Blog - Inside BruCrew Life

Lemon Cream Cheese Pie

This easy Lemon Cream Cheese Pie has layers of no bake cheesecake, lemon pudding, and fresh berries. The subtle lemon flavor and juicy berries makes this a refreshing dessert on a hot summer day.

A slice of lemon pie topped with berries on a white plate.

This post was first published in May 2014. It was updated and republished in June 2023.

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Over the years, I have learned to love lemon desserts. We make these lemon bars, this lemon poke cake, and these lemon meringue cupcakes quite often.

Lemon is such a classic summer flavor. There is nothing like a glass of frosted lemonade to cool you off from the summer heat. So why not enjoy that flavor in a creamy pie?

We had a few extra boxes of raspberries and blueberries in the fridge. So, I decided to use them as a red and blue topping on an easy lemon cream pie. It was an instant hit with everyone in our Bible study.

Why You'll Love Lemon Pudding Pie

Easy to make. The layers in this pie are easy to whip up. This means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the sun.
Creamy and smooth. The combination of creamy cheesecake filling and smooth lemon pudding works so well together.
Light and cool. Lemon desserts often have a tangy flavor that is so refreshing on a hot summer day.
Perfect for any party. This lemon cream cheese pie will bring a light, summery vibe to all your picnics and parties. It's also a great dessert for 4th of July.

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Tortilla Pizza Roll Ups

Get the party started with a tray of Tortilla Pizza Roll Ups. Loaded with your favorite pizza toppings, these bite sized appetizers are easy to make and taste amazing.

Three pizza roll ups on a plate with a bowl of pizza sauce.

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We think finger foods are the best part about any party. That's why we created "snacks giving" - a few days a year where we go all out on appetizers.

From cheesy chicken sliders, buffalo chicken pinwheels, and parmesan chicken rolls, our trays are loaded with so many delicious appetizers. And of course it's not a party without good company and fun games. So, we invite friends and family over for a fun evening of snacks, games, and conversation.

Whether you are celebrating a birthday, a big game, or an event, there is just something special about bringing people together with some fun food.

Why Pizza Roll Ups are the Perfect Snack

Our family loves all kind of pizza inspired recipes. Pizza bites and tomato basil pizza dip always are on the top of the finger food list. But these pizza tortilla roll ups are making their way to the top for so many reasons.

Easy to Make - You can make a bunch of these rolls in about 10 minutes because there is no baking or cooking required.
Inexpensive - This appetizer is a cheap way to fill a tray and to feed a crowd.
Fun Topping Choices - Everyone has different things they love on pizza. These pizza roll ups can be made with all types of toppings to please everyone.
Great for Parties and Picnics - Whether you are headed to a summer picnic, hosting a game day party, or just want a simple appetizer, these rolls are the perfect choice.

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Healthy Buffalo Chicken Wraps

When it comes to flavor, this Healthy Buffalo Chicken Wrap recipe is out of this world. It has all the buffalo flavors you love but with less carbs and calories than the typical fried chicken wrap.

Two chicken wraps filled and stacked on top of each other.

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Everyone in our family loves anything and everything made with buffalo chicken.

Some of our favorites over the years are buffalo chicken chips, gooey buffalo sliders, cheesy buffalo tots, and our ultimate buffalo chicken pasta!

The problem with these dishes is that they can be loaded with calories. This healthy buffalo chicken wrap is the perfect solution to enjoy all the great flavors without the extra carbs and calories.

Why Make a Healthy Wrap

You don't have to sacrifice taste for health because this chicken wrap has all the buffalo flavors you crave, but with less carbs and calories. Say goodbye to boring healthy meals and hello to a dinner that's out of this world!

Quick and Easy - This meal is can be made in less than 20 minutes and is perfect for busy nights. It can be done in less than 10 minutes if you have chicken already cooked up!
Full of Flavor - If you love the buffalo chicken flavor then this will be your new favorite recipe!
Lower in Calories - This healthy wrap is lower in calories and fat than your typical buffalo sandwich. The chicken is cooked in a skillet with very little oil and no breading. The tortilla wrap is low in carbs making it perfect for keto or low carb diets.
Made to Order - Whether you prefer the traditional blue cheese or homemade ranch dressing. This chicken wrap can be made the way you like it.

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Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

Our Peanut Butter Cookie Bars are an easy treat! Soft and chewy, they're loaded with Reese's Pieces and baking chips for the ultimate sweet snack. Plus, they're simple to make - just mix, spread, and bake! It doesn't get any easier than that.

A stack of peanut butter bars with Reese's pieces on a white plate.

