Search Results for: pie

Blueberry Spinach Salad

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 28, 2020 · 1 Comment

The fresh fruit and greens in this easy Blueberry Spinach Salad will have you requesting salad for dinner all week long. This light and refreshing spinach salad is loaded with fresh fruit and drizzled with a homemade blueberry dressing. What are you waiting for?

Say hello to my new favorite summer salad! I cannot get enough of this amazing green salad. In fact, I'm pretty sure I had it four times last week. Yes, it's that good.

Especially when you drizzle it with the creamy blueberry balsamic dressing that I shared with you yesterday.

Can I be honest? I used to think salads were boring, AND I used to think that fruit with greens was crazy. [Read more...]

4th of July Cookies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 21, 2020 · UPDATED July 3, 2021 · 43 Comments

Add a plate of these fun-colored 4th of July Cookies to your holiday plans. Sprinkles and red, white, and blue M&Ms will make these soft and puffy fireworks cookies disappear in a hurry.

A stack of four Fireworks Cookies and Cream Cookies on a white doily with milk behind it

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Fireworks Cookies

Cookies are a treat I like to keep on hand all the time for our hungry kiddos. So, I wanted to make another version of our popular cookies and cream cookies for a Fourth of July dessert this year.

We always have a few boxes of cake mix in our pantry, just in case we need to make a quick cake or cupcakes. However, most of the time, those cake mixes turn into cookies because they are so easy to mix up.

The bag of red, white, and blue M&M's and star sprinkles in the pantry were just the way to make these cake mix cookies a little more festive for Independence Day. The extra sprinkles on top gave them a fun and colorful fireworks look.

I love how every cookie looks different but has the same awesome taste. To change things up in these cookies and cream cookies, we used chocolate cream-filled Oreo cookies. Honestly, you can use any cream-filled cookie in this recipe.

S'mores Popcorn

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 19, 2020 · 30 Comments

A bowl of this sweet and salty S'mores Popcorn makes a great snack to enjoy while watching TV with your family. Candy bars, marshmallows, and Golden Grahams make this chocolate covered popcorn so delicious.

A red bowl on a blue and white checkered towel filled with lots of S'mores Popcorn

The post for S'mores Popcorn was first published in June 2012. The photos were updated in August 2017, and the post was updated and republished in May 2020.

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We have a rower in our garage gym that I have been reluctantly using. I say reluctantly because with all the sweets that keep pouring out of my kitchen, I need the exercise more than ever now.

I work out, then I eat Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies for lunch. The next day I work out, then I eat Blueberry Jelly Donut Holes for a snack. See how vicious the cycle is?

I think the extra snacks are my downfall because the numbers on the scale aren't moving. All this working out is only keeping me at the same weight.

My dang sweet tooth is sabotaging all my efforts to fit back into last summer's shorts.

Peanut Butter S'mores Blondies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 18, 2020 · 27 Comments

The swirls of marshmallow cream and fudge topping inside these Peanut Butter S'mores Blondies will satisfy all your chocolate and peanut butter dreams. Great blonde brownie recipe to make for summer picnics and parties.

I wish that I could FORGET about my peanut butter and chocolate love affair!!! I have a food confession for you! (hangs head in shame)

The other night I was working on editing some new photos when I heard the leftover Dark Chocolate Buttercream Frosting in the fridge calling out to me in a sweet sing songy voice. "Please come dip a spoon into my yummy, chocolatey goodness!"

What? You have never had chocolate frosting talk to you???? I'm guessing you've never heard from Chewy Chocolate Brownie Cookies either. I'm probably the strange one here.

Coconut Oreo Strawberry Shortcakes

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 11, 2020 · 41 Comments

These Coconut Oreo Strawberry Shortcakes will be the hit of every summer picnic. Strawberry shortcake is one of the most loved desserts for summer. Take that classic recipe to a new level with coconut and Oreo cookies and watch everyone dig in.

Strawberry shortcake is one of those summer desserts that makes just about everyone smile. Well, unless you are an alien or something. LOL!

Sweet biscuits topped with strawberries, homemade whipped cream, and milk. Yes, I just said milk. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not drowning my shortcakes in milk, just drizzling some over the top to soften them up a little.

Show me your hands if you like to add milk to the top of your shortcake stack. Ok, wait I can't see your hands, so you will have to leave me a comment if you are a milk fan too! [Read more...]

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 9, 2020 · UPDATED April 7, 2021 · Leave a Comment

A hidden lemon center and fluffy marshmallow frosting makes these made from scratch Lemon Meringue Cupcakes so fun and delicious. All the flavor of a lemon meringue pie in a cute portable size.

A close up picture of the center of a lemon meringue cupcake sitting on a white doily on a yellow towel

I remember making lemon meringue pies for my dad all the time when I was a teenager. Making tall peaks with the fluffy meringue topping and then toasting them was always my favorite part of those pies.

Now that I think about it though, I honestly cannot remember the last time I made a lemon meringue pie. Usually, I make the Best Lemon Bars or this Lemon Strawberry Poke Cake if I'm in the mood for lemon treats.

In fact, I had not even thought about those lemon pies until a few months ago when I was choosing recipes to make for spring. One of the recipes on my list were these lemon meringue cupcakes. This lemon cupcake just yells spring, doesn't it?

