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Sparkling Cranberry Punch

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Enjoy this sparkling cranberry punch for the holidays. The sweet and tart juices and fizzy soda make this party punch easy to prepare. It’s perfect for special occasions and family gatherings. Cheers!

Two clear mugs filled with cranberry punch and floating fruit.
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Cranberry Punch Recipe

I have the perfect suggestion if you're looking for a drink to add some sparkle to your holiday gathering. I made this cranberry punch for the holidays a few years ago when I needed a quick drink for a party we were hosting.

It's made with cranberry and apple juice and topped with a splash of fizzy 7Up. Add some floating fruit and a sprig of mint, and it's an instant hit for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year's Eve.

This drink is totally my go-to for this time of year! It's got such a fun, vibrant color and a bubbly fizz that it's perfect. Whether I'm making it for a party or just spending time with family, it gets everyone in the holiday spirit!

Why Make This Holiday Drink

  • Ready in Minutes: You don’t need special skills or fancy ingredients—just mix, pour, and you’re done! Simple recipes are perfect when you have a lot to do during the holidays.
  • Sweet and Refreshing: Everyone loves the fruity, refreshing taste. Make sure to stash a second batch in the fridge because it'll be gone quickly!
  • Perfect Holiday Drink: The deep cranberry color and bubbly fizz really bring out the holiday vibe, especially when you add cranberries and mint.
  • Great for Guests of all Ages: This mocktail is a hit for kids and adults! If you're looking for something more sophisticated, try adding vodka or sparkling wine to create a cocktail.
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White Chocolate Cheesecake

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Treat yourself to a slice of our White Chocolate Cheesecake! It's a dreamy dessert that mixes creamy cheesecake with rich white chocolate, making each bite melt in your mouth. Perfect for any get-together, it’ll satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends!

A slice of cheesecake with white chocolate curls on a plate.
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White Chocolate Cheesecake Recipe

I love baking cheesecake for special occasions or dinners because it looks fantastic and tastes delicious! Plus, it's awesome for making ahead of time since it needs to chill a bit.

Throughout the years, I've experimented with various versions of this vanilla bean cheesecake. This month, I decided to mix things up by adding white chocolate.

This white chocolate cheesecake is definitely one of my favorites! It's creamy, has a buttery Oreo crust, and the white chocolate gives it a rich flavor. It looks fancy, but it is very easy to make. This makes it great for holidays, birthdays, or any time you want to treat yourself.

Why You'll Love This Dessert

  • Rich Flavor Combo: The creamy white chocolate mixed with the tangy cream cheese is delightful! They balance so well together, making every bite enjoyable.
  • Golden Oreo Crust: Let's be honest: Golden Oreos make everything better! They add the perfect sweet crunch to complement the creamy filling.
  • Creamy & Smooth Texture: Cheesecake lovers know that the texture is everything, and this one is silky-smooth every time.
  • It Looks Fancy, But It's Easy! This cheesecake looks like a total showstopper, but it's surprisingly easy to make with just a few ingredients. It's perfect for special occasions.
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Butterscotch Pecan Blondies

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These Butterscotch Pecan Blondies are the perfect blend of sweet and salty goodness! With rich butterscotch, crunchy pecans, and a soft, chewy texture, they’ll quickly become a favorite treat.

Three squares of pecan blondes stacked on a white plate.
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Butterscotch Blondies

Blonde brownies are one of my all-time favorite desserts. They're easy to make because you can include any toppings or ingredients in each batch. Today, I cleaned the pantry and found some ingredients I couldn't wait to use in a pan of blondies.

If you are like me and love sweet and salty desserts, these butterscotch pecan blondies will be your new favorite!

They are loaded with sweet butterscotch chips, crunchy pecans, and a sprinkle of salty pretzels. Whether I'm baking for a get-together or just treating myself, these blondies never disappoint!

Why You'll Love This Ultimate Blondie Recipe

  • Perfect Sweet & Salty Balance: The butterscotch chips bring all the sweetness, while the pretzels add just the right amount of saltiness.
  • Chewy & Crunchy Texture Combo: This soft blondie pairs perfectly with crunchy pecans and pretzels. Each bite has chewy and crunchy elements.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it's a casual get-together or a holiday party, these blondies are a hit with everyone.
  • Great for Snacking or Dessert: They're perfect for packing in a lunchbox, an afternoon snack, or serving as a dessert.
  • Unique Flavor: The butterscotch flavor is a refreshing alternative to chocolate-based treats.
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Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes

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These mini chocolate cheesecakes are a delicious way to satisfy your cheesecake cravings. They're easy to make, fun to eat, and always a hit. So grab your muffin tin and create some chocolatey cheesecake magic!

