Name: Chocolate Chip Nutella Cheesecake Cupcake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 1 vanilla cake mix; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup miniature chocolate chips; 1 Tablespoon flour; 12 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1 cup Nutella; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 Tablespoons flour; 1/2 cup butter; 1/2 cup shortening; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 2 Tablespoons milk; 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract; 4 cups powdered sugar

Chocolate Chip Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes

Looking for an over the top cupcake for your next party? These Chocolate Chip Nutella Cheesecake Cupcakes are the perfect way to go.

Do you know that automatic car washes are a stressful thing for me?
I had gone 19 years without venturing into one and I would
have been perfectly content to go another 19 years.
But my hubby wanted the van washed and he had to go to work,
so, he sent me on the mission.

Believe me I tried to get out of it...
because the thought of driving up to one and not getting my wheel
in the track was totally freaking me out!!!
I had visions of me totally missing it and then becoming so frustrated
and embarrassed that someone else would have to fix my problem.
And of course then I would never be able to go there again, because
I am sure they take pictures of "crazy" drivers and keep them posted
in their break room just so they can laugh it up during lunchtime!

My husband told me to suck it up and use the giant mirror that
is right above the track. He also said if I couldn't do this simple
thing...he was going to revoke my driver's license!
(I'm not 100% sure he was joking!!!)
Anyway, the threat of me being stuck at home forever
was enough to get me moving to the car wash!!!
I mean hello, I need a car to get me to the grocery store
every time I have a crazy need to bake something.
And let's face it...that happens way more than I want to admit:-)

So the kids and I headed out and honest to goodness
I thought my heart was going to pound out of my chest,
but I am so happy to report that no pictures of this crazy
driver will be gracing their break room walls!!!!
I did it!
I actually used the mirror and got my tires
in the track on the first try!
Not sure if I could do it again...
and I have no intention of trying again anytime soon!

I am also pretty sure the threat of no vehicle
and no grocery store shopping
for yummy cupcake ingredients helped me steer so well...
that and a whole lot of prayer before, during, and after.

It would be tragic if I couldn't get things like
cake mixes, chocolate chips, and nutella.
Because then you wouldn't get to look at crazy things like these:-)

And you like it when I bake right???
Just humor me and say Yes!!!

Recipe

Chocolate Chip Nutella Cheesecake Cupcake

Yield: 24 cupcakes

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Vanilla chocolate chip cupcakes filled with a Nutella cheesecake center and frosted with vanilla butter cream

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

1 vanilla cake mix
½ cup sour cream
1 cup miniature chocolate chips
1 Tablespoon flour

For the Nutella Cheesecake

12 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup Nutella
2 teaspoons vanilla
½ teaspoon salt
4 Tablespoons flour

For the Vanilla Butter Cream

½ cup butter
½ cup shortening
⅛ teaspoon salt
2 Tablespoons milk
1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
4 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Fill muffin pan with 24 cupcake liners and set aside.
Prepare cake mix according to the box. Add the sour cream in with the water and oil.
Toss the chocolate chips with 1 Tablespoon flour. Gently stir the chips into the cake batter.
Fill liners ¾ full and bake for 20-22 minutes. Cool completely, then cut out a small section from the middle of the cupcake. Set aside.
Beat the cream cheese. Add the Nutella and beat until creamy.
Slowly stir in the rest of the ingredients until smooth. Fill the centers of the cupcakes.
Beat the butter and shortening until creamy. Add the salt, milk, and vanilla and cream again.
Slowly add the powdered sugar and beat until light and fluffy. Frost the cupcakes and sprinkle with extra mini chocolate chips if desired. Keep refrigerated.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 24 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 380Total Fat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 296mgCarbohydrates: 49gFiber: 1gSugar: 37gProtein: 3g

Cupcake Milkshakes

These easy Cupcake Milkshakes are a great way to use up extra cupcakes!

My family and I spent all last week
living it up on Table Rock Lake
near Branson, MO.

It was really a boat kind of a week.
We saw a few shows and walked around
one shopping plaza.
But mostly we chilled on the boat,
swam in the lake,
and did some tubing.
(I'll have some funny tube pics for you tomorrow:-)

I did get in the water...
but I have a confession for ya.
I am just as terrified of the lake water
as my 3 and 6 year old nieces!
I just don't vocalize it as much as they did:-)

Come on people...
I have seen Lake Placid!!!!
Who knows WHAT is underneath me
just waiting for the right moment to chomp!

