Category: Uncategorized

  • Muddy Buddy Bars

    These tasty Muddy Buddy Bars are a fun twist on the classic snack mix. Crunchy cereal is surrounded by sweet marshmallows, chocolate, and peanut butter. These bars are a fun new way to enjoy this classic flavor combination.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Easy to Make: These fun treats come together easily. You heat everything up in a microwave, so it’s ready in a snap. The hardest part is waiting for it to set up!

    Kid-Friendly: Your kids are going to go nuts for these! If they like the classic muddy buddy mix, they are going to love these bars!

    Flavor Combination: I am a huge fan of mixing chocolate and peanut butter! If you are as well, try out my chocolate peanut butter pie, buckeye brownies, or Reeses no-bake bars!

    Muddy Buddy Bars Ingredients

    When my sweet tooth hits, I love making muddy buddies. So when I saw these muddy buddy bars, I knew I had to make them. They use simple ingredients you probably already have, and they come together easily. For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.

    Rice Chex Cereal: The base of the bars adds a crunchy texture and all the peanut butter chocolate goodness fills in all the cracks.

    Mini Marshmallows: Similar to rice krispie treats, the marshmallows hold everything together.

    Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: I like using semi-sweet chocolate to tame the sweetness you get from the marshmallows and powdered sugar.

    Peanut Butter: Adds a decadent rich flavor that goes so well with chocolate.

    Salted Butter: Gives the bars rich flavor and keeps the chocolate peanut butter mixture smooth.

    Vanilla Extract: Adds a bit of warmth and flavor to the bars.

    Powdered Sugar: The classic dusting of powdered sugar is nostalgic and adds a hint of sweetness.

    How to Make Muddy Buddy Bars

    This recipe couldn’t be easier. I love heating up my mixture in the microwave. It makes it so simple and keeps everything soft and delicious.

    Prep: Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on either side. Add the Chex cereal to a large bowl.

    Warm: Add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter to a medium microwave-safe bowl and heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each increment, until everything is smooth and completely melted.

    Melt: Stir in the marshmallows and heat for another 45-60 seconds and stir until the marshmallows are fully melted.

    Stir: Once the marshmallows are fully melted, stir in the vanilla.

    Combine: Pour the chocolate mixture over the cereal.

    Coat: Stir until the cereal is evenly coated.

    Chill: Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared pan and even it out as much as you can. Let the bars chill in the fridge for at least an hour until the bars are firm.

    Dust: Before serving, remove the bars from the pan, dust with powdered sugar, and slice.

    Muddy Buddy Bars Tips and Variations

    The great thing about this recipe is it is easy to change things up to be able to use what you have or what you prefer. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

    Cereal: I used Rice Chex cereal in this recipe, but you can use any Chex cereal.

    Go Slow! Don’t overheat the chocolate or the marshmallows! When melting chocolate, it’s best to set your microwave to 50% power. Heat in 20-30 increments, stirring thoroughly between.

    Peanut Butter: I prefer to use smooth peanut butter for these bars. You can use chunky if you like the extra crunch the peanuts add!

    Marshmallow Fluff: If you would like to use marshmallow fluff instead of mini ones. Replace the 4 cups of mini marshmallows with one 7.25-ounce jar of fluff.

    Be Gentle! Don’t pack the muddy buddies down in the pan too hard! This will crush the cereal and make the bars end up extremely dense.

    How to Store Puppy Chow Bars

    Room Temperature: Store Muddy Buddy Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

    Fridge: You can refrigerate or freeze these bars. Chilling or freezing them longer than the initial hour hardens the texture and makes it chewy.

    More Muddy Buddy Recipes to Try

    Classic Muddy Buddies (Puppy Chow)

    15 mins

    Skinny Muddy Buddies

    35 mins

    Cookies and Cream Muddy Buddies

    20 mins

    Pumpkin Spice Buddies

    15 mins

    Print

    Muddy Buddy Bars

    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Easy Muddy Buddy Bars, Muddy Buddy Bars, Muddy Buddy Bars Recipe
    Prep Time 4 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 3 minutes minutes
    chill time 1 hour hour
    Total Time 1 hour hour 7 minutes minutes
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 384kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    6 cups rice Chex cereal4 cups mini marshmallows1 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips cup peanut butter6 tablespoons salted butter1 teaspoon vanilla extract cup powdered sugar

