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Chocolate Banana Muffins

By · PUBLISHED · 66 Comments

These double Chocolate Banana Muffins are the solution for the ripe bananas on your counter. Soft, fluffy, and packed with chocolate flavor, they’re easy to make and loaded with melty chocolate chips in every bite. One batch is never enough!

If you love chocolate and bananas as much as we do, you should also try this chocolate banana bread.

Two stacked muffins with more behind them.

The post for double chocolate banana muffins was first published in November 2013. It was updated and republished in February 2025.

Chocolate Chocolate Chip Banana Muffins

You know that moment when you look at the counter and see brown bananas? It happens every week at our house. But instead of seeing overripe bananas as a problem, I see them as an opportunity to bake something delicious.

Let’s be honest: bananas make everything better. Some of our favorites are banana scones, banana bread made with sour cream, or these decadent chocolate banana muffins.

These moist chocolate muffins are soft, fluffy, and packed with chocolate chips in every bite. We baked two batches in two days because our kids couldn’t get enough.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you need a quick breakfast or a special treat, these double chocolate banana muffins are a great way to use that ripe fruit.

  • Quick and Easy - No complicated steps or fancy ingredients. Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
  • Rich and Fudgy - Combining ripe bananas with cocoa powder creates a rich chocolate flavor. The result is muffins that are perfectly moist and incredibly tasty!
  • Uses Overripe Bananas - No more wasting those brown bananas on your counter! This recipe is the perfect use for them.
  • Packed with Chocolate - Melty chocolate chips inside and on top, make every bite extra chocolatey goodness.

Dena says, "Made these muffins last night and they are divine. Kids loved them, I loved them and everyone at work that tried one loved it. Thanks!"

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Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts

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You can make frosted strawberry pop tarts at home. They’re made with a flaky pie crust, filled with strawberry preserves, and finished with icing and sprinkles. They're perfect for a fun breakfast or a dessert treat!

Homemade pop tarts filled with strawberry preserves in a pile.
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Pop Tarts with Pie Crust

Growing up in the 90s, I remember eating store bought Pop Tarts for breakfast and snacks. There was always something fun about tearing open those foil wrappers and seeing the classic treats.

Did you know you can make a simple version of pop tarts using pie crust? It's a fun and easy way to create a semi-homemade treat quickly. 

I made Nutella pop tarts a few years ago, and our kids loved them! Recently, I decided to try a strawberry version since I had leftover pie crust and preserves in the fridge.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These strawberry pop tarts are a breeze to make and taste better than boxed ones! They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a fun nostalgic treat anytime.

  • Flaky & Buttery Goodness — Nothing beats a flakey pie crust. It’s crispy, golden, and melts in your mouth.
  • Simple Ingredients — You only need a few essential ingredients to make a treat that tastes bakery-quality.
  • Quick and Easy — Using pre-made ingredients means no extra steps and less stress. Just roll out a pastry crust, add jam, and bake. That’s all there is to it!
  • Fun to Customize — Customize them using different fillings, adding themed sprinkles, or drizzling them with chocolate.
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Jerk Shrimp Tacos

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Jerk Shrimp Tacos are a great way to change your regular taco night. Each tortilla shell is filled with mango salsa, crumbly cheese, and shrimp, creating a sweet, spicy, and flavorful dish.

Three shrimp tacos with toppings in a metal serving dish.

The recipe for Caribbean jerk shrimp tacos was first published in May 2016. It was updated and republished in February 2025.

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Caribbean Shrimp

Shrimp tacos are my go-to order whenever I see them on a restaurant menu. When we lived in Texas, our date nights often meant going to our favorite taco place. I always ordered seafood tacos and green chili pork tacos.

Eating out for tacos can add up, so I made a version of those spicy shrimp tacos at home instead. I like to keep a big bag of frozen shrimp around for grilling or frying. Just make sure you don't forget the shrimp in the freezer while getting dinner ready.

What I love most about this dinner is how quickly everything comes together! You can have delicious shrimp and pineapple mango salsa ready in just a few minutes.

Why You'll Love This Recipe 

Jerk shrimp tacos are a fantastic mix of spicy, sweet, and fresh flavors. They’re perfect for quick weeknight dinners or fun taco nights with friends.

  • Ready in Minutes - Shrimp cooks in about 3 minutes. This makes it one of the fastest and easiest ways to prepare a restaurant-quality meal at home.
  • Sweet and Spicy Flavor - The heat from jerk seasoning pairs well with sweet fruit salsa, creating the perfect balance of flavors.
  • A Taste of the Islands - The juicy shrimp and fresh toppings make you feel like you are at the beach in the Caribbean. No passport is needed.
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Nutella Twists

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These soft and gooey Nutella Twists are filled with chocolate hazelnut spread and fresh strawberries. You only need three easy store-bought ingredients, and you can make them for breakfast or brunch in no time!

Pastry twists on a white plate with a bowl of frosting.

The recipe for strawberry Nutella twists was first shared in February 2016. The post was updated with new photos and tips and republished in February 2025.

