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Caramelized Bananas

With just three simple ingredients, you can make sweet caramelized bananas. This simple and delicious recipe is the easiest way to take your breakfast or dessert to the next level.

Caramelized bananas in a nonstick skillet.

Caramelized Bananas Recipe 

Every week, I buy a bunch of slightly green bananas. I enjoy eating them when they still have a slight crunch. Then, I wait for them to ripen so I can use them to make banana scones or banana bread muffins.

Recently, I discovered a new way to enjoy fresh bananas before they get brown spots. We went out for brunch, and I ordered banana foster pancakes. They came with the most amazing brown sugar bananas on top.

Anything that is pan-fried in butter and sugar is delicious, so I knew I had to try making this at home. The following week, I had ripe bananas and discovered that making this gooey topping is incredibly easy. Trust me, you have to try this simple recipe!

 It's an excellent topping for banana pancakes, waffles, French toast, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream. You can also dig in with a spoon like I did! There's no judgment here!

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Caprese Pasta Salad

Caprese Pasta Salad is an easy dinner that is light, fresh, and full of flavor. The classic combo of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil always hits the spot! Whether you're heading to a barbecue or need a quick lunch, this pasta salad will disappear every time.

A white bowl filled with a Caprese pasta salad.
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Pasta Salad with Mozzarella

Some days call for easy recipes that I can throw together in a matter of minutes. And when the weather is warm (hello, Florida sunshine!), cold pasta salad is a go-to around here.

This Caprese salad is one of my favorite dishes. It's loaded with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and fresh basil, all tossed in a simple balsamic vinaigrette.

I love how fast this pasta salad comes together. While the noodles are cooking, I chop the ingredients and whisk the dressing. Then, I give it a quick toss, and it's ready to go. Instant happiness in a bowl!

This time of year, there are many picnics, BBQs, and potlucks where you need a quick dish to share. You can also add grilled chicken to make it a complete meal. This salad is incredibly versatile and the perfect summer dish that everyone will enjoy.

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Oreo Banana Bread

Oreo Banana Bread takes classic banana bread to the next level! It's packed with cookies and topped with frosting for an extra dose of goodness. Perfect for breakfast, snack time, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up!

A sliced loaf of Oreo banana bread with frosting on a cutting board.

This cookies and cream banana bread was first published in April 2016. It was updated and republished in April 2025.

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Oreo Bread

This week, I had fun in the kitchen. We had ripe bananas on the counter and Oreos in the pantry. So, I jazzed up my mocha banana bread with cookies to create Oreo banana bread. Best. Decision. Ever.

You should have seen the look on our kids' faces when they walked in and saw this treat sitting on the counter. Forget waiting for breakfast; everyone grabbed a slice immediately!

I mean, come on! Chocolate banana bread loaded with Oreo chunks and topped with frosting? You would want it, too! Just grab a glass of cold milk or a cup of coffee, because this bread is rich and fudgy.

Don't want the bananas or Oreos? You might want to try out these Starbuck's copycat marble loaf and lemon loaf recipes instead!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect Excuse to Use Up Ripe Bananas. Tired of the same sour cream banana bread? This fun cookies-and-cream version is a delicious way to use that brown fruit on the counter!
  • Cookies for Breakfast. Who can resist a breakfast that includes Oreos? It feels like a guilty pleasure, but with bananas, so it's practically healthy, right?
  • Extra Rich and Chocolatey. The chocolate banana bread is already moist and fudgy, but adding chunks of Oreo cookies takes it over the top!
  • Kid (and Adult) Approved. This bread always disappears in a hurry! It's always a hit for after-school snacks, late-night munchies, or brunch hangouts.
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POG Juice

Learn how to make Disney's famous POG juice at home! This tropical fruit juice blend combines passion fruit, orange, and guava into a refreshing drink that the whole family will love. Perfect for Disney fans, summer brunches, or Hawaiian-themed parties!

Two glasses filled with juice and garnished with an orange slice.
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Disney Pog Juice

After years of visiting Disney, I finally tried POG juice. On our most recent trip, we had dinner at 'Ohana, and our server brought me a glass. It was love at first sip!

The next morning, we enjoyed more POG juice at the Boma breakfast buffet. It was one of those little details that made my birthday trip extra special.

When we got home, I had to recreate that refreshing drink. Disney has provided a recipe that's easy to follow: simply mix equal parts of three fruit juices.