    Instructions

    Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper, leaving a 1-inch overhang on either side.
    Add the Chex cereal to a large bowl.
    Add the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter to a medium bowl and heat in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each increment, until everything is smooth and completely melted.
    Stir in the marshmallows and heat for another 45-60 seconds and stir until the marshmallows are fully melted.
    Stir in the vanilla before pouring the chocolate mixture over the cereal. Stir until the cereal is evenly coated.
    Transfer the cereal mixture to the prepared pan and even it out as much as you can. Let the bars chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour, until the bars are firm.
    Before serving remove the bars from the pan, dust liberally with powdered sugar, and sliced into bars.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 384kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 16mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 237mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 24g | Vitamin A: 436IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 73mg | Iron: 6mg
  • Shirley Temple

    Shirley Temple is a classic, non-alcoholic drink that’s as fun as it is refreshing! It’s made with just a few simple ingredients. Its sweet cherry flavor and signature bubbly drink with a cherry on top make it a favorite for both kids and adults!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Drink

    Kid-Friendly: A bright, sparkling drink everyone can enjoy. Shirley Temples make a great alternative to cocktails at parties!

    Easy to Make: All you need are four simple ingredients. After that, it takes just 5 minutes to have this fun and festive drink ready to serve!

    Fun and Festive: These are Perfect for any celebration or as a special treat! I love making these for my kids’ birthdays, Valentine’s Day, or any holiday! Serve them with strawberry mousse, a Valentine’s charcuterie, and mini cheesecakes.

    What’s in a Shirley Temple?

    I remember, as a child, getting to enjoy Shirley Temples for special occasions! Now, I love treating my own kids to this fancy-looking drink. Plus, it’s so easy to make that they can actually pour it themselves! For exact measurements of the ingredients, scroll to the bottom of the post.

    Grenadine Syrup: Adds a sweet cherry flavor along with a vibrant red color.

    Lemon Lime Soda: It tastes refreshing and fizzy and balances the sweetness of the grenadine.

    Ice: Keeps the drink nice and chilled.

    Maraschino Cherries: For a pop of color and a fun, sweet bite.

    Shirley Temple Drink Recipe Instructions

    This Shirley Temple mocktail recipe is so simple and perfect for any occasion! It reminds me of my childhood! I make it for myself with sprite zero and it makes me so happy! Just pour, stir, and garnish!

    Pour in Grenadine: Add the grenadine to the bottom of a tall glass.

    Ice: Add as much ice as desired.

    Finish and Serve: Top with the soda, then stir. Garnish with a maraschino cherry, and enjoy.

    Tips for Making Shirley Temples

    Here are some simple variations and substitutions to change up this drink and make it your own!

    What Soda to Use: There is some debate on whether or not you should use ginger ale or lemon-lime soda for Shirley Temples and this will largely depend on where you live. The East Coast uses ginger ale more often, where as the midwest and west coast use Sprite specifically. You can use whichever you prefer!

    Fresh Lime: If you want to add a splash of fresh lime juice, go for it!

    Make it Boozy: If you want a dirty Shirley Temple, add 1 ounce of vodka, rum, or gin.

    Enjoy Immediately!

    Shirley temples are best made right when you are ready to enjoy them!

    More Fun Drinks to Try

    If you’re like me, then you like to make themed drinks to enhance any party or get-together.

    Roy Rogers Drink

    5 mins

    Cherry Limeade (Sonic Copycat)

    15 mins

    Harry Potter Pumpkin Juice

    35 mins

    Copycat Starbucks Strawberry Acai Refresher

    5 mins

    Print

    Shirley Temple

    The Shirley Temple is a classic, non-alcoholic drink that’s as fun as it is refreshing! Made with just a few simple ingredients, its sweet, bubbly flavor and signature cherry garnish make it a favorite for both kids and adults!
    Course Beverage
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Non-Alcoholic Shirley Temple recipe, Shirley Temple, Shirley Temple Recipe
    Prep Time 2 minutes minutes
    Total Time 2 minutes minutes
    Servings 1 serving
    Calories 200kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    2 tablespoons grenadine8 ounces lemon lime sodaice, if desiredmaraschino cherries, for garnish

    Instructions

    Add the grenadine to the bottom of a tall glass. Add as much ice as desired.
    Top with the soda and stir. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and enjoy.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 0.2g | Sodium: 33mg | Potassium: 13mg | Sugar: 42g | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.1mg
  • Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

    This crack chicken noodle soup is absolutely irresistible! It’s packed with shredded chicken, bacon, ranch seasonings, and noodles, all in a deliciously creamy broth. One bite, and you’ll be hooked!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    It’s Delicious: There’s a reason this is called crack chicken noodle soup! It’s so flavorful you won’t want to stop eating it!