Triple chocolate cheesecakes on a white and blue towel.

This post was first published in December 2011. The pictures were updated in January 2018; the post was republished in October 2024.

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Triple Chocolate Cheesecakes

Over the years, I've gotten hooked on making cheesecake. However, most weeks, I don't have the time to make a full-sized cheesecake. So, I use my cupcake pan to make mini cheesecakes instead. They are cuter and easier to share!

If you're a cheesecake fan and love chocolate, these mini chocolate cheesecakes are calling your name! They have a creamy filling and an Oreo cookie crust. Plus, they are topped with chocolate mousse, hot fudge, and mini chips.

The best part? They are baked in a muffin tin, making them easy to prepare and serve as perfect little bites.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Three times the chocolate makes this mini chocolate cheesecake recipe the perfect dessert for the chocolate lovers in your life.

  • Best of Both Worlds: Enjoy all the rich flavors of chocolate and cheesecake in a delightful, shareable size.
  • Quick and Convenient: Simple to make, easy to store, and always an instant hit with a crowd.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: This is great for parties, date nights, or whenever you want a special treat. Enjoy it without having to eat a whole cheesecake.
  • Easy to Serve: Individual portions make serving a breeze—no slicing needed!
  • Fun Toppings: To change up the decorations, add extra toppings like whipped cream, caramel sauce, or fresh fruit.
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Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice

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In just minutes, you can create a Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice using 5 ingredients you already have in your pantry. This spice blend is perfect for adding a touch of fall magic to your drinks, baked goods, oatmeal, and more.

A jar of pumpkin spice with a label and orange bow.
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DIY Pumpkin Pie Spice

It's that time of year again—time to bake all things pumpkin! I was ready to bring cozy fall vibes to my kitchen with some pumpkin spice scones and a pumpkin cream cold brew.

I got everything ready only to realize my pumpkin spice jar was empty. No worries! Did you know you can make blends with common spices from your pantry in just a few minutes? 

The awesome thing about it is that it usually costs less than grabbing a bottle from the grocery store. Plus, you can tweak it to make it just as you want!

There's just something magical about homemade pumpkin pie spice. This blend of warm spices makes everything taste better—from your morning oatmeal to a traditional pumpkin pie recipe.

Why You'll Love This Pumpkin Pie Spice Recipe

  • Cost-Effective: Making your mix with pantry staples saves money compared to buying a store-bought blend.
  • No Fillers or Preservatives: Store-bought spice blends usually contain chemical sulfites to prevent the colors from fading and prolong their shelf life. But when you use pure spices, you won't find any of those additives.
  • Versatile to Use: Add it to more than just pie—think coffee, oatmeal, pancakes, and even savory dishes!
  • Easy to Make in Minutes: You probably already have all the individual spices in your pantry.
  • Makes a Great Gift: Packaged in a cute jar, it's an affordable and thoughtful gift idea for fall baking!
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Halloween Apple Slices

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These Halloween Apple Slices are a simple and creative way to bring creepy fun to your kitchen. The spooky apples are always a hit at parties and a fun treat for all ages!

Chocolate monster apple slices on sticks in a black pot.
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Spooky Apples

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. It’s the best time to add candy eyeballs to treats to make them look creepy and fun!

I was going to make large chocolate-dipped caramel apples for a Halloween party. However, serving and eating a whole apple can be challenging and messy for kids.

Apple slices are a great alternative to this treat! They're easy to make, and kids of all ages love them. Share these candy apple slices, Frankenstein marshmallows, and Halloween eyeballs to get everyone into the spooky spirit.

Why You'll Love These Halloween Apples

  • Festive and Fun: This spooky snack is a great way to celebrate Halloween with a twist! They add the perfect festive touch to any Halloween spread.
  • Quick & Easy: You only need to slice, dip, and decorate. There is no baking, no fancy tools—just a few ingredients and a little imagination!
  • Kid-Friendly Activity: Decorating these apple slices is perfect for little ones! They'll love turning apples into their favorite Halloween creatures.
  • Healthier Halloween Treat: These candy apples are lighter than regular candy, and the coating makes them taste great.
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Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls

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These Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Rolls are a delicious twist on traditional lasagna that everyone will love. With chicken, bacon, and creamy Alfredo sauce, this dish is an easy dinner to prepare on busy weeknights.

A white plate with a creamy Alfredo lasagna roll up on it.
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Stuffed Lasagna Roll Ups

Cheesy pasta dishes are my top pick for any special meal or dinner. The cheesier, the better.

Our whole family loves Alfredo sauce, so we usually reach for that first. A few of our favorites are these sausage stuffed shells and chicken Alfredo gnocchi.