Something about being in a lake that is
over 100 ft. deep in parts
where I couldn't see my feet when in the water...
just freaks me out a bit!!!

I may have missed an entire week of working out,
(LOL! I didn't "miss" it at all:-)
but I worked out my abs each time I got in...
because I basically did a variation of a V sit
with my life vest.
No way was I letting my feet dangle down
for some fish to nibble on!

At one point I actually got in WITHOUT the vest...
I CLUNG to my little floaty raft...
of course then I had to fight off the family members
who knew how freaked out I was by the water.
Not exactly relaxing that day!!!

My idea of being surrounded by liquid...
is to relax with a glass full of this milkshake!

I had a some leftover strawberry cupcakes that had been
sitting on the counter for a couple days.
For some odd reason I didn't cover them,
and they were a wee bit stale.
(no these didn't sit for the entire week we were gone...
they would be past stale then:-)
No one was going to eat them,
but I had some ice cream in the freezer
and thought,
"What the Heck!"
the kids just might like this idea.

Ok, fine,
I might like this idea.

I plopped in a few scoops of ice cream,
poured in some milk,
and threw the whole cupcake in on top.

I don't have any exact measurements for you today.
Just eyeball it.
You really can't mess up milkshakes, can you?

My oldest loved these so much
that he even came up with the idea for calling them
LIQUID CUPCAKES!
You really can taste the cupcake and frosting in these.

Just so you know...
these taste even better when served in a canning jar
with a swirl of Hershey's chocolate!
Don't know why, but I think everything
nowadays is better in a jar!

So the next time you have some cupcakes
that are just past the eating stage.
Hold off on throwing them away...
you will want to try these cupcake milkshakes.

Vanilla Whoopie Pies

These Vanilla Whoopie Pies start from a cake mix and are filled with canned fudge frosting. You can't get much easier than that.

So every summer, we ask the kids what they want to do over summer break.

Can you believe that this year all they said was swim, swim, swim??? So I took the liberty of creating a summer 2011 bucket list:

*pool (check)

*amusement park (check)

*cruising in the Saab (check)

*baseball game

*camping

*camp fires

*smores

*catch lightening bugs

*sprinkler

*boating/tubing/wakeboard

*vbs (check)

*library

*geocaching

*dunes

*slushies (check)

*water balloon fight

*bike rides

*berry picking

*state fair

*zoo

*bake whoopie pies

Do you have a summer fun list for your family? I am just curious what are some of your top things to do? Yes, it's possible, I want to add to my list.

I was trying to get 26 summer things...one for each letter of the alphabet! It's a random project in my head that probably will stay there for a year or two.

Is it just me? Or are whoopie pies one of the funnest (yes, it's a word) summer treats? I mean, you get two cookies plus filling...what's not to love?

And because Fourth of July is coming up so fast, I decided to add some red and blue fudge-filled cups...ya know, for some fun patriotic color and all!

Recipe

Vanilla Fudge Whoopies

Yield: 36 cookies/18 whoopie pies

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Easy cake mix cookies made with colored fudge stars or M&M's and filled with fudge frosting.

Ingredients

1 vanilla cake mix
1 cup rice krispie cereal
½ cup melted butter
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 package red and blue fudge filled stars (from the Dollar Tree) or 1 cup red and blue M&M’s
1 can fudge frosting

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine all the first 5 ingredients until mixed in. The dough will be slightly crumbly. Carefully stir in the fudge cups (or M&M’s).
Roll into 36 - 1 inch balls and place on an un-greased cookie sheet. Make sure they are at least 2 inches apart to allow some spreading while baking.
Bake for 8-9 minutes or until set. Cool for 1-2 minutes on the pan, then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling.
After the cookies have cooled completely, place frosting on half the cookies and top with the other half. Makes 36 cookies or 18 whoopie pies.

Notes

If you can't find the fudge stars, use red and blue M&M's instead.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 304Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 293mgCarbohydrates: 43gFiber: 1gSugar: 29gProtein: 3g

Banana Bread in a Can

Baking banana bread in a can is an easy and fun twist on a classic recipe. It tastes just as delicious as a traditional loaf and makes the cutest little gifts for any occasion.