Cherry Oreo Icebox Cake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 8, 2020 · UPDATED June 26, 2020 · 27 Comments

This Cherry Oreo Icebox Cake has dark chocolate Oreos and no bake cherry cheesecake layered in a pan. It is a no fail dessert that is easy, delicious, and sure to disappear in minutes when you share it at summer parties or picnics.

There are certain desserts that just yell "eat me" when you see them. This happens to be one of those crazy good desserts that "talks" to me. Trust me, you will want to enjoy this one all summer long.

There is something about an easy icebox cake that is so perfect and delicious during the summer. During the hot and humid summer months here in Florida I live for easy no bake desserts.

Who wants to heat up the house when it's 95 degrees outside with 100% humidity. Am I right? All I want to do is lie on my pool float with endless cups of Raspberry Orange Slushies. [Read more...]

Cherry Cookies and Cream Parfaits

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 4, 2020 · UPDATED December 20, 2023 · 5 Comments

These no-bake Cookies and Cream Parfaits are a fun and delicious dessert recipe for any occasion. A creamy cookie cheesecake topped with cherry filling is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Mini cups of cookies and cream parfaits topped with cherries on a brown board.

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Cheesecake parfaits are my favorite desserts when I don't feel like baking. There's something enjoyable about layering ingredients into small cups and eating them with spoons. It's perfect for parties and always hits the spot!

The best thing about making this creamy dessert is that you can eat it immediately after layering everything together. Can I get a high five for no waiting time?

Our daughter loves cookies and cream, so adding chocolate cookies to a no-bake vanilla cheesecake was a no-brainer. This Oreo berry fluff is one of her favorites.

Oreo Twist on Cherry Cheesecake Parfaits

These mini cheesecake cups are so easy to put together. The flavor combos are endless, and the layers are fun to customize with your favorite flavor of fruit filling.

Ready in minutes. It's the perfect treat to make when you are short on time. There is no baking involved.
Loaded with cookies. The filling contains chunks of Oreo cookies, and each cup is topped with a cookie and crumbles.
Topped with cherry filling. The sweet cherries add a delicious taste to every bite of the parfait.
Cute Individual Desserts - No sharing is required because everyone gets a mini cheesecake parfait.

Coconut Cheesecake Brownies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED May 1, 2020 · UPDATED March 30, 2021 · 37 Comments

The sweet layers in this Coconut Cheesecake Brownies recipe will have you going back for more dessert in a hurry. Great treat for the chocolate and coconut lover in your life.

A square of Coconut Cream Cheesecake Brownies on a white plate with a swirl of Cool Whip and toasted coconut on top

The post for coconut cream cheesecake brownies was first published in May 2011. The photos and post were updated and republished in May 2020.

Coconut Brownies

Brownies are something that I crave all the time. It doesn't matter how long I resist eating sugar; my craving for a gooey chocolate brownie never goes away. Don't try to tell me it will. I've gone weeks without eating sugar, and I still want it all.

Working out and eating right have been a bit of a hit or miss over the past few months. So, I've changed up my eating and added working out back into my routine over the past two weeks, as summer is almost here.

Then I made a pan of these homemade chocolate chip brownies for the boys in our house, and I stumbled. I took one bite, and then another, and then another, and before I knew it, two brownies had disappeared.

One or two brownies here and there are okay. Now, if I had eaten the whole pan, that would be a different story...

Iced Matcha Latte

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 23, 2020 · UPDATED November 2, 2021 · Leave a Comment

Enjoy this creamy and delicious Iced Matcha Latte recipe in the comfort of your own home. This Starbucks copycat is easy to make in the blender in one minute. Plus, it tastes better, is healthier, and saves you money.

Two green tea lattes with a green straw on a white plate.

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Matcha Latte

This matcha latte is easy to make at home and tastes just like the Starbucks version. You will never have to wait in line again! Pair it with this lemon loaf or marble loaf and you have a match made in heaven.

Plus, it only takes a few minutes from start to finish. It's perfect for those days when you need a pick-me-up but don't want to drive to the coffee shop.

Why We Love This Copycat Recipe

This is a great drink for summertime or anytime you want something refreshing that isn't loaded with sugar. Best of all, it can be made in minutes. No more waiting in line at the coffee shops because you can make your own iced green tea latte in your own kitchen.

The best part about this iced matcha latte recipe is that it doesn't require any fancy equipment or ingredients. Just three main ingredients that can be found at your local grocery store or Walmart.

In under 5 minutes, you'll be sipping on an iced matcha latte that's better than anything Starbucks has ever made. Trust us, we've sampled them all, including a few double chocolate brownies.

Nutella Pop Tarts

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 15, 2020 · UPDATED April 30, 2020 · 41 Comments

This easy Nutella Pop Tarts recipe makes a fun breakfast treat. You will only need a few ingredients to make a homemade treat that looks and tastes better than the store bought version. Your family will be so impressed with your kitchen skills.

Nutella is one of my favorite foods to indulge in! Our cupboards are always full of the yummy, creamy, chocolatey goodness in a jar.

