Tag Archives: Oreos

Cinnamon Bun Cookie Ice Cream

No churn ice cream swirled with cinnamon roll filling and full of cinnamon roll cookie pieces!

No churn ice cream swirled with cinnamon roll filling OMG,

Every time I make a new ice cream flavor, I convince myself that it’s a new favorite and I can’t possibly come up with another that I will enjoy as much. The last batch, which was so good that I actually am not allowed to make it again (I had no self-control whatsoever!), was no different. However, this Cinnamon Bun Cookie Ice Cream is giving all previous ice cream experiences a run for their money!

IN LOVE

Creamy no churn vanilla ice cream is the base. In that, we have cinnamon roll filling (uh, yes!) and chopped chunks of cinnamon bun Oreos (yes, they do exist). Is it me, or were Oreos created soley for being folded into ice cream? My husband might beg to disagree, but I will pile my Oreos into ice cream each and every chance I get!

SONY DSC

I may have shed a small tear when I ate the last bowl of this cinnamon bun ice cream. It was that good, really.

Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream recipe - unbelievable!

 

5.0 from 1 reviews
Cinnamon Bun Cookie Ice Cream
 
No churn ice cream swirled with cinnamon roll filling and full of cinnamon roll cookie pieces!
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: ~1½ quarts
Ingredients
  • 475 milliliters (2 cups) heavy cream
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (I used fat free, but any type would work)
  • 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) vanilla extract
  • 230g (3 cups) roughly chopped cinnamon roll Oreos, roughly chopped (16 cookies)
  • 120g (~1/2 cup tightly packed) light brown sugar
  • 28g (2 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
  • 6g (2 teaspoons) ground cinnamon
Instructions
  1. In the large bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment, beat cream on high speed for several minutes, just until stiff peaks form
  2. While whipping cream, in a separate large bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk and vanilla; stir in Oreos
  3. In a separate small bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter, cinnamon; set aside
  4. Once cream is ready, fold it into sweetened condensed milk mixture
  5. Pour half of ice cream into a regular-sized loaf pan and drop half of brown sugar mixture over top; top with remaining ice cream and top with remaining brown sugar mixture; wrap well with seran wrap or tin foil
  6. Freeze for 6 hours or overnight before serving
Notes
Base from Martha Stewart

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New York Crumb Cake Ice Cream

New York Crumb Cake Ice Cream

Pumpkin Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream

Pumpkin Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream

Gingersnap Peach Crumble Ice Cream

Gingersnap Peach Crumble Ice Cream

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars

Cheesecake bars are an easier but equally delicious way to enjoy cheesecake.

my husband was so excited when I made these cheesecake bars!

To be honest, I’ve barely baked over the last few weeks. Last week I made ice cream (recipe coming soon, it was pretty much the best ever) and a simple Passover dessert, but that was it. Between our week in Florida and every day life chasing L around the apartment, it’s tough to get something into the oven. Plus, I think I’ve subconsciously been taking a break to get extra pumped up to bake for my sister’s upcoming shower.

My very favorite way to eat cheesecake!

So these cheesecake bars are already from about two months ago now. Matt had requested vanilla bean cheesecake at some point and I used the excuse of having friends over for dinner to indulge him. Instead of making a regular cheesecake, though, I decided to keep things simple and make cheesecake bars. For any of you who are nervous to bake cheesecake for the first time, that is the way to go. It’s so much easier!

An incredible dessert recipe!

The vanilla bean cheesecake bars were a huge hit. The Oreo crust was chocolaty and crisp and the filling was ultra creamy with vanilla beans speckled throughout. We each enjoyed more than our fair share of cheesecake because it really was delicious. I might have also eaten a couple pieces too many out of the leftovers the next day.

Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars
 
Cheesecake bars are an easier but equally delicious way to enjoy cheesecake.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 36 small bars
Ingredients
Crust:
  • 250g (2⅓ cups) Oreo cookie crumbs (about 20 cookies)
  • 57g (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
  • 27g (2 tablespoons) granulated sugar
Cheesecake Filling:
  • 454g (2 8-ounce packages) light cream cheese softened at room temperature
  • 370g (1¾ cups) granulated sugar
  • 165g (3 large) whole eggs at room temperature
  • 16g (2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
  • 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
  • The inside of 1 vanilla bean (if leaving this out, replace with 1 tablespoon of additional vanilla extract)
  • ½g (1/8 teaspoon) salt
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees
  2. Line a 13x9 pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray, set aside
Make the crust:
  1. In a medium bowl, stir together cookie crumbs, melted butter and sugar
  2. Press crumb mixture into prepared baking pan; spread evenly using fingers to push down crust and set aside
  3. To make your cheesecake filling, beat cream cheese in mixer until light, creamy and lumps are gone (about 5 minutes)
  4. Add sugar and combine on medium-high speed well until light and creamy
  5. Beat in eggs, one at a time, on medium speed
  6. Mix in flour on medium speed
  7. Add vanilla extract, vanilla bean and salt and beat until mixture is thick and creamy
  8. Pour cheesecake batter over crust and bake for 36-40 minutes or until edges begin to separate from foil and middle bounces slightly when touched
  9. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight
  10. Remove cheesecake from pan and cut into bars
  11. Store in refrigerator and enjoy within five days of baking

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

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Cappuccino Cheesecake Cake Bars

Cappuccino Cheesecake Cake Bars

No Bake Cookie Dough Oreo Cheesecakes

No Bake Cookie Dough Oreo Cheesecakes

Funky Monkey Cheesecake Bars

Funky Monkey Cheesecake Bars

Chocolate Covered Oreos, Three Ways

Chocolate covered Oreos are the best homemade Christmas gift! The three different recipes for this easy no-bake treat are so much fun.

Chocolate covered Oreos make the most delicious gift!

Chocolate covered Oreos aren’t exactly a new thing. I’ve been making them for years and have seen them sold in many candy stores. Usually, though, they are plain milk or dark chocolate. After spotting a variety of flavors at Trader Joe’s (and yes, I know, they aren’t technically “Oreos”), and using lots of self-restraint not to buy the big tin, I decided to make my own. That way, I was able to pick my favorite flavor combinations and control what chocolate I use! Bonus, they make a great treat for gift giving and bringing to holiday parties.

For this post I made three variations of Chocolate Covered Oreos:

  • Milk chocolate with dark chocolate drizzle
  • Peppermint dark chocolate (perfect for Christmas!)
  • Milk chocolate peanut butter (peanut butter IN the chocolate AND topping!)

I finally know what everyon's getting for Christmas this year!

Even though I love baking holiday cookies, it’s nice to change it up once and a while with something that looks extra pretty and fancy (people are always impressed with chocolate dipped  anything). Plus, I can’t bring myself to give someone store-bought food gifts. Sidenote: I actually love when people buy me food gifts. Is that weird?

OMG PEANUT BUTTER chocolate covered Oreos!!!

