Inside BruCrew Life

menu icon
subscribe
search icon
Get my Cheesecake Cookbook! →

Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream

Say hello to our homemade chocolate peanut butter ice cream! We combined rich, smooth chocolate ice cream with hot fudge and peanut butter swirls. Plus, mini peanut butter cups add an extra crunch that is delicious.

A bowl with three scoops of chocolate peanut butter cup ice cream in it.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Did you know that July is National Ice Cream Month? To celebrate we stocked the freezer with a few yummy ice cream treats like ice cream tacos and homemade ice cream!

I always thought no churn ice cream was the easiest to make. But last month I got brave and made strawberry ice cream and cookies and cream ice cream. I discovered that making homemade ice cream is surprisingly simple.

There are no eggs and no cooking involved in this easy chocolate ice cream recipe.  If you have a bowl, a whisk, and an ice cream maker, you are ready to get started.

Why Make Ice Cream with Peanut Butter Cups

No need to wait in line at your favorite ice cream shop or settle for low quality store bought options anymore. This chocolate ice cream is easy to make and tastes great!

  • Classic Flavor Combo. Chocolate and peanut butter is an amazing combination that kids of all ages love.
  • No Cooking Required. There are no eggs in this recipe, so all you have to do is whisk, churn, and enjoy!
  • Simple Ingredients. This recipe is made with real ingredients that you can actually pronounce. You won't find any artificial flavors or preservatives in this creamy goodness.

Love homemade ice cream? Try this fudge swirl ice cream or this cherry vanilla ice cream.

[Read more...]

Peanut Butter Puppy Chow

Take your snack time to the next level with our peanut butter puppy chow! Made with Reese's candies, this is a sweet and salty treat that you won't be able to resist. One bite and you'll be hooked!

An orange bowl full of Reese's puppy chow.

This post was first written in January 2013. The photos were updated in January 2018, and it was republished in July 2023.

[feast_advanced_jump_to]

We love making puppy chow when it is too hot to turn on the oven. This sweet Chex mix is easy to make and ready in minutes. And despite the name, this treat IS for humans, NOT for dogs.

I love finding ways to change up snack mixes with different flavors. A few of our favorites are this strawberry chex mix and this brownie muddy buddies.

What is Puppy Chow?

Puppy chow is a sweet and salty snack mix. It is cereal covered in peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar, all mixed together. Different versions also include candies.

This easy snack mix goes by different names depending on where you live. Muddy buddies, puppy chow, and Chex snack mix are the most common terms. 

Why You Will Love Peanut Butter Puppy Chow

The combo of Reese's Pieces and peanut butter cups gives the classic snack mix a sweet, peanut-buttery twist. It's the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth.

  • Easy to make. This treat is pretty simple and doesn't take much time. You only need a few ingredients, and it's a great snack to make at home or bring to a party.
  • Sweet taste. The combination of chocolate, peanut butter, and cereal coated in powdered sugar makes this treat amazing.
  • Loaded with Reese's. We gave the classic treat a twist by using Reese's Puffs, mini Reese's peanut butter cups, and Reese's Pieces. It's the perfect treat for the chocolate and peanut butter lover.
  • Crowd favorite. Puppy chow will always be a hit when you share it at family get-togethers, school events, or holiday parties.
[Read more...]

4th of July Cookie Cake

Get ready to celebrate Independence day in style with our 4th of July cookie cake! Swirls of frosting and red, white, and blue sprinkles make this treat a festive addition to your patriotic picnics.

A slice of cookie cake with frosting and red white and blue sprinkles on a plate.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Looking for a last minute red, white, and blue dessert to make for the Fourth of July? I've got you covered with this easy cookie dessert.

When I was much younger I used to work at our local mall. On my breaks I would walk past the Great American Cookie Company. I loved looking at all the decorated cookie cakes.

I bought a bag of red, white, and blue M&M's, so we could make these 4th of July cookies. Then I decided a giant chocolate chip cookie cake with vanilla buttercream frosting would be more fun.

  • Show your spirit. The 4th of July is a big day in America, and it's all about celebrating our independence. Using red, white, and blue colors in a dessert is a great way to show off your love for the country!
  • Easy to make. All you have to do is mix up the dough and press it into a pan. No scooping and baking lots of cookies with this easy recipe.
  • Fun to decorate. Decorating a 4th of July cookie cake is a chance to show off your creative side. You can use different colored icings, sprinkles, or even fresh fruit to make cool designs. Let your imagination run wild and make a cake that screams "Happy 4th of July!"
  • Perfect for any party. Cookie cakes are big enough to share with friends and family. So, if you're having a holiday party, this is a great 4th of July dessert to bring. Everyone will enjoy this yummy treat.

Change up the colors to make this easy cookie cake recipe perfect for any celebration or party!

[Read more...]

Berry Coffee Cake

Our soft homemade berry coffee cake is bursting with juicy blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, all topped with a sweet buttery streusel. Add a steaming cup of coffee or tea for a delicious start to your day.