I can't believe it took me so long to get on the Nutella train. It's fantastic in homemade pop tarts and banana Nutella quesadillas.

Or maybe just to eat with a spoon right from the jar. What??? You know you do it too! Wink, wink!
It is made with skim milk, so it has to be good for you.

Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 14, 2020 · UPDATED April 28, 2020 · 2 Comments

Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs are a welcome addition to potlucks and picnics. The subtle flavor of pickles and paprika in the creamy filling make these the best deviled eggs you will ever eat.

Deviled eggs are always one of those things that are always included in potlucks and picnics. They are easy to make and everyone loves them.

They are also one of the best ways to use up all the hard boiled eggs in the fridge after Easter egg hunts. Our family looks forward to making these dill deviled eggs and this Roasted Red Pepper and Bacon Egg Salad the week after Easter.

Our youngest absolutely loves deviled eggs though, so we tend to make those all year long. [Read more...]

Party Peeps Eclair Cake Cups

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 10, 2020 · UPDATED March 3, 2022 · 119 Comments

This Party Peeps Eclair Cake Cups recipe is a fun and easy no bake Easter dessert. Layers of funfetti pudding and graham crackers in little jars are sure to be please everyone.

My mom used to put marshmallow Peeps in our Easter basket every single year when I was growing up. The one thing that she always did was open the package and divide them between five kid's Easter baskets.

Now you know the problem this presents, right? There was always green Easter grass stuck on the sticky parts of the Peeps. The other problem with an open package of Peeps? They get stale.

Now trust me that is NOT a problem for me because Peeps are the best once they get stale. I have been known to open a package of marshmallow Peeps, and then shove them in the back of the cupboard for a few weeks before devouring them. Best thing ever!!!!

Don't get me wrong, I like them soft and squishy out of the package too and top of these Easter Dirt Cupcakes. [Read more...]

Easter Snack Mix

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED April 6, 2020 · UPDATED March 23, 2023 · Leave a Comment

Hop to it and make this Easter Snack Mix. This easy bunny bait recipe is made with cereal, peanuts, candies, cookies, marshmallows, and white chocolate for a delicious sweet and salty snack everyone will love.

Serve this sweet snack mix along with birds nest cookies and Easter dirt cupcakes for Easter dinner.

A bunny bowl filled with an Easter trail mix.

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Our kids are pretty much past the stage of Easter egg hunts and bunny treats. But I'm not willing to let go of traditions so quickly, so we still do a small egg hunt with them every year.

And of course, no Easter is complete without peanut butter eggs, bunny butt Rice Krispies, and marshmallow bunnies in their baskets.

To use up all the bags of Easter candy and cookies I bought a few weeks ago, I decided to turn everything into an easy white chocolate Easter snack mix for the kids to munch on this week.

Why You Will Love This Bunny Bait

This bunny chow snack mix has the same great white chocolate flavor as our Easter popcorn, but we like to add pretzels, puff corn, and peanuts to give it a crunchy texture and salty flavor.

Easy to make in minutes. This no bake treat is as simple as melting chocolate and stirring it into a bowl of fun snacks.
Delicious sweet and salty snack. Pretzels, puff corn, and peanuts covered in white chocolate will have everyone reaching for more handfuls.
Great Easter treat. Pastel colored candies, bunny marshmallows, and graham crackers will make the bowl of snack mix stand out at holiday dinners.

Easy Carrot Cake Bars

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED March 30, 2020 · UPDATED March 8, 2022 · Leave a Comment

Love carrot cake? You are going to enjoy this easy Carrot Cake Bars recipe. These sweet hand-held bars have the same flavor and texture with less work.

The sweet blend of spices and veggies makes them moist and delicious, and the layer of cream cheese frosting and sprinkles takes them over the top. It's official. You just found the perfect Easter dessert!

A stack of two carrot cake bars with sprinkles and nuts on a white and teal plate.

My all time favorite cake is carrot cake. Although, I rarely make it at home. It is usually a dessert that I treat myself to when we find it at restaurants.

Part of the reason I never make it is that layer cakes take quite a bit of time to bake and frost. I'm more about easy desserts that require way less work and time.

Currently, I have plenty of time being at home all the time, so who knows. Maybe I'll get around to making a carrot cake soon.

14 Easy Dessert Recipes To Make With Kids

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED March 24, 2020 · Leave a Comment

Spending time in the kitchen with your children will create lasting memories for everyone. Here are 14 Easy Dessert Recipes to make with Kids while you are enjoying your time at home.

My love for baking began at a very young age. I can remember learning how to make pie crust with my mom when I was 4 years old.

We rolled the crust out and filled it with cherry pie filling, and then I sat in front of the stove watching it bake. That little pie gave me the baking bug that I have not been able to shake over the years.

When our kids were younger, they loved to help me in the kitchen. I still smile when I think about all those times. Baking with small children will definitely test your patience though.

There will be flour everywhere, and eggshells in your food is inevitable, but just go with it because they are worth it. Those moments teaching your children how to bake are memories you will cherish for years to come.

Coconut Bundt Cake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED March 20, 2020 · UPDATED January 17, 2024 · 104 Comments

This Coconut Bundt Cake is a delicious dessert with an incredible coconut flavor. Moist and dense and topped with cream cheese frosting, this bundt cake is perfect for Easter parties.