5.0 from 2 reviews
Chocolate Covered Oreos
 
Milk chocolate covered sandwich cookies drizzled with dark chocolate.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 2 dozen
Ingredients
  • 500g [url:1]good quality milk chocolate[/hturl], in disks or roughly chopped
  • 10g (2 teaspoons) unsalted butter
  • 2 dozen chocolate sandwich cookies
  • 110g good quality dark chocolate, in disks or roughly chopped
Instructions
  1. Place milk chocolate and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl; melt by microwaving in 30-second increments and stirring vigorously in-between; continue until melted and smooth
  2. Use two forks to dip cookies into melted chocolate
  3. Place dark chocolate in a small microwave-safe bowl; melt by microwaving in 30-second increments and stirring vigorously in-between; continue until melted and smooth
  4. Drizzle dark chocolate over cookies
  5. Chill in refrigerator for one hour or until ready to serve or package; best kept in a cool dry place but will stay nice longer in refrigerator

5.0 from 2 reviews
Peanut Butter Chocolate Covered Oreos
 
Chocolate sandwich cookies coated in a peanut butter milk chocolate shell and topped with peanut butter chips.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 2 dozen
Ingredients
  • 460g good quality milk chocolate, in disks or roughly chopped
  • 40g (2 tablespoons) creamy peanut butter (do not use natural)
  • 2 dozen chocolate sandwich cookies
  • 80g (1/2 cup) peanut butter chips, roughly chopped
Instructions
  1. Place milk chocolate and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl; melt by microwaving in 30-second increments and stirring vigorously in-between; continue until melted and smooth
  2. Use two forks to dip cookies into melted chocolate; immediately sprinkle with peanut butter chips
  3. Chill in refrigerator for one hour or until ready to serve or package; best kept in a cool dry place but will stay nice longer in refrigerator

 
5.0 from 2 reviews
Peppermint Dark Chocolate Covered Oreos
 
Peppermint chocolate covered sandwich cookies are perfect for Christmas.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 2 dozen
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Place dark chocolate and butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl; melt by microwaving in 30-second increments and stirring vigorously in-between; continue until melted and smooth; stir in peppermint extract
  2. Use two forks to dip cookies into melted chocolate; immediately sprinkle with peppermint baking pieces
  3. Chill in refrigerator for one hour or until ready to serve or package; best kept in a cool dry place but will stay nice longer in refrigerator

 

Everyone LOVES chocolate covered Oreos

Happy Hanukkah!!

This post contains affiliate links.

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

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Peanut Butter Caramel Candy Cups

Peanut Butter Caramel Candy Cups

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Peppermint Mocha Truffles

Pumpkin Cookie Ice Cream

Creamy pumpkin ice cream with huge chunks of pumpkin sandwich cookies. You don’t need an ice cream maker for this fun fall treat!

Super creamy pumpkin ice cream with cookie chunks!

The other week I picked up a bunch of fun fall treats from Trader Joe’s and Target. When I got home, I set them on my counter and said, “inspire me”.

And while this move usually works pretty well with me, I ended up with a million ideas that just didn’t seem interesting enough. But then I thought, what do I always like to make and eat? Ice cream, obviously. And thanks to a few big can’s of pumpkin and some pumpkin sandwich cookies (you can find Oreo and Trader Joe’s versions), a new no churn ice cream was born.

HOMEMADE Pumpkin Cookie Ice Cream! No churn!!!

This no churn ice cream recipe is so easy to make (as usual). It starts with the typical whipped cream and sweetened condensed milk combo but is enhanced with canned, pumpkin, a couple of different spices and huge chunks of cookies. Fall ice cream for the win! And if you are smart, you might just stock up on your pumpkin sandwich cookies so you can make this all year round.

HOMEMADE Pumpkin Cookie Ice Cream!

And just so you know, some things I bake for the blog and give away or use for entertaining. This ice cream? I ate the whole batch myself. I’m not sure if that should be embarrassing or not.

Pumpkin Cookie Ice Cream
 
Super creamy pumpkin ice cream filled with pumpkin sandwich cookies. No ice cream maker needed for this recipe!
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: ~2 quarts
Ingredients
  • 475 milliliters (2 cups) heavy cream
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (I used fat free, but any type would work)
  • 160g (2/3 cup) canned pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
  • 10 milliliters (2 teaspoons) vanilla extract
  • 2g (3/4 teaspoon) ground cinnamon
  • ½g (1/4 teaspoon) ground nutmeg
  • 218g (~2 cups) chopped pumpkin sandwich cookies (14 cookies)
Instructions
  1. In the large bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment, beat cream on high speed for several minutes, just until stiff peaks form
  2. While whipping cream, in a separate large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, pumpkin, vanilla, cinnamon and nutmeg
  3. Once cream is ready, fold it into sweetened condensed milk mixture; stir in cookies
  4. Pour ice cream into a regular-sized loaf pan; wrap well with seran wrap or tin foil
  5. Freeze for 10 hours or overnight before serving
Notes
Base from Martha Stewart

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

This post contains affiliate links.

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Pumpkin Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream

Pumpkin Cinnamon Bun Ice Cream

Pumpkin & Ginger Ice Cream Sandwich Cookie Cake

Pumpkin & Ginger Ice Cream Sandwich Cookie Cake

 

Oreo Pound Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing

Rich and ultra delicious oreo pound cake layered with luscious chocolate cream cheese icing.

Oreo Pound Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing <- want for my next birthday!

When you are a dessert blogger AND have run your own bakery, the expectations for birthday desserts are exponential. Not only that, but I always want to top the previous year’s birthday dessert with something new and better. Combine that with the fact that Matt actually baked for my birthday this year and last, his birthday dessert had to be pretty epic.

Holy CAKE - Oreo Pound Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing

Luckily, this cake is epic. I took an always successful cream cheese pound cake and loaded it up with oreos and baked it in layers to make way for some extra perfect chocolate cream cheese icing. This cake is no joke. The amount of butter and cream cheese used is pretty shameful, but it is completely worth it. In fact, Matt wouldn’t even share the leftovers with anyone (except me, phew!) and my father-in-law requested a re-make for his birthday as well.

Oreo Pound Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing - now everyone requests this cake!

I promise, if you bake this it will not disappoint!

EPIC Oreo Pound Cake!

Oreo Pound Cake with Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing
 
Rich and ultra delicious oreo pound cake layered with luscious chocolate cream cheese icing.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 12-16 servings
Ingredients
Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Pound Cake
  • 340g (1½ cups) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 227g (1 8-ounce block regular or light cream cheese)
  • 640g (~3 cups) granulated sugar
  • 330g (6 whole large) eggs at room temperature
  • 325g (~3 cups) cake flour, sifted
  • 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
  • The inside of 1 vanilla bean
  • 1g (1/4 teaspoon) salt
  • 127g (~1½ cups) chopped regular Oreos (from 10 cookies)
Chocolate Cream Cheese Icing
  • 227g (1 8-ounce block) regular or light cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 227g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 480g (3 cups) powdered sugar
  • 75g (3/4 cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the cake:
  1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees; grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans; line bottoms of pans with parchment paper and grease and flour the parchment paper; set aside
  2. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and cream cheese on medium-high speed until light and creamy; add sugar and beat mixture until light and fluffy; scrape the sides of the bowl
  3. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing on medium speed between each one until incorporated; mix in vanilla bean and extract on medium speed until combined and then scrape the sides of the bowl
  4. With mixer on low, slowly add the flour and the salt just until combined; do not overmix
  5. Remove bowl from mixer and fold in Oreos
  6. Pour batter into prepared baking pans and bake 40-50 minutes or until a knife comes out clean from center of each layer; edges will brown slightly; do not overbake
  7. Set aside cake to cool and prepare icing
Make the icing:
  1. Beat cream cheese on high speed with an electric mixer until smooth
  2. Add butter and beat until light and creamy; scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula and beat for another minute
  3. Add cocoa powder and mix on low speed until combined
  4. Add half of the powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined
  5. Add remaining powdered sugar and vanilla and mix on low speed until combined; scrape the sides of the bowl again and beat on high speed until icing is light and fluffy
Notes
Cake very slightly adapted from Brown Eyed Baker

 

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

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The most amazing oreo birthday cake!

