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    Chocolate Zucchini Bread

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED August 3, 2023 · 11 Comments

    Chocolate sweet bread slices on a white tray.

    Chocolate chips and cocoa powder make this Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread so rich and delicious. Plus, it's secretly packed with hidden veggies! Moist and fudgy, it's a delicious way to get your greens without anyone suspecting a thing.

    Chocolate sweet bread slices on a white tray.
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    One of my favorite parts about summer is all the fresh zucchini that is available. While I enjoy eating zoodles all year round, I have a special fondness for baking with zucchini.

    Zucchini adds moisture to baked goods. It really makes gives chocolate recipes a rich and fudgy texture. I still can't get over how amazing this chocolate zucchini cake is.

    I bought a few zucchinis last week with every intention of making a chocolate chip zucchini bread again. But at the last minute, I got a chocolate craving and decided to add cocoa powder. Best idea of the week!  

    Why This Chocolate Zucchini Bread Recipe Works

    We love this double chocolate zucchini bread and so will you. My expert advice is to make two loaves. One to eat today, and one to eat tomorrow. No one will ever suspect veggies are hiding inside this awesome chocolate bread.

    • Double the chocolate! Dark cocoa powder and chocolate chips make the bread super chocolatey.
    • Great texture. Zucchini adds moisture to the bread, making it incredibly soft and tender. This sweet bread bakes up moist, dense, and so delicious.
    • Tastes like cake. The mild taste of the green veggie goes great with the chocolate, making it like a chocolate cake.
    • Great way to use up zucchini. Zucchini is abundant during the summer months. So, zucchini bread is a fantastic way to use up extra veggies from gardens or farmer's markets.
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    Peach Crisp

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED August 1, 2023 · 4 Comments

    A bowl of crunchy oatmeal topping, peaches, and ice cream.

    Treat yourself to a bowl of Peach Crisp before summer ends. This fruity dessert is incredibly easy to make, and each bite is bursting with juicy peaches and a crispy oat topping. Enjoy it fresh out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

    A clear bowl of peaches with oat topping and ice cream.
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    Peaches are one of the sweetest treats in the summer. These juicy stone fruits are only available for a few months. When I see them, I buy some bags and eagerly wait for them to ripen on our kitchen counter.

    When those peaches are soft and ripe, it's time to bake. I look forward to making a peach bundt cake, some peach butter, and a pan of peach crisp every year.

    Why You Will Love this Peach Crisp Recipe

    Peach crisp is one of the easiest and best desserts to make in the summer. Just mix the fruit with sugar, top it with a crunchy oat and pecan mix, and pop it in the oven until it turns golden brown.

    • Easier than pie. No need for fancy tricks or fancy tools. Just mix the ingredients together and throw it in the oven.
    • Amazing texture and taste. The combination of juicy peaches, creamy vanilla bean ice cream, and crispy oat topping is a match made in heaven.
    • Seasonal availability. Peaches are at their peak during the summer months. Using the stone fruit in a crisp is a great way to enjoy them while they are ripe.
    • Crowd favorite. This is a great dessert to make for picnics and potlucks because it is well-liked by everyone.

    Get ready for a sweet dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum deliciousness! This treat is guaranteed to wow your family or satisfy your sweet tooth after a tough day.

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    Peach Parfaits

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 30, 2023 · 31 Comments

    Three cheesecake dessert cups layered with pie filling.

    Make dessert time extra special this week with these easy Peach Parfaits! Layers of angel food cake, peach pie filling, and no bake cheesecake make these mini cheesecake cups the perfect summertime treat! Get ready for smiles from everyone.

    Three cheesecake dessert cups layered with pie filling.
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    When it's hot outside I have zero interest in slaving over a hot oven. During the summer my go-to treats are always no bake desserts. I love keeping things like red hot Jello, no bake cookies, and a few different cheesecake cups in our fridge.

    Making mini parfait cups comes with a delicious perk. There is zero waiting time! You can gobble them up right after you layer all the goodness together. Cue the hip hip hoorays for immediate deliciousness!

    Bonus: If you love peach desserts then you won't want to miss out on this peach bundt cake or peach crisp!

    Why This Parfait Recipe Works

    These little dessert cups are a piece of cake to make! You can have a blast layering them up with your all-time favorite pie fillings.

    • Ready in minutes. Perfect treat to make when you are short on time.
    • No baking involved. All you need are three easy ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.
    • Perfect for parties and picnics. Cheesecake cups are portioned individually, so they are easier to serve and enjoy without a mess.
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    37 Cheesecake Recipes

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 29, 2023 · 10 Comments

    Nine cheesecake pictures collaged with a fun text box.

    Satisfy your sweet tooth with these delicious, easy-to-follow cheesecake recipes! Whether you are new to baking or a seasoned pro, these easy-to-follow instructions will have you whipping up cheesecake masterpieces in no time.

    Nine cheesecake pictures collaged with a fun text box.
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    Why is Cheesecake so Popular

    There is nothing quite like a good cheesecake. In fact, there is a restaurant chain that focuses an entire menu around them. And for good reason. There is no better way to spoil yourself or someone special than with an incredible cheesecake.