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Strawberry and Nutella

My love affair with Nutella began years ago. It's so creamy, chocolatey, and delicious!

I love using it in pop tarts and no-bake cookies, but my favorite way to enjoy it is still straight from the spoon. Don't judge; I know you do it, too. And if you haven't tried it yet, what are you waiting for?

Recently, I had an extra pizza crust in the fridge, so I spread it with chocolate hazelnut spread and diced strawberries. The result was soft, sweet breadsticks perfect for dipping in a sugar glaze or strawberry chia jam.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These pastries make a delicious breakfast for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or any other day that ends with a "Y."

  • Easy to Make - All you need are three store-bought ingredients to assemble these sweet treats.
  • Sweet Filling - The chocolate spread and fresh berries pair so well together.
  • Great for Breakfast or Dessert - Add some sweetness to any day with these little bakery-style snacks.
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Raspberry Crumble Cookies

By · PUBLISHED · UPDATED · 2 Comments

Our Raspberry Crumble Cookies are easy to make and taste like the popular Costco treats. The buttery crumb topping and sweet raspberry jam make these cookies melt in your mouth. Add a drizzle of glaze and enjoy with a cup of coffee.

A stack of raspberry cookies cut in half showing the fruit filling.
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Costco Raspberry Cookies

If you’re a fan of Costco, you know how incredible their raspberry crumble cookies are. However, they've been missing from the bakery for quite some time now.

The first time I saw those sweet, buttery cookies, I was amazed that such a simple treat could have a devoted following. Then I tried one, and I understood. These cookies are "melt-in-your-mouth" amazing!

Recently, I decided to make a homemade version since I had a jar of preserves in the fridge. I used the crust from my caramel shortbread to make the cookie base, then added the raspberry jam and crumbly topping.

After one bite, I realized my raspberry crumble cookie recipe was better than the Costco version. Why? Because you can make them in your kitchen in a matter of minutes!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

They are a delicious treat to share with friends for the holidays, Valentine's Day, or just a random day that needs a sweet treat.

  • You only need one dough. That's right, you will use the same dough for the buttery shortbread crust and crumbs.
  • No fancy tools are needed. Just grab a hand mixer and a muffin tin, and you will be all set to make these easy treats.
  • The recipe is easy to customize. There's no need to buy another jar of preserves; open your fridge and use whatever you already have. 
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Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers

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Crispy, cheesy, and wrapped in bacon, these air fryer jalapeno poppers will disappear in a hurry! Whether you're watching the big game or satisfying a craving, this easy recipe offers bold flavors in minutes.

A close up of bacon wrapped jalapeno poppers cooked in an air fryer.
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Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos

I absolutely love using our air fryer! It's a game changer in the kitchen because it cooks food fast and makes everything crispy without the greasy mess from deep frying. The two foods we make the most are canned chicken nuggets and air-fried Oreos.

Since my husband loves bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers, I made a batch in the air fryer for a movie night. I stuffed the peppers with a cream cheese mixture before wrapping them in bacon. 

They are easy to make, and I love the cheesy center that spills out when taking a bite. Whether you’re hosting a party, relaxing on the couch, or want to use your new air fryer, this popper recipe is a winner!

Why Make This Recipe

These little bites of cheesy, bacon-wrapped goodness are so easy to love. Whether making them for game day or just because you need a good snack, you can’t go wrong!

  • Fast and easy. Just a few ingredients and the air fryer does the work. Whether you're hosting a party or need a quick snack, these poppers are ready in minutes.
  • Creamy, cheesy filling. Bacon-wrapped cheese is always a hit – It’s just a fact!
  • Prep ahead of time. Make the jalapeño peppers in advance and air fry when you’re ready.
  • Great for any event. Jalapeño poppers are a favorite for the Super Bowl. They are also great for BBQs, potlucks, and any party that needs finger foods.

If you're prepping for a big game, check out these game day recipes.

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Rice Krispie Footballs

By · PUBLISHED · 43 Comments

Get ready to score extra points on game day with these Rice Krispie Footballs! Adding Oreo cookies and chocolate to the classic crispy, chewy texture will make them the MVP of your party spread.

Three rice krispie footballs lying on a green and white napkin.

The recipe and post for these Football Rice Krispie Treats were initially published in January 2015. It was updated and then republished in February 2025.

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Football Rice Krispie Treats

With Super Bowl Sunday just around the corner, I've been looking for easy, shareable treats. I’ll be honest—I’m way more into the food than the game. Give me a table loaded with queso dip, pizza bites, and Dr. Pepper chili, and I'm set.

I also realized my blog was seriously lacking in football-themed desserts. So, I raided my pantry and found Oreos, marshmallows, and crispy cereal. It was the perfect combo for these easy, no-bake treats!

