Blog - Inside BruCrew Life

Brownie Batter Ice Cream

Our homemade brownie batter ice cream is rich, creamy, and loaded with coffee, chocolate chips, and swirls of fudgy batter. If you love coffee and brownies, this is the dessert you have been waiting for.

The recipe and post for brownie batter coffee ice cream were first published in August 2015. It was updated and republished in July 2025.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Coffee and Brownie Ice Cream

Ice cream is always in our freezer, no matter the weather. Honestly, you can't go wrong with a bowl of creamy ice cream, whether it's hot or cold outside.

The other day, I was looking for ingredients in my pantry to make another no-churn ice cream. It's easy to make with sweetened condensed milk, heavy cream, and your favorite mixins. A few of our favorites are fluffernutter ice cream and chubby hubby pie.

This time, I added some instant coffee, and instead of adding brownie chunks, I used the extra mix to make brownie batter swirls. The gooey chocolate remains soft in the freezer.

The chocolate chips, coffee flavor, and brownie batter swirl made it a favorite with our kids. I had to stash a container in the back of the fridge, so that I could have a scoop!

So, if you're craving something with chocolate and caffeine, skip the store-bought versions and make this coffee-infused brownie batter ice cream instead. It's easy to make and a delicious way to treat yourself.

[Read more...]

Golden Graham S'mores Bars

Peanut Butter Golden Graham S'mores Bars are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed year-round. These gooey, no bake bars, filled with marshmallows and chocolate, are a hit at any event. If you love s'mores and peanut butter, you need to give these a try. No campfire required!

The post for peanut butter s'mores bars was first published in March 2015. The photos were updated, and it was republished in July 2025.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Peanut Butter S'mores Bars

One of our favorite family activities is sitting around a campfire sharing funny stories and looking at the stars. Of course, toasting marshmallows to make s’mores is always a must.

Since moving to Florida, we've had very few backyard fires. The warm weather isn't ideal for bonfires, so we haven't roasted anything over a flame in a while.

So, I’ve been on a mission to bring those gooey, chocolatey vibes indoors. These s'mores cookie cups and s'mores brownie cupcakes are some of our favorites to make in the kitchen. But when it's summer, I'm all about no bake desserts.

These s'mores bars have a crunchy yet chewy texture with a nutty peanut butter twist. They are basically scotcheroos made with Golden Grahams, and yes, they are incredible! Ready in just minutes, these treats will be the hit at all your summer parties.

[Read more...]

Raspberry Banana Cake

This Raspberry Banana Coffee Cake is loaded with juicy fruit and dark chocolate, and then topped with a buttery streusel. It’s a sweet and cozy treat that goes so well with a hot cup of coffee.

This raspberry banana coffee cake was first published in April 2016. It was updated and republished in June 2025.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Banana Raspberry Coffee Cake

Bananas usually sit on our counter until they’re too ripe to eat. I keep buying bananas, hoping we'll eat them for breakfast or as snacks, but they just end up dark and spotty.

Fortunately, I love baking with bananas. Currently, my favorite things to make are banana Nutella muffins and maple pecan banana bread.

A few weeks ago, I had ripe bananas and decided to give this banana caramel coffee cake a twist. I added fresh raspberries and dark chocolate chips to the batter, then topped it with a buttery streusel.

This coffee cake turned out incredibly soft and moist. Every time I walked through the kitchen, I couldn't resist sneaking bites.

[Read more...]

Lemon Sweet Rolls

Start your morning with these soft and fluffy Lemon Sweet Rolls! They’re filled with a creamy lemon cream cheese filling and topped with a sweet lemon glaze. The best part? You can have them baked and ready in under an hour.

A lemon roll filled with a lemon cream cheese center.

The post and recipe for lemon rolls were first published in March 2015. It was updated and republished in June 2025.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Lemon Cheesecake Rolls

I love making and eating homemade cinnamon rolls, but I don’t always enjoy the dough process. If you feel the same, you’re in luck. These lemon rolls are quick, easy, and totally worth waking up for.

I’ve been making no-yeast rolls for years, and they’re great for busy mornings. No waiting around for dough to rise, and they still come out soft, fluffy, and delicious every time. A few of our favorites are banana cinnamon rolls and orange sweet rolls.

