Blog - Inside BruCrew Life

Apple Cheesecake Pie

Our Apple Cheesecake Pie is an amazing dessert, perfect for any occasion. This pie has a creamy cheesecake filling, homemade apple pie topping, and salted caramel sauce. Trust me, it will be your favorite fall treat.

A slice of cheesecake pie with apples on a plate drizzled with caramel.

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Apple Pie With Cheesecake

Apple pie is the number one dessert that people make in the fall. There is something so warm and welcoming about the smell of apple desserts baking in the oven.

Plus, there are so many different ways you can make an apple pie. We especially love making caramel apple pie and apple crisp pie. But did you know you can combine a traditional apple pie with classic cheesecake?

This delicious dessert idea combines the best of both worlds in one pie crust. Layers of vanilla cheesecake and apple pie filling make this cheesecake pie a fantastic dessert. Add a scoop of ice cream and caramel to take it to another level!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

You don't have to choose between two favorite desserts because you can have both in one slice. Undoubtedly, the combination of flavors in this apple cheesecake pie will make you smile after the first bite.

Delicious mashup of two classic desserts. The creamy layer under the cooked apples makes this cheesecake pie fantastic.
Easy to make without any fancy tools or techniques. One of the best parts of the recipe is that it doesn't require a water bath!
It's the perfect pie for any fall event or party. The award-winning combo will capture the hearts of your friends and family.

Love apple desserts? Be sure to make our apple Snickers cake and our apple bread pudding.

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Cinderella Latte

Say hello to fall with a magical Cinderella Latte! This pumpkin spice and white chocolate mocha combination is the perfect drink for PSL lovers everywhere. Just make sure you enjoy the magic before the clock strikes midnight and pumpkin season is over.

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Fall is here, and one of my favorite drinks is a pumpkin latte. Years ago I combined a white chocolate hot chocolate with leftover pumpkin puree to create this fun drink recipe. I knew after one sip this would be my new go-to coffee!

Last year, I came across the same drink created by the girl who owns Happiest Tees on Earth. The former Starbucks barista added a white chocolate twist to the pumpkin drink. As a huge Disney fan, she called it the Cinderella Latte because the flavors reminded her of Cinderella's pumpkin carriage.

I love that we both had the same idea to pair pumpkin spice with white chocolate. It's a magical twist to the classic pumpkin spice latte!

Why Make a White Pumpkin Mocha

If you are a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte fan, you need to try this fairy-tale coffee. It is absolutely delicious, and I'm here to spill the beans (pun intended) on how you can enjoy it at home.

You do not need any special tools. You can create this Disney-style drink with a coffee maker and a blender.
It's made with real ingredients. The warmth of pumpkin puree and spices and the sweetness of white chocolate add a nice balance of flavor to the fall coffee.
Perfect for pumpkin lovers with a real sweet tooth. White chocolate chips are used to add sweetness and creaminess to the drink.

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Halloween Cheesecake Cups

These Halloween Cheesecake Cups are a great dessert option for parties. They are easy to make and require no baking. Guests of all ages won't be able to resist the combination of creamy cheesecake, Oreo cookies, and marshmallow ghosts.

Spooky cream cheese parfaits topped with ghost peeps.

*This post was first published in October 2019. It was updated and republished in September 2023.

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Do you love Halloween? Although I didn't grow up celebrating Halloween, it has become one of my favorite holidays.

I have so much fun this time of year decorating our house with pumpkins and ghosts and making Oreo Bats and Halloween eyeballs.

One of my favorite things is making an easy Halloween dessert each weekend. Recently, I purchased Ghost Peeps and candy pumpkins. This fun cheesecake parfait is something I have been wanting to create for a while now.

Why You'll Love Halloween Dessert Cups

This Halloween cheesecake in a cup is an easy treat because it can be ready in minutes. Marshmallow ghosts and pumpkin candies are a great way to add a cute yet spooky look that everyone will adore.

Easy to Make - This no-bake recipe can be in your fridge in under 20 minutes.
Cute Individual Desserts - There is no need to share because each person will have their own mini cheesecake parfait.
Customize the Spooky Treat - Use your favorite candies or marshmallows to make the perfect treat for your Halloween party.

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Apple Butter Recipe

This Apple Butter Recipe is so delicious that you'll want to enjoy it all year. Our homemade apple butter is made with simple ingredients. Plus, your home will be filled with the delightful smell of fresh apples as it cooks on the stove.

A jar filled with apple butter and tied with a ribbon.

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Do you have certain foods that remind you of your childhood? For me, apple butter reminds me of growing up in Pennsylvania because we always had a jar in our fridge.

The problem with apple butter is that it can be hard to find because not many stores carry it. I visited four stores before I found a jar of spread for apple butter bread and apple butter cinnamon rolls. The one brand I found was light, runny, and didn't taste good.