A stack of banana bread slices that were baked in a can.

The recipe for banana bread in a can was first published in June 2011. The photos and post were redone and republished in May 2025.

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Can Bread

Years ago, I joined a monthly swap for hostess gifts and decided to create something sweet. I knew sour cream banana bread would be perfect because I had ripe bananas on the counter.

Although baking a plain loaf seemed too simple. I wanted to make something special that would catch people's attention!

A quick search led me to the cutest idea of baking banana bread in a can. This unique approach was quirky and totally unexpected. I immediately washed out a few green bean cans (after making dinner with them) and got to work.

Four cans on a tray with baked banana bread in them.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how fun and surprising it is. People are always delighted to see homemade banana bread baked in a can.
It's a sweet twist on classic banana bread and makes people smile. Each one is the perfect size for individual servings.
I love upcycling old cans to give them a second life. Turning them into mini baking tins adds a cozy, vintage touch and makes each loaf feel extra special.
The cans are easy to decorate. I love adding a ribbon and tag for cute, ready-to-give gifts.

[Read more...]

Mocha Whoopie Pies

Give these Mocha Whoopie Pies an exciting twist with coffee and coconut frosting. The mocha coconut sandwich cookies are a fun and delicious handheld treat.

Three chocolate whoopie pies filled with coconut frosting and rolled in toasted coconut.

A few random things that I "learned" this week...

*I can't unplug my iphone while it is doing an update. It won't work, and I had to restore it to factory mode and then do a recovery because I freaked when nothing was on it.

*The Blueberry Pomegranate Chocolate Chunk ice cream that I found at our local Kroger was AMAZING!!! and it was light too!!!

[Read more...]

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts

Start off the day with an easy baked donut. These Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts will have everyone smiling in no time.

I don't know about you, but Monday is my least favorite day of the week. Probably because I have to get back into a weekday routine.

I am a sleeper inner, so I struggle with the whole getting up early in the morning thing, but not this Monday!

It's a Holiday Monday!!!

All about the sleeping in, the cookouts, the food, the campfires. Did I mention sleeping in? (yes, I know I am pathetic)

I hope you all are enjoying your Memorial Day!

It is a great time to remember what our service men have done for us! We are so thankful for each and every person that has spent time to give us our freedom!!!

What else can make Monday better?

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts and lots of sprinkles! You have to have sprinkles! It just makes it all seems better!!!!

And putting them on a stick just ups the cute factor because we all know food on sticks = way fun!!!!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts recipe:

Recipe

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts

Yield: 36

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes

Strawberry donuts made from a cake mix and dipped in chocolate frosting

Ingredients

1 strawberry cake mix
⅓ cup vegetable oil
½ cup vanilla ice cream
3 large eggs
½ cup strawberries
1 container canned chocolate frosting
sprinkles

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°.
Use fresh or frozen strawberries and smash into puree. If you are using frozen strawberries, thaw for a minute or 2 in the microwave. Drain the liquid and smash with a fork.
Melt the ice cream in the microwave for about 30 seconds.
Combine the oil, eggs, ice cream and strawberries in mixing bowl, add cake mix and beat for 1 minute on low and 2 minutes on medium. Spoon in about 1 teaspoon batter into a mini donut pan. (I found it worked better to fill a frosting bag and use a large frosting tip to pipe the batter in)
Bake for 8-10 minutes. Cool in pan about 4 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.
Remove the lid and foil from frosting. Heat in microwave for 1 minute…stirring every 30 seconds. Pour into a bowl and dip the tops of your donuts. Place on a wax paper lined tray and sprinkle with your favorite color sprinkle of the day.

Notes

After your frosting has set, you can slide a lollipop stick through the center and tie on a bow.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 36 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 46Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 19mgSodium: 17mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 0gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g

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

Have a FABULOUS Memorial Day!

Peanut Butter Explosion Chocolate Cake

The layers of frosting and peanut butter cup candies in this Peanut Butter Explosion Chocolate Cake will impress everyone at dessert. It's the perfect cake to make for parties or bake sales.

I wanted to stop in today and let you know how my journey with P90X is going. We are half way through week 2, so woo hoo only 10 more weeks to go!

Uuuugggg! Doesn't sound as exciting that way, does it? Let's stick with HALFWAY through week 2!!!

