Apple Bundt Cake, made with apples, cinnamon, walnuts, and a caramel cream cheese frosting. Makes a scrumptious fall and holiday dessert!
Apple bundt cake is the quintessential fall and holiday dessert. It’s perfect for apple picking season, one of my favorite apple recipes, makes an amazing Thanksgiving dessert, and can still be enjoyed at Christmas time!
This happens to be my mama’s recipe for apple cake. If I remember, Mom used to make it in a rectangular cake pan, and she wouldn’t usually frost it. It was perfectly delicious without icing; the outer crust has a slightly chewy texture to it.
I decided to try making it in a bundt pan. I knew that the batter would be quite thick, so I figured it’d work just fine. And man, did it ever turn out.
In fact, as soon as I was done with all of my video/photo taking for this recipe, my boys pounced. I don’t think I need to tell you that it didn’t last long. Thankfully, I was able to quickly scramble to save back a nice portion for our neighbor.
Here’s how to make Apple Bundt Cake.
Apple Bundt Cake is a pretty simple recipe to make. Wash the apples first; then core, peel, and dice them. You’ll need about 3 cups of diced apples.
This time ’round, I used Pink Lady apples.
But, judging from my recipe card, it would seem Mom and Grandma preferred using yellow apples. It’s totally up to you; just pick a sweet tarty apple, and you’ll be fine.
Mix together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Then sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Mix the dry ingredients together with the wet ingredients, adding in the diced apples, as well. It will all combine to make a very stiff batter, perfect for a bundt cake. At this point, you can even add in walnuts, which I highly recommend; they just add an overall oomph to the cake. You might even toss in a pinch of homemade apple pie spice!
Pour the batter into a well greased pan. Bake at 350° for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean.
Now I will tell you, this cake is really good without the glaze; it has a chewy texture and such a sweet flavor all by itself.
However, if you prefer the glaze, you can mix together the ingredients for a Caramel Cream Cheese Glaze. And once the cake has cooled completely, you can pour the glaze evenly over the top, letting it run down the sides. Then sprinkle walnuts on top.
Want to see how to make the recipe? Watch our video!
Print the recipe for Apple Bundt Cake.
Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Cream Cheese Frosting
Apple Bundt Cake, made with apples, cinnamon, walnuts, and a caramel cream cheese frosting. Makes a scrumptious fall and holiday dessert!
Cake:
2 cups cane sugar
1 1/2 cups canola oil
2 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups apples (diced)
1 cup chopped walnuts ((optional))
Frosting:
8 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons salted butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon caramel extract
1 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup whole milk
Pre-heat the oven to 350°.
Mix together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla.
Whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
Mix the dry ingredients together with the wet ingredients, adding in the apples as well; it will make a very stiff batter.
Nuts are an optional add-in at this point. I highly recommend chopped walnuts, but save back 1/4 cup for the top of the cake.
Pour the batter into a well greased bundt cake pan.
Bake at 350° for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until a toothpick inserted in the cake comes out clean.
Once you remove the cake from the oven, let it sit in the bundt pan for about 10 minutes.
Remove the cake from the bundt pan, and allow to cool completely.
Meanwhile, mix up the ingredients for the frosting, including the cream cheese, salted butter, vanilla extract, caramel extract, powdered sugar, and milk.
Mix well, making sure there are no lumps; the frosting should easily pour from a measuring cup.
Once the cake has cooled, pour the frosting evenly over the top of the cake. It will run down the sides of the cake.
Sprinkle walnuts over the frosting. Then slice and serve!
Learn how to make easy and adorable bunny tail cupcakes with chocolate cupcakes, frosting, and mini marshmallows. This is a fun Easter dessert kids will love to help make!
Easter will soon be here, and these little bunny cupcakes are so easy and fun, you’ll want to add them to your traditional Easter dinner menu.
Why You’ll Love This Easter Dessert
This is a fun dessert for kids and young at heart.
Perfect recipe for toddlers and working on fine motor skills… Placing the marshmallows on the cupcakes will keep them entertained and busy for at least a little bit.
You can make regular sized cupcakes or mini cupcakes. Mini bunny tail cupcake bites are the perfect size dessert if you’re trying to watch what you eat but still want a bit of a sweet treat.
They involve chocolate, so that’s a win win dessert right there. Of course, you can make the cupcakes any flavor you like.
Ingredients and Substitutions Notes:
You’ll need a few ingredients to make this recipe…
Butter and Oil – I like to use salted butter and canola oil for this recipe.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – I prefer Hershey’s Cocoa Powder, but you can use any brand you like.
Large Eggs
Baking Soda
Buttermilk – You can use a buttermilk mix, straight buttermilk from the store, or just sour regular milk by adding a tablespoon of vinegar to the measuring cup, then measure out the milk to the line for the amount you need.
Another option is to use a cake mix. I’m all for easy, so I totally get it, plus you can make any flavor you want.
If you decide to make mini cupcakes, you’ll definitely need a mini muffin pan.
Before you get starting mixing up the cupcake batter, pre-heat the oven to 350° F, and line your muffin pan/s with cupcake liners.
Mix and Bake the Cupcakes
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and cocoa powder.
In a medium saucepan, bring the butter, oil, and water to a boil.
Then remove the mixture from the heat, and mix together with the flour mixture.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk by whisking together for a minute or so.
Then beat the eggs in with that buttermilk mixture.
Add the egg mixture and vanilla extract to the flour mixture in the mixing bowl, and mix well.
Pour the cupcake batter into the prepared muffin pan/s, and bake at 350° for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting
While your cupcakes are baking, mix up the frosting.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter into the buttermilk, but do not boil. Remove from the heat when all the butter has melted.
Then beat in the powdered sugar mixture ’til you have a spreadable consistency for frosting.
Whisk in the vanilla extract, and it’s ready to go.
How to Decorate Bunny Tail Cupcakes
Once your cupcakes have baked and cooled, frost to whatever thickness you prefer.
Then apply a thin layer of marshmallow cream; it’s ok if the marshmallow cream mixes just a bit with the chocolate frosting. This mixture will allow the mini marshmallows to really adhere to the top of the cupcake without sliding off.
Slice or tear each mini marshmallow in half.
Place the marshmallows all over the top of each frosted cupcake, adding more marshmallow halves ’til the top of each cupcake is covered, resembling a fluffy bunny tail.
And that’s it. They are so cute and perfect for the Easter holiday with family and friends.
Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s
How should I store bunny tail cupcakes?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep better in the fridge, though they’ll likely only last about 3-4 days before going stale.
Do I have to frost the cupcakes?
No, you don’t. You can just use marshmallow cream if you want. However, you do need marshmallow cream, no matter what, to help the marshmallows stick to the cupcake tops; I’ve found it works the best to keep them from sliding off.
If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!
Bunny Tail Cupcakes
How to make easy, adorable bunny tail cupcakes with chocolate cupcakes, frosting, and mini marshmallows. Fun Easter dessert kids will love!
Muffin Tins
Cupcake Liners
Cupcakes:
2 cups cane sugar
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup salted butter
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup water
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Frosting:
5 1/2 to 6 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
8 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup marshmallow cream
4 cups mini marshmallows
Mix and Bake the Cupcakes:
Pre-heat the oven to 350° F, and line muffin tin/s with cupcake liners.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and cocoa powder.
In a medium saucepan, bring the butter, oil, and water to a boil.
Then remove the mixture from the heat, and mix together with the flour mixture.
In a separate bowl, dissolve the baking soda in the buttermilk by whisking together for a minute or so.
Then beat the eggs in with that buttermilk mixture.
Add the egg mixture and vanilla extract to the flour mixture in the mixing bowl, and mix well.
Pour the cupcake batter into the prepared muffin pan/s, and bake at 350° for about 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
Let the cupcakes cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Frosting:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter into the buttermilk, but do not boil. Remove from the heat when all the butter has melted.
Then beat in the powdered sugar mixture 'til you have a spreadable consistency for frosting.
Whisk in the vanilla extract, and it's ready to go.
How to Decorate Bunny Tail Cupcakes:
Once your cupcakes have baked and cooled, frost to whatever thickness you prefer.
Then apply a thin layer of marshmallow cream; it's ok if the marshmallow cream mixes just a bit with the chocolate frosting. This mixture will allow the mini marshmallows to really adhere to the top of the cupcake without sliding off.
Slice or tear each mini marshmallow in half.
Place the marshmallows all over the top of each frosted cupcake, adding more marshmallow halves 'til the top of each cupcake is covered, resembling a fluffy bunny tail.
*You can also make mini cupcakes by using a mini muffin pan.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep better in the fridge, though they’ll likely only last about 3-4 days before going stale.
With St. Patrick’s Day just around the corner, I’ve got a fun project kids will adore. It’s pretty much a spinoff of a favorite Christmas classic, but geared toward St. Patrick’s Day and the luck of the Irish. Instead of gingerbread, though, it’s a graham cracker leprechaun house.
I remember when I was a little girl, and my mom and I watched Disney’s classic, Darby O’Gill and the Little People. Remember that movie? Leprechauns and all the legend surrounding them just fascinated me as a kid. This would be the perfect movie to watch as you create your very own leprechaun house.
Before you get started making your own graham cracker leprechaun house, you’ll need a few supplies.
Supplies You’ll Need for a Graham Cracker Leprechaun House
Cake board or small white cardboard squares for house to rest on
Scissors
Box of graham crackers
Decorating Icing – I used Wilton Green Decorating Icing.
Spice Drops or gum drop candies
Skittles
M&M’s
Mini crackers
Small green gummy candies
Rainbow sprinkles and decorating candies
How to Construct Your Own Graham Cracker Leprechaun House
Your first step is to prep your cake board. You can cut it into smaller squares or use a smaller piece of cardboard wrapped in white freezer paper.