Sublime Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pie

This no-bake ice cream pie is the ultimate summer dessert! Oreo crust, peanut butter ripple ice cream, tons of peanut butter cups and whipped cream!

SUBLIME Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pie!!!
This dessert wavers back and forth between hot mess and best thing ever. I’m going with best thing ever.

This ice cream I shared with you? It was already pretty heavenly but I just had to take it even further. All my life I’ve been a pretty big ice cream pie fanatic (as a kid I used to get one every year for my birthday from Baskin Robbins). It makes sense. You usually start with an Oreo crust (always, always good) and then load it up with your favorite ice cream. Here I decided a full pound of peanut butter cups should be used as well, because why not? Make this dessert when you are having some friends over for a barbeque because it’s something worth sharing. Just know that it may be a little messy to cut. Call it “homey” if you will.

SUBLIME Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pie!!!

Sublime Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream Pie
 
This no-bake ice cream pie is the ultimate summer dessert! Oreo crust, peanut butter ripple ice cream, tons of peanut butter cups and whipped cream!
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 12 servings
Ingredients
  • 285g (~2¼ cups / 25 cookies) finely crushed Oreos
  • 71g (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 Recipe for Peanut Butter Ripple Chocolate Ice Cream
  • 454g (~3 ½ cups) chopped peanut butter cups (from about 22 large)
  • 2 cups Stabilized Whipped Cream (recipe here)
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine Oreo crumbs and melted butter; press mixture down evenly into the bottom of a spring form pan; chill in refrigerator for thirty minutes
  2. A few minutes before crust is ready to fill, take ice cream out of freezer to soften slightly
  3. Carefully spread half of ice cream over crust; top with chopped peanut butter cups
  4. Cover pan with foil and freeze; make stabilized whipped cream
  5. Spread whipped cream over peanut butter cup layer and place pie back in freezer for at least one hour or until ready to serve

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

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Chocolate Pound Cake with Peanut Butter Whipped Cream

Chocolate Pound Cake with Peanut Butter Whipped Cream

Peanut Butter Caramel Candy Cups

Peanut Butter Caramel Candy Cups

Peanut Butter Cup Heath Bar Brown Butter Cookies

Peanut Butter Cup Heath Bar Brown Butter Cookies

Super Fun Cookies (aka Oreo, Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Chunk Cookies)

Cookies loaded with chunks of Oreos, Peanut Butter Cups and dark chocolate!

Super Fun Cookies... Cookies loaded with chunks of Oreos, Peanut Butter Cups and dark chocolate!

Sometimes you just need a cookie full of fun things.  For this version, I loaded up my favorite cookie dough with chunks of chocolate, peanut butter cups and chopped Oreos.  How could it not be love at first bite?

Super Fun Cookies (aka Oreo, Peanut Butter Cup, Chocolate Chunk Cookies)
 
Cookies loaded with chunks of Oreos, Peanut Butter Cups and dark chocolate!
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 3-3½ dozen large cookies
Ingredients
  • 525g (~4 cups) all-purpose flour
  • 5g (1 teaspoon) baking soda
  • 15g (3 teaspoons) salt
  • 340g /12 ounces (1½ cups / 3 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
  • 470g (~2 cups packed) light brown sugar
  • 213g (~1 cup) granulated sugar
  • 44 milliliters / 3 tablespoons vanilla extract
  • 150g (~3 large) whole eggs eggs
  • 160g / 5⅝ ounces (~3/4 cup) dark or semi-sweet chocolate chunks
  • 200g (~1 cup) chopped peanut Butter cups
  • 112g (~1½ cups) chopped Oreos
Instructions
  1. :
  2. In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda and salt; set aside
  3. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and sugars on medium-high speed for a few minutes until well-combined
  4. Beat in eggs and vanilla on medium speed until a mixture is a lighter creamy color
  5. On low speed, stir in flour mixture
  6. Stir in chips
  7. Chill rough in refrigerator for 24-72 hours (I find 48 hours+ to be best!)
  8. When ready to bake, pre-heat oven to 325 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper
  9. Scoop cookie dough with large cookie dough scoop (~3 tablespoons) onto prepared baking sheets (note it is normal for cookie dough to be very hard, you can dip your scoop in hot water to make it easier to scoop)
  10. Bake cookies 17-19 minutes or until centers appear set and they are brown around the edges

Super Fun Cookies... Cookies loaded with chunks of Oreos, Peanut Butter Cups and dark chocolate!

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

3-Layer Cookies ‘n Cream Cake

Chocolate and vanilla bean cake layers slathered in cookies ‘n cream frosting

3-Layer Cookies ‘n Cream Cake- chocolate and vanilla bean cake with cookies n cream buttercream!

Year after year there seems to be more pressure when it comes to birthday cakes.  I always want to outdo the previous year’s dessert but at the same time, I need to bake something true to what the birthday girl or boy loves.  In the case of Matt’s birthday I’ve previously made Oreo Cream Cheese Brownies (those photos, OUCH) and this M&M Kit Kat Cake (I know there are others but somehow they aren’t on the blog??).  This year I wanted to do a real cake again, but I went with his love of Oreos and vanilla bean and let those two things shine.

Cookies ‘n Cream Cake- 3 amazing layers of deliciousness

This sweet treat is built with two layers of fluffy vanilla bean cake (Matt LOVED it), one layer of dark chocolate cake, and lots and lots of cookies ‘n cream buttercream.  The extra Oreos used for decorating were great for an eye appeal but also added a nice textural component to a few bites of each slice.  Since it was a birthday cake I didn’t get any glamour slice photos, but you can see another picture of the inside here.

Matt Bday Cake

 

3-Layer Cookies 'n Cream Cake
 
Chocolate and vanilla bean cake layers slathered in cookies ‘n cream frosting
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 12 servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Prepare vanilla bean cake and dark chocolate cake as directed and set aside layers to cool
  2. Once cake layers are cooled, prepare buttercream
  3. Place one layer of vanilla cake down on desired cake plate and top with about [ ] cup buttercream and spread evenly
  4. Place chocolate cake layer down carefully and repeat layer of frosting
  5. Top that layer with second vanilla cake layer and cover cake with remaining buttercream; decorate with additional Oreos as desired
Notes
Store cake in refrigerator and serve at room temperature; best eaten within one day of frosting (will be good up to three days)

 
3-Layer Cookies 'n Cream Cake
 
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Ingredients
  • 340 grams / 12 ounces (1½ cups / 3 sticks) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 227 grams / 8 ounces regular or light cream cheese
  • 160 grams / 1 pound 7 ounces (~5 cups) powdered sugar
  • 15 milliliters / 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 50 grams / 1¾ ounces (~1/2 cup) finely ground Oreo crumbs (~6 cookies) PLUS additional cookies for decorating
Instructions
  1. Beat butter and cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment on high speed for several minutes until butter is light and creamy
  2. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined; add remaining powdered sugar and vanilla and increase speed of mixer to high and beat until frosting is light and fluffy
  3. Stir in Oreo crumbs until evenly distributed

Cookies ‘n Cream Cake- 3 amazing layers (chocolate, vanilla bean and cookies n cream buttercream!)