A frosted slice of cake on a plate with a fork.

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Bundt cakes are hands down my favorite type of cake to make. They look extra fancy because of the shape, but they are literally one of the easiest cakes to bake.

We make this Funfetti bundt cake and this salted caramel bundt cake quite often because they taste amazing and are so easy to make. The other day, I was craving a coconut cake, so I reached for my bundt pan.

Since Easter is soon, I decorated the cake with orange chocolate-covered strawberries to look like carrots.

Why This Coconut Cake Recipe Works

This coconut cream bundt cake is easy to make. It has the perfect amount of coconut flavor and is topped with cream cheese frosting and toasted coconut.

You're going to love how simple this recipe is. All you need is one bowl and a few ingredients.

Plus, this cake looks so pretty when it is finished. And the best part is that it tastes amazing, too! Serve it at spring parties, and WOW all your guests.

Rainbow Chip Cosmic Brownies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 28, 2020 · UPDATED March 20, 2022 · 52 Comments

A dark chocolate topping and rainbow chips make these homemade Rainbow Chip Brownies so rich and delicious. This copycat recipe for cosmic brownies is the perfect treat for lunch boxes, after school snacks, or bake sales.

Be sure to check out my copycat oatmeal cream pies and banana twins recipe too.

Two brownies on a white plate stacked on top of each other.

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A few years ago I made a pan of these rainbow chip brownies for our life group AND a pan for a blog retreat.

The running joke from both groups was that I just unwrapped a package of Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies, put them on a plate, and brought those. Everyone thought mine were too perfect looking.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Looking for an out-of-this-world brownie recipe? These rainbow chip brownies are just like the store bought cosmic brownies, but the best part is that the homemade brownies tastes so much better!

It is the perfect recipe to use for every chocolate craving you may have. The layer of dark chocolate frosting and colorful rainbow chips make these brownies irresistible.

With their delicious flavor and fun colors, they're sure to be a hit at your next bake sale or party. Make them today - you won't regret it!

Fiesta Nacho Chicken Casserole

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 20, 2020 · UPDATED June 10, 2020 · 37 Comments

This Fiesta Nacho Chicken Casserole recipe is cheesy, spicy, and so delicious. Your family will love the Mexican twist on this easy chicken and biscuit dinner.

Fiesta Nacho Chicken Bake - cheese, tomatoes, and biscuits make this chicken casserole a hearty comfort food meal. Easy dinner recipe to make on chilly nights!

There is something about cold, chilly days that just call for comfort food. Am I right? I grew up in the northeast and then lived for many years in the midwest, so I remember plenty of cold and snowy winters.

I have to admit that I do not miss that chilly winter weather at all. Living in the south has completely spoiled me.

Now that I am used to warm temperatures, the cold just does not agree with me. Not that it ever agreed with me, but now it bothers me even more.

My idea of enjoying the cold is turning down the air conditioning and breaking out the sweatshirts, then making lots of soups and melty cheese casseroles to warm me up.

Coconut Oreo Fudge Recipe

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 18, 2020 · UPDATED April 3, 2022 · 63 Comments

This Coconut Oreo Fudge is such an easy fudge recipe to make. Creamy coconut goodness sitting on a chocolate cookie crust is the perfect spring dessert. Oh, yeah!

3 pieces of white coconut fudge with an oreo cookie base on a white plate.

I tend to get on flavor kicks every so often. This time of year, I start to crave all things coconut.

I think it is because it is getting warmer outside and that makes me think about tropical things like palm trees, sun, sand, and coconut.

Coconut is one of those things that I love to add to just about everything. Our kids do not like it though, so I like to "hide" it in things like these Blueberry Coconut Scones or this Tropical Banana Bread.

Usually, I forget that little fact when the kids ask what I made for the day.

M&M Nutella Pudding Cookies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 17, 2020 · Leave a Comment

These soft M&M Nutella Pudding Cookies will disappear as fast as you can make them. Lots of chocolate chips and candies add so much flavor and fun to these easy pudding cookies.

Trust me and add this amazing chocolate cookie recipe to your baking plans this week.

M&M Nutella Pudding Cookies - these soft pudding cookies are loaded with chocolate chips and colorful candies. Make this fun and easy recipe for your cookie jar this week. #cookies #nutella #puddingcookies #chocolate #candy #chocolatechipcookies

When our kids were younger, I used to make cookies all the time. They would take them in their lunches and have them for after school snacks.

As we have adopted healthier eating habits over the years, so have they. Now they pack nuts, fruit, and string cheese in their lunch boxes.

So, I ended up getting rid of our cookie jar, and now I only bake cookies when the kids have friends over or for bake sales. These amazing Nutella cookies were a result of a group of teenage boys at our house and my need to continue using up baking supplies from the pantry.

Neapolitan Fudge

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 9, 2020 · UPDATED May 22, 2021 · 84 Comments

Layers of chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry make this Neapolitan Fudge a knockout treat when it comes to dessert! Such an easy no bake dessert for any party!

Love this flavor combo? Make a batch of this easy Neapolitan Popcorn to go along with the fudge. They would be so pretty for baby showers and little girls parties.

