    An overhead picture of a cookies with Reese's Pieces.

    Our Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies are loaded with chocolate chips, peanuts, and Reese's Pieces. These cookies stay soft and chewy for days thanks to a box of instant pudding mix. Enjoy them with a glass of milk for the perfect snack.

    Stacked cookies with candies on a board.
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    Peanut Butter Pudding Cookies

    We've made many treats over the years, but these OG peanut butter pudding cookies are still among the most popular. They have received thousands of great reviews.

    Peanut butter cookies are great by themselves, but adding a secret ingredient to the dough makes them even better. A dry pudding mix keeps the treats soft and chewy for days. Plus, it's an easy way to add extra flavor with one additional ingredient.

    I love baking these soft peanut butter cookies for get-togethers, picnics, or just a cozy night in. They disappear in a hurry every single time!

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • Easy to make. The cookie dough comes together in minutes with just one bowl.
    • No chilling is needed! You can bake the dough as soon as you make it.
    • Loaded with chocolate and candy. Adding chocolate chips and Reese's Pieces to the cookie dough packs each bite with goodness.

    Are you looking for more soft-batch cookies? Make these Reese's peanut butter cookies for the peanut butter lover in your life, and watch their eyes light up with joy.

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    Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 26, 2024 · Leave a Comment

    A slice of lemon bundt cake with lemon glaze on a white plate.

    This Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake is easy to make with a cake mix and tastes delicious. The sweet, lemony flavor and moist texture will brighten up your day.

    A slice of lemon bundt cake with lemon glaze on a white plate.
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    Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake

    For years, I avoided lemon desserts because sour things made me shiver. Then I tried lemon bars and lemon loaf and realized that I like lemon...as long as sugar is involved.

    I'm excited about this time of year because citrus fruits are in season again. Bring on more lemon curd and lemon cheesecake bars. Am I right?

    Recently, I found a lemon cake mix hidden on a pantry shelf and decided to bake a cake. Bundt cakes are my favorite type because they're easy to make and have a fun shape.

    Why This Lemon Bundt Cake With Cake Mix Works

    • Using a box mix and instant pudding mix simplifies this recipe and gives the cake a great taste and color.
    • Thanks to a triple dose of lemon, it is bursting with citrus flavor. It has the perfect balance of sweet and tart.
    • This simple dessert is perfect for spring and summer parties. It will impress everyone at barbecues, potlucks, and other special events.
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    Hi, I'm Jocelyn. The baker, photographer, and writer behind Inside BruCrew Life. I love creating semi-homemade recipes with a whole lot of flair that will make you look like a baking pro.

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