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

Amazing Cookies n Cream Layer Cake

 

No Churn Oreo Fudge Swirl Ice Cream

This easy no-churn Vanilla bean ice cream is full of Oreo chunks and a delicious ribbon of fudge.

No Churn Oreo Fudge Swirl Ice Cream - vanilla beam ice cream, loaded with oreos and homemade fudge

Other than the part where my tripod fell over and knocked my camera directly into the ice cream, I loved this.  After a slight moment of panic, I gently wiped the mess off of my lens and then used some windex on a soft cloth.  Phew!  So even though I’m not completely thrilled with the resulting photos, I think they will suffice because this ice cream is so good it shouldn’t even matter what it looks like.  Besides, I couldn’t wait another 24 hours for a new photo shoot, this ice cream needed to be eaten (Matt could barely wait the first night for the freezing process!).

No Churn Oreo Fudge Swirl Ice Cream - make it easily without an ice cream maker!

This has officially become the summer of “how much ice cream can I possibly eat?”  This is only the third ice cream I’ve made, but I’ve been enjoying my fair share of store bought and specialty shop ice creams as well.  And I don’t know if there will be an official ice cream tour this summer, but I do have a few new places that I’m dying to try.  So between the collection of other flavors floating through my head and all of the above, this summer is already one of my favorites.  <—– I wonder how I’ll feel about that statement at the end of Summer when I’m 8 months pregnant and huge.

Anyway, I digress, back to this  Oreo Fudge Swirl Ice Cream.  Matt had originally requested Cookies and Cream, but I didn’t want to do an old standard, hence the addition of a fudge ripple.  It is just enough to really satisfy a chocolate craving but doesn’t take over the entire ice cream flavor.  That’s a very good thing because the vanilla base is vanilla bean all the way.  Those two factors plus the big Oreo cookie chunks… this is an ice cream that is worth waiting for (even if six hours does feel forever).

No Churn Oreo Fudge Swirl Ice Cream - no ice cream maker needed, one of the best flavors ever

No Churn Oreo Fudge Swirl Ice Cream
 
This easy no-churn Vanilla bean ice cream is full of Oreo chunks and a delicious ribbon of fudge.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: ~1½ quarts
Ingredients
  • 475 milliliters ( 2 cups) heavy cream
  • 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk (I used fat free, but any type would work)
  • Inside of one vanilla bean
  • 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) vanilla extract
  • 110g (~1 cup) roughly chopped Oreos (about 10 cookies)
  • 1 recipe for fudge ripple, chilled (see below)
Instructions
  1. In the large bowl of an electric mixer with whisk attachment, beat cream on high speed for several minutes, just until stiff peaks form
  2. While whipping cream, in a separate large bowl, stir together sweetened condensed milk, vanilla bean, vanilla extract and Oreos
  3. Once cream is ready, fold it into sweetened condensed milk mixture
  4. Pour half of ice cream into a regular-sized loaf pan; drizzle with half of fudge ripple and carefully use a knife to cut through the fudge for a light swirl effect; repeat with remaining ice cream mixture and fudge ripple
  5. Wrap well with seran warp or tin foil and freeze for 6 hours or overnight
Notes
Base from Martha Stewart

Fudge Ripple
 
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: ½ cup
Ingredients
  • 50g (~1/4 cup) granulated sugar
  • 40 milliliters (2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons) light corn syrup
  • 60 milliliters (1/4 cup) water
  • 25g (~1/4 cup) unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa
  • 1 milliliter (1/4 teaspoon) vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, whisk together sugar, corn syrup, water and cocoa powder; whisk constantly until mixture comes to a low boil
  2. Cook for one additional minute, still whisking and then remove from heat
  3. Stir in vanilla
  4. Chill in refrigerator for at least one hour or until ready to use (up to two weeks)
Notes

 

Oreo Fudge Swirl Ice Cream - you don't even need an ice cream maker!!

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it onInstagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

This post contains affiliate links.

Mint Cookies and Cream Buttercream Cups

Rich dark chocolate candy cups filled with crème de menthe buttercream and crushed oreos.

Mint Cookies and Cream Buttercream Cups

I’m not feeling all that great today so I’m going to keep this short.  These candy cups will kind of win over anyone who loves a little 2-bite treat.  My mom, while a buttercream lover, isn’t usually a fan of mint desserts and loved these.  I’m currently coming up with many excuses to make other versions and flavors.

Mint Cookies and Cream Buttercream Cups

Plus, I actually had some extra buttercream in the freezer so these were super easy to make.  Plus they are cute.  Plus you can pop one in your mouth whenever you have a sweet tooth.  Plus they are killer for chocolate cravings.

Mint Cookies and Cream Buttercream Cups

Mint Cookies and Cream Buttercream Cups
 
Rich dark chocolate candy cups filled with crème de menthe buttercream and crushed oreos.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 12 candy cups
Ingredients
  • 227 ounces good quality dark chocolate (I used 72%), roughly chopped
  • 7g (1/2 tablespoon) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup Crème de Menthe Buttercream
  • ¾ cup finely crushed Oreos (from 6 Oreos)
Instructions
  1. Line a mini muffin pan with 12 tin foil cupcake wrappers and set aside
  2. Place chocolate and butter in a medium microwave safe bowl; melt by microwaving the chocolate and butter in 30-second increments and stirring in-between
  3. Use a teaspoon to coat the bottom of each cup with melted chocolate; place muffin pan in fridge
  4. Combine buttercream with Oreo crumbs in an electric mixer with paddle attachment or with a spoon
  5. Remove pan from fridge and pipe buttercream into center of each cup (about 1 tablespoon)
  6. Spoon melted chocolate over buttercream and around edges so that coated on all sides
  7. Chill for one hour in refrigerator before serving; store in refrigerator up to one week

 

Mint Cookies and Cream Buttercream Cups

 

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

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No-Bake Cookie Dough Oreo Cheesecakes

Individual no-bake cheesecakes full of edible cookie dough chunks and sitting on top of a cookie dough Oreo crust

No-Bake Cookie Dough Oreo Cheesecakes

I don’t have a lot of pictures for you today (this dessert was not photogenic, but it was tasty!) and I am having major writer’s block.  I’ll just blame the winter, it seems to be the cause of most problems lately.