    Cheesecake is the one dessert that my husband and I agree on.  We love coming up with fun ways to incorporate the creamy goodness into new desserts and treats. It's one dessert that is so versatile because you can add cream cheese to just about any sweet treat.

    For breakfast try a brownie breakfast tart or a chocolate zucchini cheesecake muffin. Or try a no bake pina colada cheesecake parfait or a peanut butter cheesecake cookie bar. With some imagination and a block of cream cheese, the possibilities are endless.

    • The sweet and creamy flavor and texture leaves nothing to complain about.
    • A simple cheesecake can take on different flavors using creative toppings.
    • Cheesecake takes on many different forms. From full sized to no bake parfaits, the combinations are endless.
    • It is pretty simple to make but looks like it came from a high end bakery.
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    Funfetti Cheesecake

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 28, 2023 · 3 Comments

    A slice of sprinkle dessert with pink chocolate on a plate.

    Get ready to party with this Funfetti Cheesecake. A colorful explosion of sprinkles and a dazzling hot pink chocolate glaze make it an absolute showstopper. The birthday cake-inspired treat is guaranteed to bring smiles and joy to any celebration.

    A slice of confetti cheesecake with pink chocolate on a plate.
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    We love cheesecake. It is one of our all time favorite desserts to make for any event.

    This recipe is a jazzed up party version of our vanilla bean cheesecake. Different flavors and a bunch of colorful sprinkles give you a funfetti cheesecake that brings out the smiles in everyone.

    Sprinkles make everything better, right? That's why I love adding them to things like funfetti bars, confetti bundt cake, and now cheesecake.

    Why This Cheesecake Works

    Get ready to enjoy a party on a plate! Rainbow sprinkles and a pink chocolate glaze make this confetti cheesecake the perfect dessert for parties and birthdays.

    • Sweet creamy texture. The filling is super creamy and light, but still dense and rich like cheesecake.
    • Bright and fun. Tons of colorful sprinkles and a bright pink ganache make this dessert ready for any party. Use different colored sprinkles to change this dessert up for any holiday or themed party.
    • Birthday cake flavor. To get this flavor, you need to use a combination of almond, vanilla, and butter extract! The almond extract is the secret to the cake batter taste.
    • No water bath required! When you bake the cheesecake, place the pan on the oven rack directly ABOVE the steaming pan of hot water. This way you don't have to worry about water getting into your pan and ruining your masterpiece.

    Looking for more colorful cheesecakes? You may like these rainbow cheesecake bars or these no bake unicorn cheesecake bars. Or check out 37 of our favorite cheesecake recipes.

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    Oreo Shake

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 26, 2023 · 14 Comments

    Two clear cups drizzled with chocolate and filled with a cookie shake.

    Beat the heat with this quick and easy Oreo milkshake. We’ve combined creamy vanilla ice cream, cold coffee, and Oreo cookies to create a sweet shake that's unlike any other. It's the perfect way to cool off on a hot day.

    A cookie shake in a clear cup with chocolate drizzles.
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    Most days we brew a full pot of coffee, and finish it before the morning is over. But every once in a while we have leftovers, so I have to find ways to use the extra joe. 

    Usually I just freeze it into cubes for my cold brew coffee in the afternoon. But since it is hot and humid right now, I decided that a thick milkshake would be a fun afternoon treat.

    I poured the extra coffee from the morning into the blender with vanilla ice cream and Oreo cookies. In minutes I was enjoying a mocha Oreo milkshake!

    Why Make this Oreo Shake Recipe

    If you love cookies and cream, this Oreo milkshake will satisfy your sweet tooth. No need to go out for dessert. It is easy to mix up fancy milkshakes in your own kitchen.

    • Quick and easy. Toss everything into a blender, pulse until you reach your desired consistency, and enjoy.
    • Great summer pick-me-up. Adding coffee to the Oreo shake gives it a little bit of a caffeine punch. Perfect for that afternoon slump when you need some energy.
    • Loaded with Oreo cookies. The combination of crunchy cookies and creamy ice cream creates a rich and indulgent dessert.
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    Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 24, 2023 · UPDATED May 14, 2025 · Leave a Comment

    A scoop of ice cream being lifted out of a pan.

    Make a dreamy vanilla bean ice cream with just a few ingredients. This homemade ice cream recipe is rich, creamy, and full of vanilla bean flecks. Trust us, you'll be in love after the first bite!

    A scoop of ice cream being lifted out of a pan.
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    There is nothing better than a bowl of homemade ice cream on a hot summer day! I usually reach for ones loaded with lots of goodness like fluffernutter ice cream or brownie batter ice cream.

    But lately I have been enjoying the simple flavors. There is a reason that vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream are the three most popular flavors in the country. They are amazing alone or served with your choice of dessert.

    Why This is the Best Vanilla Ice Cream

    This vanilla bean ice cream is one of the easiest ice creams to make. No eggs or cooking is required for this base. Just whisk the ingredients together and let it churn into a delicious frozen treat.