Recently, I found a box of lasagna noodles in the pantry, so I decided to make some lasagna rolls for dinner. I added Alfredo sauce, canned tomatoes, chicken, bacon, and a bunch of cheese.

The cool thing is that this dinner is easy to throw together ahead of time. It can chill in the fridge until everyone is back home. Then, just toss it in the oven to bake while everyone gets ready!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Kid-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy, creamy flavor, making it a hit for family dinners.
  • Hearty and Filling: Packed with chicken, bacon, cheese, and sauce, these rolls make a satisfying, all-in-one meal.
  • Easy to Customize: Mix in different veggies, swap proteins, or play around with cheeses to make it your own.
  • Perfect for Busy Nights: You can make these rolls ahead and store them in the fridge or freezer. This is perfect for when you want a comforting meal ready to go!
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Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies

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These Chocolate Pumpkin Cookies are a must-try this fall! They’re super fudgy and packed with chocolate chips, making them a hit with everyone.

A stack of chocolate pumpkin cookies loaded with chips.

Pumpkin Cocoa Cookies

Every fall season, I can't wait to use pumpkin. I love that orange veggie, so I throw it into everything—even soup!

Using pumpkin puree in baked treats makes everything soft and moist. I'm all about pumpkin spice scones, pumpkin bundt cake, or a pumpkin cobbler.

My favorite thing to make with canned pumpkin is these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. They're seriously the best ones ever!

Well, they were the best until I made a chocolate version with dark cocoa powder and three kinds of chocolate chips. This is now my all-time favorite fall cookie.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The Perfect Combo: Pumpkin and chocolate might seem weird, but they work well together! The pumpkin adds moisture and a light sweetness that balances the rich, dark cocoa perfectly.
  • Three Types of Chocolate: What's better than having one kind of chocolate? How about three? With semi-sweet milk and white chocolate chips, each bite is a delicious treat that hits the spot.
  • Soft and Fudgy Texture: These cookies are super soft and fudgy—kind of like brownies! They're just right for anyone who loves a cookie that practically melts in your mouth.
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Candy Corn Fudge

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This Candy Corn Fudge is a quick and delicious Fall treat. It's easy to create with just three simple ingredients and some fall candies.

A white tray stacked with white chocolate candy corn fudge.
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Candy Corn Fudge Recipe

One of my favorite things about this time of year is candy corn. There is just something about that iconic Halloween candy that I love.

I'm cool with eating a few pieces plain, but I love it even more in this candy corn snack. I always end up eating way more than I should!

The other day, I had a bowl of fall snack mix sitting on the counter. So, I used it in an easy fudge recipe for Halloween.

I've seen other candy corn fudge recipes that use food coloring in the layers, but mine uses actual candy corn for the sweet treat.

Why You'll Love This Treat

  • Easy to Make: This fudge takes minutes to whip up, and you don’t need a candy thermometer or other special tools.
  • Sweet + Salty Goodness: The mix of creamy chocolate, sweet candy, and salty peanuts hits the spot with its perfect blend of flavors. Every bite is a tasty combo of crunchy, smooth, sweet, and salty!
  • Festive Fall Treat: With the bright orange and yellow candy corn, this fudge looks as good as it tastes. It's a fun, festive treat for Halloween or any fall get-together!
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Toffee Apple Cake

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This Toffee Apple Cake is the perfect fall dessert. It's made with fresh apples, crunchy toffee, and a delicious maple glaze. Whether you bring it to a fall gathering or enjoy a slice with your coffee, it will disappear quickly.

A slice of toffee apple cake with glaze on a white plate.
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Toffee Apple Bundt Cake

I absolutely love apple desserts! Apples remind me of the fun times we used to have at the orchard every autumn. 

Now that the kids are grown and busy, I buy my apples at the store. I remember when they used to get excited about apples, corn mazes, and hayrides with us.

This caramel apple bundt cake has been my favorite fall recipe for many years. The soft, moist dessert with sweet caramel bits is simply unbeatable—at least it was.

This year, I mixed things up by adding toffee bits and a maple glaze, and now I’m even more in love with this toffee apple bundt cake!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The fall flavors are on point. Apples, toffee, and maple create a perfect mix of cozy fall vibes.
  • The texture is moist and delicious. The fresh apples keep this cake extra moist, while the toffee bits add a little crunch and sweetness to every bite.
  • No decorating skills are needed. A bundt cake looks fancy with minimal effort!
  • A maple glaze takes it up a notch. It's sweet, sticky, and pairs perfectly with the cake without overpowering the other flavors.
  • This dessert is great for gatherings. Whether it's a fall potluck, Thanksgiving dinner, or casual weekend treat, this cake is a winner.
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