Inside BruCrew Life

menu icon
subscribe
search icon
Get my Cheesecake Cookbook! →

How to Make Whipped Cream

You can make Homemade Whipped Cream like a pro in just minutes using only three simple ingredients. Creamy and delicious, this topping is perfect for cheesecakes, trifles, coffee, and more. Piping fancy swirls has never been easier.

A big swirl of whipped cream in a white and teal bowl.

This post was first published in July 2020. It was updated and then republished in October 2023.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

I grew up always using store-bought whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, because it was convenient. In fact, I never realized how easy it was to make homemade whipped topping until just a few years ago. 

It's surprisingly simple to make a delicious and creamy whip for pumpkin pie, fruit parfaits, a maple latte, and more.

Why Make This Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe

Whipping up homemade whipped topping is a breeze and beats store-bought every time!

  • So easy to make. Make a whipped topping in 5 minutes with a chilled bowl and three ingredients. It's easy and delicious!
  • Easy to change. There are various ways to enhance the flavor of this creamy topping. Consider using almond or cinnamon extract instead of vanilla, and add a splash of rum along with lemon zest. The possibilities are endless!
  • The all-time perfect topping. This easy Cool Whip substitute tastes terrific on all your favorite desserts. My favorite is strawberry shortcake with a big dollop of sweetened whipped topping.
[Read more...]

Oreo Bats

These Oreo Bats are the perfect treat for Halloween parties! They're perfect for topping cupcakes or adding to a dessert tray. Plus, they can be ready in just a few minutes.

A frosted cupcake topped with a cookie decorated like a bat.

Try these Oreo bats if you need an easy Halloween treat this year. Transform your favorite chocolate sandwich cookies into bats by adding cookie wings, candy eyes, and chocolate ears.

They're easy to make and add so much fun to any party. These no bake cookies are perfect for your dessert table, along with peanut butter monsters, spider donuts, and owl cookies!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You Will Love This Oreo Bats Recipe

This is a quick and easy Halloween recipe idea! It's such a simple treat, and it gets countless oohs and awws as the bats come to life!

  • Easy to make. Don't bother turning the oven on. This easy recipe requires a microwave and a little cutting and stirring. They're so cute for so little effort!
  • Adorable topper. These Oreo bats are a great addition to a Halloween party! Enjoy them on their own, or use them as spooky cupcake toppers.
  • Perfect for kids. Get the kids involved! This simple Halloween activity would be perfect for a class party! Just cut all the ingredients at home and bring extra Oreos in case some disappear.
[Read more...]

Pumpkin Pudding Poke Cake

Creamy pudding and warm spices take this Pumpkin Poke Cake to the next level. It's easy to make and will be a hit with everyone at your next fall event.

Two pieces of pumpkin pudding cake on white plates.

Poke cakes are one of the easiest and most delicious desserts to make. Nothing beats the satisfaction of digging into a moist cake on a warm day. A couple of our favorite cakes that we make year-round are chocolate coconut cake and dreamsicle cake.

It's officially pumpkin season, which is the perfect time to share all things pumpkin. As the weather cools down and leaves turn orange and red, I'm excited to share my recipe for pumpkin poke cake. It is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy a delicious autumn dessert as we transition to fall.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You Will Love This Pumpkin Poke Cake Recipe

If you're looking for an easy pumpkin dessert, this pudding poke cake is your answer. It's poked with holes and filled with smooth pudding for flavor.

  • Easy to make. This dessert is incredibly easy to make, even for beginning bakers. Using a cake mix and instant pudding simplifies the process, making it easy for anyone to create a fantastic cake.
  • It tastes like Fall. The combination of pumpkin, spices, and vanilla cake makes this dessert taste so good.
  • Fun to Customize. While the recipe is delicious, just as it is, try other toppings for extra flavor. Add a drizzle of caramel, chopped nuts, and crunchy toffee bits for the ultimate fall dessert.
[Read more...]

No Bake Halloween Cream Pie

This Halloween Cream Pie has layers of no bake Oreo cheesecake and creamy pudding. It's incredibly easy to make, so it's the perfect dessert for Halloween parties!

A white plate with a fork and a slice of creamy pudding pie on it.

Can you feel the eerie vibe in the air? It's the time of year when ghosts, spiders, and great food collide! Why not set the mood for the holiday season with this delicious Oreo pie recipe?

I created this Halloween pudding pie after being inspired by this simple cookies and cream pie. This time, I added cookies to the chocolate cheesecake layer and tinted the vanilla pudding layer orange.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You Will Love This Halloween Pie Recipe

The combination of cheesecake, pudding, and Oreo crust creates a delicious dessert that will satisfy every sweet tooth.