Game days are just better with great snacks, and these football-shaped treats are a total touchdown! Loaded with cookies and extra chocolate, they’ll be gone before halftime.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: You can whip these snacks up in under 30 minutes!
  • Great for Game Days: These snacks are shaped like footballs and packed with flavor, making them a fun treat for any sports-themed birthday bash or Super Bowl party.
  • Fun Cookie Twist: The combo of Oreos and chocolate adds a fun flavor to the classic rice krispies treats.
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Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake

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This Chocolate Coconut Bundt Cake is so good you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it! The dark chocolate cake has a surprise coconut tunnel in the middle! And to top it all off, it's covered in smooth chocolate ganache, which takes it to the next level.

A white plate with a slice of chocolate coconut cake on it.

This bundt cake recipe was first published in February 2015. It was updated and republished with new photos and tips in February 2025.

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Chocolate Coconut Cake

There’s something about chocolate and coconut that makes me happy. I’m really into the Mounds candy bar vibe. The way the rich chocolate pairs with the sweet coconut is just incredible. I seriously can’t get enough of it!

Usually, when I have a coconut craving, I make chocolate coconut bars or coconut chocolate chip cookies. This time, however, I felt the urge for cake.

Not just any cake—a chocolate bundt cake with a surprise coconut center and a decadent chocolate topping. Trust me, this one is a must-make for coconut lovers!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Chocolate + Coconut = Perfection! – It’s like a Mounds bar but in cake form. Enough said.
  • Hidden Coconut Center. The sweet coconut filling brings delicious texture and flavor, making this dessert feel extra special!
  • Chocolate Ganache Topping. Sure, a naked cake is great, but that rich, glossy frosting takes it to the next level.
  • Great for Any Occasion. This cake is perfect for any event. It works well for birthdays, Easter, and Mother's Day. Or you can even enjoy it on a regular day, just because!
  • It’s Stunning! Bundt cakes always look fancy with their pretty ridges, and the chocolate drizzle takes this one to the next level.
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Buffalo Chicken Pasta

By · PUBLISHED · 266 Comments

This Buffalo Chicken Pasta is a family favorite made and loved by millions! It combines the bold flavors of buffalo chicken dip with cheesy pasta, all baked in just 30 minutes. One bite, and you’ll see why it’s so popular!

Our buffalo chicken calzone is another quick and easy recipe everyone enjoys.

A scoop of cheesy pasta being lifted out of a casserole dish.

The recipe for buffalo chicken pasta bake was first shared in October 2016. The post was updated with new photos and tips and republished in February 2025.

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Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake

We're big buffalo chicken fans over here. Our kids request this easy buffalo chicken dip for every movie and game night. So, one day, I thought, "Why not turn it into dinner?" And boom—this cheesy, spicy casserole was born!

I always keep pasta, chicken, and cheese on hand to make this quick dinner in minutes. This pasta bake is perfect for busy nights; you can even prep it ahead of time and bake it when you're ready.

Whether you're a buffalo chicken fanatic or love an easy, cheesy dinner, this dish has something for everyone.

Why I Love This Recipe

  • With simple pantry staples, you can quickly prepare this dish. Using rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked shredded chicken makes it even easier!
  • This is a delicious kid-approved meal! While hot sauce has a kick, you can adjust the spice level to suit everyone's taste. The creamy texture balances the heat, so even those who don't like spicy food will love it.
  • It is perfect for a crowd! Bring it to game nights, potlucks, or Super Bowl parties, and watch it disappear in minutes!
  • It's also great for meal prepping. Leftovers reheat beautifully so that you can enjoy them for lunch the next day.

Jenny says, " This is one of my family's FAVORITE, most requested dishes! I cook a bunch of chicken in the instant pot first and use it for recipes throughout the week. It is cheesy, creamy, and delicious, with a great kick."

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Coconut Shrimp Curry

By · PUBLISHED · 5 Comments

This creamy and healthy coconut shrimp curry is loaded with bold flavors and spices. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect go-to meal for busy nights. So get ready for a quick meal with a delicious flavor.

Two bowls filled with white rice and red curry shrimp.

This shrimp curry was first published in January 2018. The post was updated with new tips and information in January 2025.

Curry Shrimp

Until a few years ago, I thought curry wasn’t for me—the funny thing is, I’d never actually tried it! I just assumed it wasn’t my thing. That all changed during a random trip to IKEA. While there, I tried their coconut curry veggie balls, and wow, was I missing out!

Once I got home, I couldn't wait to make a healthy version of that delicious sauce. Eating healthy doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. I used light coconut milk and veggies to make a creamy, lean and green meal.

This quick and easy shrimp curry with cauliflower rice has become one of my go-to meals. Whether you're a curry newbie like me or a seasoned fan, this recipe will impress everyone at your dinner table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • One Pot Meal: You can make this easy recipe in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect weeknight dinner when life gets busy.
  • Healthy meets Tasty: Fresh veggies, protein-rich shrimp, and bold spices make this lean and green meal a delicious and nutritious option.
  • Easy to Customize: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice, or swap shrimp for another protein.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers with tons of flavor throughout the week.
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