Next assemble your leprechaun house using graham crackers and Decorating Icing. Now here’s where it was a bit tricky for me in the beginning. Everything I’d read said to use Royal Icing, but I’m just going to be real here… I tried that, and it was horrible. It was horrible! A disaster of epic proportions. I’d bought a box kit, and I’m not sure what happened with it, but it just wasn’t for me. I think it had more to do with me than the icing; I just didn’t have the patience for it. But I was lucky that I actually had backup in the form of Wilton Decorating Icing. It worked great! And there was no mixing or hassle with it.
To construct your graham cracker house, I recommend following this wonderful tutorial from Happiness is Homemade. Just be sure you have plenty of graham crackers on hand.
Decorate Your Graham Cracker Leprechaun House
Once your house is constructed and has had a chance to meld together enough that it’s not going anywhere, it’s time for the fun part… Decorating! This is where all your candies and sprinkles come in.
There really is no set way to decorate a leprechaun house. But I do recommend LOADS of rainbow colors, in the form of spice drops (or gum drop candies), M&M’s, Skittles, sprinkles, and more. Use your Decorating Icing to attach everything to your house.
You can use mini crackers as windows. I found small green apple gummies that I actually cut with scissors to hopefully look more like 4-leaf clovers.
You can create a door with icing and sprinkles. Skittles make a wonderful rainbow path through clouds of mini marshmallows. Just be creative and have fun with it! The decorating is especially fun for kids, though they may eat more than they decorate, fair warning.
Happy decorating your very own graham cracker leprechaun house this St. Patrick’s Day!
I’ve had it in my mind to make a heart garland for quite some time, especially after making Valentine marshmallow pops. I knew I wanted to sew the hearts together, but I hadn’t had my sewing machine out for a long time, so I felt a little green behind the pedal.
As I started working on this sewing project, I realized how much I’d missed sewing. The thing with this project is… Don’t let a little sewing scare you off. This Valentine’s Day heart garland is super easy to make. You can make it as big or as small as you prefer.
You can even sew it by hand if you don’t have a machine; it will just require a different stitch by hand.
Supplies You’ll Need for a Valentine’s Day Heart Garland
Mini clothespins – I found pink and mint colored clothespins in the scrapbook section at Hobby Lobby.
Sewing machine – If you don’t have one, you can always sew by hand.
How to Create Heart Shapes for a Garland
Print the heart image you’ve chosen to use. I wanted a smaller heart shape for my garland. Cut the image out.
You may want to wash and iron the fabric you’ve chosen to use. Lay your fabric out on a flat surface, and place the heart image on the fabric. Draw around it with a pencil, and cut out each fabric heart.Repeat this step for as many hearts as you plan to use on your garland. You’ll need 2 fabric cutouts for every heart. For example, I cut out 32 heart shapes to make 16 hearts.
Once all your hearts are cut out, you’ll need to put your hearts together with stuffing and pins. Place fabric heart on table with the wrong side of the fabric facing up. Add just a bit of pillow stuffing, and cover over with another heart, this time with the right side of the fabric facing up. Pin the two hearts together with the stuffing in between. Repeat these steps for every heart.
How to Sew the Hearts Together and Create a Valentine’s Day Heart Garland
Prep your sewing machine with the color thread you plan to use. I used a contrasting pink thread for all my shapes. A little history behind the thread… I have a whole box full of thread that once belonged to my grandma. This particular spool full of pink thread still had a green Walmart price sticker on it, so that tells you how old that thread really is. Grandma loved to sew.
Now where were we? You’ll be using a zig-zag stitch.
Stitch around the outside edge of each heart with a zig-zag stitch, being careful to stay close to or right on the edge. Remove the pins as you sew.
Once you’ve sewn all the hearts, cut a long piece of rick rack to use as your garland. The length will depend on how many hearts you’ve chosen to use.
Add each heart to the rick rack, using mini clothespins. You can place your hearts straight on or give them a little tilt for even more charm.
Form a knotted loop at each end of the garland, which you can use to hang it up wherever you choose.
And there you have it… A super cute Valentine’s Day garland or bunting you can re-use year after year!
Use candy melts and marshmallows to make easy Valentine marshmallow pops. A kid-friendly Valentine’s Day recipe, they make perfect party treats with oodles of decorating ideas.
If you’re still looking for a fun treat to make with your kids this Valentine’s Day, Valentines marshmallows are something both you and your kids will love. Awhile ago, I shared my recipe for cherry chip cake pops…. Valentine marshmallow pops are a slightly easier treat and oh so fun and kid-friendly to make.
Ingredient Notes:
Snowman marshmallow pops are another fun marshmallow dessert for kids, especially during the wintertime.
Paper Towel for Work Space – This will catch all the extra sprinkles and drips from the melted candy melts. It definitely makes cleanup a LOT easier afterward.
The first step is to place marshmallows on the paper straws. Insert the paper straws into the center of your marshmallows, letting the straw act as a lollipop stick.
Be creative and make different designs, like doubling up heart shaped marshmallows on one stick.
How to Melt the Candy Melts and Chocolate for Dipping
Depending on the dipping candy you decide to use, you can melt it a couple different ways:
Melt using a double boiler on the stove – This is basically a pan inside of another pan with boiling water in the bottom pan. It allows for more even melting without burning, and it also keeps chocolate warm for dipping. If you’re wanting to use different colors, this may not be the easiest way to melt the candy melts. So instead…
Melt it in the microwave – This is usually the route I go. Just follow the package instructions for melting. Usually, you heat and stir in 15-second intervals until the candy is melted and smooth enough for dipping.
One Important Tip: Depending on the type of chocolate you use, some people like to add shortening or paraffin wax to their chocolate as it melts. This allows for a thinner coat and stretches the chocolate a little further. If you use a good quality chocolate, you likely won’t need this step.
Dip and Decorate Marshmallows
Dip the marshmallows in the melted candy melts, letting excess candy drip back into the bowl.
Now you’re ready to immediately grab the sprinkles and decorate before the candy coating hardens. You can create polka dots all over the marshmallows with candy beads and shake little sprinkles or hearts all over. Maybe even sprinkle a little candy sugar on top. Just be creative and let your kids do their thing; you never know what they’ll come up with.
Place the Valentine marshmallows in the marshmallow pop holder, and let the candy coating set.
There’s nothing like festive Valentine dipped marshmallows to wish someone a very Happy Valentine’s Day.
Expert Tips and Recipe FAQ’s
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can, though it’d probably be best to make them only 1-2 days in advance, so they don’t get stale.
How should I store marshmallow pops?
They should be stored in an airtight container in a slightly cooler environment. Not chilled in the fridge, but you want them to keep their shape and the candy to not melt… So you don’t want them next to a stove or oven.
If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!
Valentine Marshmallow Pops
Use candy melts and marshmallows to make easy Valentine marshmallow pops. They make perfect kid-friendly Valentine's Day party treats.
Wilton Cake Pops Decorating Stand
Valentine Paper Straws
Paper Towels
12 ounces marshmallows
12 ounces candy melts
1/2 cup Valentine sprinkles
Insert the paper straws into the center of your marshmallows, letting the straw act as a lollipop stick.
Be creative and make different designs, like doubling up heart shaped marshmallows on one stick.
How to Melt the Candy Melts and Chocolate for Dipping
Depending on the dipping candy you decide to use, you can melt it a couple different ways… Melt using a double boiler on the stove – This is basically a pan inside of another pan with boiling water in the bottom pan. It allows for more even melting without burning, and it also keeps chocolate warm for dipping. If you're wanting to use different colors, this may not be the easiest way to melt the candy melts. So instead…
Melt it in the microwave – This is usually the route I go. Just follow the package instructions for melting. Usually, you heat and stir in 15-second intervals until the candy is melted and smooth enough for dipping.
Dip and Decorate Marshmallows
Dip the marshmallows in the melted candy melts, letting excess candy drip back into the bowl.
Immediately grab the sprinkles and decorate before the candy coating hardens. You can create polka dots all over the marshmallows with candy beads and shake little sprinkles or hearts all over. Maybe even sprinkle a little candy sugar on top.
Place the Valentine marshmallows in the marshmallow pop holder, and let the candy coating set.
Then they're ready to serve and enjoy!
One Important Melting Tip: Depending on the type of chocolate you use, some people like to add shortening or paraffin wax to their chocolate as it melts. This allows for a thinner coat and stretches the chocolate a little further. If you use a good quality chocolate, you likely won’t need this step.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can, though it’d probably be best to make them only 1-2 days in advance, so they don’t get stale.
How should I store marshmallow pops?
They should be stored in an airtight container in a slightly cooler environment. Not chilled in the fridge, but you want them to keep their shape and the candy to not melt… So you don’t want them next to a stove or oven.
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Remember when you were a kid and Valentine’s Day meant school parties with homemade Valentine boxes, gobs of Valentines, and yummy heart shaped treats like heart shaped chocolate whoopie pies?
With the holiday of love and hearts and sprinkled cupcakes just around the corner, Heart Shaped Chocolate Whoopie Pies are a most scrumptious treat, as are heart shaped chocolate chip pancakes.
We didn’t really call them whoopie pies. Ever. I’m not sure why.
But that’s really what they are. Only our icing is more of a creamy sugar cookie icing made with powdered sugar.
I think original whoopie pies have a sort of marshmallow cream icing. Either way, they’re one of my favorite cookies.
Grandma would mix these up and pop them in the oven. When they came out, the entire kitchen smelled like chocolate.
We’d smooth a bit of icing on one cookie and sandwich them together.
To this day, they’re still a family favorite. Her recipe lives on.
How to Make Heart Shaped Chocolate Whoopie Pies
Below is the printable recipe.
You can make these round or heart shaped. To get the heart shape, I used a Wilton heart shaped whoopie pie pan.
If you don’t want to buy the pan, I imagine you could use a heart shaped cookie cutter to form each shape with dough. Just be sure to remove the cookie cutter before baking.