  • Minimal Equipment: You don't need fancy kitchen gadgets. A mixing bowl, a hand mixer or whisk, a spatula, and a pie pan are all you need.
  • No Baking Necessary: There is no need to bake this pie, so it is one of the easiest pies to make. The crust sets in the fridge, and the fillings are no-bake.
  • Easy to Customize: Play around with the flavors and decorations if you feel creative. Make a graham cracker crust, use chocolate pudding, or top it with your favorite Halloween candies. The recipe is very versatile.
  • Contrast and Texture: Each layer of this fun treat offers a delightful contrast between its crunchy and creamy textures.
  • Impressive Dessert: This Halloween-themed pie is visually stunning, so it is a great centerpiece for any party or gathering.

Are you looking for more Halloween pie recipes? Try this candy corn pie or these Halloween cheesecake cups.

[Read more...]

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes

You will love these Peanut Butter Cup Cupcakes! Moist chocolate cupcakes with a delicious Reese's surprise inside and double the frosting. Perfect for pleasing a hungry crowd!

A chocolate cupcake with a peanut butter cup on the bottom.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Reese's Cupcakes

Reese's peanut butter cups are our family's favorite candy, so I always look for fun ways to use them. Last week, I baked chocolate cupcakes with a surprise peanut butter cup in the center. 

Swirls of dark chocolate frosting, the best peanut butter frosting, and Reese's candies made these delicious cupcakes my new favorite treat!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These peanut butter and chocolate cupcakes will steal the spotlight at any gathering. Whether hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or just treating yourself, these Reese's cupcakes are the answer.

  • The Cupcake Magic: We're taking a shortcut here with a chocolate cake and pudding mix. Don't worry. With these secret ingredients, cupcakes will always be perfectly moist and chocolatey. 
  • A Sweet Surprise: Before adding the batter, drop a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup in the bottom of each cupcake liner. It's a delightful surprise for everyone to find.
  • The Icing on the Cake: What's better than chocolate frosting? Chocolate AND peanut butter frosting swirled together, that's what! Make your favorite recipes (or use store-bought, no judgments here), and swirl them together on cupcakes.
[Read more...]

Monster Munch Popcorn

A bowl of Monster Munch with peanuts, candy corn, and monster cereal is a great snack for Halloween parties and movies. Brace yourselves because your snack game is about to reach a new level of spooktacular with this treat.

A black bowl filled with chocolate covered popcorn.

You know it's Halloween season when boxes of Monster Cereal are stacked on the shelves at the store. As a child, I always enjoyed these cereals in the fall.

This year, I used the same cereal to make a frighteningly delicious snack. It's perfect to serve with peanut butter monsters and monster sugar cookies. This mix includes chocolate-covered popcorn, peanuts, candy corn, and Monster cereal.

If you grew up with these iconic cereals, this snack mix will remind you of Saturday morning cartoons and cozy breakfasts.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You Will Love This Monster Munch Recipe

Prepare yourself for a snacking adventure that's sweet, salty, gooey, and monstrously delicious!

  • Monster Mash Up. This delicious dessert has a variety of texture and flavor. The popcorn, peanuts, marshmallows, candy corn, and monster cereal create a crunchy, gooey, and sugary treat.
  • Kid-Approved. Got little monsters of your own? Everyone will love the fun monster theme, making this snack a guaranteed smile-bringer.
  • Perfect for Every Occasion. Whether throwing a Halloween bash, watching scary movies, or satisfying your sweet tooth cravings, this is the ultimate snack.
  • Easy Peasy. The best part? It's easy to make. Just toss everything together, and it's ready! But beware, it's so addictive that you might make batch after batch.

When craving a unique snack, satisfy your inner monster with a bowl of monster popcorn.

Disclaimer: While this snack might not actually turn you into a monster, it may cause a serious addiction to awesome snacking.

[Read more...]

Homemade Bisquick - Baking Mix Substitute

Quickly make this Homemade Bisquick using common pantry ingredients. It's the perfect substitute for baking mixes. Once you try this simple recipe, you'll never need to buy another box mix again.

Homemade baking mix in a measuring cup.

Growing up we always had a yellow box of Bisquick in our cupboards. We used that baking mix shortcut to make cornbread, chicken and dumplings, and strawberry shortcakes. 

One day, we ran out of baking mix, and I discovered how simple it is to make. Did you know you can make a Bisquick substitute using ingredients in your pantry? This substitute can be used whenever baking mix is needed.

If you grew up using Bisquick for baking, give this homemade mix a try. It's so simple to make and lasts up to 4 months!

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why Make Your Own Homemade Baking Mix

You'll want to have your own DIY Bisquick mix in your pantry for so many reasons! Making this pantry staple with common ingredients is easier than buying boxed baking mix at the grocery store.