A slice of mixed berry cake on a plate with berries on top.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

One of my favorite things about summer is all the fresh fruit that is available. When our kids were younger we would always go to the farms and pick our fruit. Now that they are grown, I buy fruit at the store or the farmer's market.

I love to add berries to different types of coffee cakes. A few of our favorites are this peach blackberry cake and this blueberry pecan coffee cake.

This sweet breakfast cake has layers of soft cake, crunchy streusel, and mixed berries all baked together. You can actually use any fresh fruit that you like, but we love the combination of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

Why Make a Mixed Berry Coffee Cake

Whether it's for breakfast, dessert or just snacking - our berry coffee cake is sure to make your day sweeter! Soft, moist layers of sweet cake are filled with yummy mixed berries and finished off with a crunchy streusel topping.

  • Irresistible sweet flavor. The combination of moist cake and sweet, juicy berries creates a delicious flavor that is hard to resist.
  • Loaded with berries. The blue and red colors of the blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries stand out against the golden-brown coffee cake.
  • Versatile treat. Enjoy this cake for breakfast, brunch, or dessert. It is also a pretty cake to serve at a fancy brunch or bridal shower.
[Read more...]

Cherry Lemonade

Beat the summer heat with our refreshing cherry lemonade! Made from freshly squeezed lemons and juicy cherries, this sweet and tart drink will keep you cool. Whether you're lounging by the pool or enjoying a picnic with friends, this drink is a must-have for all your summer activities.

A clear glass with cherry drink and lemon slice.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why Make Homemade Lemonade

During the hot summer months we tend to keep extra drinks in our refrigerator. There is nothing better than a tall glass of orange punch or a limeade slushie to cool you off after being outside. Or for the holidays, this sparkling cranberry punch is a great addition to a great meal.

Adding fruit is a fun and delicious way to add some natural flavor and a pop of color to these drinks. While cherries were still in season, I made a simple cherry syrup and added it to homemade lemonade.

This cherry lemonade is so cool and refreshing. It's the perfect drink to serve when it's hot outside. Not only does it taste amazing, but it's made with natural ingredients.

  • Simple ingredients. All you need are lemons, cherries, sugar, and water to make a pitcher of fresh homemade lemonade. Unlike store bought drinks there are no preservatives, colors, or flavors in this easy drink.
  • Refreshing taste. The combination of tart lemons with the natural sweetness of cherries creates a flavor that is refreshing. It is quite delightful and thirst-quenching during hot summer months.
  • Bright red color. The beautiful, vibrant red color comes from making cherry juice out of fresh cherries.
  • Perfect for summer. With its unique taste and refreshing flavor, our cherry lemonade is great for sunny days or at family picnics or barbecues.
[Read more...]

4th of July Desserts

Celebrate America this year with the best spread of 4th of July desserts. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or just hanging out with friends, these red, white, and blue recipes will make the holiday even sweeter! From creamy cheesecake to tasty cookies, we have a variety of easy treats that are sure to please everyone.

8 pictures of red white and blue desserts collaged together with a text box.
[feast_advanced_jump_to]

Why Make Dessert For July 4th

The 4th of July is a special day in the United States when we celebrate our country's independence. We love gathering with friends and family for picnics, barbecues, and outdoor parties. Food is one of the things that makes these get togethers so memorable.

As much as I love eating burgers and potato salad, I'm there for the desserts (and the fireworks). These 4th of July celebrations are when I can get creative and make fun patriotic desserts.

Firecracker cupcakes, red white and blue cheesecake, and 4th of July rice krispie treats have become favorites that everyone expects me to bring.

Tips for Fourth of July Desserts

To inspire you to make fun treats this year, we have gathered 20 of our favorite patriotic treats. You will be the star of the party when you show up with any of these sweet 4th of July dessert recipes.

  • Keep Them Colorful - Red, white, and blue desserts are the perfect colors for your patriotic table. Nothing says the 4th like star sprinkles, red white & blue M&M's, or mixed berries in the shape of a flag!
  • Make It Ahead of Time - We all know your plate is full on the 4th of July (pun intended), so you don't want to be spending time in the kitchen. These easy desserts can be made in advance, so you can enjoy all the fun.
  • Have Fun and Be Creative - Now is the time for over the top desserts. Cupcakes that look like fire crackers or dessert pizzas will wow the crowd almost as much as the firework displays!

Grab your sprinkles, candies, and fresh berries and have some fun making a few of these red, white, and blue desserts.

    [Read more...]

    S'mores Brownie Cupcakes

    These s'mores brownie cupcakes are the ultimate summer dessert! With a graham cracker crust and toasted marshmallow, they are an amazing treat. The best part? You don't even need a campfire to enjoy this tasty treat.

    Chocolate brownie cupcakes topped with a toasted marshmallow and chocolate bar.

    *This s'mores cupcake post was first published in June 2011. The pictures were updated in August 2019, and it was republished in June 2023.

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    One of my favorite summer desserts is the classic s'mores. There's something truly amazing about a toasted marshmallow, gooey chocolate, and graham crackers.

    I am always looking for fun ways to enjoy these gooey s'mores without sitting around a campfire. These s'mores blondies, this s'mores poke cake, and this s'mores fudge are just a few of my favorite creations.