Neapolitan Fudge

This pretty layered fudge will always have a sweet spot in my heart.

Years ago I entered this Neapolitan Fudge into a Duncan Hines Spring Bake-Off contest! Imagine my surprise and pure delight when I got the email notifying me that my recipe had been chosen as one of the 10 winners!

We were at the movies when I opened my email. I think I just about knocked my husband over when I ran over to tell him that Duncan Hines had invited me to a fun event for the bake-off winners, their blog program, and some trip giveaway winners. [Read more...]

Chocolate Cherry Cookies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED February 8, 2020 · UPDATED February 3, 2022 · Leave a Comment

These easy Chocolate Cherry Cookies are topped with a maraschino cherry and a chocolate glaze with sprinkles. Such a fun holiday cookie to share with friends and family.

A white plate with chocolate cookies with a hidden cherry center.

I know it is totally cliché, but Valentine's Day and Christmas makes me think about chocolate and cherries. Now to be completely honest, I think about chocolate all the time. It's that dang sweet tooth of mine.

These Valentine's kiss cookies and chocolate thumbprint cookies make the top of my list for the holiday. But today I wanted something with cherries.

There are always cake mixes and maraschino cherries on my pantry shelves, so I decided to make a chocolate version of these Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookies. If you love chocolate and cherries, trust me and make both of these easy cookie recipes. This oatmeal cherry chocolate cookie is a great choice as well!

10 Best Game Day Recipes

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED January 31, 2020 · UPDATED February 11, 2022 · 2 Comments

These 10 Best Game Day Recipes are perfect appetizers to share with your friends and family for the next big game day.

This weekend millions of people will be gathering together to watch the big football game. We usually get together with a group of our friends and play games while the Super Bowl plays in the background.

The requirement to come is your favorite appetizer...or dessert if you are me. I usually have to make a few things like these Reese's rice krispie treats and these football bars. The game day table just isn't complete without dessert. Am I right???

These football party ideas will get you excited to plan a simple party where you can enjoy food, friends, and cheering on your favorite team.

Of course, appetizers and dips are the main feature on a day like this. Over the past few years, we have made and shared a few that we make over and over. I thought it would be fun to pick 10 of our favorite and best game day recipes to highlight again.

If you are still looking for one or two more options for your guests this weekend, I guarantee that any of these would be a hit with your group. [Read more...]

Snickers Surprise Cookies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED January 29, 2020 · UPDATED February 18, 2020 · 31 Comments

These Snickers Surprise Cookies have a fun candy bar center and a sweet chocolate glaze. Fill your empty cookie jar with a batch of soft cake mix cookies this week.

Snickers stuffed cookies topped with glaze stacked and laying on a white board.

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Chocolate and peanut butter are my kryptonite. Ok, so maybe just sugar in general can do me in.

But chocolate and peanut butter are at the top of that sugar list. I have the hardest time resisting these peanut butter cup Rice Krispie treats because of those two ingredients. So why do I keep making things that I'm going to have a hard time saying no to???

Well, I'm just trying to practice my self control. Just so you know, the mission "stay out of cookies" this week was a complete and utter failure. Tomorrow is a new day...

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Popcorn

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED January 25, 2020 · UPDATED February 18, 2020 · Leave a Comment

A big bowl of this White Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Popcorn is a great snack mix to munch on during movie nights or game days.

This sweet and salty treat will disappear in a hurry, so you might want to make a batch of this Sweet and Salty Trail Mix too.

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Popcorn - this fun white chocolate covered popcorn is loaded with candies and pretzels. Make this easy no bake recipe to munch on during movies or games. #popcorn #chocolatecoveredpopcorn #whitechocolate #peanutbutter #pretzel #gameday #snackmix #nobake

I used to make chocolate covered popcorn all the time. An easy no bake snack mix that can be ready to be devoured in minutes is always a good idea. Well, maybe that's not such a good thing for my raging sweet tooth.

Anyway, I realized that it has been a few months since I shared some popcorn fun with you, so I had to change that. This month (and probably next month) I am on a mission to use up some of the extra baking stuff in the pantry. So, I started rummaging and pulled out some peanut butter M&M's, pretzels, and white chocolate melts to make something with.

White chocolate and peanut butter is quite an amazing combo. If you think so too, you have to try these Peanut Butter Balls dipped in white chocolate. They are also awesome in dark chocolate, just so you know.

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED January 24, 2020 · UPDATED January 23, 2022 · 2 Comments

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is the perfect way to start your day. It's sweet, moist, and has just the right amount of chocolate chips and frosting to make it extra special.

Love chocolate and banana together? Make sure you check out these double chocolate banana muffins and this Oreo banana bread.

Slices of chocolate banana bread on a white tray.

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Chocolate Banana Bread

Do you ever look at the bananas on your counter and wonder what you are going to do with them when they ripen? Most of the time we use over ripe bananas in sweet breads or muffins.

I usually just make this sour cream banana bread because it's my favorite sweet bread, and it turns out perfect every single time. But it is also an easy recipe to change and modify when I'm craving something new.