This is the most scrumptious cookie… If I could call it the king of cookies (besides my favorite chocolate chip cookies), I totally would. Enjoy!
Chocolate sandwich cookies are a favorite family recipe passed down from generation to generation. Whether you call them sandwich cookies or whoopie pies, Heart Shaped Chocolate Whoopie Pies really do make a yummy Valentine's Day treat.
Cookie Dough:
1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 cups cane sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
6 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup whole milk
Icing:
2 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup whole milk
3 cups powdered sugar
Cookies:
Pre-heat the oven to 350° F.
Cream (or mix) the butter and sugar together.
Then add the eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
Whisk or sift together the flour, baking powder, cocoa powder, and salt.
Mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. If the batter is too thin, you may need to add just a bit more flour.
Spray the whoopie pie pan with cooking spray. Drop 1-2 teaspoonfuls of cookie dough into each heart and smooth out.
Bake at 350° F for about 10 to 12 minutes.
Remove the cookies from the cookie sheet and place on a wire rack to cool.
Icing:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Add the milk to the mixture.
Slowly add the powdered sugar to the mixture, mixing it in as you go. You want a good consistency, not too runny or the cookies will slide apart; you want the icing thick enough to stay on the cookie but not so thick that it breaks the cookies apart when trying to spread it. Once everything is mixed together, the icing should be smooth and creamy, free of any lumps.
After the cookies have cooled, sandwich them together with the icing.
Learn how to make a copycat version of sweet Little Debbie Valentine snack cakes. Heart shaped cakes are layered with a vanilla white creme filling inside and covered with a pink shell on the outside. They’re the perfect treat for a Valentine’s Day party!
Little Debbie Valentine Cakes… Who doesn’t love these scrumptious little cakes covered in a sweet pink shell?
Along with Christmas Tree Cakes, these heart snack cakes are one of my favorite Little Debbie treats. I say treat because they are an every once in a while treat, something to look forward to.
That being said, my boys have been trying to get me to try making more than a few Little Debbie copycat recipes for not just one but a few of our favorite Little Debbie treats. Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, what better time to try making Little Debbie Be My Valentine Snack Cakes than now?
Cake Mix – While I prefer to use cherry chip cake mix because it gives a slightly pink tone to the cakes and I love the flavor of cherry chip, you can use any flavor you want. White cake mix or strawberry cake mix are a couple of yummy options that come to mind. You can even make Little Debbie Valentine chocolate cakes; use a chocolate cake mix or use this homemade chocolate cupcakes recipe for a moist chocolate snack cake.
Cream Cheese – I recommend using full fat cream cheese vs. low fat.
Butter – Use real salted butter rather than margarine; margarine will change the texture and outcome of your cakes.
Marshmallow Fluff – You can use any marshmallow cream, but I love actual Fluff brand. Holy cow, the creamy factor that Marshmallow Fluff adds to frosting is ah-mazing.
Candy Melts – If making pink Valentine’s Day Little Debbie cakes, you’ll want pink and white candy melts… Pink for the coating, white for the little decorative dribbles on top.
How to Make Little Debbie Valentine Snack Cakes
I had to think about this recipe for quite a while before attempting to make it; if you think of it like cupcakes, it’s really pretty simple to make.
First, Make Heart Shaped Cakes:
Mix the cake mix according to the package directions.
Spray a heart shaped mini cakes pan with cooking spray. Then fill the heart shapes in the pan with batter, about 2/3 of the way full.
Bake according to package directions for cupcakes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the pan and let cool on a wire rack.
Next Mix the Filling:
Mix together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla.
Add the powdered sugar, mixing well.
Then add in Marshmallow Fluff, making sure all the ingredients are mixed.
Once the cakes have cooled, slice them in half horizontally, add a layer of creme, and sandwich them back together.
Now Coat the Snack Cakes:
Melt the pink candy melts, according to package directions. Note: It can be difficult to shake excess candy coating off the cakes as you’re dipping and rolling, and the coating may need to be just a bit thinner; it may help to add a tablespoon of shortening to it during the melting process.
Gently dip (or roll) the cake sandwiches, one at a time, in the melted candy coating.
Set each dipped cake on wax paper. You may need to spoon a bit of candy coating on top of each cake once you’ve set it on the wax paper.
Once all the heart cakes have been coated, allow them to chill in the refrigerator until the coating has hardened.
Then melt the white candy melts, according to package directions.
Drizzle over the top of each cake in whatever pattern you desire. I used a bottle with a cake tip for this step.
Again, allow to chill until the candy coating has fully hardened.
These sweet little snack cakes were a hit with my boys, which is really what mattered. The cakes were gone in no time.
If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!
Little Debbie Valentine Snack Cakes
How to make a copycat version of Little Debbie Valentine snack cakes, pink heart shaped cakes layered with a vanilla white creme filling.
Heart Shaped Muffin Pan
Cake –
15.25 ounces Cherry Chip cake mix
1 cup water
1/2 cup canola oil
3 large eggs
Filling –
8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
3 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup Marshmallow Fluff
Coating –
12 ounces pink candy melts
12 ounces white candy melts
Cake –
Mix the cake mix according to the package directions.
Spray the pan with cooking spray. Then fill the heart shapes in the pan with batter, about 2/3 of the way full.
Bake according to package directions for cupcakes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cakes comes out clean.
Remove the cakes from the pan and let cool on a wire rack.
Filling-
Mix together the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla.
Add the powdered sugar, mixing well.
Then add in Marshmallow Fluff, making sure all the ingredients are mixed.
Once the cakes have cooled, slice them in half horizontally, add a layer of creme, and sandwich them back together.
Coating –
Melt the pink candy melts, according to package directions. See Notes below.
Gently dip (or roll) the cake sandwiches, one at a time, in the melted candy coating.
Set each dipped cake on wax paper. You may need to spoon a bit of candy coating on top of each cake once you've set it on the wax paper.
Once all the heart cakes have been coated, allow them to chill in the refrigerator until the coating has hardened.
Then melt the white candy melts, according to package directions.
Drizzle over the top of each cake in whatever pattern you desire. I used a bottle with a cake tip for this step.
Again, allow to chill until the candy coating has fully hardened.
Store the pink heart snack cakes in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
It can be difficult to shake excess candy coating off the cakes as you’re dipping and rolling, and the coating may need to be just a bit thinner; it may help to add a tablespoon of shortening to it during the melting process.
Desserts
American
Be My Valentine snack cakes, heart snack cakes, Little Debbie copycat recipe, Little Debbie heart cakes, Little Debbie Valentine cakes, Little Debbie Valentine heart cakes, Little Debbie Valentine snack cakes, Valentine snack cakes, Valentine’s Day Little Debbie cakes
Super easy appetizers anyone can make, perfect for your holiday party. This list of 30+ recipes includes finger food appetizers, quick and easy dips, and more. Who doesn’t love the bite-sized deliciousness of a simple appetizer?
The holidays mean loads of holiday parties and events with loads of finger foods. It’s a great time to have an arsenal of easy appetizer recipes, like leftover ham and stuffing crescent rolls, you can turn to when you need something quick and easy.
This list of simple appetizers is a list of recipes that aren’t just easy; they’re really delicious too.
In fact, sometimes we make finger foods and appetizers just because we want to, no party plans in sight. Did I mention they’re great for game day too?
When it comes to easy party foods and finger foods, you want to keep it as simple as possible but still make sure it tastes good. Keep it simple with as few ingredients as possible, and hopefully ingredients you already have on hand.
Great options for simple appetizers and good finger foods include…
When planning easy apps for a crowd, there are 4 things you need to think about.
1. Timing
What appetizers can sit out, which ones can you make ahead, can you freeze any ahead of time, and are there appetizers that need to be made last minute right before the party or event? Figuring out the timing of making all the appetizers will help you plan an appetizer menu that works for you, not against you. It’ll also help you know how to give people tasks when they ask how they can help.
2. Serving
How much of each appetizer do you need to make? How many people will be in attendance, and how much will you need per person? Think serving sizes; also think about making extra on the most popular appetizers people love the most.
Once you figure out how many and how much, you’ll need to think about serving dishes, platters, bowls, and such. Also plates, napkins, and utensils needed.
3. Dietary Restrictions
Yeah, dietary restrictions can be a major bummer, but think about your guests who are living with those food restrictions… Even more of a bummer for them if there’s nothing they can eat. Ask your guests if they have any restrictions, and try to plan a few appetizers or snacks they can enjoy, as well. Think about vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, etc.
4. Can You Turn the Party into an Appetizer Potluck?
Instead of doing all the work yourself, ask everyone to bring their favorite snacks, dips, and finger foods. Talk about cheap easy appetizers… Less work for you and everyone involved, and everyone gets to graze on their favorites. It’s a win-win!
Finger Food Appetizers
Super simple bites and foods you can eat with your fingers… Sometimes I’d rather have the appetizers over the main meal. Your guests will feel the same with this delicious array.