    • No cooking required. There are no eggs in a Philadelphia style ice cream recipe, so you do not need to cook anything. I'm all about simple recipes, so this vanilla ice cream recipe is perfect.
    • Rich creamy texture. A mixture of heavy cream, whole milk, and a small amount of cream cheese provides the right amount of fat. The fat is what makes it so creamy, so don't skimp on the ingredients.
    • Great vanilla flavor. Using vanilla bean paste gives a more intense and authentic vanilla flavor compared to ice cream flavored with vanilla extract. Plus, it adds those dreamy little black specks.
    • Easy to customize. This is an excellent base for adding mix-ins such as chocolate chips, nuts, candies, or fruit. You can create endless flavor combinations without losing the vanilla taste.
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    Chocolate Muddy Buddies

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 23, 2023 · 46 Comments

    A white bowl of muddy buddies with chocolate chips.

    Chocolate muddy buddies is the perfect treat for any chocolate lover! A coating of chocolate chip cookies and mini chocolate chips takes this classic cereal treat to a whole new level.

    A white bowl filled with chocolate chex muddy buddies.
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    Is this called puppy chow or muddy buddies? When we lived in the Midwest, we always called it peanut butter puppy chow. After we moved, I learned that other parts of the country call it muddy buddies or monkey munch.

    I love finding fun and new ways to change up the flavor of this sweet snack mix. My husband doesn't like peanut butter, so I wanted to find a way to make muddy buddies without peanut butter. It turns out all you have to do is add extra chocolate.

    Did you know you can use crushed cookies in place of some of the powdered sugar? It's a fun way to give the treat an amazing texture and taste. Our kids devoured this animal cracker muddy buddies, so I couldn't wait to try another kind.

    Why This Chocolate Muddy Buddies Recipe Works

    Adding chocolate chip cookies to the chocolate muddies buddies gives it a delicious and unique cookie taste.

    • Quick and easy treat. You can make this sweet Chex mix in minutes using just a microwave! No need to bake or use any special tools.
    • Sweet twist on muddy buddies. Crushed chocolate chip cookies and mini chocolate chips gives the mixture a chocolatey crunch.
    • Everyone loves it. It is the ultimate snack to bring to family get-togethers, school events, or holiday parties.
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    Coffee Ice Cream

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 21, 2023 · Leave a Comment

    A white bowl with three large scoops of ice cream in it.

    This sweet homemade coffee ice cream is sure to satisfy your caffeine cravings! With only a few simple ingredients, you can make a batch of this creamy frozen dessert in no time. The amazing flavor and creamy texture are guaranteed to please everyone.

    A white bowl with three large scoops of ice cream in it.
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    Do you start your day off with brewed coffee? I've been a coffee lover ever since my college days, and it's become a cherished part of my morning routine.

    I'm on a homemade ice cream kick right now. So, it was only a matter of time before I added my favorite cup of joe to ice milk.

    We've kept this coffee ice cream and cookies and cream ice cream in our freezer all summer.

    Why This Coffee Ice Cream Recipe Works

    Coffee ice cream is the best of both worlds for dessert and coffee lovers. It combines your favorite brew into a smooth frozen treat that will cool you off.

    • Great coffee flavor. Trust me, you will know this is coffee ice cream. Feel free to adjust the amount of instant coffee if you want a less mild flavor.
    • Soft creamy texture. You can easily make a container of this rich smooth ice cream with only 5 ingredients.
    • A little pick-me-up. There is some caffeine in coffee, so this ice cream will give you a small energy boost. Use decaf instant coffee if caffeine affects you.
    • So many ways to enjoy it. You can eat coffee ice cream by itself, with toppings, with dark chocolate cake, or as an ice cream cake.
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    Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Cake

    By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED July 20, 2023 · 39 Comments

    A slice of ice cream cake topped with Oreo cookies and Cool Whip on a white plate.

    Cool off this summer with a delicious slice of mint chocolate chip ice cream cake! With layers of creamy ice cream, gooey hot fudge sauce, and an Oreo cookie crust, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for parties all year long.

    A slice of ice cream cake topped with Oreo cookies and Cool Whip on a white plate.
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    We like to keep our freezer stocked with plenty of ice cream during the summer. Something about that sweet frozen treat just helps to cool you off when temperatures are high.

    Our daughter loves ice cream and always asks for an ice cream cake for her birthday. This year she wanted me to combine mint chip ice cream and mint Oreos in a homemade ice cream cake.

    Why You Will Love this Mint Ice Cream Cake

    An Oreo cookie crust topped with layers of ice cream, hot fudge, and more cookies makes this a spectacular and easy dessert.

    • Easy summer dessert. Ice cream cakes are one of the easiest desserts to make. Just add softened ice cream to a pan and pop it into the freezer to harden overnight.
    • Loaded with Mint Oreos. This frozen cake has a mint cookie crust, mint cookie fudge center, and mint cookie chunks on top.
    • Two layers of ice cream. Vanilla ice cream and mint chocolate chip ice cream are what we chose for our cake. Feel free to change up the vanilla with your favorite flavor or another layer of mint chip ice cream.
    • Oreo fudge center. An entire jar of hot fudge mixed with mint Oreos makes a gooey and sweet center between the ice cream flavors.
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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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