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What Make Peanut Butter Bars

We make these peanut butter cookies all the time. The sweet and salty flavor makes them a fan favorite. But some days I don't want to spend time scooping and baking multiple batches of cookies.

That's when I make a pan of peanut butter cookie bars instead. You are going to love how easy it is to mix the dough and bake it one pan. They are ready from start to finish in around 30 minutes.

These cookie bars have the best peanut butter flavor and are loaded with the Reese's Pieces and baking chips. The satisfying crunch and texture will have you coming back for more.

No chill time needed. You can bake the bars as soon as you make the dough.
Soft and crunchy. The crunchiness of the candy shell and the softness of the cookie is so irresistible.
Loaded with flavor. Plenty of peanut butter, candies, and baking chips means each square has lots of goodness.
Great last minute treat. The dough comes together in minutes, so you can have a pan ready in under 30 minutes.

If you love peanut butter and Reese's candies, you need to make a pan of these peanut butter bars right away!

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Marshmallow Buttercream

Get ready to add the perfect touch to your cupcakes and cookies with our fluffy Marshmallow Buttercream! With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up this homemade frosting recipe in no time. It's a sweet treat that everyone will love.

A swirl of buttercream in a red and blue bowl.

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My baking style can be described as semi-homemade with flair. I have no shame in using store bought cake mixes. They are easy to turn into fancy desserts that look like they came from a bakery.

My one exception is the topping. Homemade frosting is my secret weapon to making a box cake mix taste absolutely incredible. I use this vanilla frosting recipe and this salted caramel frosting all the time.

Why Make Fluff Frosting

Another one of my favorite toppings is this light and fluffy marshmallow buttercream. The silky smooth texture and sweetness comes from adding an entire jar of marshmallow fluff to the frosting.

The best thing about making your own buttercream is that you control what goes in it. There are no unnecessary ingredients or preservatives in this sweet topping. Plus, you can adjust the amount of salt to balance out the sweetness.

Marshmallow buttercream can be used in so many ways. The smooth texture makes it easy to spread on cakes and cupcakes. But it can also be swirled on this vanilla mug cake or sandwiched in chewy brownie cookies.

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Spinach Caprese Salad

Get dinner on the table quickly with this Spinach Caprese Salad! Made with tomatoes, mozzarella and pasta, it's a simple yet flavorful dish that everyone will love. Don't forget the balsamic dressing - it makes all the difference!

Two white bowls filled with spinach salad and chicken.

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During the summer months we eat a lot of salads for dinner. Most of the time we keep it simple and just eat mixed greens topped with grilled chicken.

But every so often I get the urge to change it up. I love adding this strawberry spinach salad with chicken, this spinach apple salad, or this spinach Caprese salad to our salad rotations. They are my favorite ways to use up a jar of honey balsamic dressing.

Why Make This Spinach Salad

You are going to enjoy the light and healthy flavors that are packed into this easy spinach salad. Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and balsamic dressing are a delightful combo.

This salad takes the traditional Caprese salad to a whole new level by adding juicy grilled chicken and pasta noodles. Adding the additional ingredients makes it a complete meal that will keep you full longer.

Made with fresh ingredients and healthy protein, this salad is the perfect dish to make for summer picnics or potlucks.

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Honey Balsamic Dressing

Enhance your salads with a delicious, homemade Honey Balsamic Dressing! This sweet and tangy vinaigrette is easy to make in just 5 minutes - giving you the perfect flavor for your greens. Plus, you can use it as a marinade for chicken.

Salad dressing drizzling onto a bowl of veggie salad.

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Why Make Homemade Dressing

One of my favorite ways to dress up a salad is with a delicious salad dressing. We usually keep a jar of honey balsamic vinaigrette in our kitchen at all times because it adds so much flavor to a spinach caprese salad or veggie salad.

Why spend money on store bought salad dressings when you can create your own blend in minutes? Homemade salad dressing is actually really easy to make, and it always tastes better too.

Sweet and tangy flavor. The sweetness from the honey blends perfectly with the tartness of the balsamic vinegar creating a delicious flavor your friends and family will love. No need to sacrifice on quality when you make your own dressing; homemade doesn't mean bland!
Easy to customize the flavors. Add more vinegar for a tangier twist! Drizzle in more honey for a sweeter flavor. It is easy to create a dressing that's perfectly tailored to your taste buds.
Control over the ingredients. Most store bought dressings are full of preservatives, additives, and extra ingredients that are not necessary. When you make your own dressing, you control what goes into the jar.
Saves money. Most ingredients like vinegar, oil, herbs, spices, and sweeteners can usually be found in your kitchen pantry. By using ingredients that you already have, you can avoid the higher costs associated with store bought dressings.