I should have known making homemade apple butter is always the way to go! You can easily make it on your stovetop or in a crock pot.

Why You Will Love This Apple Spread

Making apple butter from scratch is incredibly easy! And there are countless delicious ways to enjoy it.

You don't need any fancy equipment for this traditional apple butter recipe.
You have total control over how thick the fall spread is.
Your home will smell like a cozy autumn orchard while it cooks!
The sweet preserves can also be used as a topping, spread, or filling.

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Cinnamon Banana Bread

Our Cinnamon Banana Bread has a layer of cinnamon sugar that adds a satisfying crunch. This recipe transforms sad, over-ripe bananas into the most delicious and moist banana bread you have ever had.

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Banana bread is one of my favorite things to bake when we have extra ripe bananas on the counter. I have made several variations to our classic banana bread recipe over the past few years.

Most of the time, I make chocolate chip banana bread because our kids love it. But occasionally, I like to have fun with my banana bread recipe by adding various mix-ins to switch things up.

My favorites are Reese's banana bread, cherry banana bread, and maple banana bread. However, I chose a simple banana bread topped with cinnamon sugar this time.

Why You Will Love This Cinnamon Banana Bread Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with this incredible cinnamon banana bread! This quick bread will quickly become your family's all-time favorite because of the flavor.

The perfect blend of spices and ripe bananas results in a sweet treat with a crunchy cinnamon sugar topping. Plus, the best part is how easy it is to make!

It's so moist! The butter and sour cream make this quick bread so soft and tender.
The bread has a delicious crunch. Everyone loves the incredible crunch that a touch of cinnamon and sugar adds to the top and sides!
This is the best way to use up ripe bananas. The riper they get on your counter, the better the bread.

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Apple Nachos

Our loaded Apple Nachos are the perfect snack for any time! These slices are generously loaded with peanut butter, marshmallows, caramel, and other delicious toppings. The combination of sweet and crunchy will have everyone asking for more.

Two pans filled with apples and loaded with toppings.

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Have you heard about these delicious apple slices? My youngest sister couldn't stop raving about them! If you love traditional caramel apples, you will enjoy this easy variation.

I had extra apples after making apple butter, so I made a plate of dessert nachos for our kids. The delicious snack was a hit because it was gobbled up in minutes!

What are Apple Nachos?

This delicious fruit dessert puts a sweet spin on regular nachos by using apple "chips" and gooey toppings.

Why Make This Easy Apple Nachos Recipe

If you're looking for a tasty fall treat, you can never go wrong with apple nachos. Kids of all ages will enjoy adding their favorite toppings to their fruit plates.

Easy to Make. Quick and simple to prepare, they're an ideal snack or dessert for parties, movie nights, or family gatherings.
Colorful Treat. The vibrant toppings on the apple slices will catch your eye and make you want to dig in!
Kid-Friendly. This snack is easy to eat with your fingers and can be personalized with your child's favorite toppings.

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Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Our Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies are soft, cakey, and full of pumpkin spice flavor. This delicious homemade pumpkin cookie recipe is easy to make in minutes with simple ingredients. If you're a fan of pumpkin and chocolate, then this is the perfect treat for the fall season.

Looking for more pumpkin recipes? Add this pumpkin bundt cake and this copycat pumpkin cream cold brew to your fall plans.

A pile of pumpkin cookies on a white plate.

This recipe was first posted in October 2009. The photos were updated in October 2018, and the post was republished in September 2023.

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Pumpkin and chocolate are one of my favorite combos. When it gets cooler, I bake chocolate chip pumpkin bread and make a sugar-free pumpkin spice latte to celebrate.

Of course, a few batches of these easy pumpkin cookies always happen, too. They are my favorite chocolate chip cookies to make during pumpkin season. Everyone always asks for the recipe when we bring the cookies to fall events.

I always have pumpkin and chocolate chips in our pantry because I love these cakey treats. You never know when the urge for pumpkin cookies with chocolate will hit.

Why These are the Best Pumpkin Cookies

The best thing about these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is that they are easy to make in minutes. Trust me, these cookies will become your new favorite fall treat because they melt in your mouth.

No chilling or rolling is required. Mix everything, scoop the cookie dough onto a pan, and bake.
They have a warm, rich flavor. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin puree make these pumpkin treats taste like fall.
The cakey cookies stay soft and delicious for days! Enjoy them all week if you keep them in a loosely sealed container.

BruCrew Tip: If you prefer a chewier dessert, you might like these pumpkin pecan cookies better.

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Apple French Toast Casserole

Spice up your breakfast with this amazing Apple French Toast Casserole! With tender-cooked apples, crispy bacon, and a sweet maple drizzle, it's the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of fall.

A square of french toast casserole on a white plate.

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As the weather is cooling off, it's time to consider fall baking. I love going to the orchard to get fresh apples for caramel apple pie and apple spice cake. It's a fun activity I look forward to each fall. And, of course, we can't leave without a few apple cider donuts.