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/dill-pickle-ham-roll-ups/” newtab=”0″ name=”1. Dill Pickle Ham Roll Ups” summary=”<p>Whip up a batch of dill pickle ham roll ups in 10 minutes or less. These easy to make pinwheels make perfect snacks and party appetizers.</p>” image=”56265″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/apple-cheese-and-crackers/” newtab=”0″ name=”2. Apple Cheese and Crackers” summary=”<p>Top crackers with apple slices and cheddar to make apple cheese and crackers, an easy snack and basic appetizer idea grown-ups and kids will love!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56342″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/bacon-wrapped-apples-with-cheese/” newtab=”0″ name=”3. Bacon Wrapped Apples with Cheese” summary=”<p>All you need are 4 ingredients to make bacon wrapped apples with cheese. Insanely delicious, easy appetizer recipe, perfect for a party.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56195″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://theforkedspoon.com/bacon-wrapped-shrimp/” name=”4. Bacon Wrapped Shrimp” summary=”<p>Delicious bite-sized bacon wrapped shrimp are the best quick and easy appetizer, perfect for game day, holidays, and special occasions. Made with juicy shrimp wrapped in crispy bacon, then brushed with a sweet and spicy honey Cajun glaze.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56435″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://nibbleanddine.com/smoked-salmon-canapes/” name=”5. Smoked Salmon Canapés” summary=”<p>Smoked salmon canapés are a quick, easy, and elegant appetizer with only 8 ingredients; and you can make them in about 15 minutes! </p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56436″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/maple-bourbon-grilled-shrimp-kabobs/” newtab=”0″ name=”6. Maple Bourbon Shrimp Skewers” summary=”<p>Easy recipe for grilled shrimp kabobs marinated with the most delicious, two ingredient, maple bourbon grilled shrimp marinade, then skewered with pineapple chunks and thrown on the grill.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”34952″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/maple-sausage-stuffed-pastry-bites/” newtab=”0″ name=”7. Maple Sausage Stuffed Pastry Bites” summary=”<p>Maple sausage stuffed pastry bites, made with cream cheese and spinach, are the ultimate appetizer and finger food idea for your holiday party.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”32369″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/appetizer-recipe-taco-bites/” newtab=”0″ name=”8. Taco Bites” summary=”<p>Little taco bites snacks are super easy to make, and they contain fresh ingredients, like tomatoes, lettuce, and shredded cheese.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”21975″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/chicken-dip-pinwheels-appetizer/” newtab=”0″ name=”9. Chicken Dip Pinwheels” summary=”<p>Chicken dip pinwheels may be bite-sized, but they pack a delicious, flavor-filled punch. Add a little lettuce for a bit of green, and you've got an appetizer your guests will love.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”24801″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://confessionsofparenting.com/cranberry-brie-bites/” name=”10. 15 Minute Cranberry Brie Bites” summary=”<p>Cranberry brie bites are the perfect addition to your next holiday party! With a beautiful cranberry sauce over melted brie in Filo shells, these simple cranberry appetizers are so easy to prep, but look like you slaved all day in the kitchen!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56422″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://budgetdelicious.com/buffalo-chicken-meatballs/” name=”11. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs” summary=”<p>Enjoy the great taste of Buffalo wings in convenient meatball form!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56423″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://xoxobella.com/homemade-mini-pizza-bagel-bites/” name=”12. Homemade Mini Pizza Bagel Bites” summary=”<p>Once you know how to make bagel bites, you'll want to rustle up this bite size pizza snack all the time. Homemade mini pizza bagel bites are a great lunch, snack or appetizer. Give these easy DIY pizza bagels a try!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56424″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/crispy-bacon-wrapped-asparagus/” name=”13. Bacon Wrapped Asparagus” summary=”<p>This oven baked bacon wrapped asparagus recipe includes tips to make it extra crispy, and it takes less than 30 minutes to make!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56425″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/leftover-ham-and-stuffing-crescent-rolls/” newtab=”0″ name=”14. Leftover Ham and Stuffing Crescent Rolls” summary=”<p>Easy appetizer recipe with leftover ham, stuffing, and crescent rolls. Simple and delicious finger foods, perfect for party snacks or lunch with the kids!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”38063″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://crazyadventuresinparenting.com/2015/10/spinach-balls-great-for-football-entertaining.html” name=”15. Easy Spinach Balls” summary=”<p>Get ready for this delectable spinach balls recipe which can be made gluten-free or no-carb, easy peasy.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56427″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://blackberrybabe.com/2021/06/16/puff-pastry-wrapped-asparagus/” name=”16. Cheesy Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus” summary=”<p>Cheesy puff pastry wrapped asparagus is a wonderful side dish or great appetizer! This tasty recipe uses just 6 ingredients, including fresh asparagus.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56428″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://eatpicks.com/ham-roll-ups/” name=”17. Easy Ham Roll Ups” summary=”<p>This easy ham roll ups recipe is perfect for your next appetizer or snack set up. With only 3 ingredients of sliced ham, cream cheese, and green onion, you can serve retro ham pinwheels for any party or holiday table!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56429″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://inspiredbycharm.com/brie-fig-and-prosciutto-crostini/” name=”18. Brie, Fig, and Prosciutto Crostini” summary=”<p>Inspired by a charcuterie, the wonderful flavors of this brie, fig, and prosciutto crostini will delight you and your guests, whether you’re hosting a large gathering or an intimate dinner.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56430″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.simplystacie.net/air-fryer-crab-rangoon/” name=”19. Air Fryer Crab Rangoon” summary=”<p>Air fryer crab rangoon is a quick and easy appetizer that's ready to eat in less than 20 minutes. The wonton is crispy on the outside with creamy crab filling on the inside. Perfect for parties or game day gatherings.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56432″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.wholesomeyum.com/bacon-wrapped-dates/” name=”20. Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese” summary=”<p>Bacon wrapped dates with goat cheese make a classic appetizer! Just 4 Ingredients to make this EASY bacon wrapped stuffed dates recipe.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56433″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://recipesfromapantry.com/corn-ribs-air-fryer/” name=”21. Corn Ribs Air Fryer Style” summary=”<p>Making corn ribs air fryer style is a fun twist on traditional corn on the cob. This infamous recipe really is the perfect appetizer, party food, snack, or side dish.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56434″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://thegirlinspired.com/charcuterie-cups/” name=”22. Charcuterie Cups” summary=”<p>Charcuterie cups provide a creative twist to the everyday charcuterie board! Load clear plastic cups with assorted snacks of choice for a decorative and fun hand-held party appetizer.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56482″]
Easy Party Dips
Don’t you just love a good dip? Family and friends will love these hot and cold dips that pair so well with tortilla chips, crackers, potato chips, fresh raw veggies, and more.
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/easy-chili-cheese-dip/” newtab=”0″ name=”23. Easy Chili Cheese Dip” summary=”<p>How to make amazing chili cheese dip with cream cheese in the microwave, oven, or CrockPot. Easy, homemade, crowd favorite appetizer recipe!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”44118″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/bbq-chicken-dip/” newtab=”0″ name=”24. Creamy BBQ Chicken Dip” summary=”<p>BBQ Chicken Dip, made with cream cheese, is an easy appetizer recipe. Pair it with tortilla chips for a delicious snack your friends and family will love!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”33009″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/game-day-recipe-bacon-cheddar-bbq-ranch-dip/” newtab=”0″ name=”25. Bacon Cheddar BBQ Ranch Dip” summary=”<p>Bacon cheddar bbq ranch dip is a tasty appetizer your guests will love. Pair with your favorite snacks, like chips, crackers, and raw vegetables!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”51736″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://staging.adventuresofmel.com/snowman-pimento-cheese-ball-recipe/” newtab=”0″ name=”26. Snowman Pimento Cheese Ball” summary=”<p>Festive snowman pimento cheese ball you can serve with crackers, pretzels, or a fresh veggie tray. Perfect for a Christmas party!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”21525″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.saltysidedish.com/fiesta-corn-dip-with-rotel/” name=”27. Fiesta Corn Dip with Rotel” summary=”<p>Fiesta corn dip recipe with whole kernels of corn, green onions, and loads of cheddar cheese makes the perfect easy and cold large party dip. It's a no fail Mexican party dip that every one is sure to love!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56483″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://julieblanner.com/creamy-spinach-dip-recipe/” name=”28. Spinach Dip with Cream Cheese” summary=”<p>Creamy spinach dip with cream cheese is quick and easy to prepare, making it a great last minute appetizer that feels anything but last minute.</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56484″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://unsophisticook.com/chips-and-dip/” name=”29. Copycat Lawson’s Potato Chip Dip” summary=”<p>If you're a chips and dip junkie, you're going to love this out-of-this-world easy chip dip… AND it doubles as a delicious veggie dip!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56485″]
[wprm-recipe-roundup-item link=”https://www.westviamidwest.com/5-minute-crack-dip/” name=”30. 5 Minute Crack Dip” summary=”<p>This 5 minute crack dip comes together in 5 minutes and is perfect for serving with crackers. Ideal for holiday party appetizers, game day snacking, or just to serve with cocktails!</p>” button=”Get the Recipe” image=”56486″]
But we hardly ever make gingerbread cookies. I’ve made them before, but they’ve always been either a really difficult recipe or frankly, just haven’t tasted that great.
Not so with this recipe. These cookies are slightly chewy with a somewhat crunchy edge. You are going to love it!
These chewy gingerbread cookies have disappeared from our cookie jar rather quickly. In fact, I’ve considered making another batch.
We actually have all sorts of things planned for this week (or rather, I have a few surprises up my sleeve).
The week before Christmas we usually do a little Christmas school, where instead of hitting the books, we do fun Christmas-y things, like make all sorts of goodies, start a Christmas puzzle, put together a gingerbread house, read Christmas books, go shopping for any last minute gifts, go see Christmas lights, and just spend time together.
Baking together is one of our favorite things.
With this recipe, we chose to make Christmas trees, gingerbread men, and stars.
Creating recipes like this gives opportunity to teach kids a few cooking skills… For instance, they can learn how to roll out dough. Warning: They may even fight over who gets to roll the dough.
They can also cut out the cookies and put them on the cookie sheet. My boys love to actually decorate cookies with Easy Sugar Cookie Icing, though I’m not sure how much decorating gets done vs. eating.
Below you’ll find the printable recipe. This gingerbread cookie recipe is adapted from the Gingerbread Boys recipe in the old 1969 version of Betty Crocker’s Cookbook. Don’t you just love vintage cookbooks? Within the pages are treasures to be found.
I tweaked and added a few things to give the recipe my own touch. Also, just a helpful note, the cookies are even better the next day. I hope you enjoy!
Chewy Gingerbread Cookies
Grab the ingredients, a few decorations, and your family, and make Chewy Gingerbread Cookies together. They're scrumptious classic holiday treats inspired by a vintage cookbook.