    Summer just isn't complete without a s'mores dessert. So, I added a graham cracker crust and a toasted marshmallow to brownie cupcakes, transforming them into a s'mores masterpiece.

    Why This S'mores Brownie Recipe Works

    There is no reason to sit around a hot campfire this summer to get your s'mores fix. Bring the outside to your kitchen with these gooey s'mores cupcakes.

    • Classic S'mores Flavor. Graham cracker crust, toasted marshmallow, and chocolate candy bars are all packed into these cupcakes.
    • No Campfire Needed. You can make this entire recipe in the comfort of your kitchen. Stay cool and relaxed while the s'mores magic happens inside the oven.
    • Perfect Summer Dessert. Nothing says summer like s'mores. You will get smiles from everyone when you show up at picnics and barbecues with these chocolate marshmallow treats.
    [Read more...]

    Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies

    Our Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies are loaded with a mix of dark and white chocolate chips. Plus, the cake mix adds a vibrant red color! These soft and delicious red velvet cookies are the perfect dessert to share with family and friends.

    A pile of red velvet cookies with chocolate chips on a plate.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Have you tried cake mix cookies yet?  We make these cookies and cream cookies all the time because they are our daughter's favorite. And these funfetti cake mix cookies always please a crowd!

    A few months ago I changed it up and made chocolate mint cookies. Whoa! Using a chocolate cake mix cookie reminded me of fried Oreos. Since July 4th is coming soon, I couldn't wait to make a red cookie using a red velvet cake mix.

    Why Make Red Velvet Cake Cookies

    I love how quick and easy cookies from a red cake mix are to make.  You could bake them right away, but I like to let the dough chill in my refrigerator for about 60 minutes.  It helps the dough from spreading out too thin.  

    • Easy to Make. All you need are a few simple ingredients and a mixer.
    • Fun to Customize. You can add just about any candy or cookie to make them different every single time.
    • Soft and Chewy. The finished cookies stay soft for days!
    • Perfect for the Holidays. The bright red color makes these a fun treat to make for Valentine's, 4th of July, and Christmas.

    My favorite way to eat these red velvet cookies is fresh out of the oven.  The center is still so gooey and soft and just perfect.  Plus, the chocolate is melty and delicious.

    [Read more...]

    Cherry Pie Filling

    Our easy homemade cherry pie filling recipe uses just 5 simple ingredients and comes together in minutes. You can even make it ahead of time and use it in all your favorite recipes that call for cherry pie filling.

    Two white bowls filled with cherry filling.

    This recipe was first published in July 2020. It was updated and republished in June 2023.

    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    I love finding fresh cherries on sale at the grocery store. The problem is that I buy too many bags at a time, and my family never eats them fast enough.

    So, a few years ago, I decided to use them up in a homemade cherry pie filling.

    We love using it on top of vanilla cheesecake, in cherry crisp, and of course, in the best cherry pie!

    Why Make This Cherry Pie Filling Recipe

    Our cherry pie filling is easy to make on the stovetop in minutes. It turns out sweet and delicious every single time! One bite and you will never want to buy canned pie filling again.

    Plus, there are so many benefits to making homemade pie filling. Not to mention it tastes so much better than the stuff in a can. 

    • Uses fresh fruit. Fruit that is in season is generally cheaper and tastes better.
    • Control over ingredients. This way, you know exactly what you are eating. You can skip the artificial flavors, colors, or additives when making homemade.
    • Easy to adjust the sweetness. You can add more or less sugar depending on the sweetness of the cherries and your taste preferences.
    • Can add other flavors. Vanilla extract, almond extract, and cinnamon are natural ingredients that add warmth and flavor you will love.
    [Read more...]

    Easy Cherry Pie

    Fall in love with our easy cherry pie recipe! With a flaky golden crust and sweet homemade filling, this cherry pie is sure to become your family's new favorite dessert. It's perfect for summer gatherings or holidays.

    A slice of pie with vanilla ice cream on a white plate.
    [feast_advanced_jump_to]

    Cherry season seems to come and go way too quickly each summer. One day, there are plenty of bags of cherries at the store, and the following week, they are gone.

    One of my favorite things to make with fresh cherries is homemade cherry pie filling. It's delicious spooned over cheesecake or baked into an easy cherry pie.

    Why Make This Cherry Pie

    Sure, you could buy a pie from the store or use canned pie filling to make this dessert. But just trust me, dark sweet cherries make our cherry pie taste absolutely incredible!

    • Sweet Pie Filling. Cook fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch creates a thick and delicious filling that can be baked in a pie crust.
    • Easy to Make. Whether you are a beginning baker or a pro, this fruit pie comes together in minutes. Follow our step by step instructions for best results.
    • Perfect Summer Dessert. Cherries are a seasonal fruit that are usually only available in summer months. The limited availability of fresh cherries makes cherry pie a favorite dessert for picnics and barbecues.

    Don't forget to add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of homemade whipped cream. There is nothing better than warm pie with ice cream melting into it!

    [Read more...]