Over the years, I have used it to make maple pecan banana bread, cherry chocolate chip banana bread, and cinnamon banana bread. This time, I decided to turn it into dark chocolate banana bread.

Why This Recipe Works

Chocolate makes everything better. Three times the chocolate really gives it a deep chocolate flavor.
The texture is kind of like a brownie - rich, decadent, and moist.
Great way to use up ripe bananas and satisfy your chocolate cravings.
Add chocolate frosting to take it over the top for the chocolate lover in your life.
Best and acceptable way to enjoy chocolate for breakfast.
Dark chocolate in it is full of antioxidants. Wink, wink!

This loaf of banana bread came out so amazing! The inside is soft and moist, with lots of chocolate chips in every bite. You won't be able to resist this tasty double chocolate banana bread.

Top Ten BruCrew Recipes from 2019

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 31, 2019 · 2 Comments

It's crazy to think that another year has come and gone already. Making and sharing recipes with you is still our favorite job ever. None of this would be possible without you.

The love and support you guys give us is amazing. Thank you so much for all the comments and emails you send our way. We really do appreciate all the feedback you give us.

I love looking back over the blog stats from the year and seeing what recipes got the most love. It really does give us a better idea of what kind of recipes to make and share with you in the next year.

Last year four out the top ten recipes were healthy ones. And two of those were the very top two recipes out of all the ones I made. I'm thinking that means you would love to see a lot more healthy eats. Am I right?

Of course, the other six were amazing desserts, so I will definitely keep those kind of recipes coming.

CLICK HERE TO PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

Cherry Almond Brie Bites

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 28, 2019 · UPDATED December 29, 2021 · 29 Comments

A tray of these Cherry Almond Brie Bites will get everyone's attention at your holiday parties. Flakey crescent rolls filled with melted Brie cheese and a homemade cherry filling is the perfect appetizer for any party.

A few years ago I kept seeing so many different Brie recipes, but I just had no desire to jump on that band wagon. So I waited to try Brie cheese. Oh, boy! Was I ever wrong to wait so long to try it. It is now one of my all time favorite cheeses.

A few years ago I made these Blackberry Brie Bites and was instantly hooked on the fruit and melty cheese combo. My husband wasn't so impressed. That's ok with me because that means more for me to enjoy and devour. [Read more...]

Mini Puff Pancakes

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 20, 2019 · UPDATED March 15, 2022 · 2 Comments

Enjoy an easy breakfast this holiday season with these fun Mini Puff Pancakes. Add a few spoonfuls of Lucky Leaf Toppers to the center of each one and watch your guests dig in.

*I am partnering with Lucky Leaf this year as a blog ambassador bringing you delicious recipes using pie filling.

Mini Puff Pancakes with Lucky Leaf Toppers - these easy muffin pancakes are a fun and easy recipe to make for breakfast. Add a few different Toppers to your breakfast table and let everyone customize their pancakes. Easy recipe to make for holiday breakfast or brunch parties! #pancakes #dutchbaby @luckyleaf #toppers #ad #breakfast #brunch #recipe #ILoveLuckyLeaf

One of our kids favorite things to eat for breakfast are stacks of pancakes. In the spirit of true confession I am not a morning person, so I do not like to make pancakes very often.

The only time I make hot fresh pancakes for breakfast is on birthdays. The rest of the year I make a big batch of pancakes and freeze them.

This allows me to sleep in and allows our teenagers to make their own breakfast on busy mornings.

Peppermint Oreo Swirl Cheesecake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 18, 2019 · UPDATED December 20, 2021 · 5 Comments

Swirls of Oreo cookies and peppermint bits belong together during the holidays. Make this Peppermint Oreo Cheesecake for every party or event you attend this month and watch everyone smile.

A slice of oreo cheesecake with peppermint bits and chocolate on a red plate.

Cheesecake definitely has a reputation for being difficult to make, but I honestly hope that I can convince you that's not true. Once you know the basics, making a full sized cheesecake is a piece of cake. Literally. LOL!

It all comes down to using the right ingredients, the right temperature, and the right pans. Once you get that down pat, it is easy to start changing out ingredients and adding different mix-ins in the batter. I shared my tips and tricks in the post for the Best Vanilla Bean Cheesecake.

This holiday cheesecake was actually inspired by a carton of peppermint ice cream from our local grocery store.

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecakes

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 14, 2019 · UPDATED December 20, 2021 · 33 Comments

The hidden cherry center in these Cherry Chocolate Cheesecakes will make everyone smile when they bite into these sweet little chocolate treats.

Cherry Chocolate Cheesecakes cut in half on a small white plate.

Hey, there cheesecake fans. Yeah, I'm talking to you. These Cherry Jubilee Chocolate Cheesecakes are going to blow your cheesecake lovin' minds.

You totally need to try these cherry filled cheesecake cupcakes sometime this holiday season.

I love how plain and chocolatey they look, but then one bite and you realize there is so much more to them!!!

Chicken Noodle Soup

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 6, 2019 · UPDATED March 1, 2023 · 39 Comments

Warm up with a bowl of easy Chicken Noodle Soup on those chilly winter nights. In just 30 minutes you can enjoy a homemade chicken soup loaded with noodles, veggies, and chunks of chicken. This classic comfort food is perfect when you are cold or feeling under the weather.