I’ll tell you this much, though, these mini cheesecakes are pretty fantastic.  Maybe I would put them in a parfait form next time just to make them a little prettier.  I do have some extra cookie dough in my freezer so that might not be the worst idea…

No-Bake Cookie Dough Oreo Cheesecakes

 

No-Bake Cookie Dough Oreo Cheesecakes
 
Individual no-bake cheesecakes full of edible cookie dough chunks and sitting on top of a cookie dough Oreo crust
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 12 mini cheesecakes
Ingredients
  • ½ batch Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Balls (see below)
  • 12 Cookie Dough Oreos
  • 454g (2 8-ounce packages) cream cheese (light or regular), at room temperature
  • 177 milliliters (3/4 cup) sweetened condensed milk (fat free is okay)
  • 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners; place a an Oreo on the bottom of each
  2. Make cheesecake filling; in the large bowl of an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat cream cheese for several minutes until smooth and creamy
  3. Add sweetened condensed milk and vanilla; mix until combined
  4. Remove bowl from mixer and use a spatula to fold in cookie dough balls
  5. Use a ladle or large cookie dough scoop to distribute filling over each Oreo
  6. Cover with seran wrap and chill in overnight
Notes
Enjoy within one week
Cheesecakes might be a little messy, just be careful when you unwrap them

 
No-Bake Cookie Dough Oreo Cheesecakes
 
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Ingredients
  • 113g (1/2 cup / 1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 117g (~1/2 cup) light brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 53g (~1/4 cup) granulated sugar
  • 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) milk
  • 130g (~1 cup) all-purpose flour
  • 1g (1/4 teaspoon) table salt
  • 65g (~1/3 cup) mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy; stir in milk
  2. Gradually stir in flour and salt just until combined
  3. Stir in chocolate chips
  4. Use a teaspoon to scoop dough and roll into balls (1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon in size); Place in an airtight container and chill in freezer until ready for use

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Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

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Salted Caramel Oreo Bars

These sweet and salty dessert bars are packed with an Oreo crust, chocolate, pretzels and salted caramel.  You won’t believe how easy these are to make.

Salted Caramel Oreo Bars

Of all the salted caramel recipes I’ve made, these are by far the most dangerous.

The first time I made them, Matt joked about how ugly they were and then we proceeded to devour the pan…. warm with ice cream.

Salted Caramel Oreo Bars

But a few days later, after they had disappeared, I decided that I simply must make them again because it just wouldn’t be fair to you if I didn’t share the recipe.  Let’s not talk about how much of both batches I inhaled.  Sweet and salty recipes just do it for me.

Salted Caramel Oreo Bars

When I decided that January was going to be Salted Caramel Month, I wanted to make some spin on the ever famous Seven Layer Bars / Magic bars / Hello Dolly Bars.  These are quite different from that but conceptually the building blocks are the same.  Oreos instead of graham crackers, salted caramel instead of sweetened condensed milk, chocolate chips and pretzel pieces to replace the other toppings you may be used to (you know how I feel about coconut… just no).  Once you have your caramel, they are super easy to put together… and just as easy to eat!

Salted Caramel Oreo Bars
 
These sweet and salty dessert bars are packed with an Oreo crust, chocolate, pretzels and salted caramel. You won’t believe how easy these are to make.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 9-12 servings
Ingredients
  • 8 ounces (~2 cups / 20 cookies) finely crushed Oreos
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8½ ounces (~1¼) cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 ounces (~1½ cups) salted pretzel pieces
  • 1 cup salted caramel
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees; spray a 9x9 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside
  2. In a medium bowl, combine Oreo crumbs and melted butter; press mixture down evenly into prepared baking dish
  3. Pour about half of chocolate chips over crust
  4. Combine pretzel pieces and salted caramel, pour mixture over chocolate chip layer
  5. Pour remaining chocolate chips over top of bars
  6. Bake for about 25 minutes or until caramel is bubbling around edges and bars appear set
  7. Allow to cool before slicing
  8. Store leftover bars covered at room temperature up to four days

 

Salted Caramel Oreo Bars

Salted Caramel Oreo Bars that are SUPER easy to make!!

 

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it on Instagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

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Mini Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcakes

Mini Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcakes

Well, I’m pretty much at that point before vacation where I’m in a little bit of denial about how much I need to do beforehand.  Lots and lots and lots of cookies need to be made and my head is already in a world where the sun is shining and I have a tequila infused cocktail on my hand.

Mini Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcakes

Never mind that I am freaking out a little bit about being away from the kitchen for a week, no biggie.  I’ll just keep pushing that worry to a place in the far corner of my brain!  Who needs stress and anxiety when I can get excited about hiking, beaches, tacos and the sun.  We are heading west for a glorious 7 days in San Diego and I couldn’t be more excited.  While the rest of the world relaxed during Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years, my vacation time is now revolving around Hallmark holidays.  I hoped/am hoping that saving my days off for after Valentine’s Day proves to be a good move.

Mini Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcakes

My lists of places to visit and explore and places to eat is nice and long thanks to the help of Krissy and Kathy, but if you have anything to add to the list, all suggestions are welcome!  I’ve only been to San Diego once for a couple of days as a teenager and Matt has never been.  Good thing we are very good at packing copious amounts of eating into our trips!

Mini Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcakes

But before I go, I couldn’t leave without sharing a sweet recipe with you.  Mini cupcakes are one of my favorite treats because the ratio of buttercream to cake is just so much better than the regular sized version, and mini means you can eat many of them, right?  The bonus? This Cookies ‘n Cream cupcake was a serious hit and my husband, who has recently been deemed the “Oreo expert” of our apartment, gave them firm approval.

Mini Cookies &lsquo;n Cream Cupcakes
 
Mini cupcakes full of Oreos in the cake AND the buttercream.
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Makes: 24 mini cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcakes:
  • 5¾ ounces (~1 cup plus 2 tablespoons) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1¼ teaspoon baking powder
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 5⅝ ounces (~3/4 cup) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs (or 1 x-large egg plus 1 yolk) at room temperature
  • ½ tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 ounces (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup vegetable oil
  • ½ cup milk at room temperature (I used skim)
  • ½ cup cup roughly chopped or broken Oreos (~4 cookies)
Buttercream:
  • 6 ounces (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 4 ounces regular or light cream cheese
  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup finely ground Oreo crumbs (~3 cookies)
Instructions
Cupcakes:
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
  2. Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners or grease the cups with butter or non-stick cooking spray; set aside
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder and salt; set aside
  4. In the large bowl of an electric mixer, beat the sugar, eggs and vanilla on high speed for about 3 minutes or until mixture is well combined and thick
  5. Add butter and oil and beat on high until well combined; scrape sides of the bowl with a spatula and mix for another minute
  6. Reduce the speed to low and add ⅓ of the dry ingredients and then ½ milk; add another ⅓ of dry ingredients and remaining milk; add remaining dry ingredients and remove from mixer immediately
  7. Use a spatula to incorporate any dry ingredients that have are not fully combined; distribute batter evenly among cupcake cups with a ladle or ice cream scoop
  8. Bake in center of oven for 12-16 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean
  9. Allow cupcakes to cool for several minutes and then remove from tin and place on cooling rack; set aside and prepare buttercream
Buttercream:
  1. Beat butter and cream cheese in the bowl of an electric mixer with the paddle attachment on high speed for several minutes until butter is light and creamy
  2. Add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix on low speed until combined; add remaining powdered sugar and vanilla and increase speed of mixer to high and beat until frosting is light and fluffy
  3. Stir in Oreo crumbs until evenly distributed
  4. Pipe or spread onto cooled cupcakes as desired
Notes
Yellow Cupcakes from Food and Wine

 
Mini Cookies ‘n Cream Cupcakes

Make something from the blog? Be sure to share it onInstagram with the tag #KeepItSweetDesserts.

