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Sarasota Jungle Gardens

A few months ago we visited Sarasota Jungle Gardens with my sister and her family. This small family owned tourist attraction features many native and exotic animals that have been rescued or donated.

Our kids had so much fun exploring the paths and seeing so many different varieties of tropical plants and animals.

Sarasota Jungle Gardens - a tropical attraction located in Sarasota, Florida featuring many exotic plants and animals. Visit here with your family for a fun filled day! #travel #tropical #jungle #gardens #flamingos #florida #family #floridaattractions

History of Sarasota Jungle Gardens

Sarasota Jungle Gardens was started in the 1930's as a botanical garden. They brought in thousands of tropical plants that would flourish with the native plants. Over the years people began to take notice and would stop in to wander the paths.

In 1936, the owners began to charge an admittance fee, and then in 1939 it was officially opened as a Florida attraction. Educating the community about animals and nature is the main goal of the nature park.

Jungle Gardens is now home to over 200 native and exotic animals. You will be able to see lizards, snakes, alligators, crocodiles, turtles, primates, parrots, macaws, flamingos, and so many more animals and reptiles as you visit.  95% of the animals in the park have been rescued from abusive homes or inhumane conditions. [Read more...]

Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits

Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits - layers of streusel, cheesecake, and homemade apple pie filling makes a fun summer treat. Make these little parfaits for parties and picnics.

 Layers of streusel, apples, and no bake cheesecake make these Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits a fun summer dessert.  Parfaits are an easy treat to make and share at picnics or barbecues

A batch of this Homemade Apple Pie Filling makes these little parfaits taste the best.

 
Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits - layers of homemade apple pie filling and no bake cheesecake make these an easy dessert to make and enjoy!

(post updated June 2018)

CLICK HERE TO PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER!

Sometimes I surprise myself with the things I make in our kitchen. These little parfaits were one of those treats that made me stop and smile.

The flavors in all the layers work so well together.  The crunchy streusel, creamy cheesecake, and sweet apple pie filling in every bite was so good.

And of course you can't have a pie dessert without a pie crust, right? The topper is totally optional, but I think it adds a fun little touch to the apple dessert.

How to make Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits:

Start out by making the apple pie filling.  Cut up your apples and simmer them in a sugar glaze. Let it cool for a few hours or overnight so it has time to set up.

Combine the streusel ingredients and press it into a pan. Bake for a few minutes to give a crispy texture.

Unroll the pie crust and spread butter on both sides. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.  Cut the pie crust into strips and twist each one. Bake until golden.

Mix together cream cheese, pudding, Cool Whip, and toffee bits to make the no bake cheesecake layer. Are you drooling yet?   Because yes, it is THAT good. I caught my daughter digging into it with a spoon before I had a chance to make the parfaits. She didn't want any apples, just the filling!

Layer the pie filling and cheesecake into 8 small mason jars. Top with the pie crust twists right before serving.

More recipes to use apple pie filling in:

Cinnamon Apple Icebox Cake - layers of cinnamon cheesecake, apple pie filling, and graham crackers make a delicious and easy no bake dessert in minutes.

Cinnamon Apple Icebox Cake

Apple Turtle Cheesecake Tart - layers of cheesecake and apple under the nuts and caramel topping will make the tart disappear in a hurry.

Apple Turtle Cheesecake Tart

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cheesecake Danish - creamy cheesecake and apple pie filling make this pastry a great start to any day.

Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cheesecake Danish

This apple week has been fun. I have enjoyed eating all the things apple in our kitchen and watching everyone else share photos of their fun apple creations.

More apple recipes to try:

Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits - layers of cheesecake, streusel, and homemade pie filling in a jar makes a fun treat. Make these parfaits for summer parties or picnics!

Recipe

Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits

Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits

Yield: 8 small jars
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Layers of streusel, apples, and no bake cheesecake make these Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits a fun summer treat.  They are easy to make and are perfect for taking to a picnic or dinner.

Ingredients

For the Streusel

  • 2 cup graham cracker crumbs
  • ¼ cup oatmeal
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 6 Tablespoons butter, melted

For the Cheesecake Filling

  • 1 - 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 3.4 ounce package instant cheesecake pudding
  • 1 - 8 ounce container Cool Whip, thawed
  • 1 cup baking toffee bits

For the Pie Crust Toppers

  • 1 sheet refrigerated pie crust
  • 2 Tablespoons butter, softened
  • 6 Tablespoons cinnamon sugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°.
  2. Combine the crust ingredients and press into a greased 9x13 baking pan. Bake for 8 minutes. Cool.
  3. Unroll the pie crust onto a baking sheet. Spread the butter on both sides and sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar.
  4. Cut the crust into strips and twist each one a few times. Place the twists on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes. Cool.
  5. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and sour cream until creamy.
  6. Whisk together the milk and pudding mix. Refrigerate for 5 minutes.
  7. Add the pudding to the cream cheese mixture and beat for 1 minute. Fold in the Cool Whip and toffee bits gently.
  8. Layer the streusel, cheesecake filling, and apple pie filling in small canning jars or in one large trifle bowl. Top with pie crust twists.

