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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.
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Raspberry Filled Cookies

These raspberry filled cookies are soft, sweet, and just a little bit fancy without being complicated. A homemade raspberry filling and dark chocolate drizzles make the sugar cookies stand out on any dessert tray. Everyone will be asking for more after one bite, so you'll want to make them again and again.

If you love raspberries, try our raspberry crumble cookies or raspberry thumbprints.

A stack of raspberry filled cookies cut in half so you can see the fruit filling.

The recipe for raspberry cookies was first published in August 2011. The photos and post were updated and republished in March 2026.

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I love baking treats that have an unexpected but delicious surprise inside. My latest creation is these raspberry filled cookies, and I think you will really like them. From the outside, they look like simple sugar cookies. But once you take a bite, you'll discover a pocket of fruit filling that is so good.

I started with the same recipe I used for my Nutella stuffed cookies. However, this time, I filled them with my homemade raspberry pie filling. To decorate them, I added a drizzle of dark chocolate and crushed freeze-dried raspberries. They look really fancy, but honestly, they are so easy to make.

The best part? These raspberry cookies get better the longer they sit because the filling inside keeps them soft and tender. Although don't be surprised if they disappear in a hurry! That raspberry center gets everyone!

Why You'll Love These Soft Raspberry Cookies

  • Soft for days! These cookies stay soft and tender, and the flavor keeps getting better day after day.
  • Hidden raspberry filling center. Each treat has a sweet, jammy raspberry center, so you get fruity goodness in every bite.
  • Dark chocolate drizzle. Melted chocolate and dried berries give these cookies a pretty bakery-style finish.
  • Great for parties or holidays. They are easy enough to make any time, but fancy enough to share on holiday trays or special occasions.
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Raspberry Pie Filling

This raspberry pie filling is easy to make on the stovetop and bursting with fresh berry flavor. You can use it in any dessert that calls for pie filling. And once you make it from scratch, it is hard to go back to the canned version.

A glass jar filled with raspberry pie filling with a spoon lifting out a spoonful of filling.
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I feel like I say this every time I make a new fruit filling, but homemade really is so much better. Once you realize how easy it is to make pie filling on the stovetop, those canned ones just don't compare anymore.

Since I have already made blueberry, cherry, peach, and blackberry pie filling, it was time to add a raspberry version to the list. It's not one I see in stores very often, and I love the sweet, slightly tart flavor and the bright pop of color that raspberry pie filling adds to desserts.

Of course, it took a little testing to get it just right. My first batch was too runny and did not set up the way I wanted. Raspberries release more juice as they cook, and they are more delicate than blackberries, so I needed to make a few adjustments.

An overhead picture of a jar filled with raspberry pie filling.

I reduced the water and lemon juice, which made a big difference in the texture. It thickened perfectly, while staying soft and spoonable, just how I like it.

This glossy raspberry filling is great for swirling into cheesecake and making a dump cake or berry crisp. My favorite is to spoon it over a scoop of vanilla ice cream when I'm craving something sweet.

Why You'll Love This Raspberry Pie Filling Recipe

  • Quick and easy. This homemade filling can be prepared in 15 minutes with minimal effort.
  • Simple ingredients. All you need are fresh raspberries and a few basics you probably already have in your kitchen.
  • Better than canned. You control the sweetness, and there are no preservatives or corn syrup in this thick, glossy mixture.
  • So versatile. Use it in pies, cakes, cheesecakes, parfaits, or any recipe that calls for pie filling.
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Orange Poppy Seed Bread

This orange poppy seed bread is soft, bright, and full of citrus flavor. The tender crumb, crunchy poppy seeds, and sweet orange glaze on top make every slice so good. It's easy to make and great for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a simple dessert.

Love baking with citrus? Try our orange blueberry crumble cake or cranberry orange muffins next.

Slices of orange bread with frosting on a white plate.

This orange poppy seed bread was first published in June 2017. I updated the photos and text, then republished it in March 2026.

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Living in Florida means fresh oranges are always easy to find, but this time of year is my favorite. February and March are peak citrus season, so I get even more excited to bake with them.

I've made quite a few citrus recipes over the years, like my orange donuts and orange sweet rolls. But this loaf definitely took a little more work to get just right. This simple recipe turned into multiple test batches. Some were gummy, some were dry, and I almost gave up.