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Oreo Crusted Brownie Pie with Cream Cheese Icing

First of all, thank you for the amazing notes of support regarding my news!  I am still overwhelmed by the feedback.  Now onto deliciousness:-)

Oreo Crusted Brownie Pie with Cream Cheese Icing

I dreamt up this dessert a few weeks before I finally had the chance to make it.  Really I just thought about a few things I really like: Oreo crust- always good; Fudgy brownie- one of my ultimate weaknesses; Cream cheese icing- a pretty regular craving.

Oreo Crusted Brownie Pie with Cream Cheese Icing

So why not put them all together but in a pie shape instead of a bar?  Pie = big slices = win.

Oreo Crusted Brownie Pie with Cream Cheese Icing

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention that Matt officially proclaimed this the “Best.Dessert.Ever.”  He actually told me not to make the chocolate soufflés I had planned for our belated Valentine’s dinner because he just wanted to eat more of this pie.  For a man who orders the chocolate soufflé every time he sees it on a menu, those are some bold instructions.

Oreo Crusted Brownie Pie with Cream Cheese Icing

So head over to Fox for the recipe and make it today.  You may or may not want to double the recipe- one pie for you, one to share.

Chewy No-Bake “Thin Mint” Bars

Chewy No-Bake “Thin Mint” Bars

Sometimes I have a million recipe ideas going through my head at a time and can’t get into the kitchen fast enough.

And sometimes I have baker’s block.

Chewy No-Bake “Thin Mint” Bars

Every cookie or brownie variation will feel overdone and the creative section of my brain goes into freeze mode.

Sometimes I really get stuck and just need a day or two out of the kitchen, and sometimes all I need is a visit down unused ingredients lane.

Chewy No-Bake “Thin Mint” Bars

Half a bag of marshmallows that are living on the edge of stale? Check.  An open package of Oreos that I need to bake with before Matt eats the last sleeve? Got that.   A half-used package of chocolate mint candies that was hidden in the back of the drawer for months? Don’t mind if I do.  Oh yeah, and butter.  I always have butter.

Chewy No-Bake “Thin Mint” Bars

I’m so glad I took advantage of what I had on hand because these bars came together quickly, with minimal dish washing and no oven time.  Sometimes the best baking is no baking at all!  Especially when the end result tastes like a Thin Mint.

Take that Girl Scouts.

Head over to Fox to get the recipe for my Chewy No-Bake “Thin Mint” Bars!

Cookies ‘n Cream Double Chocolate Cookies

Cookies n Cream Double Chocolate Cookies 8

I’ve really been enjoying the Cookies ‘n Cream Almond Butter Spread I made a few weeks ago.  It isn’t the typical nut butter consistency so really the easiest way to eat it is on a spoon.  I have no problem with that!

Cookies n Cream Double Chocolate Cookies 17

But since it is more of a dessert spread, I thought it deserved to be incorporated into an actual dessert!  Chocolaty cookies perhaps?  I used the basics of my favorite chewy chocolate cookie recipe and used the thumbprint method to top the cookies off with the cookie spread filling.  There are also white chocolate chips in the batter to compliment the cookies ‘n cream and add some extra texture.

Cookies n Cream Double Chocolate Cookies 21

Don’t worry if they are a little crumbly as you are setting them up, just tightly pack the filling and they will bake together nicely!

Cookies n Cream Double Chocolate Cookies 51

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Cookies ‘n Cream Double Chocolate Cookies

Makes ~4 dozen cookies

Ingredients:

¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

Dash of salt

1 ¼ cup unsalted butter (2 ½ stick) softened at room temperature

2 cups granulated Sugar

2 large eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup white chocolate chips

1 cup Cookies ‘n Cream Almond Butter Spread

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 375

Whisk together the dry ingredients, except for sugar, and set aside

Cream butter and sugar

Beat in the eggs and vanilla

Gradually add your dry ingredients with mixer on low until well-combined

Stir in white chocolate chips

Drop dough in heaping tablespoons on baking sheets lined with parchment paper about 2 inches apart

Press down with thumb into cookie dough mounds to make a thumbprint

Place a tightly packed teaspoon of almond butter spread into each thumbprint

Bake at 375 for 10 minutes or until cookies are slightly puffy and firm

Let cool on cooling rack

Cookie dough recipe from HERSHEY’s

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Cookies n Cream Double Chocolate Cookies 35

What did you think of the latest blog party? Are you submitting a pumpkin post?

Cookies ‘n Cream Almond Butter Spread

Cookies n Cream Almond Butter Spread 13

I like to have a variety of nut butters available to eat at any given time.  As of last night, there were six open jars in my kitchen.  I’m not going  to tell you how many unopened jars are in the cabinets.  Let’s just say that I invest in peanut butter like some people invest in the stock market.  At the rate the market is going these days, I think I’m the smart one.

Cookies n Cream Almond Butter Spread 14

Some time between last night and this morning, I decided that six jars of nut butter just weren’t going to cut it.  Time to make a new one!  And of course a dessert-y nut butter would be appropriate.

Cookies n Cream Almond Butter Spread 16

Have you ever dipped an Oreo into peanut butter?  No?  Okay, go try it, now.  And then buy bigger pants.  Have you ever dipped an Oreo into almond butter? I hadn’t either, but it seemed like a good idea.  It seemed like an even better idea to merge the two foods though.  Oreo cookies in my almond butter? That’s right.

Cookies n Cream Almond Butter Spread 5

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Cookies ‘n Cream Almond Butter Spread

Yield: Makes ~1 cup or 16 tablespoons

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups roasted salted almonds
  • 1 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons almond milk
  • 2 Oreos (can use gluten-free)

Cooking Directions

  1. Grind almonds in food processor until creamy, stopping to scrape the sides every minute or so
  2. Once creamy and wet, add vanilla and almond milk
  3. Blend until completely combined
  4. Add Oreos and blend for another minute
  5. Store in a jar or tupperware in refrigerator up to 10 days

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Cookies n Cream Almond Butter Spread 18

A couple off topic items:

Jackie from La Casa de Sweets organized a way for all of us to help raise money in Africa to help with the food crisis.  Click here to help.

Steve’s race is this weekend!  Help him get to his new goal of $10,000 and raise money for cancer research!!

We are getting closer to the sweet and salty blog party.  Email me to include your recipes (up to two per person)!  keepitsweetlcl at gmail dot com.

How many jars of nut butter do you have on hand?

Frozen Mocha Brownie Torte

Frozen Mocha Brownie Torte 10

So what did you think of the Peanut Butter Party? A few people suggested having a weekly party with different themes and I’m considering it. Let me know if that is something you’d like to see!

Frozen Mocha Brownie Torte 25

This past weekend was the first weekend all summer we didn’t travel anywhere. Matt and I just recently started house hunting* and needed a full Saturday to explore some new areas and get a better understanding of our options. It is scary and exciting at the same time. I can’t help but get enthusiastic when we see places that have more than double the square footage of our current home, a gorgeous kitchen and lots of natural light. The thing is, it’s kind of like registering for wedding gifts. A few days after we registered, Matt went looking in the kitchen for our new knives. I had to remind them that we wouldn’t have them until someone bought them for us. That hope for instant gratification gives the process some extra emotional ups and downs. I know we need to take our time and closing on a home isn’t a 24-hour event.