Notes

All the layers could be put into one large serving bowl, if desired.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 634Total Fat: 43gSaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 79mgSodium: 426mgCarbohydrates: 57gFiber: 3gSugar: 31gProtein: 7g

Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. If you need special diet advice, please see a registered dietician.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

© Jocelyn
Cuisine: American / Category: Pudding and Parfaits
*This Apple Pie Cheesecake Parfaits post was first posted in September 2012.

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chunk Granola

This Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chunk Granola is perfect for breakfast or snacking on in the afternoon. Pour it over Greek yogurt for a totally delicious start to the day.

Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chunk Granola - this homemade granola is loaded with peanut butter and banana taste. Adding chocolate chunks is a great idea. Make this recipe for breakfast or afternoon snacks. #homemade #granola #banana #chocolate #peanutbutter #breakfast #snackmix #snacking

Homemade granola is so easy to do with ingredients you have in your pantry. We love making a big pan of granola to snack on all week long.

The problem is that it doesn't last that long.

Until recently I would just buy bags of granola for us to snack on. But then I realized just how easy homemade granola is to make. Plus, I can control the amount of oil and extra sugars that go into it.

Our daughter loves having granola in the house. She usually has a big bowl of it with milk for her afternoon snack. 

[Read more...]

S'mores Marshmallow Fluff Dessert

This summer make a big bowl of this Marshmallow Fluff Dessert for picnics. It's creamy and sweet with the perfect s'mores flavor. Chocolate bars, marshmallow, and graham crackers make this fluff salad disappear in a hurry.

Love dessert salads?  Check out this awesome banana split fluff.  All your favorite sundae toppings in one big dessert salad.

A blue bowl filled with a fluffy marshmallow salad.
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Marshmallow Fluff Dessert

Over the years, I have made quite a few different fluff salads. A creamy pudding salad loaded with mix-ins is never a bad idea. Plus, a sweet treat that you can call a "salad" is awesome!

Chocolate lovers always go crazy for this chocolate salad, and lemon lovers enjoy this lemon fluff salad.

Last week, I realized that I needed to add s'mores fluff to my list of delicious dessert salads. Instead of using pudding, I used cream cheese to give it a creamy texture.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Marshmallow fluff dessert is the perfect sweet treat for s'mores lovers. It has chunks of candy bars, mini marshmallows, and graham cracker pieces.

It is easy to make in minutes and even easier to eat. Serve it with spoons or graham cracker squares.

You will be the hit of any picnic when you show up with this s'mores fluff. It's creamy, chocolatey, and absolutely irresistible.

Bonus: If you love S'mores, check out this list of 31 of the best s'mores recipes!

[Read more...]

Honey Peanut Butter Frosting

Swirls of Peanut Butter Frosting are the perfect topping for your cakes and cupcakes. This easy buttercream frosting recipe combines peanut butter and honey to create a sweet and creamy texture that is impossible to resist.

A chocolate cupcake with a swirl of peanut butter frosting on it and more cupcakes behind it.

Why We Love This Recipe

Looking for the absolute best peanut butter frosting in the world? Stop all the searches because this is it! This fluffy peanut butter buttercream is one of my most requested recipes and is also my favorite way to frost all the things. 

Ok, ok, maybe not ALL the things because it wouldn't be good on eggs or zucchini.  But you get the point, right?

I have been making this peanut butter icing recipe for years and have also used it in different blog posts.  So why am I sharing it alone now?

I frequently get requests for frosting recipes. Sometimes readers already know what cake or cupcake they want to make, and they are looking for the perfect frosting recipe to go with it. To help everyone find frosting recipes easier, I have started to share them separately.

This peanut butter frosting is smooth and creamy and is perfect for swirling on cupcakes, cookies, or brownies. It's also great for frosting sheet cakes or layer cakes. Honestly though, my favorite way to eat it is by the spoonfuls. Wink, wink! [Read more...]

Salted Caramel Reese's Popcorn

Add this Salted Caramel Reese's Popcorn to your movie night plans.  Two kinds of Reese's candy and a sprinkling of sea salt creates a sweet and salty treat that will disappear in a hurry. I suggest making  a double batch.

Try this S'mores Popcorn for a fun treat this summer. Perfect way to get your chocolate and marshmallow fix without the work of a fire.

Salted Caramel Reese's Popcorn - this easy snack mix is loaded with salted caramel and two kinds of Reese's candies. Make this recipe to munch on during movie nights! #popcorn #saltedcaramel #peanutbuttercups #reesespieces #snackmix #nobake #sweetandsalty

Recently we joined a new gym. I thought I was in shape from working out and lifting weights in our garage gym.  Apparently when you work out alone, you don't push yourself as much because I was dying the first week.

The weight days have been fine. My muscles are pretty strong from keeping up with my 5x5 lifts, but my cardio is totally lacking. I was gasping and breathing so hard on the first couple of cardio days. Who am I kidding? I'm still struggling. But the plan is to keep going and to keep toning my dessert loving body and to eat more lean and green meals.