  • Easy to make. You only need to mix a few ingredients, then cut in shortening using a pastry cutter. It makes baking a breeze!
  • So versatile. Although many people use their mix to make Bisquick biscuits, you can use it for much more than fluffy biscuits. We use it for pancakes, waffles, quick breads, muffins, and raspberry Danish.
  • Saves time and money. Simplify baking with our easy homemade Bisquick mix. Plus, it costs less to make it with ingredients you already have.
  • Better ingredient quality. Avoid preservatives by making your own mix without chemical stabilizers.
[Read more...]

Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies

Our Reese's Peanut Butter Cheesecake Brownies are the ultimate dessert. A rich brownie base, creamy peanut butter cheesecake filling, and lots of Reese's candies will have everyone asking for seconds.

Two squares of peanut butter cheesecake brownies on a white plate.

Brownies and cheesecake are two of my favorite desserts. One night, I couldn't decide which treat I wanted more, so I combined them in a baking pan. 

Then, I added my favorite candy and created the best cheesecake bars. My chocolate and peanut butter-loving family couldn't get enough of it. Plus, it completely satisfied all my cravings! 

Whether you're a peanut butter fan or just looking for a delicious snack, this recipe will surely hit the spot.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why You'll Love Reese's Cheesecake Brownies

The best part about these brownies is that they are so easy to make. They begin by using a brownie mix, then you add a homemade peanut butter cheesecake.

  • Easy to make. A box brownie mix keeps the crust on these peanut butter cheesecake brownies super simple.
  • Peanut butter lovers dream. The peanut butter flavor paired with the fudgy brownies will have everyone craving more. Reese's candies and a melted chocolate topping make these so dreamy.
  • Perfect for parties. These cheesecake bars travel well and are great for picnics, potlucks, or holiday parties. Trust me, you will come home with an empty pan every time.

Looking for more cheesecake brownies? You must try our cherry cheesecake brownies or these coconut cheesecake brownies.

[Read more...]

Apple Crisp Pie

This Apple Crisp Pie Recipe is the best fall dessert. An oatmeal crumb topping adds a delicious crunchy texture to the homemade apple filling, making it the ultimate treat! It's a must-have for every holiday.

A slice of apple crumble pie topped with ice cream and caramel topping.

This post was first published in November 2016. It was updated and republished in October 2023.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

A few years ago I combined two of our favorite fall desserts into one delicious dessert! This apple crisp pie has become a family favorite, and everyone looks forward to it every fall.

The best part about this recipe is that you can use homemade crust or buy dough at the store. Plus, the apple pie filling can be made ahead of time. 

We enjoy adding vanilla bean ice cream, caramel sauce, or homemade whipped cream to make it even better.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

What is Apple Crisp Pie?

Our apple crisp pie offers a delightful twist to classic apple pie. A buttery, crumbly oat topping makes the cooked apples taste like an easy apple crisp or Dutch apple pie.

This pie is perfect for beginners, but it's so delicious that everyone will think you're an experienced baker.

Why You Will Love This Apple Crisp Pie Recipe

Once you try this simple, delicious apple crisp pie, you'll never return to traditional apple pie!

  • So easy to make. This pie can be made with homemade or store-bought ingredients. You don't need special tools or techniques to make our simple pie recipe.
  • The perfect combination of textures. From the flaky pie crust to the tender apples and crunchy oat topping, this is hands down the best apple pie. It has a wonderful blend of textures and flavors!
  • Crowd-pleasing dessert. Everyone loves a classic apple pie or an apple crisp. Pair the two together, and you'll wish you made a second pie.

If you love homemade pies, you're in the right place! Our pumpkin pie and pecan cheesecake pie are perfect for holiday dinners. 

[Read more...]

Homemade Apple Pie Filling

Discover how easy it is to create the best Apple Pie Filling Recipe. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can make this stovetop recipe in a matter of minutes. Follow our step-by-step instructions, then say goodbye to store-bought fillings forever!

Two clear jars filled with apple filling.

Make your own pie filling and serve the best homemade apple pie this year! The flavor, texture, and freshness of a homemade filling are very different from those of a store-bought one.

When preparing this fruit filling, there is no need for preservatives or stabilizers. And the best part? It is ready in just 20 minutes!

This recipe is perfect for making an apple crisp pie, apple icebox cake, or apple cream cheese bars. 

Why Make this Stovetop Apple Pie Filling

You can buy a canned pie filling at the store. However, once you see how simple this easy apple pie filling really is, you'll have no desire to use cans again! 

  • Quick and easy. It's easy to make apple pie filling at home. In 20 min, a flavorful and tender filling is ready.
  • Use pantry staples. You probably already have sugar, cornstarch, warm spices, and salt. It's that simple.
  • Incredible flavor. Using fresh, raw apples adds so much flavor! You can use any apple or mix different types for a delicious texture and new taste.
  • So versatile. Apple pie filling makes the best apple pie. You can also eat it over ice cream, cheesecake, yogurt, or even in a little bowl, all on its own. So yummy!
[Read more...]