Although when I made it at home, I noticed mine was a little pinker and sweeter, which I liked. The versions we tried at Disney tasted more like orange juice.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

If you want to make a Disney-themed breakfast or need a quick drink to brighten your day, this POG juice recipe is perfect.

  • Bright tropical flavors - It tastes like vacation in a glass!
  • Perfect for all ages - The vibrant color and refreshing taste make it a favorite with kids and adults.
  • Works for any occasion - Serve it at brunch with Mickey waffles, or pour it over ice by the pool. You can also use it as a base for a cocktail or mimosa.
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Cheesecake Bars

Calling all cheesecake lovers! These easy cheesecake bars have a smooth layer of chocolate ganache that takes them to the next level. They're rich, creamy, and perfect for when you want a simple dessert that still feels a little fancy.

A square of cheesecake on a plate topped with chocolate and a raspberry.
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Cheesecake Bars Recipe

Who doesn't love cheesecake? It's creamy and decadent, but making a full-size cheesecake can be a hassle due to all the steps required. Sometimes, I just don't have the time for all that!

That's where cheesecake bars come to my rescue! This easy dessert gives you all the flavor and texture of classic cheesecake without the fuss. Just mix, pour, bake, and chill. Plus, they're perfect for parties, potlucks, or those moments when you're craving something sweet and creamy.

You can easily change the flavors to fit your mood or the season. Rainbow bars are great for birthdays, chocolate cheesecake bars are a special treat, and lemon cheesecake bars are perfect for spring!

So the next time you need a quick and easy dessert, skip the springform pan and make a batch of cheesecake bars. Your sweet tooth will thank you! 

Why You'll Love 9x13 Cheesecake Bars

  • This recipe bakes so much faster than a traditional cheesecake, which is a big win when you're short on time.
  • They look fancy enough for a party, but they're actually super simple to make.
  • You are going to love making this easy recipe without a special springform pan. All you need are basic ingredients and a 9x13 baking dish.
  • These bars are a go-to for potlucks and parties. Or when you need a rich and creamy dessert!
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Carrot Bundt Cake

This easy Carrot Bundt Cake is packed with warm spices, shredded carrots, and crunchy pecans. Decorated with cream cheese frosting, it's the perfect cake for holiday dinners or whenever you need a sweet and cozy dessert!

A slice of carrot bundt cake on a white plate.

This carrot bundt cake was first shared in March 2017. The post was updated and republished in April 2025.

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Carrot Cake Bundt Cake

I love carrot cake, but I don't make it very often because I am the only one in our house who eats it. Most of the time, I order it when we go out to eat.

With spring in the air and Easter approaching, I can't stop thinking about this carrot cake loaf. I was planning to make it and share some with friends, but then I wondered how it would turn out as a bundt cake. Spoiler alert: It turned out fantastic!

I doubled the batter and added pecans and raisins for flavor and texture. And yes, I know raisins are controversial, but I love the chewiness they add to oatmeal raisin cookies and loaded carrot cake. If you're not a fan, leave them out.

Of course, no bundt cake is complete without frosting. You can drizzle thick lines across the top or spread it all over the sides. I've done both, and honestly, it's delicious either way.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Moist & Flavorful: The shredded carrots keep the cake moist, and the warm spices give it that classic cozy flavor.
  • Great Texture: The combo of moist cake, crunchy pecans, and chewy raisins gives every bite something extra.
  • Beautiful Presentation: Bundt cakes look impressive with minimal effort. Just drizzle some frosting on top, and it's party-ready!
  • Perfect for Spring and Easter: This seasonal favorite is just right for spring celebrations and holiday tables.
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Marble Loaf Cake

This easy marble loaf cake is a chocolate and vanilla dream come true! It's soft, sweet, and topped with a rich ganache that takes it over the top. Whether you're celebrating something special or craving something sweet, this moist pound cake hits the spot.

Sliced marble loaf cake with chocolate ganache on a white tray.
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Starbucks Marble Cake

Over the years, I have recreated several Starbucks treats at home. A few of my favorites are lemon loaf, double chocolate brownies, and this salted caramel mocha.

Years ago, I used to buy marble cake from Starbucks, but they no longer sell it. Since this item was discontinued, I created my own version from scratch.