These lemon sweet rolls are based on the same idea, but with a sunny twist. Instead of cinnamon and sugar, the centers are filled with a rich lemon cream cheese filling that melts into the dough as they bake.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

No Special Tools or Ingredients: The dough is made without eggs or yeast, and you don’t have to wait for it to rise. Just grab a bowl and a fork and start mixing.
Fresh Lemon Flavor: The tangy lemon adds a burst of sunshine to every bite. It’s sweet, tart, and refreshing, especially in warmer months.
Perfect for Spring and Summer: These sweet, citrusy rolls are perfect for brunch, baby showers, and holidays. Or enjoy them on a lazy weekend morning.

[Read more...]

Lemon Buttercream

This easy lemon buttercream recipe is made in one bowl with just a few ingredients. It’s the perfect way to top your favorite cakes and cookies with a refreshing, summery flavor.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Lemon Buttercream Recipe

Many years ago, I took a Wilton cake decorating class at Michaels and learned how to make vanilla frosting.

Over the years, I have adapted the classic American buttercream frosting to create new flavors. Two of my top favorites are this dark chocolate frosting and this marshmallow buttercream.

Living in Florida, I knew I had to add a citrus twist to my icing recipe. I used fresh lemon juice to make a homemade lemon buttercream that was the perfect addition to our lemon cookie bars.

Why You'll Love This Frosting

You can make it in one bowl with just five simple ingredients.
The bright lemon flavor brings a fresh, fruity twist to layer cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
It’s silky smooth with a texture that’s perfect for spreading or piping on your favorite lemon treats.
The natural color and citrusy flavor make it a beautiful choice for spring and summer desserts.

[Read more...]

Lemon Cookie Bars

Our Lemon Cookie Bars recipe is a sweet and tart dessert that everyone will love. Topped with creamy lemon frosting and fun colorful sprinkles, these soft bars are perfect for any spring or summer party.

Three frosted lemon sugar cookie bars stacked on top of each other on a pink paper.

The recipe for Lemon Sugar Cookie Bars was initially published in March 2015. It was updated and republished in June 2025.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

I haven't looked at my cookie cutters in years since I started baking these funfetti cookie bars. Pressing the dough into a pan saves me so much time. There’s no need to roll, cut, bake, and frost each cookie individually.

Plus, cookie bars are easy to customize to your taste. I love experimenting with different extracts or fun add-ins to create a new flavor every time I make a new batch!

Lemon desserts always give me sunshine vibes. I'm looking at you, lemon loaf! Since it’s summer and citrus fruits are in season in Florida, I wanted to add a lemon twist to my sugar cookie bars.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

The sweet and tart flavor makes it a perfect dessert for spring or summer. It is easy to make, and the light lemon flavor is always a hit with friends and family.
Baking and frosting the cookie bars in one pan makes life easier.
Lemon buttercream frosting and sprinkles give it a fun, festive touch. You'll love how beautiful and sparkly these bars are.
Brighten your mood and add a touch of sunshine to your day with these delicious cookie bars.

[Read more...]

Frappuccino Cupcakes

If you enjoy the Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha, these frappuccino cupcakes are a must-try. A sweet white chocolate frosting and chocolate drizzle transform the delicious coffee cupcakes into a coffee shop delight.

This cupcake recipe was originally published in August 2010. The photos and text were revised and republished in June 2025.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Starbucks Cupcakes

I decided to start a cupcake challenge this summer just for fun! There are no pressures or rules, just me baking sweet treats that remind me of my favorite summer things.

The White Chocolate Mocha Frappuccino from Starbucks inspired the creation of the first cupcake. Do you remember that drink?

I used to love having one on a hot day. It was creamy, chocolatey, and always hit the spot. Unfortunately, they discontinued it earlier this year, which makes me sad.

I did what any dessert-loving girl would do and turned it into a cupcake! This treat captures all the flavors I love from that drink. I even added a green straw because why not, right?

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It’s like sipping your favorite drink in cupcake form. This treat captures the flavor of the discontinued Starbucks drink we all miss.
This treat is topped with white chocolate icing, a drizzle of chocolate, and a cute little green straw. Honestly, it's so adorable that you might hesitate to eat it!
It's giving summer vibes. The light, sweet coffee flavor makes it just right for warm days.

[Read more...]

Cookie Monster Dessert

This easy Cookie Monster Dessert is filled with cookies, blue layers, and chocolate pudding. It’s a fun treat to share at parties or to enjoy with family. If you love dessert with cookies, you’re in for a tasty surprise!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Monster Dessert

When our daughter was little, she loved Sesame Street. Her favorite characters were Elmo and Cookie Monster. I remember how excited she would get whenever the blue monster shouted, “Me want cookie!” Honestly, I still feel that way most days.