Remember, making homemade dressings is all about having fun and trying new things. So don't be afraid to experiment and adjust the ingredients to your taste. Once you start making your own salad dressings, you won't want to use store bought again.

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Strawberry Fluff Salad

Strawberry Fluff Salad is the perfect summertime dessert. It's light, fluffy, and made with fresh strawberries and angel food cake. It only takes minutes to make, so you can whip it up at the last second for your next picnic or barbecue!

Try this amazing chocolate fluff salad for the chocolate lover's in your life.

A red bowl filled with strawberry fluff salad and topped with fresh berries.

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Strawberry Shortcake Fluff

Fluff salads are a popular no bake dessert during the summer. Most families have a recipe that has been handed down from their grandma. They are the perfect side dish to share at picnics, barbecues, or family gatherings.

One our favorite versions is this banana split fluff. Adding fresh fruit to the creamy fluff adds a fun burst of flavor and freshness to the dish. Since we had an extra box of strawberries in the fridge, I changed things up and added them to a strawberry fluff.

With its light pink color, smooth texture, and delicious taste, this shortcake salad will have you coming back for another scoop. Your summer parties will never be the same again when you serve this strawberry fluff salad!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ready in minutes. In under 10 minutes, you can have a bowl of this creamy goodness chilling in your fridge. All you need are just 6 simple ingredients.
It is a fun pink color. The pretty pink hue and bright red berries make the salad stand out on any table.
Light and refreshing. It is a no bake dessert option, which makes it great during the hot months. The cool texture paired with the juicy strawberries tastes so good on a warm summer day.
Great side dish for parties. This strawberry pudding dessert is a delicious choice to bring to summer picnics or parties. The sweet flavor pairs well with savory options such as burgers, grilled chicken, or pulled pork.

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Pineapple Dole Whip Recipe

Enjoy Disney magic in your own kitchen with this Pineapple Dole Whip recipe. With just three ingredients and a blender you can enjoy a sweet frozen pineapple dessert in minutes! It's the perfect pick-me-up for any day that needs a little sparkle.

A swirl of pineapple whip in a red and white polkadot cup.

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Disney Dole Whip

Each time we visit the Disney Parks, there a few treats we get every time. Some of the great treats are the POG Juice, a Mickey Rice Krispie treat, and of course, the famous pineapple Dole Whip.

This frozen pineapple dessert is easily the most popular snack there. It's worth waiting in line on a hot day for that cool refreshing flavor.

Did you know that you can make this tasty treat at home? Disney released a Dole Whip recipe a few years ago. So, now you can make a homemade soft serve in minutes that tastes just like the Park treat.

Fun nostalgic appeal. Many people have fond memories of visiting the Parks and enjoying a pineapple whip with family and friends. Making this treat at home allows you to relive those magical moments.
Easy to make all year long. All you need are three simple ingredients that can be found at most grocery stores. This makes it an easy dessert to whip up any time you want it.
Refreshing and satisfying treat. The tangy pineapple flavor combined with the creamy texture of the ice cream makes it a delicious combo.

Love making Disney treats at home? Try these Mickey Mouse cake pops or this Jack Jack cookie.

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Strawberry Tartlets

These sweet Strawberry Tartlets are made with a crunchy Oreo cookie crust. Each one is filled with a fluffy strawberry mousse and topped with fresh berries. Not only do these mini tarts look pretty, they taste delicious too!

Strawberry tarts with Oreo crusts on white plates.

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There is something so refreshing about strawberry desserts during the spring and summer months. These mini strawberry pies are one of our all time favorite desserts to make for any event or party.

I love the combination of chocolate and strawberry. So, I decided to give those classic pies a little bit of a twist. An Oreo cookie crust and adding a fluffy no bake strawberry cheesecake filling turned them into an amazing dessert.

Why Make Mini Strawberry Tarts

Strawberry tartlets with Oreo cookie crusts are a delicious and easy-to-make dessert that is perfect for any occasion. They are sure to impress your guests with their beautiful presentation and amazing flavor.

Easy to make. There are a few steps for assembling the tarts, but each one is simple and easy to do.
Great texture combo. These mini tarts have the perfect combination of crunchy Oreo cookie crusts and a light, fluffy strawberry mousse filling.
Gorgeous presentation. The bright red fresh strawberries with the dark chocolate of the crusts creates a beautiful contrast. They will definitely stand out on your dessert table.
Small size. The miniature size of the tartlets makes them a great option for serving at parties or events. It allows guests to enjoy a few different sweet treats.

These mini strawberry tartlets look fancy, but they are quite easy to make. The combo of chocolate and strawberry makes them a great choice for Valentine's Day or Mother's Day.

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