*By house hunting I mean 2-bedroom apartment hunting. Hey, one can dream:-)

Frozen Mocha Brownie Torte 4

Luckily, when it comes to dessert, there is instant satisfaction. After the long day in the real estate jungle, all I wanted was some summer comfort food. I try to steer clear of stress eating, but sometimes you just need a carton of ice cream some chocolate.  That night, I was happy to find some of this Frozen Mocha Brownie Torte still in my freezer.

Frozen Mocha Brownie Torte 12

I created this dessert because I wanted something chocolaty and decadent but still light enough to enjoy during summer.  The coffee I used was a sample from Godiva that I received through the Foodbuzz Tastemaker program.  (I was actually pretty excited about this because I’ve been drinking their new Chocolate Truffle flavor in iced coffee form every morning.  If you like coffee and you like chocolate, it is a winner!)  The fudgy layer of brownie is topped with a mocha mousse filling, a layer of chopped Oreos and whipped topping.  You can make it really decadent with regular brownies or keep things light with something like No Pudge.

Frozen Mocha Brownie Torte 1

Disclaimer: I received free coffee samples from Godiva, but the opinions I expressed are all my own.

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Frozen Mocha Brownie Torte

Yield: Serves 12

Ingredients

  • 1 brownie mix with ingredients listed on box
  • 1 3.4 ounce container instant chocolate pudding mix
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup strong brewed Godiva Chocolate Truffle coffee
  • 1 8-ounce container of cool whip, separated
  • 14 Oreos broken into pieces

Cooking Directions

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and spray a spring-form pan with non-stick cooking spray
  2. Prepare brownie mix as directed and bake in spring-form pan
  3. While brownie is cooling, prepare mousse layer; whisk together pudding mix, milk and coffee until well combined (about 2 minutes)
  4. Fold 1/2 cup cool whip into pudding mixture; spread over brownie
  5. Spread Oreo pieces evenly over mousse filling
  6. Spread remainder of cool whip over Oreos
  7. Freeze dessert for two hours or until filling is firm
  8. Will stay good in freezer for up to a week

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Frozen Mocha Brownie Torte 33

Have you bought a home?  Any advice for someone looking?

Oreo Mallow Clusters

Oreo Mallow Clusters

Happy Mother’s Day to all of my mom and soon-to-be mom friends! I hope that all of you had a great weekend.  I spent a lot of time in the kitchen but also a lot of time outside.  The sunny and  warm weather makes me so happy.  Yesterday I got to take a long walk along the water with a good friend.  We caught up on life and it was wonderful.  Today we celebrated Mother’s Day by grilling and eating outside with family.  The fresh air is like free therapy.

Oreo Mallow Clusters

After the last chocolate cluster recipe I made, I knew I wanted to make another version.  They are so easy to whip up and so delicious.  Who doesn’t love homemade candy filled with delicious mix-ins?  So in the midst of a baking marathon, I made some Oreo Mallow Clusters in a matter of minutes.  They are milk chocolate clusters filled with Oreos and marshmallows (or in my case Peeps).  And you know what? Huge success.  It figures that this 10-minute recipe turned out so much better than an overly complicated dessert I also made.

Oreo Mallow Clusters

To make these, you will need some broken up Oreos

oreos

And chopped up Peeps (sorry bunnies)

peeps 2

And of course milk chocolate

milk chocolate 1

Just melt your chocolate

milk chocolate 2

Stir in the mix-ins

all ingredientsall ingredients 2

And drop clusters onto wax paper

clusters 1

Chill in the refrigerator

Recipe for Oreo Mallow Clusters

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Oreo Mallow Clusters

Ingredients (Makes 15 clusters)

  • 12 ounces high-quality milk chocolate
  • 1 1/3 cups Oreo chunks (~8 Oreos)
  • 2 cups chopped Peeps (~8 Peeps) or marshmallows

Instructions

  • Gently melt the chocolate in 30 second increments in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring in-between
  • Once chocolate is completely melted, add Oreos and Peeps and stir until completely coated
  • Use a tablespoon to drop large clusters of the mix on a baking sheet lined with wax paper
  • Chill chocolates in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or until candy is completely firm
  • Store chocolates in a cool place for up to 7 days

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Recipe for Oreo Mallow Clusters

P.S. The above picture was taken with my Dad’s DSLR, what an amazing quality difference!  I am FINALLY getting one and hopefully my blog will be prettier very soon.

How was your weekend?  Is the weather getting better where you live?

Black and White and Loving Vanilla Bean

My sister’s 23rd birthday is coming up, and she is having a cocktail party* to celebrate.  The color scheme for the evening is black and white so I am helping out by baking desserts with those colors.  The first thing that came to my mind was black and white cheesecake bars.  That is slightly ironic given that Jessica doesn’t like cheesecake.  However, she doesn’t eat gluten either, so most of the desserts are not even for her.

*way for twenty-somethings to get drunk and feel classy

Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

I started by adapting this recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Cheesecake Bars.  I swapped gingersnap crust with Oreo and got rid of the pumpkin.  But then I thought, how could make it even more special?  Instead of using just a plain cheesecake layer for the “white”, I made it vanilla bean.  Wow, this took the dessert to a whole new level.  I’d never baked with vanilla bean before and I think I might be hooked!  When you take a bite of the Chocolate and Vanilla Bean Cheesecake Bars, you get a sweet creamy layer and then that chocolate crunch from the crust.  The rich chocolate cheesecake layer comes through next, but then when you think you are done, the vanilla bean kicks in.  Layers of flavors are what make desserts stand out.  Make these.

vanilla bean 1

To make the crust, grind up about 17 Oreos in a food processororeos in food processor

Set cookie crumbs aside

oreo crumbs

Melt butter; add melted butter and sugar to cookie crumbsmixing crust

Press mixture into a 9×13 pan lined with tin foil and cooking spray; spread evenly using fingers to push down crust mixture and set aside

crust in pan

To make your cheesecake filling, beat cream cheese in mixer until light, creamy and lumps are gone (about 5 minutes)

cream cheese cream cheese creamed

Add granulated sugar and combine on medium-high speed well until light and creamy

sugar and cream chs creamed

Beat in eggs, one at a time, on medium speed

add egg

Mix in flour on medium speed

add flour

Add your vanilla extract and salt and beat until your mixture is thick and creamy

add vanilla extract

Now, separate 1/2 of the cheesecake filling and set aside in a separate bowl

Split the vanilla bean open with a sharp knife

vanilla bean 2

Scrape out the awesomeness of the vanilla bean with the back of the knife

vanilla bean 3

Add vanilla bean to the batter and stir

vanilla bean batter

Melt chocolate chips and butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave; mixture will get very thick

chocolate and sugarmelted butter and sugar

Add chocolate to the filling still in the mixer and combine thoroughly

chocolate added

Pour chocolate batter over crust and bake for 15 minutes

chocolate layer

chocolate layer baked

Remove from oven and pour remaining cheesecake filling on top vanilla bean batter