Cookie Dough:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
1/4 cup cane sugar
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
1/2 cup molasses
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground allspice
Cookie Icing:
4 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole milk
6 cups powdered sugar
Gingerbread Cookies:
In a large mixing bowl, cream or mix together the softened unsalted butter, sugar, and dark brown sugar.
Add the molasses, milk, and lemon juice, mixing well.
In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, and allspice.
Mix the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, mixing well.
Cover the dough, and chill in the refrigerator for about 4 hours.
Pre-heat the oven to 375° F.
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface, coating the dough with flour and kneading it until it's less sticky and more pliable.
Then roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Cut out cookies with floured Christmas cookie cutters.
Place the cookies on an un-greased cookie sheet, and bake at 375° F for about 10 minutes, or until the cookies are set.
Place the cookies on a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
Cookie Icing:
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the softened salted butter and vanilla extract.
Add the milk to the mixture.
Slowly add the powdered sugar to the mixture, mixing it in as you go; the finished icing should be smooth, creamy, and spreadable.
Decorate the gingerbread cookies with icing, sprinkles, and nonpareils.
Christmas, Desserts
American
chewy gingerbread cookies, gingerbread cookies, homemade gingerbread cookies
Christmas always gets me in a crafty mood, and more times than not it inspires me to make something for or with my boys. My middle child especially loves to craft and create, and these Snowman Marshmallow Pops, inspired by both Pinterest and winter, are definitely something we have to make during the holiday season.
Want to make them with your kids? You just need to gather a few supplies.
Supplies You’ll Need to Make Snowman Marshmallow Pops
Honestly, just let your imagination be your guide when gathering supplies. There are a few basics that you’ll want to have on hand, but as far as candy and the rest of your “sweet” decorations go, let your kids have fun with it and decide what to use.
Supplies and Ingredients You’ll Need
Jumbo marshmallows
Regular sized marshmallows
Mini marshmallows
Paper straws or cake pop sticks Wilton Decorating icing in your favorite colors
Round cake tips w/ couplers
Reese’s Mini Peanut Butter Cups
Hershey’s Kisses (Hugs would work great too) Airheads Xtremes Sour Belts Cake Pop Decorating Stand (Wilton has a basic cardboard stand that is affordable and works great)
How to Make Snowman Marshmallow Pops
Once you’ve gathered all your supplies, it’s time to get creative. You can use a mix of different sized marshmallows to create your snowmen. I made some triple stack and some more roly-poly.
Trim the snowmen to your heart’s desire; the sky really is the limit once you get going because it’s really quite relaxing and fun. Place a Hershey Kiss on the top of the snowman to create a sort of stocking cap. Or you can use a Reese’s Mini to create more of a traditional “Frosty” hat.
Use mini marshmallows, a little icing, and smaller lengths of the Airheads candy to create earmuffs, or as my kids called them, “Awesome headphones.”
Also, use the Airheads belts to create scarves. Then decorate the snowmen with the Decorating Icing, forming carrot noses, eyes, smiles, and buttons.
This might be a fun activity for holiday parties and family get-togethers. Create a decorating table, and let all the kids create their own snowman treats.
If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!
What candies and decorations would you use for your own Snowman Marshmallow Pops?
Snowman Marshmallow Pops
Use marshmallows of all sizes to make yummy snowman marshmallow pops. They're a scrumptious Christmas craft or holiday party idea, and kids love decorating these festive treats.
Cake Pop Sticks
Round Cake Tips
Cake Tip Couplers
Cake Pop Decorating Stand
16 jumbo marshmallows
16 marshmallows
Decorating Icing ((variety of colors))
16 Hershey Kisses ((or Hugs))
16 Mini Peanut Butter Cups
64 mini marshmallows
Airheads Xtremes Sour Belts
Place marshmallows on cake pop sticks; use a variety of large and jumbo marshmallows. You can make some triple stack, some with a jumbo body and large head, and so on.
To give the snowman a hat, use a Hershey Kiss or Mini Peanut Butter Cup, attaching either one with a dab of Decorating Icing.
To create earmuffs, cut smaller lengths of Airheads Sour Belts, long enough to drape over the snowman's head; dab Decorating Icing on 2 mini marshmallows, and attach 1 to each end of a shortened Sour Belt. Then place the earmuffs on the snowman.
Use the Airheads Sour Belts to create scarves around your snowman's neck.
Use Decorating Icing to decorate each snowman, forming carrot noses, eyes, smiles, and buttons.
This might be a fun activity for holiday parties and family get-togethers. Create a decorating table, and let all the kids create their own snowman treats.
Certain scents have always brought Christmas memories to my mind. Memories have stirred with the scents of cinnamon, clove, peppermint, and more.
Since I love using my essential oils, it only made sense to somehow incorporate them into our Christmas tree by making clay diffuser ornaments.
I had all the supplies I needed on hand, and you may too.
Supplies You’ll Need for Clay Diffuser Ornaments
Here’s what you’ll need… Let’s gather supplies.
Air-Dry Clay
Cutting board (with parchment paper) or craft mat
Rolling pin
Christmas cookie cutters
Decorative acrylic stamps
Stamp block/s
Small cup of water
Pencil
Scissors
Ribbon
Instructions for DIY Clay Diffuser Ornaments
Cover a cutting board with parchment paper to protect the surface of your board, or just use a craft mat, whichever you prefer.
I had originally planned to use white clay, but the only unopened clay I had that wasn’t dried out was the Terracotta color. And actually, I ended up liking the Terracotta color even more because when all was said and done, the ornaments reminded me of cinnamon ornaments.
Roll out the clay to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thickness. Tip: If it’s too thick, the ornaments will be extra heavy on your tree.
Once your clay is rolled out, begin cutting out shapes with the cookie cutters.
Now comes the fun of decorating your ornaments. Attach acrylic stamps to your stamp blocks and leave impressions on each ornament.
I added snowflake borders, snowflake stripes, a berry branch, a kind of snowflake star, and more.
Just have fun with it! The best part about using this type of clay is if you mess up, it’s pretty easy to smooth over the design and try again.
Just keep a little water on hand, so you can dip your fingers in it before smoothing out a design.
When you’re done decorating, use a pencil to create a hole in the top of your ornament, in order to insert a ribbon for hanging. Then let the ornaments dry for 24-48 hours.
Finish Your Ornaments
Cut a piece of ribbon, about 4-6 inches in length. Poke the ribbon through each ornament hole, using a pencil or other sharp object to help get it through the hole.
Tie the ribbon in a double knot for hanging.
Now you can pick your favorite scents of essential oils, and add a few drops to your ornaments.
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without my family’s traditional recipes, especially when it comes to classic Christmas cookies. I’m thinking of my mom’s Christmas sugar cookies, my favorite thumbprint cookies, and more.
Holiday cookies bring a touch of cozy to the season. There are so many delicious holiday recipes.
The Internet makes it really easy to swap recipes back and forth with people near and far. I love that, don’t you?!
As we embark upon the Christmas holiday, I hope you are enjoying every moment. Nothing says Christmas like tried and true, stand the test of time, traditional, classic Christmas cookies.
Below you’ll find a collection of 30 Classic Christmas Cookies to inspire your holiday season. Enjoy and Happy Baking!
One of my favorite magazines and one I’ve actually been subscribed to for awhile is Taste of Home. They always have the most down-to-earth, delicious recipes with beautiful photos that make my mouth water.
While browsing through an old issue awhile ago, I noticed a Rice Krispies ad with a recipe for Snap, Crackle, Snowmen from another reader.
While we didn’t follow the recipe to a T, we tried making these together and ended up having a LOT of fun. They are the perfect holiday project for kids. They’re definitely going on my list of The Best Christmas Recipes for Your Holiday Celebrations.
Make Rice Krispies Treats
First, gather your ingredients. You’ll need Rice Krispies, marshmallows, butter, and plenty of candy embellishments.
Mix up the Rice Krispies Treats as usual. We did double the recipe, so we’d have enough treats for all of us to share in the fun.
Let the Rice Krispies cool just slightly but not too much.Then begin to form snowmen.
Rice Krispies Snowman
To make a snowman, form round treats for the head, middle, and base of the snowman; then put them together. The more the Rice Krispies cool, though, the harder it is to get them to form and stick; so, you definitely don’t want to wait long at all.
Decorate Your Rice Krispies Snowman
Lay out all your decorating treats in a candy bar of sorts.
We used spice drops, mini marshmallows, mini M&M’s, mini chocolate chips, sour strips, and mini pretzel sticks. Use the candies in creative ways to decorate your snowmen.
The boys had a blast decorating and came up with some pretty interesting characters.Jacob ended up with a chicken.
Jaden, well, I’m not sure what his was, but he was being silly, as usual.
He’s the comedian in the house; we’re always saying how he’s going to be a comedian when he grows up because he constantly makes everyone laugh.
Even Dan got in on the fun, even though he changed his snowman from a beach snowman to…. Well, I’m not sure.
The most important thing is we had fun.
These holiday treats are all hands on and are the perfect activity for a chilly afternoon during the holidays. They also make a great Advent activity.
Pinecones from Colorado come in handy when you’re crafting at Christmas time. When I was in elementary school, I remember our art teacher bringing in these giant pinecones for us to decorate as Christmas trees. It was so much fun!
In fact, I’ve told my boys that if my mom still has that pinecone Christmas tree, I’ll show it to them when we visit next. It’s a fun holiday craft for kids that will really let their creativity shine.
The best part is you only need a few supplies, and most of them, you may already have stuffed in a craft drawer somewhere. Don’t just let the kids craft this one; you get in on the fun too. I sure did!