A white bowl filled with homemade chicken noodle soup.

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There is just something so comforting about a bowl of hot soup when the weather is frightful outside. I love how it warms you up from the inside out.

We enjoy making this creamy tomato soup or this broccoli cheese soup when it starts to get chilly here. Although, I think this easy chicken noodle soup is my all time favorite.

Sometimes the easiest recipes are the best. This one is ready in minutes and has so much flavor. It's sure to become a family favorite.

Why This Soup is Best

Skip the canned soup! Chicken noodle soup is one of the easiest soups to make. It's perfect when the weather outside is chilly or when you are feeling a little bit under the weather.

Quick and Easy - Enjoy all the flavor of a homemade soup in a shorter amount of time.
Ready in 30 Minutes - Using a few store bought ingredients like chicken broth and rotisserie chicken gets this soup on your table sooner.
Healthy and Hearty - This soup is full of protein and veggies. Plus, there are no chemicals or preservatives, so you can feel great about serving your family this easy soup.
Better than Store Bought - Once you see how quickly you can make chicken noodle from scratch, you will never buy canned soup again.

Peppermint Oreo Crunch Cookies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 4, 2019 · UPDATED December 12, 2021 · 327 Comments

These easy Peppermint Oreo Cookies are loaded with cookie pieces and peppermint crunch chips, making them taste amazing! Make a batch for your family this holiday season and watch how quickly they disappear.

A white doily with three oreo peppermint crunch cookies stacked on it with a bite out of the top cookie

The post for Oreo peppermint crunch cookies was first published in December 2013. The post and photos were updated, and it was republished in December 2019.

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A few years ago, I made these chocolate mint cookies, and I have been dreaming about them recently. They seriously taste like a deep-fried mint Oreo, and they are heavenly!

For the holidays, I decided to make a peppermint cookies and cream version. And oh my word! These peppermint Oreo Crunch cookies are seriously one of the best Christmas cookies you will make this year!

They are so easy to make because they start with a box cake mix. I have a serious love affair with easy cake mix cookies!

Why These Peppermint Oreo Crunch Cookies Are The Best

Easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Stay soft for days, making them the perfect cookie to ship to loved ones.
Loaded with Oreo cookie chunks and peppermint crunch chips!
Tastes like Christmas in a cookie!
Get rave reviews from everyone who tries them.

White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Fudge

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 2, 2019 · UPDATED December 21, 2021 · 29 Comments

This White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Fudge has two layers of fudge swirled with Reese's peanut butter cups. Add this easy no bake treat to your holiday dessert list. I promise you will not regret it.

3 pieces of White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Fudge on a white doily.

Do you bake treats with your family during the holidays? One of our family traditions is to pick one day during December and bake together.

I usually come up with a list of cookies and fudge that will be made for our cookie trays. There are certain cookies like these Peanut Butter Cup Cookies and these Oreo Peppermint Crunch Cookies that just have to be on that list every year, but we usually add a few new ones too.

Then each family member picks which one they want to put together. They get to make "their" cookie from start to finish.

That also means they are the first one to taste test that cookie and first to eat any leftover candy. It's a rough job, but someone has to do it.

Chocolate Mint Pudding Cookies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED December 1, 2019 · UPDATED December 21, 2021 · 6 Comments

Add these festive Chocolate Mint Pudding Cookies to your holiday cookie trays this month and watch them disappear. Soft cookies loaded with candies and sprinkles are always a fun treat to share.

3 Chocolate Mint Pudding Cookies on a white plate covered in green, red, and white sprinkles.

Have you started collecting the cookie recipes that you want to make this month for parties and events? Each year at the beginning of December, I start to compile "the list".

This is a list of cookies, candies, and treats that I want our family to make for the holidays. Usually we try to make about ten different things because we like to package them up and give them to friends, and our family brings them to parties.

Usually, this list consists of recipes that we have made for years, but each year, I also choose one or two new recipes to add to the top ten holiday treats of the month.

Right now, these Christmas Blondies and these Chocolate Chip Cherry Cookies have jumped to the top of the must-make holiday baking list.

Peanut Butter Cup Cookies

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 25, 2019 · UPDATED November 20, 2021 · 13 Comments

These Peanut Butter Cup Cookies are a must for any cookie lover. Each soft peanut butter cookie hides a Reese's cup in the center, creating a gooey surprise in every bite. They're easy to make and even easier to fall in love with.

Looking for more Reese's treats? You will love this mini peanut butter cheesecake and these Reese's rice krispie treats.

A white plate with five peanut butter cup cookies topped with holiday sprinkles on it.

The post for Peanut Butter Cup Cookies was first published in December 2017. The post and photos were updated and republished in November 2019.

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This fun little cookie cup is one that we make every single Christmas. It's just a basic peanut butter blossom cookie turned into a cute little cookie cup.

I love that these have a peanut butter cup candy in the center. These Reese's cookies and our chocolate blossom cookies are probably two of my top 5 cookies. They never last very long when we make them.

So, I'd better plan to make a few batches of these peanut butter Christmas cookies for the holidays. I also want to make these white chocolate peanut butter balls and stack them into little snowmen. It's going to be all about the peanut butter treats on Christmas Day.