Bake for 33-38 minutes or until edges begin to separate from foil and middle bounces slightly when touched

vanilla layer baked

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight

Remove cheesecake from pan and cut into small bars

Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

 

Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

 

Yield: 36 small bars

 

Ingredients

 

  • 1 1/4 cups Oreo cookie crumbs (about 17 cookies); I used reduced fat Oreos
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons (3/4 stick) unsalted butter, separated
  • 2 8-ounce packages light cream cheese softened at room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 vanilla bean (if leaving this out, replace with 1 tablespoon of additional vanilla extract)
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips

 

Cooking Directions

 

  1. Pre-heat oven to 325 degrees
  2. Line a 13×9 pan with tin foil and spray with cooking spray, set aside
  3. To make the crust, grind up about 17 Oreos in a food processor until fine; set cookie crumbs aside
  4. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in the microwave and pour over cookie crumbs
  5. Add 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and mix until well combined
  6. Press mixture into a 9×13 pan lined with tin foil and cooking spray; spread evenly using fingers to push down crust mixture and set aside
  7. To make your cheesecake filling, beat cream cheese in mixer until light, creamy and lumps are gone (about 5 minutes)
  8. Add granulated sugar and combine on medium-high speed well until light and creamy
  9. Beat in eggs, one at a time, on medium speed
  10. Mix in flour on medium speed
  11. Add vanilla extract and salt and beat until mixture is thick and creamy
  12. Now, separate 1/2 of the cheesecake filling and set aside in a separate bowl; add vanilla bean and stir
  13. Melt chocolate chips and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave; mixture will get very thick
  14. Add chocolate to the filling still in the mixer and combine thoroughly
  15. Pour chocolate batter over crust and bake for 15 minutes
  16. Remove from oven and pour remaining cheesecake filling on top
  17. Bake for 33-38 minutes or until edges begin to separate from foil and middle bounces slightly when touched
  18. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight
  19. Remove cheesecake from pan and cut into bars

 

Notes:

 

Adapted from this recipe which was adapted from The Curvy Carrot

 

I used light cream cheese because I wanted a final product that wasn’t overly rich, but regular cream cheese would work as well

 

When cutting the bars, I recommend cleaning your knife with a paper towel between slices to keep from contaminating the layers with one another

Vanilla Bean and Chocolate Cheesecake Bars

Do you have any expensive ingredients that you can’t live without?

For the Chocoholics

Every time I visit my parents, my mom and I email constantly the week before about what we will bake.  There are always too many things for us to try, so it’s usually a pretty fattening special looking recipe that makes the cut.  Last weekend we made Picky Palate’s Chocolate Chip Oreo Cookie Sandwiches and Candy Bar Chocolate Chip Cookie Sandwiches.  They were amazing.

oreo cookie 1

This weekend I couldn’t help but be inspired by those delicious cookies.  As if a chocolate chip cookie stuffed with a Snickers Bar or Oreo Cookie wasn’t enough, I had to take it a step further for all of the chocoholics out there.  Why not take one of my favorite chocolate cookie recipes and stuff it with chocolate candy?  I made Stuffed Triple Chocolate Cookies.

hershey cookie 2

I’ll be honest, I haven’t tasted them yet.  I am on my 6th day of a week-long deprivation vegan challenge and baking these was an extreme form of torture.  Luckily, I have the Husband to do my taste testing for me in a time like this.  If the number of Hershey Kiss stuffed cookies he ate is any reflection of the verdict, I’d say these are a winner.  Trust me, though, when vegan week is over, I’ll be inhaling a dozen cookies doing my own “quality control”.  (More on Vegan week in an upcoming post!)

The Triple Chocolate Cookie dough is adapted from Jill O’Connor’s Sticky, Chewy, Messy, Gooey.  I’ve made the cookies using her exact recipe as a standalone cookie and they never disappoint.  You may remember my Gooey Caramel Butter Bars were also from that cookbook.

To begin, you take semi-sweet and unsweetened chocolate along with a stick of butter and place them in a microwave-safe bowl

chocolate & butter

Microwave the ingredients for a minute and stir; microwave again for 30-second increments until everything is almost melted; stir the remaining lumps until smooth and do not overheat.  Set aside

chocolate & butter melted

Whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) and set aside

dry ingred

In your mixer, combine eggs, sugars and vanilla

sugars, egg, vanilla

Beat on high speed for about 5 minutes or until mixture is light and fluffyegg sugar mixture

Reduce the speed of your mixer and add in melted chocolate and butter

chocolate mixture added

When that is well-combined, stir in flour mixture but do not over-mix

dry ingred added

Stir in chocolate chips

add chocolate chips

Refrigerate cookie dough for an hour or more prior to making the cookies

batter

Choose any chocolate candies of your preference.  Smaller candies will yield more cookies.  I selected these chocolate meltaway Kisses  because, well, why not make these as intensely chocolate as possible?

hershey kisses

Other candy included dark chocolate Peanut Butter cups and Peppermint Patties.  Once dough is chilled, pre-heat oven and unwrap your chocolates

candy

Use a cookie dough scoop to form balls of dough; place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Place candy on top of dough mound and then push down

making cookie 1

Gently form cookie dough around the candy until it is completely covered; it might be easier if you freeze your Peppermint Patties first because they can break if you push too hard with the cookie dough

making cookie 2

Repeat process

making cookie 3 making cookie 4

Use just enough cookie dough to cover the candy; size will be about 50% larger than candy alone

making cookie 5

Make sure your candy is completely covered with dough or you may end up with some oozing like my Peppermint Patty cookies experienced

peppermint patty baked

Bake the cookies for about 9 minutes and set aside on a cooling rack to cool

This is the deliciousness you will experience when you bite into the different cookies:

hershey cookie 4 peanut butter 2 mint 1

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Stuffed Triple Chocolate Cookies

Inspired by Picky Palate and adapted from Jill O’Connor

Makes ~50 cookies (more cookies with small candy, but less with large)

Ingredients:

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate

7 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 large eggs at room temperature

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup packed brown sugar

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions:

Place semi-sweet and unsweetened chocolate with butter in a microwave-safe bowl

Microwave the ingredients for a minute and stir; microwave again for 30-second increments until everything is almost melted; stir the remaining lumps until smooth.  Set aside

Whisk together dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, and salt) and set aside

In your mixer, combine eggs, sugars and vanilla; beat on high speed for about 5 minutes or until mixture is light and fluffy

Reduce the speed of your mixer and add in melted chocolate and butter

When that is well-combined, stir in flour mixture but do not over-mix

Stir in chocolate chips

Refrigerate cookie dough for an hour or more prior to making the cookies

Once dough is chilled, pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and unwrap your chocolates

Use a cookie dough scoop to form balls of dough; place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.  Place candy on top of dough mound and then push down

Gently form cookie dough around the candy until it is completely covered; repeat (make sure your candy is completely covered with dough)

Bake the cookies for 9-10 minutes and set aside on a cooling rack to cool

[Edited to add] Note:  The Peppermint Patty and Hershey Kiss versions were the most popular.  I think the larger Reeses Cups would be better so that the candy is in every bite.

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What candy would you put in your cookies?