I tested this recipe multiple times to get it just right, and it was worth it. The dense crumb texture is moist and delicious and melts in your mouth. The best part is that it's incredibly easy to make at home. So, no more waiting in line at the coffee shop!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

A marble cake is the best of both worlds. Why choose between vanilla and chocolate when you can have both?

  • The cake starts with one batter. It's easy to make the batter with your mixer and then split it into two bowls.
  • It is seriously delicious! It's super soft and has the perfect chocolate and vanilla flavors.
  • Marble cakes are so fun to serve. Because of the marble effect, no two cakes are ever the same. Get ready to impress your friends and family with gorgeous swirls.
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Easter Cookie Cake

Our Easter Cookie Cake is soft, chewy, and so easy to make! The green frosting, candy eggs, and chocolate bunnies make this dessert a fun centerpiece for your holiday dinner.

A slice of chocolate chip cookie cake held up on a spatula.

This Easter cookie cake was first shared in March 2021. The post was updated and republished in April 2025.

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As a teen, Friday nights meant roaming the mall with friends, sipping Orange Julius, and eating cookies from Great American Cookie Co. With Easter coming up, I made a cookie cake that brought back all those sweet memories.

Right now, I'm really into baking chocolate chip cookies. And cookie cakes are just one big chocolate chip cookie baked in a cake pan. 

The cool thing about a chocolate chip cookie cake is that it's great for any holiday or party. It has a soft center and a slightly crunchy edge, and you can jazz it up with colored frosting, sprinkles, and candy. 

I had so much fun decorating this giant cookie for Easter with green frosting, mini eggs, and peanut butter bunnies!

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Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes

These mini blueberry cheesecakes have a sweet graham cracker crust, a creamy vanilla cheesecake layer, and a swirl of blueberry pie filling on top. They taste just as great as they look and are perfect for parties, picnics, holidays, or any fun occasion!

A mini blueberry cheesecake with a bite out of it showing the pie filling inside.

The post and recipe for mini blueberry cheesecakes were first published in March 2012. Both were updated and then republished in April 2025.

Blueberry Cheesecakes

As much as I love a classic cheesecake, making and baking one can be time-consuming. That's where mini cheesecakes come in handy. 

They're easy to make and incredibly convenient since they're baked in a muffin tin. Plus, they're absolutely adorable and the perfect size to satisfy your sweet tooth! I usually make these mini peanut butter cheesecakes whenever I get the chance!

Lately, though, I've been completely obsessed with all things blueberry. So, when I discovered an extra can of blueberry pie filling in the pantry, I couldn't resist the urge to make mini blueberry cheesecakes for dessert.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect dessert for spring or summer! The smooth, creamy cheesecake with a juicy blueberry swirl makes these little treats impossible to resist.
  • Great for parties and picnics. Their small size makes them easy to transport and perfect for serving to your party guests. Everyone loves a miniature dessert!
  • It's a versatile recipe. If you don't like blueberries, you can use any other fruit filling you like.
  • Easy to make ahead of time. Cheesecake needs time to chill, making it the perfect treat to prepare the day before a party or event.
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Easter Egg Fudge

This Easter Egg Fudge is pretty and delicious. With smooth, melt-in-your-mouth vanilla malt fudge and crunchy Robin Eggs, each bite has a good mix of texture and flavor. Plus, it's so easy to make!

Squares of Easter egg fudge on a cutting board.

This post and recipe were first published in April 2015. It was updated and republished in March 2025.

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Easy Easter Fudge

This time of year, I love to buy bags of pastel-colored robin eggs. We've already gone through two bags at home; it isn't even Easter yet. I didn't eat them… well, I didn't eat them directly, that is.

I turned the colorful chocolate eggs into Easter popcorn and white chocolate fudge. My husband, who usually doesn't like sweets, took one bite and said it was amazing!

Crushing Easter candy with a wooden spoon is a lot of fun! My kids helped break the eggs with a rolling pin when I made this fudge. However, I had to watch them since they were having a bit too much fun. You want to aim for chunks, not dust.

I predict this robin egg fudge will vanish from your Easter celebrations. We've made it twice now, and both batches disappeared quickly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to Make: This fudge comes together in minutes without a sugar thermometer or any other special tools.
  • Delicious Crunch and Flavor: Adding Robin eggs to this white chocolate fudge gives it a delightful crunch and flavor.
  • Fun Easter Treat: With pastel-colored candies, this fudge looks as good as it tastes. It's the perfect Easter gift or sweet treat for everyone's basket.
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