But I still had too many oranges on my counter to quit. Plus, I love how my kitchen smells after juicing and zesting oranges, so I kept testing. The game changer was adding a little sour cream to the batter!

That addition gave this orange poppy seed bread a softer texture and just the right amount of moisture. It's soft, moist, and packed with citrus flavor in every bite.

Why You'll Love This Orange Bread Recipe

  • Bright flavor. Using fresh orange juice and zest gives the bread a natural citrus flavor that bottled juice can't match.
  • Soft texture. Sour cream and oil keep the bread moist and tender.
  • Crunch from poppy seeds. The little crunchy seeds help break up the soft texture.
  • Orange frosting. Topped with a simple glaze, this orange loaf looks as good as it tastes.
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Twix Thumbprint Cookies

If you love Twix bars, you need to make these Twix thumbprint cookies. The soft, buttery cookies are filled with a creamy caramel and then drizzled with melted chocolate. Every bite tastes like your favorite candy bar in cookie form. They are simple enough for everyday baking, but festive for holiday trays.

This Twix fudge or java twix oatmeal bars are other fun recipes to try if you like using candy bars in your treats.

A stack of Twix cookies with chocolate drizzles with a bite out of the top one.
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Twix candy bars have always been one of my favorites. They are definitely in my top three. Something about those buttery shortbread cookies, caramel, and chocolate just gets me.

So, when I started thinking about making a new cookie, I wanted to include those flavors. Thumbprints have always been one of my favorite treats to bake. These chocolate raspberry thumbprint cookies are ones I make every holiday, and they never last long. That sweet center makes them hard to resist.

For this new recipe, I wanted a shortbread base, so I used my raspberry thumbprint cookies as a starting point. Then I skipped the jam and filled the centers with gooey caramel. Chocolate drizzles added the perfect touch, making them look so pretty.

These little Twix thumbprint cookies turned out so good and will definitely be a regular in our kitchen. They are basically the cookie version of the candy bars.

Why You'll Love These Twix Cookies

  • Soft buttery shortbread. That classic melt-in-your-mouth texture makes these cookies so hard to stop at just one.
  • Creamy caramel center. Each bite has a soft, gooey filling that pairs with the cookie.
  • Chocolate drizzle on top. Just like a Twix, that layer of chocolate brings it all together and looks so pretty.
  • Perfect for sharing. These look right at home on holiday trays, but honestly, they disappear just as fast any time of year.
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Mocha Cupcakes

If you love coffee, these mocha cupcakes definitely belong on your baking list. The soft chocolate cupcakes are made with coffee, filled with hot fudge, and topped with a swirl of creamy espresso buttercream. It's the perfect dessert for coffee lovers.

If baking with coffee is your thing, you might also enjoy this salted caramel mocha bundt cake or these mocha brownies.

Mocha cupcakes with espresso buttercream on a board and a white cupcake stand.

These mocha fudge cupcakes were first published in April 2013. I took new photos and updated the text, then it was republished in March 2026.

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Coffee is definitely my go-to drink. Every morning starts with a hot cup, then in the afternoon, I make an iced latte for a little pick-me-up.

So, it's no surprise that my love for coffee also finds its way into my baking. Some of my favorite coffee desserts are espresso brownies and this coffee bundt cake.

Recently, I baked cupcakes using a chocolate cake mix, but I replaced the water with brewed coffee for a richer flavor. Then I made them even better by filling the centers with hot fudge before adding espresso frosting!

Chocolate and coffee belong together, and these mocha cupcakes prove it. One bite, and you will wonder where they have been all your life!

Why Mocha Fudge Cupcakes Are the Best

  • Chocolate and coffee are always a good idea. Using brewed coffee in the batter enhances the chocolate flavor and gives the cupcakes a classic mocha taste.
  • A little hot fudge surprise inside. The centers of each cake have a hot fudge pocket, so every bite has a gooey chocolate surprise.
  • Espresso frosting on top. The homemade coffee buttercream is light and fluffy with a smooth coffee flavor.
  • Bakery-style cupcakes at home. The big swirl of frosting, a sprinkle of espresso powder, and a chocolate-covered coffee bean make them look extra fancy.
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Chocolate Mint Bars

These Chocolate Mint Cookie Bars have a soft chocolate cookie base topped with a fluffy mint frosting. Easy to bake and frost all in one pan, sugar cookie bars are perfect for parties, holidays, or just because you like making easy desserts.