Supplies You’ll Need to Decorate a Pinecone Christmas Tree
Pinecones (and don’t worry, they don’t have to be huge)
Glue (we used Elmer’s Craft Bond with Dixie cups and Q-tips, tip below)
Pom poms, sequins, beads, tiny bells, and other embellishments
Instructions for Creating a Pinecone Christmas Tree
Clean off your pinecones, making sure they’re clear of any dirt or li’l critters… Hey, you never know. Start by wrapping pipe cleaners around and through the pinecone, acting as a tinsel of sorts. The next step is the best, and here’s a tip if you’re working with younger kids. I read this somewhere years ago. Get a few Dixie cups, pour a little glue in, and use Q-tips to apply the glue for all your embellishments. So much easier and less mess! This is the best part. You can apply all sorts of embellishments, as many as your heart desires.
Finally, finish off your Christmas tree by using a small paint brush to apply Glitter Snow, or spray on some Glitter Dust.
This may require a 24 hour drying process, so just be aware…this is your last step.
Finally, stand back and admire your creation. We had a lot of fun with this, Jaden especially. One of his trees was quite unique. Jacob, of course, had to make it into a competition; he does that with most things these days. Now we have something to pull out of our Christmas boxes every year and remember the good times we’ve had. Christmas school rocks!
Watch and make the craft right along with me!
Want to save this craft for later? Pin it to your Christmas boards!
How to make southern sweet potato pie from Grandma’s recipe box. Simple and easy, old-fashioned, family favorite Thanksgiving dessert from scratch.
This delicious southern sweet potato pie recipe is one I’m sharing from my grandmother’s recipe box (though I’ve tweaked it just a bit). The recipe card actually has my Aunt Jennie’s name written at the top, along with a date from 1980.
As a little girl, we would often visit family in Texas, including my Great Aunt Jennie. Aunt Jennie was one of a kind, and it was always fun going to see her.
Add a dollop of whipped cream on top, and you’ve got a very yummy holiday dessert.
This southern style sweet potato pie is super easy to make, and it doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. But unless you’re using canned sweet potato, be sure to cook your sweet potatoes beforehand and have them ready to go; I prefer to cook my sweet potatoes in the Instant Pot.
If you’d rather skip all of my baking tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card with a longer how to video.
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DOES SWEET POTATO PIE TASTE LIKE PUMPKIN PIE?
Sweet potato pie is basically a sweet potato custard pie. So, yes, it’s a lot like your classic old-fashioned pumpkin pie, only it’s made with sweet potatoes.
It has the same look, a similar taste (personally, I think it’s better than pumpkin pie), and a very similar texture.
Coffee Maker with Coffee – Some of my favorite memories are dessert with my grandmother. She always loved a hot cup of coffee with her pie.
HOW TO PREP FRESH SWEET POTATOES FOR PIE
You can either boil, pressure cook, or bake the sweet potatoes.
If you decide to boil or pressure cook the sweet potatoes, you’ll need to wash and peel them before you cook them. If you decide to bake them, you can bake them in the skins, and then remove the skins after they’ve cooled.
Then just purée the sweet potatoes in a blender or with an immersion blender to get them ready for pie. You’ll want a smooth, creamy texture to your sweet potato purée.
To make the whole process easier, I usually just pressure cook the sweet potatoes in my Instant Pot, then peel them and mash them up, right in the pot, with my immersion blender.
HOW TO MAKE SOUTHERN SWEET POTATO PIE
Before you get started, just make sure you’ve got your mashed sweet potatoes and an unbaked pie crust ready to go. Let’s talk about the crust and the filling…
MAKING THE PIE CRUST:
If you prefer a traditional roll-out crust, this pie crust is the way to go. If you want to keep it easy, try making this easy no-roll pie crust.
Add in the salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, whipping the mixture until it’s blended well. You may need to scrape the sides of your mixing bowl and mix again.
Then just pour the batter into your prepared, unbaked pie shell.
Bake according to the instructions in the recipe card below. Then allow the pie to cool on a wire rack.
Once your pie has cooled, I recommend chilling it overnight in the refrigerator before slicing into it. This is one pie that just gets better and better the next day and the day after that.
Once it’s chilled, you can slice it, add a dollop of whipped cream, and you’re all set to enjoy every bite, along with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Nothing like coffee to bring all the flavors full circle!
CAN I USE CANNED SWEET POTATO TO MAKE THIS PIE?
Yes, you can use canned sweet potato, which is certainly easier to do.
Though I still prefer to use fresh sweet potatoes for the flavor. They just require a little more prep work.
IS SOUTHERN STYLE SWEET POTATO PIE GLUTEN-FREE?
You can absolutely make it gluten-free by substituting a good cup for cup gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour. And then also make the pie crust with gluten-free flour.
Also, be sure to check labels on any of the above ingredients, just to be safe, especially the spices you use.
HOW TO TELL WHEN SWEET POTATO PIE IS DONE
You can use a toothpick, table knife, or cake tester to see if your pie is done, but being that this is more of a sweet potato custard pie, you may still see a bit of residue on your tester. So this may not be an accurate way of telling whether or not it’s done.
When you go to take it out of the oven, your pie should still be a little bit jiggly. If it’s more than just a little jiggly, it needs more time in the oven.
It’s a delicate balance between under-baking and over-baking when it comes to custard pie. On one hand, you don’t want it to be uncooked in the middle; on the other hand, you don’t want it to crack and be too dry.
The pie will continue to cook even when you take it out of the oven. As it cools, it will firm up; placing it in the fridge after cooling will help even more.
Yes, you can freeze sweet potato pie. Just make sure it’s covered well so it doesn’t get freezer burn.
You may also want to make it in a pie dish you don’t plan to use again before you take the pie out of the freezer; or use a disposable aluminum pie plate.
The Kitchn has a great tutorial on how to freeze pumpkin pie with all sorts of helpful tips that would work just as well for sweet potato pie.
GET THE PRINTABLE SWEET POTATO PIE RECIPE
If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest! If you make the recipe, be sure to share that you tried it on Pinterest. I love when readers share feedback!
How to make southern sweet potato pie from Grandma's recipe box. Simple and easy, old-fashioned, family favorite Thanksgiving dessert from scratch.
2 cups sweet potato purée
2 large eggs
1/2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup cane sugar
1/2 cup salted butter (softened)
3/4 cup evaporated milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 single pie crust (unbaked)
Using a mixer, mix together the sweet potato purée, eggs, flour, sugar, butter, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract.
Add in the salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg, whipping the mixture until it’s blended well. You may need to scrape the sides of your mixing bowl and mix again.
Pour the mixture into your prepared and unbaked pie crust.
Bake the pie at 350° F for about 1 hour, or until it’s firm.
Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack.
Once your pie has cooled, I recommend chilling it overnight in the refrigerator before slicing it. This is one pie that just gets better and better the next day and the day after that.
Once it’s chilled, you can slice it, add a dollop of whipped cream, and serve.
*You can use canned sweet potato if you want. Though I still prefer to use fresh sweet potatoes for the flavor. They just require a little more prep work. You can either boil, pressure cook, or bake the sweet potatoes. To make the whole process easier, I usually make Instant Pot sweet potatoes, then peel them and mash them up, right in the pot, with my immersion blender.
**You can make this pie gluten-free by substituting a good cup for cup gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour. And then also make the pie crust with gluten-free flour. Also, be sure to check labels on any of the above ingredients, just to be safe, especially the spices you use.
5. When you go to take it out of the oven, your pie should still be a little bit jiggly. If it’s more than just a little jiggly, it needs more time in the oven. It’s a delicate balance between under-baking and over-baking when it comes to custard pie. On one hand, you don’t want it to be uncooked in the middle; on the other hand, you don’t want it to crack and be too dry. The pie will continue to cook even when you take it out of the oven. As it cools, it will firm up; and placing it in the fridge after cooling will help even more.
Can you freeze sweet potato pie?
Yes, you can freeze sweet potato pie. Just make sure it’s covered well so it doesn’t get freezer burn.
Desserts, Pies & Pastries
American
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How to make a homemade dinosaur Valentine box from a shoebox, the perfect Valentine’s Day box idea for elementary school kids. Pair with printable dinosaur Valentines to give to classmates, friends, and loved ones!
My Jaden happens to love dinosaurs. Even though we don’t really have a Valentine’s Day party on the schedule, I still thought it’d be fun to make him a special dinosaur Valentines box he can put his Valentines in but also turn into a keepsake/treasure box after Valentine’s Day has passed.
I can remember making a special Valentine box for classroom Valentines every year when I was in elementary school. In fact, I still have one of those Valentine shoe box ideas in my cedar chest.
It just so happens I had a couple of shoeboxes, waiting to be used for a special shoebox craft or project of some sort, hangin’ out in my craft closet. When asked what dinosaur Valentine box he’d like to have, he chose his favorite, of course… a Triceratops Valentine box, a great way to use up old shoe boxes and the perfect place to stash your Valentine cards!
You’ll find printable dinosaur Valentine’s Day cards to go with your box for Valentine’s Day parties further below.
Materials and Supplies Needed for a Homemade Dinosaur Valentine Box:
To make this DIY dinosaur Valentine box, you’ll need a few simple supplies, most of which you can probably find at the dollar store or craft store.
Note: This is a fun way for kids to get in on the crafting with this DIY dinosaur Valentine box, though they will need supervision, as it does require using a glue gun, box cutters, and craft knife.
I’ve had mixed feelings over this dinosaur Valentine’s Day box. Before the eyes or any other features were added and it was just the box with a crest, Dan mentioned it looked like Lisa Simpson. After it was completed, I kinda thought it looked like a razorback… I think it’s the red (the color Jaden chose) and the fact that we used to live in Arkansas, home of the Razorbacks, so we saw them everywhere all the time.
Either way, it’s a Triceratops Valentines box, and I’m stickin’ to it. So, here’s how to make this cute li’l guy.
First Make the Triceratops Crest
The first step in creating a Triceratops Valentine box is to cut the dinosaur’s crest from the poster board. The size of the shoebox will determine how large you need to make the crest.
To make the dinosaur’s crest, you’ll need to follow these steps…
Cut a large circle from the poster board, however large you want your crest to be, again depending on the size of your shoebox.