I would much rather be munching on things like Salted Caramel Chocolate Sugar Cookie Bars and Banana Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes instead of being so dedicated to clean eating, but then my shorts and jeans get mad at me. All things in moderation, right? A little dessert and a lot of greens and workouts keep me going strong! 

[Read more...]

Milk Chocolate S'mores Fudge

Chocolate candy bars, graham crackers, and mini marshmallows add a fun flavor and texture to this S'mores Fudge. Such an easy no bake dessert for summer.

A white plate with squares of chocolate marshmallow fudge on it.

Something about summer says s'mores. There is just something about that chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker combo. It's a treat I could enjoy every night. 

The problem is that in the middle of summer, it really is too hot to sit around a bonfire and make s'mores. My solution is to create these fun chocolate marshmallow treats in the kitchen far, far away from a blazing fire.

Some of our favorites so far are these s'more granola bars, this s'mores popcorn, and these peanut butter s'more bars.

Yummy sweet s'mores without the mess and danger of a fire in summer. Now that's the way I like it.

Why You Will Love It

S'mores fudge is a great option for hot summer months because it requires no baking or cooking. So, it is perfect when you do not want to heat up your house with the oven.

Frosting fudge is easy to make in minutes without using a candy thermometer. It is the perfect quick and easy treat for summer. You can even make fudge with potatoes. You might be surprised to find out how good potato fudge is!

In under 20 minutes you can have a pan of fudge cooling on your counter.

So whether you enjoy your s'mores made over a crackling fire or in the comfort of your kitchen, this easy chocolate fudge recipe is for you.

[Read more...]

Balsamic Caprese Veggie Salad

A big bowl of this Balsamic Caprese Veggie Salad is a refreshing side dish that goes with any meal. It's a great healthy option to bring to all those summer picnics and potlucks.

Drizzle this Homemade Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette on top right before serving and watch it disappear.

Balsamic Caprese Veggie Salad - this fresh and easy veggie salad is a healthy option to enjoy all summer long. Make this recipe to have with chicken or burgers. #salad #healthy #tomatoes #cucumber #picnic #sidedish #veggies #leanandgreen

At the moment I could eat this veggie salad for every meal and be happy about it.  Ok, ok, I would probably not be as happy eating it for breakfast. But you know what I mean, right?

We are still going strong with our healthy eating around here.  Well, for the most part. Every so often we indulge and make these Mini Strawberry Pies or these White Chocolate Mochaccino Chippers. The sweet tooth has to have something every once in a while as a reward for hitting it hard in the gym and eating right.

Although, with swim suit season here, I am trying really hard not to eat all the sweets in the house.  Trust me, I really do want to hide in my baking pantry and eat chocolate chips by the handfuls. But I'm resisting that urge because I just bought new summer clothes that I want to be able to still fit in.  

[Read more...]

Red White and Blue Parfaits

Layers of cookies, white chocolate cheesecake, and fresh fruit make these Red White and Blue Parfaits perfect for 4th of July picnics. This delicious no bake dessert is easy for anyone to make in minutes.

Be sure to add a batch of these chocolate cheesecake parfaits for the chocolate lover in the group too.

Cheesecake parfaits made with a layer of fresh fruit.
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Cheesecake is our go to dessert when we need something fancy and delicious to take to dinner parties. But sometimes it is just too hot to turn on the oven, so that's when no bake desserts come in handy.

No bake cheesecake parfaits are so easy to make because you do not need to have any baking skills. Some of our favorites are these peanut butter and pina colada parfaits.

Since 4th of July is just around the corner, I decided to make a white chocolate parfait using red and blue fruit.  

Why Make Cheesecake Parfaits

Red white and blue parfaits are the perfect patriotic treat. They are easy to make, and everyone loves how fancy they look.

Layers of white cheesecake, red strawberries, and blue blueberries are the perfect way to show your American pride at dessert. These cheesecake cups will be the hit of any 4th of July party or picnic.

Chocolate covered strawberries decorated with star sprinkles and a little paper flag add the perfect extra touch to the top of each parfait.

[Read more...]

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park is a must when you travel to Arizona. The vast canyon is one of the world's natural wonders and will take your breath away every time you step up to the edge.

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park - easy tips for seeing and hiking at the Grand Canyon in Arizona #travel #hiking #grandcanyon

Our family has had the opportunity to visit the Grand Canyon twice in the past 6 months. Last fall my husband and I headed to Arizona with our oldest son as he got ready to start his first year in college.

We decided to take a two day detour to see the natural canyon wonder and to do a little hiking with him before we dropped him off.

Visiting Grand Canyon National Park - you can see a lot in just a short amount of time at the canyon.

I can't even begin to describe the enormous amount of awe that comes over you when you see the Grand Canyon for the very first time. It is seriously one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen in my life.

One of my favorite things about it was seeing how it changed from different angles and different light. The colors in the layers of rocks could go from muted to vibrant in a short time frame. It all depends on the time of day you get there and how much sunlight is shining down.  [Read more...]