If you love mint desserts, try this mint chip ice cream cake or this mint Oreo fudge next.

A stack of three frosted chocolate mint cookie bars with a bite out of the top one.

The post for chocolate mint sugar cookie bars was first published in January 2015. The text and photos were updated and republished in March 2026.

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Sugar cookie bars have quickly become my favorite shortcut in the kitchen. Instead of rolling dough, cutting shapes, and spending hours decorating individual cookies, I just press the dough into a pan and bake.

Over the years, I've made quite a few fun versions, like lemon cookie bars, unicorn bars, and s'mores cookie bars.

Right now, I can't get enough of these chocolate mint bars! They have a fluffy mint frosting on top of a soft, chewy cookie base. Instead of sprinkles, I added some chopped up Andes mint bars for a nice crunch and some extra flair with every bite.

Why You'll Love These Chocolate Mint Bars

  • Made in one pan! The dough is baked and frosted in a 9x13 pan, so no more rolling pins or cookie cutters are needed.
  • Awesome chocolate mint flavor. The dark chocolate sugar cookie, fluffy mint buttercream, and Andes mints have the best chocolate-to-mint ratio.
  • Fun holiday dessert. These dessert bars are the perfect dessert for St. Patrick's Day and Christmas, but honestly, they are delicious all year round!
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Crockpot Sweet and Sour Chicken

The whole family loves this crockpot sweet and sour chicken recipe. It's easy to make with sweet peppers, juicy pineapple, and tender chunks of chicken, all cooked in a flavorful, homemade sweet-and-sour stir-fry sauce. Serve it over rice as an easy weeknight meal!

Two white bowls filled with sweet and sour chicken and white rice.

The post and recipe were originally published in January 2012. The post was updated and republished in March 2026.

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I'll admit, I've never been a fan of sour flavor (all three of my kids know this, and think it's absolutely hilarious to trick me into eating sour candy any chance they get!). But sweet and sour chicken, a Chinese takeout favorite, always strikes the perfect balance between tangy, sweet, and savory.

This crockpot sweet and sour chicken recipe is a nearly hands-off version of the classic stir-fry. Served over a pile of rice, it's a perfect alternative to takeout on weeknights. Like my chicken and dumplings and white chicken chili, it all happens in the slow cooker, which makes this recipe SO easy!

Why You'll Love This Sweet & Sour Chicken Recipe

  • Better than takeout. Skip this week's takeout run and make the BEST Chinese-style sweet and sour chicken from scratch in the crockpot. It's easy, customizable, and tastes just as good, if not better.
  • Easy to prep. This recipe is top-rated as an easy weeknight dinner! With just 20 minutes of prep, you can then set it and forget it on busy days.
  • Made in the crockpot. This sweet and sour chicken cooks in about 3 hours. Or, you can set it on low in the morning and let it slow-cook throughout the day. Come back to a restaurant-worthy meal that's ready to serve over rice.

So easy, delicious, and the perfect weeknight meal!

- Jamielyn

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Pistachio Bread

This delicious pistachio bread is easy to make in one bowl. The addition of pudding mix and real pistachios gives it a lovely green color and nutty flavor. It's a quick bread that is a fun treat for the holidays or with your morning coffee.

If you love pistachio desserts as much as we do, try our pistachio fluff or pistachio granola bars.

Slices of frosted pistachio bread on a slate board.
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Pistachio is definitely a popular ingredient right now. It feels like everywhere I turn, there is a new pistachio-flavored treat that I want to try.

Lately, I have been enjoying a homemade iced pistachio latte every afternoon. This pistachio phase I'm in right now is what inspired this recipe.

This soft pistachio bread gets its sweet, nutty flavor from a box of instant pudding, which also gives it a pretty color. I added chopped nuts to the batter and finished it with a creamy frosting to give the quick bread a bakery-style upgrade. Totally optional, but trust me and do it.

Slices of a pistachio loaf laying on a black tray.

The light green color makes it a fun treat for St. Patrick's Day, Christmas, or anytime you want something a little different.

Why You'll Love This Easy Pistachio Bread Recipe

  • Delicious flavor. A box of instant pudding mix gives it a soft, fluffy texture and sweet taste.
  • Pretty topping. A creamy frosting and chopped nuts turn this simple bread into a show-stopping treat.
  • Great anytime! Perfect for brunch, tea, dessert, or special holidays.
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