You’ll need to cut flaps on the bottom edge of the crest to prep it for gluing onto the top of the box.
Cut large triangles all around the outside edge of the crest, resembling the crest of a Triceratops.
Decide on placement of the crest, and use your box cutters to cut the lid of the shoebox in half, right in front of where the crest will sit. (We decided to cut our lid in half, so the crest remains stationary and is less likely to get torn up; and also because we used a shoebox with a flip-over lid.)
Next, use your hot glue gun to glue the back part of the shoebox lid down; that way, it can’t be lifted, thus maintaining safety of the crest.
Then just glue your crest in place, using the flaps you created, to do so.
Hardest part and best part of the craft is over… Whew!
Painting Your Homemade Dino Valentine Box
Now for the fun of painting and decorating, and this is where kids can especially get involved in the creative, crafty fun.
Paint your box whatever color you choose. We chose to use red poster board for the crest, which pretty much matched the paint that Jaden chose.
If you get a little paint on the poster board, that’s ok… Crafting is messy; embrace it! Fair warning: It may take several coats of paint to cover any writing on the shoebox.
You can also paint the tips of the crest a different color if you choose. We went with brown on the tips.
Decorating Your Dinosaur
Once the paint is dry, it’s time to add the finishing touches. This is where the egg carton and cardboard cones come in.
The lid of your egg carton should have an edge with round shapes on either end. When I saw this, I saw the perfect platform for the wiggle eyes to rest on.
Cut one whole side with the 2 round shapes out of the egg carton, leaving the flat edge around the bottom.
Paint this to match your box.
Once the paint has dried, add hot glue around the bottom edge, and put it in place on your box lid.
Then glue the googly eyes in place with a couple dots of glue.
You’ll need three horns. The two cardboard cones will work for the upper horns. Cut a rounded piece out of one side of each cone, so the horns will point outward from the box rather than straight up, when placed on the dinosaur’s face.
Add glue around the edge and glue in place, one horn on either side of the eyes.
For the third horn, you’ll need either a smaller cardboard cone or the pointed piece that sticks up out of an egg carton, which is what we chose to use… It’s all about using what you have. Cut the rounded cone shape out of the egg carton.
Add glue around the bottom edges of the cone, and place it on the edge of the box lid, centered between the eyes.
Lastly, the mouth… Use one of the edges you cut from the cardboard cones for the bottom part of the mouth, glueing the piece in place beneath the lid on the box itself.
Shape one of the egg carton bowls into a beak of sorts with scissors.
Glue the “beak” into place on the edge of the lid itself, beneath the single horn.
Making this cute Valentine’s Day box is so much fun, especially when you’re done and now you get to use it to hold all your Valentine’s Day cards.
Free Printable Dinosaur Valentines
Expert Tips and FAQ’s
Where do the Valentines go?
If you’re using the box as a Valentine box for classroom Valentines, you may want to cut a slit in the top of the lid, so there’s a place for the Valentines to go. We’re using it as more of a treasure or keepsake box, so we didn’t add the slit. You can also just have kids open up the front flap to deposit their Valentine cards.
Do I have to use a shoebox to make this DIY dinosaur Valentine’s Day box?
You can use any kind of box to create a really unique Valentines box, including a shoebox, cardboard mailbox, tissue box, or cereal box.
More Valentine’s Day Ideas
Just a few more fun ideas for Valentine’s Day, including Valentine treats…
My friend Mariah over at The Simple Parent, has 20+ Valentine boxes for boys. You’ll find all sorts of Valentine’s Day boxes for elementary school aged kids, including Valentine shoe box ideas!
If you’re on Pinterest, you can find a ton of creative Valentine box ideas, including…
Monster box – Is this not the cutest thing? I can just imagine it saying, “Feed me!”
Just remember: This craft is not about perfection… It’s about creating something your child will treasure for years to come, and all because you took the time to make it with him/her. Just be creative and have fun with it!
You’ll find printable free dinosaur Valentines to go with your Valentine box below.
How to make a homemade dinosaur Valentine box from a shoebox, the perfect Valentine's Day box idea for elementary school kids. Pair with printable dinosaur Valentines to give to classmates, friends, and loved ones!
Box Cutters
pair of scissors
Craft Knife
Hot glue gun
Sponge Paint Brush
1 Shoebox
3-4 Glue Sticks
1 Poster Board
Craft Paint (any color)
1 Egg Carton (not styrofoam)
2 Small Cardboard Cones
2 Large Wiggle Eyes
Make the Triceratops Crest:
Cut a large circle from the poster board, however large you want your crest to be, depending on the size of your shoebox.
Cut flaps on the bottom edge of the crest to prep it for gluing onto the box.
Cut large triangles all around the outside edge of the crest, resembling the crest of a Triceratops.
Decide on placement of the crest, and use your box cutters to cut the lid of the shoebox in half, right in front of where the crest will sit. (We decided to cut our lid in half, so the crest remains stationary and is less likely to get torn up; and also because we used a shoebox with a flip-over lid.)
Next, use your hot glue gun to glue the back part of the shoebox lid down; that way, it can't be lifted, thus maintaining safety of the crest.
Then just glue the crest in place, using the flaps you created, to do so.
Paint the Homemade Dino Valentine Box:
Paint your box whatever color you choose. We used red paint to match the poster board we used for the crest. It may take several coats of paint to cover any writing on the shoebox.
Decorate the Dinosaur:
The lid of your egg carton should have an edge with round shapes on either end. Cut one whole side with the 2 round shapes out of the egg carton, leaving the flat edge around the bottom.
Paint this to match your box.
Once the paint has dried, add hot glue around the bottom edge, and put it in place on the box lid.
Then glue the wiggle eyes in place with a couple dots of glue.
You'll need three horns. The two cardboard cones will work for the upper horns. Cut a rounded piece out of one side of each cone, so the horns will point outward from the box rather than straight up, when placed on the dinosaur's face.
Add glue around the edge and glue in place, one horn on either side of the eyes.
For the third horn, you'll need either a smaller cardboard cone or the pointed piece that sticks up out of an egg carton, which is what we chose to use… It's all about using what you have. Cut the rounded cone shape out of the egg carton.
Add glue around the bottom edges of the cone, and place it on the edge of the box lid, centered between the eyes.
Lastly, the mouth… Use one of the edges you cut from the cardboard cones for the bottom part of the mouth, glueing the piece in place beneath the lid on the box itself.
Shape one of the egg carton bowls into a beak of sorts with scissors.
Glue the “beak” into place on the edge of the lid itself, beneath the single horn.
Where do the Valentines go?
If you’re using the box as a Valentine box for classroom Valentines, you may want to cut a slit in the top of the lid, so there’s a place for the Valentines to go. We’re using it as more of a treasure or keepsake box, so we didn’t add the slit. You can also just have kids open up the front flap to deposit their Valentine cards.
Do I have to use a shoebox?
You can use any kind of box to create a really unique Valentines box, including a shoebox, cardboard mailbox, tissue box, or cereal box.
Valentine’s Day
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Snow… I am seriously pining for snow right now, as are both my boys — especially Jaden. On a recent, particularly rainy day, I decided to bring the snow indoors, so to speak. Nothing gets me in a wintry mood more than a snowman. And nothing makes Jaden’s heart happier than creating something with Mama. So, we decided to gather all our supplies and make our very own indoor snowman in a Snack Pack® pudding cup. In fact, we made quite a few of the little guys, so much so that we had enough to share with Daddy and Jacob. Crafting + edible ingredients = 1 very happy boy!
Snack Pack® pudding cups
Extra large marshmallows
Large marshmallows
Mini marshmallows
Various chocolate candies (for the hat)
Fruit rope (for the scarf)
Frosting in black and orange (or whatever colors your heart desires)
2 ordinary round cake tips
Instructions for Creating a Snowman in a Pudding Cup
The first step is to remove the lid from each Snack Pack® pudding cup you’ll be using. We used chocolate and butterscotch, mainly because they’re our favorite flavors. Clean the top edge of the pudding cup with a paper towel.
When beginning a snowman, you can use an extra large or large marshmallow for the foundation. I preferred using the extra large on the bottom; but if using a large marshmallow for your first layer, you can surround it with mini marshmallows, both for support and because it can look like snow.
Add a dab of frosting before adding the top marshmallow; the frosting helps things stick and stay together. Then add the marshmallow, pressing onto frosting.
Now for the fun of decorating, and this part is totally up to what you or your kids want to do; after all, there’s no right or wrong way to decorate a snowman. Use hat shaped candies for top hats or stocking caps (you could even use a strawberry for a hat), adding a dab of frosting to the snowman’s head before adding candy pieces. Use black frosting for coal eyes and a smile; orange frosting works well for a carrot nose. Add a scarf, using fruit rope or candy rope, with a dot of frosting to hold the scarf together. Black frosting makes cute little buttons down your snowman’s front. Jaden even added things like earmuffs (with mini marshmallows) and a tie to his snowmen.
When you’re all done, you can add more mini marshmallows around the edge of the pudding cup to make it look like snow piled up. A dab of frosting helps the marshmallows stay put.
The sky’s the limit. It’s really just all about having FUN! As we were making these, Jaden whispered excitedly between bites of sweet, creamy goodness, “This is really fun!”. Isn’t that what it’s all about? Spending time together, just enjoying the moment and making a fun memory that will last a lifetime. Oh and, of course, eating the results of your work when finished. Eating as you go can be quite fun too!
How would you build a snowman in a Snack Pack®? Share your idea in a comment below!
This winter, take a moment to slow down and enjoy a tasty and fun treat with the kids. Snack Pack® comes in a variety of flavors and offers endless mix-in opportunities the kids can help prepare. Each serving of Snack Pack is fortified with as much calcium as an 8-oz glass of milk,* so you can feel good about serving your kids Snack Pack. For mix-in inspiration, visit Snack Pack on Pinterest (pinterest.com/snackpack) and Facebook (facebook.com/SnackPackPudding).