Why You'll Love This Reese's Cookies Recipe

These cookies are a delicious combination of two classic treats. They are perfect for any occasion, although they are so good you may want to keep them all to yourself.

You can enjoy these sweet treats anytime or anywhere because they travel well and stay fresh at room temperature for a while. So, whether it's lunchtime or midnight, these peanut butter cup cookies will satisfy your craving whenever it strikes.

This is also a great cookie to ship or mail to loved ones around the world. They package easily, hold their shape, and taste great when they get there.

Mini Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecakes

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 21, 2019 · UPDATED June 8, 2020 · 48 Comments

These mini Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecakes are a fun and delicious dessert for Thanksgiving dinner parties. A chocolate cookie crust and two layers of cheesecake taste so good together.

Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecakes - mini cheesecake cupcakes layered with an Oreo cookie crust, chocolate cheesecake, and pumpkin cheesecake. Easy recipe to make for Thanksgiving! #cheesecake #chocolate #pumpkin #thanksgiving #cheesecakecupcakes

As we head into one of the busiest seasons of the year, I want to stop and to be thankful for all the things that God has allowed in our lives. Sometimes it is easy to only see the negative things around us. It's easy to loose sight of all the good that we actually have.

I want to remember to be content with everything in my life. I want to be thankful for the good AND the bad.

Does that mean I am full of joy and a delight to be around all the time? No way. I have my bad moments/days/weeks too. It's a daily choice to be joyful in the things God allows me to walk through.

I want to remember to enjoy life just how it is. It is ok to slow down and relax even when life gets busy. It is ok to celebrate the little things that happen day to day.

Yes, even those terrible, no good, rotten days. Celebrate that you made it through in one piece. Celebrate that you handled it with grace and patience. Celebrate that everyone is still alive.

Salted Caramel Mocha Bundt Cake

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 15, 2019 · UPDATED July 27, 2021 · 192 Comments

This Salted Caramel Mocha Bundt Cake is the best chocolate cake you will ever make. Salted caramel and white chocolate drizzles give this moist chocolate bundt cake a fancy and delicious flair.

A white plate with a slice of mocha bundt cake topped with white chocolate, caramel, and sea salt.

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Chocolate Bundt Cake

I like to start my mornings with a big pot of coffee. It can be 90 degrees and humid outside, and I will still brew hot coffee. My brain doesn't function without that caffeine jolt first thing in the morning. Plus, the leftover coffee is perfect for making ice cubes for lattes or for baking.

Did you know you can use cooled coffee in place of liquid in cakes and frosting to add delicious flavor? You cannot taste the coffee flavor in chocolate recipes. It just deepens and enhances the chocolate flavor. Anything that makes chocolate even better gets an A+ from me.

One of my all-time favorite coffee drinks is this homemade Salted Caramel Mocha, so I wanted to make a chocolate cake with my leftover coffee from the day.

This chocolate bundt cake is for the serious chocolate lover. The box of chocolate pudding and mini chocolate chips added to the cake batter make it so moist, decadent, and delicious.

Pumpkin Cookies and Cream Fudge

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 12, 2019 · UPDATED February 18, 2020 · 46 Comments

This Pumpkin Cookies and Cream Fudge needs a place on your dessert table this fall. Soft, pumpkin fudge with chocolate cookie chunks...yes, please.

Pumpkin Cookies and Cream Fudge - this easy pumpkin fudge is filled with chocolate cookie chunks. Try this easy recipe for a fun treat for Thanksgiving. #fudge #nobake #pumpkin #cookiesandcream #thanksgiving

I have jumped back on the fudge making train. For a little while I was trying to make a new flavor every month, but I slacked off lately.

Recently I got the fudge making urge again, and now I can't stop thinking of fun flavors to create.

I think fudge all year round sounds so much better than fudge at the holidays. Any time we visit craft fairs, markets, or theme parks I have to check out their fudge booths.

You never know what fun flavors you might find there. This Turtle Cheesecake Fudge was inspired from one of the fairs we visited one year.

Pumpkin Roll

By Jocelyn · PUBLISHED November 6, 2019 · UPDATED February 18, 2020 · 58 Comments

This easy Pumpkin Roll has a delicious marshmallow filling and is topped with chocolate and marshmallows. The s'mores twist to the classic fall dessert is so easy and tasty.

S'mores Pumpkin Roll - a marshmallow frosting and chocolate drizzles give a delicious s'mores twist to the classic pumpkin roll. Easy recipe to make this fall. #pumpkin #cakeroll #fall #smores #thanksgiving

You all know how much I love baking, right? Well, I love coming up with fun twists to original desserts. But not everyone shares my passion around here. Oh, they like to eat these treats, but boy, do I get some looks.

A few years ago, everyone couldn't believe that I messed with the traditional pumpkin roll. I got the look from my in-laws, my husband, and my son. But it didn't stop them from enjoying a slice and then admitting it was good!

Of course, you should have seen how they all shook their heads because my dessert mash-up did not include cream cheese frosting.

Haha! That's not going to stop me from doing more different desserts. I'm on a roll here! LOL! Pun intended.

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