Even though our kids have outgrown these characters, I still want lots of cookies in my life. This Cookie Monster dessert is a fun way to bring back some of that childhood magic.

I had so much fun transforming a simple chocolate chip cookie dessert with blue food coloring, lots of cookies, and funny googly eyes. It turned into an over-the-top treat that’s creamy, blue, and makes kids of all ages smile.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you love cookies as much as I do, this dessert will be a dream come true.
It’s easy to put together with a few store-bought shortcuts.
Adding edible candy eyes adds an extra touch of fun and creates a true Cookie Monster look.
It's fun, colorful, and always a winner at birthday parties or family get-togethers.
The only thought you'll have as you dig in is "Om nom nom nom!" Cookie Monster would definitely approve!

[Read more...]

Double Chocolate Brownies

If you’ve been missing the Starbucks Double Chocolate Brownies, you’re in for a treat. This copycat recipe is packed with chocolate and always bakes up rich and chewy. The best part? You can make a whole pan at home for a fraction of the cost.

A stack of chocolate chunk brownies on a white board.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Starbucks Chocolate Brownie

A few months ago, I discovered that Starbucks was discontinuing its double chocolate brownies. My first thought was, "Why? They're so good!" Then, my second thought was, "I need to get more before they're gone."

I'm calling it research because I wanted to remember the taste, color, and texture. But truthfully, I was craving brownies that day. After trying them again, I realized I could bake a batch just as good, if not better.

There's something satisfying about recreating a store-bought treat at home. Over the years, I've made copycat recipes for the lemon loaf, marble cake, and salted caramel mocha.

Three Starbucks copycat chocolate brownies stacked on a white board.

I was definitely up for another baking challenge. Plus, I couldn't wait to eat brownies for days! To create my version, I checked the Starbucks website for the ingredients in their brownies.

After ten rounds of testing, I'm excited to share this copycat Starbucks brownie recipe with you. They are thick, chewy, and full of rich chocolate flavor, just like the coffeeshop version. Mine might even be a bit more chocolatey, and I'm not complaining about that.

The best part? You can make them whenever the craving hits!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These chocolate chunk brownies are thick, chewy, and loaded with real chocolate in every bite. They’re easy to make and taste even better fresh from your oven.

More Affordable: Why spend $8 on two small brownies when you can bake a whole pan for under $10? Your wallet and your sweet tooth will thank you.
Simple Ingredients: These homemade brownies are made with real ingredients, not a list of preservatives you can’t pronounce. Just chocolate goodness straight from your oven.
Rich and Chocolatey: We’re talking cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and chocolate chunks all in one pan. It’s the triple threat your brownie dreams are made of. The result? A chewy texture and deep chocolate flavor that you can’t get from a boxed brownie mix.
Next Level: Warm one up and top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge. Or skip the extras and eat one straight from the pan. I won’t judge because I’ve done it too.

[Read more...]

Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

You can make bakery-style mini cheesecakes at home with a muffin pan. Creamy and sweet, these little treats are topped with whipped cream and berries, making them a favorite at any party or holiday event.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Muffin Pan Cheesecakes

Over the years, I’ve fallen in love with baking cheesecake. My favorite dessert to make for parties and events is vanilla bean cheesecake. I simply add a different pie filling each time.

Sometimes I just don't need a full-sized cheesecake or have the time to spend making one. That’s when I grab my muffin pan and make a batch of mini cheesecakes instead. They’re faster, easier to share, and honestly, so much cuter.

If you love cheesecake, these mini vanilla versions are calling your name. Each one has a creamy filling, a sweet graham cracker crust, and a swirl of whipped cream topped with fresh berries.

The best part? They bake in a muffin tin, so they’re easy to make and just the right size for a little treat.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you’re new to baking or short on time, these adorable mini cheesecakes are the perfect solution.

Faster Bake Time: Cheesecake cupcakes bake in half the time of a regular cheesecake, allowing you to enjoy dessert sooner!
No Special Tools Required: You just need cupcake liners and a standard muffin pan. So, let's get ready to bake show-stopping treats!
Easy to Serve: They’re the perfect size to pick up and enjoy without any fuss. No slicing or extra plates needed. Everyone can just grab their own little cheesecake whenever they’re ready for a sweet bite.
You Can Be Creative: Whipped cream and berries are classic, but feel free to try other toppings! Give your treats an exciting twist with chocolate, caramel, or lemon curd.

[Read more...]

« Previous Page