** All Snack Pack products contain 30% DV calcium, with the exception of Bakery Shop Lemon Meringue Pie, Lemon Pudding, and Snack Pack Gels.
We have been baking up a storm, ordering Christmas presents, and thoroughly enjoying the holiday season this year.
Now, I usually make these cookies any time of the year, but when I thought about it, the candies in these cookies really do resemble Christmas lights! So, why not give them a new name… Christmas Light Cookies!
I’ve made these twice in the past week because they’re just that good. My kids gobble them up as fast as they gobble up M&M monster cookies, but they also make great gifts.
Made similarly to my favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies, these cookies are filled with mini milk chocolate candy bits, semi-sweet dark chocolate candy bits, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. They’re made for the chocolate lover in you.
My favorite time to eat them is fresh out of the oven, but as they age, they get even more of a chewy texture to them. I love a chocolaty cookie that’s good and chewy, don’t you? Chewy is best when it comes to any kind of cookie with chocolate chunks in it.
Christmas light cookies are filled with mini milk chocolate M&M's Minis, semi-sweet dark chocolate M&M's, and semi-sweet chocolate chips. They’re made for the chocolate lover in you.
1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter
¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cup brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2¼ cups all-purpose flour (measure before sifting)
½ tsp. baking soda
1 heaping tsp. salt
1/2 bag (6 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips)
1 bag Semi-Sweet Dark Chocolate M&M’s Baking Bits
3/4 bag Milk Chocolate M&M’s Minis Holiday Baking Bits
Pre-heat oven to 375°.
Cream butter and sugars together. It’s up to you whether you use light brown or dark brown sugar, depending on your preferred cookie texture. I prefer light brown because it lends to a more golden, raised cookie with crunchy edges and a chewy, slightly cake-like center.
Add eggs and vanilla, mixing well.
Sift flour, baking soda, and salt.
Add sifted dry ingredients to creamed mixture, mixing well.
Add chocolate chips and chocolate candies, thoroughly mixing into dough.
At this point, nuts are an optional add-in, but I always make without.
Drop by heaping teaspoon onto cookie sheet.
Bake at 375° for 10-11 minutes, or until cookies are lightly golden and done.
Serve and enjoy!
Cookies & Bars
American
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What’s your favorite holiday treat? Share in the comments! I’d love to know your favorite Christmas-y treats and traditions.
Make the yummiest red white and blue popsicles with real food ingredients. No artificial colors, no added sugar, and they’re perfect for the 4th of July!
Summer weather is here to stay, meaning my boys are making frequent trips to the freezer to look for homemade ice cream and freezer pops.
Zeke could practically live on popsicles in the summer, and sometimes we have a hard time limiting him to just one or two, especially on hot, humid, sticky days like we’ve had here lately.
Since the 4th of July is just around the corner, I thought it might be fun to make naturally colored red white blue freeze pops, festive for this patriotic occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s so easy to make; your kids can even help you.
Red white and blue pops only have 3 ingredients!
All the ingredients are real food… No artificial colors, no added sugar… Like with my mandarin peach fruit pops, you can feel good about letting your kids eat these natural freezer pops.
Ingredient Notes
Fresh Berries – We use fresh strawberries and blueberries to make red white and blue ice pops.
Greek Yogurt – While we prefer to use a honey strawberry flavor, you can use any flavor you want.
How to Make Red White and Blue Popsicles
Before you get started, be sure to wash all your berries and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Then you can mix and make by following these steps…
Slice or chop the strawberries and crush with a potato masher.
Mix the strawberries with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and set aside.
Crush the blueberries in a separate bowl.
Mix the blueberries with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and set aside.
For the first (RED) layer, place 1-2 spoonfuls strawberry/yogurt mixture in each freezer pop mold. How many spoonfuls you add to each layer will depend on the size of your freezer pop mold.
For the second (WHITE) layer, add 1-2 spoonfuls of Greek yogurt (no berries) next.
For the third and final (BLUE) layer, add 1-2 spoonfuls blueberry/yogurt mixture.
Add the popsicle sticks and freeze overnight or until frozen through. Then serve and enjoy!
If you try this recipe, why not leave a star rating in the recipe card right below and/or a review in the comment section further down the page? I always appreciate your feedback. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. And subscribe to my email list too!
Red White and Blue Popsicles
How to make the yummiest red white and blue popsicles with real food ingredients. No colors, no added sugar, and perfect for the 4th of July!
Popsicle Molds
Potato Masher
Mixing Bowl
10 large strawberries
1 cup blueberries
1 cup Greek yogurt (your favorite flavor)
Wash all the berries and pat dry.
Slice or chop the strawberries and crush with a potato masher.
Mix the strawberries with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and set aside.
Crush the blueberries in a separate bowl.
Mix the blueberries with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt and set aside.
For the first (RED) layer, place 1-2 spoonfuls strawberry/yogurt mixture in each freezer pop mold. How many spoonfuls you add to each layer will depend on the size of your freezer pop mold.
For the second (WHITE) layer, add 1-2 spoonfuls of Greek yogurt (no berries) next.
For the third and final (BLUE) layer, add 1-2 spoonfuls blueberry/yogurt mixture.
Add the popsicle sticks and freeze overnight or until frozen through. Then serve and enjoy!
Desserts, Frozen Treats
American
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Layered salad… Every family get-together, my aunt would make a 7 layer salad that was so delicious. Everyone looked forward to it, as we’d heap spoonfuls of the creamy deliciousness onto our plates.
This layered salad recipe, that I’m about to share with you, is one way I’ve found to get my youngest to eat his veggies. He can’t get enough of this salad.
While this recipe comes from a family cookbook made for us as a wedding gift, I’m not sure it’s the same recipe my aunt made. It seems a little different but still similar in some ways.
The best thing about this layered salad is that you can add however many types of ingredients you want. You could add boiled eggs, broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, cheese, cucumbers… There’s no end to the amount and types of layers you could add.
Looking for more salad recipes? Here are a few you may enjoy.
Grab the printable recipe below, get creating with your layers, and enjoy!
Layered Salad Recipe
Layered Salad is the perfect salad recipe for family get-togethers, parties, or your next BBQ. Add whatever types of layers you want, including cauliflower, peas, lettuce, bacon, or whatever else your heart desires.
Salad:
1 head iceberg lettuce (chopped)
12 ounces frozen peas (thawed)
1 head cauliflower (chopped)
6 green onions (chopped)
1 pound bacon (cooked, crumbled, and cooled)
Dressing:
1 cup sour cream
1 cup Miracle Whip ((or salad dressing))
1 ounce Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
1/2 cup whole milk
Wash and prep the ingredients.
In a large bowl, layer the vegetables and bacon, making sure all the veggies are dry when you add them.
In a separate mixing bowl or large measuring cup, mix the dressing ingredients, including the sour cream, Miracle Whip, dressing mix, and milk.
Spread the dressing on top of the salad, putting small tablespoons randomly around on top of the salad; then spread out with a spoon or spatula.
Cover with plastic wrap, and chill overnight or all day.
When ready to serve, stir the dressing into the salad, blending well with all the ingredients.
Next assemble your leprechaun house using graham crackers and Decorating Icing.
Now here’s where it was a bit tricky for me in the beginning. Everything I’d read said to use Royal Icing, but I’m just going to be real here… I tried that, and it was horrible. It was horrible! A disaster of epic proportions. I’d bought a box kit, and I’m not sure what happened with it, but it just wasn’t for me. I think it had more to do with me than the icing; I just didn’t have the patience for it. But I was lucky that I actually had backup in the form of Wilton Decorating Icing. It worked great! And there was no mixing or hassle with it.
Once your house is constructed and has had a chance to meld together enough that it’s not going anywhere, it’s time for the fun part… Decorating! This is where all your candies and sprinkles come in.
There really is no set way to decorate a leprechaun house. 
But I do recommend LOADS of rainbow colors, in the form of spice drops (or gum drop candies), M&M’s, Skittles, sprinkles, and more.
Use your Decorating Icing to attach everything to your house.
I found small green apple gummies that I actually cut with scissors to hopefully look more like 4-leaf clovers.
Skittles make a wonderful rainbow path through clouds of mini marshmallows. 
Just be creative and have fun with it! The decorating is especially fun for kids, though they may eat more than they decorate, fair warning.
Happy decorating your very own graham cracker leprechaun house this 
Snow… I am seriously pining for snow right now, as are both my boys — especially Jaden. On a recent, particularly rainy day, I decided to bring the snow indoors, so to speak. Nothing gets me in a wintry mood more than a snowman. And nothing makes Jaden’s heart happier than creating something with Mama. So, we decided to gather all our supplies and make our very own indoor snowman in a Snack Pack® pudding cup. In fact, we made quite a few of the little guys, so much so that we had enough to share with Daddy and Jacob. Crafting + edible ingredients = 1 very happy boy!
Then add the marshmallow, pressing onto frosting.
Use black frosting for coal eyes and a smile; orange frosting works well for a carrot nose. Add a scarf, using fruit rope or candy rope, with a dot of frosting to hold the scarf together. Black frosting makes cute little buttons down your snowman’s front.
Jaden even added things like earmuffs (with mini marshmallows) and a tie to his snowmen.
Isn’t that what it’s all about? Spending time together, just enjoying the moment and making a fun memory that will last a lifetime. Oh and, of course, eating the results of your work when finished. Eating as you go can be quite fun too!
This winter, take a moment to slow down and enjoy a tasty and fun treat with the kids. Snack Pack® comes in a variety of flavors and offers endless mix-in opportunities the kids can help prepare. Each serving of Snack Pack is fortified with as much calcium as an 8-oz glass of milk,* so you can feel good about serving your kids Snack Pack. For mix-in inspiration, visit Snack Pack on Pinterest (