Apples are so fun to bake with this time of year. Last year, I made a strawberry French toast casserole that my family fell in love with. Adding apples, bacon, and a maple glaze was a great way to give that delicious breakfast recipe a fall makeover.

Why You Will Love This Baked French Toast

Apple French toast casserole is a popular dish that combines the comforting flavors of French toast with the sweetness of apples. Adding a maple glaze and crunchy bacon gives this easy breakfast casserole a sweet and salty flavor that is irresistible.

Great flavor combination. Combining cinnamon-spiced apples with custardy, slightly crispy bread creates a delicious French toast casserole. The sweet apples and the salty bacon perfectly complement the richness of the cinnamon rolls.
Perfect for breakfast or brunch. This breakfast bake is a great choice for weekend breakfasts, brunch, or the holidays. Sweet and savory ingredients make this a versatile dish that can fit into a brunch menu with other items.
Family friendly. This dish is a hit with everyone because of its familiar flavors, textures, and the delightful sweetness of cinnamon rolls. It's a happy fall option that the whole family can enjoy.
Versatile. While the original recipe calls for apples, this casserole can be made with other fruits, such as berries, peaches, or pears. Feel free to add your own creative touch based on personal tastes or the availability of ingredients.

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Broccoli Tortellini Pasta Salad

Add this Tortellini Pasta Salad to your summer picnic plans. The creamy homemade dressing, crunchy bacon, and broccoli make this easy picnic salad a hit with everyone.

Two white bowls filled with a creamy pasta salad with veggies.

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During the summer, we eat picnic salads with grilled chicken or burgers for dinner. Our kids always request bacon ranch pasta salad or veggie pasta salad.

Last week, I changed up this broccoli salad by adding some tortellini pasta and smoked sausage. It was a delicious way to turn the side dish into a full meal.

Why This Cold Tortellini Salad Works

Your friends and family will love this delicious classic pasta salad recipe twist. It's creamy, cheesy, and made with cheesy tortellini, fresh broccoli, and crunchy bacon. The cold side dish is great for any summer activity!

Easy to Prepare. The pasta can be cooked and cooled beforehand, then mixed with other ingredients for a convenient and easy dinner.
Versatile. Customize your salad with various types of tortellini, veggies, and dressings like Italian vinaigrette, pesto, or balsamic dressing.
Summer-friendly. The dish is great for outdoor picnics and potlucks because of its fresh ingredients and chilled temperature.
Crowd-pleasing. The combination of bacon, creamy dressing, and pasta makes this salad popular with kids and adults.

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31 Picnic Salads

Looking for Picnic Salads for your next backyard party? Check out our collection of 31 delicious recipes that are perfect for summer celebrations. Whether you prefer fruity salads or the classic potato salad, we've got you covered. These ideas will definitely be a hit at your potluck.

A collage of salad pictures with a white text box.

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When it comes to potlucks and BBQs, my favorite thing is choosing what to eat. I absolutely love picnic salads. Whether they're creamy, crunchy, or sweet, I can never pick just one. Just pile it all onto my plate because tasting everything is absolutely necessary!

What are Picnic Salads

Picnic salads are a variety of salads that are enjoyed outdoors during summer picnics, barbecues, or other gatherings. They often combine vegetables, fruits, proteins, and grains, creating a balanced and flavorful dish.

These salads are convenient for travel, easy to serve, and can be doubled or tripled for a crowd. Whether heading to the park or the beach or having a backyard BBQ, a delicious cold salad is a great addition to the activity.

Different Kinds of Picnic Salads

There are various styles of picnic salads available to cater to everyone's taste. Some have fresh veggies, while others have cold fruit. You could have a salad with pasta or potatoes. Top them with a creamy dressing or season them with olive oil. As you can see, the options for easy picnic salad ideas are endless.

Pasta and Macaroni Salad - These use pasta as the primary ingredient. Add other toppings, such as cheese, vegetables, and some creamy or vinegar dressings for additional flavor.
Potato Salad - Made with boiled potatoes, this salad is mixed with mayonnaise or a vinaigrette, along with ingredients like chopped celery, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and herbs.
Tuna or Chicken Salad - These salads incorporate canned tuna or cooked chicken mixed with mayonnaise or yogurt, vegetables, and sometimes fruits or nuts.
Vegetable Salad - Different vegetables make great salads. Broccoli salad, cucumber salad, or caprese salad are popular choices.
Fluff Salad - These delicious salads are more like a dessert. They have a cream cheese or whipped cream base with fruit, cookies, or chocolate.
Fruit Salad - A refreshing option, fruit salads feature a mix of fresh fruits like berries, melons, citrus, and more in citrus-based syrup or yogurt.

When preparing salads for picnics, it's important to consider food safety. Use fresh ingredients, keep perishable items cold, and try to serve them within a reasonable time frame so they are safe to eat.

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