I would much rather be sleeping in and baking my way through cupcakes and brownies instead. But I guess that's what got me into this predicament in the first place. Late night snacking on Mocha Fudge Cupcakes and Reese's Popcorn has come back to bite me on the big butt!

[Read more...]

Oreo Cinnamon Rolls

Looking for a new breakfast idea? Try these Oreo Truffle Cinnamon Rolls. No yeast and ready in under an hour makes them perfect for any weekend breakfast.

I am fairly certain that the word URGENT in "urgent care" is not at all the right word choice.

Maybe it should have been called "let's see how long we can make them wait" care unit. Because every time we go it takes at least an hour and a half.

This time was no exception. We got there and got too excited at the prospect of an empty waiting room. 20 minutes later we were in the room...waiting...for at least another 40 minutes. Then we talked to the Dr. and waited for the nurse to come back.

When your child has a fever for 24 hours and a sore throat and tonsils the size of golf balls you don't want to wait so long. Just saying! I mean I was 99.9% sure it was strep, but I'm no doctor, so we waited!!!

Ok, now that I got that out of my system, I just want to say for the record how thankful I am that we have great insurance, great doctors, and great medicine in this wonderful country! Honest!!! I seriously wasn't complaining or being ungrateful.

(ok, I might have been complaining just a tad) But I am very thankful to have an urgent care center to even go to!!!
[Read more...]

Thoughts on Mothering...

I truly meant to get this posted earlier this week...
but I got busy...

and blogger got crazy!!!

Last week our pastor called and asked if I would think
about being on a panel of moms for his sermon on mothers day.

Anyone that knows me very well,
knows that I absolutely hate speaking in front of large groups...
heck I hate speaking in front of more than 2 people.

But I have been feeling God trying to stretch me
to do things that are slightly uncomfortable...
so I said yes.

He gave us a few questions to think about...

1. What is one of the biggest challenges in parenting today?

I think there is a lack of communication. So many kids have phones and access to internet at very young ages. I want my kids to know that they can always come to me or my husband if they have problems or issues. I don't want to find out things via a text or facebook.

2. How do you balance life and mothering?

I think it is very important to keep God number one in your life. By reading His word, you know how He wants you to handle struggles and He helps you keep your focus. Your family always comes next. There are lots of times that you have to give up doing things that you want, so that your family is happy and healthy. Third I believe you have to take some time out for yourself. A happy mommy makes a happy home. Take time to get a manicure or do some shopping therapy.

3. What is one of the most important things?

Love your kids unconditionally!!!!! No matter what happens, your kids need to know that you love them!!!! I have always said "I love you" to my kiddos since they were babies! They need to hear this over and over. Even as teens.

4. If you could give one piece of advice, what would it be?

Remember what it is like to be a kid. There are so many times that I yell at my kids and ask them why they did something, and they were just being kids. Kids have a different perspective and I think as adults we lose that. I end up having to say I'm sorry and ask for some forgiveness just because I get uptight as an adult. Let loose and have some fun.

Honest I don't have all the answers, and I sure was glad that there were 5 other ladies with me on the panel. That way I didn't have to say too much. But I am glad that I let God use me, even when it was hard for me!!!

(don't ya love trying to get just ONE good picture of everyone)

Smiling as a Mom!

I SMILE as a MOM at...

* hugs and kisses from my "babies"
* breakfast in bed made entirely from my boys
* funny made up songs
* being called "beautyful" from my girl...it is wonderful to be admired when you haven't
showered for the day yet
* "dates" with each of my kids
* each day being entirely different from the last
* my kids thinking of others
* rare moment when they ALL GET ALONG!
* how God has blessed me with my 3 wonderful childeren

I also "smile" when all my kids are in bed at night too.
Last night I got this card finished for the
current CQC #83.
My card mojo wasn't happening and
I actually almost threw in the towel and went to bed...

but then I just laid the strips down and loved it.

Kind of like being a mom...

there are days that are tough and I want to give up,
but God gives me the strength to finish strong!
I have learned that not everything is going
to be perfect right away,
but if you just keep on it will all be right in the end.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
to all my mom friend.

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Recipe

Ingredients

For the Cupcakes

For the Nutella Cheesecake

For the Vanilla Butter Cream

Instructions

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Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition Information:

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Can Bread

Why I Love This Recipe

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Donuts recipe:

Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition Information:

Did you make this recipe?