    Easy to Make: In just about 30 minutes, you’ll be serving a meal the whole family will happily devour.

    Cozy and Comforting: Chicken noodle soup is my favorite this time of year, and it’s even better with the crack-inspired flavors! If you love this recipe, you’re sure to enjoy my crack breakfast casserole, crack chicken sliders and this crack chicken dip!

    Ingredients You’ll Need

    This crack chicken noodle soup recipe is made with simple, inexpensive ingredients, yet they combine to create the ultimate comforting bowl! For exact measurements, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

    Shredded Chicken: I like using shredded rotisserie chicken in this because it’s convenient and has plenty of flavor.

    Butter: To cook the vegetables and add richness to the soup.

    Onion: Adds a wonderful savory flavor.

    Carrots: For subtle sweetness and heartiness.

    Celery: A classic in chicken noodle soup!

    Garlic: Enhances the overall aroma and taste.

    Chicken Broth: This is the flavorful liquid base of the soup.

    Dry Ranch Dressing Mix: The signature ingredient in a “crack” recipe. You can use store-bought or my homemade ranch seasoning mix.

    Frozen Egg Noodles: Perfect for soaking up the broth and adding texture.

    Bacon: For crispy, smoky bites throughout.

    Cream Cheese: Makes the soup ultra-creamy and rich.

    Half and Half: For extra creaminess. Whole milk works too!

    Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a melty, cheesy finish.

    Green Onion: For colorful garnish.

    How to Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

    Crack chicken noodle soup is one of my favorite meals for chilly days because it’s warm, comforting, and simple to make! We love it paired with crusty bread for dunking. You could even serve it in a bread bowl! Here’s how to make it:

    Cook the Veggies: Add the butter, onion, carrots, and celery. Saute until softened over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic to the pot and saute for just a minute.

    Add: Add the chicken broth, ranch packet, shredded chicken, and cooked bacon. Stir to combine.

    Cook: Stir in the noodles and simmer until the noodles soften, about 10 minutes.

    Add the Cheeses: Stir in the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Heat until the cheeses melt. Serve the soup with additional cheddar cheese, bacon, and chopped green onions—salt and pepper to taste.

    Tips and Variations for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

    This has truly become one of my favorite soups to make for my family! Here are a few tips and ideas for variations and ways to make it turn out just how you like.

    Half and Half Substitute: Instead of half and half, any kind of milk will work! You can also use heavy cream if you want a rich, thick soup!

    Noodles: Frozen egg noodles are amazing!! They add a delicious homemade texture to the soup. If you can’t find frozen egg noodles, you can use packaged egg noodles. Any kind of noodle will work! Try using elbow macaroni or shell pasta!

    Bacon: Precooked bacon makes this recipe so easy! You can also use turkey bacon if you want to cut down on calories.

    Cream Cheese: Be sure to use softened cream cheese because it will melt better in the soup. No one wants lumpy pieces of cream cheese!

    How to Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Soup

    In the Refrigerator: Once your soup has cooled, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last about 3-4 days. 

    In the Freezer: You can make this crack chicken noodle soup ahead of time and freeze it for later! Once it has cooled, place it in a ziplock bag and lay it flat. It will last for about three months! 

    To Reheat: You can reheat it on your stove or in the microwave until it is warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to add moisture to the soup, if needed. 

    More Cozy Soup Recipes

    When it’s cold outside, I love nothing more than whipping up a warm and comforting soup! Here are some family favs, so be sure to check out my full list of soup recipes!

    Award Winning Cheeseburger Soup

    45 mins

    White Lasagna Soup

    1 hr

    Taco Soup

    30 mins

    Creamy Potato Soup

    50 mins

    Print

    Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

    This crack chicken noodle soup is absolutely irresistible! It’s packed with shredded chicken, bacon, ranch seasonings and noodles, all in a deliciously creamy broth. One bite and you’ll be hooked!
    Course Dinner, Main Course, Soup
    Cuisine American
    Keyword crack chicken noodle soup recipe, crack noodle soup
    Prep Time 20 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time 30 minutes minutes
    Servings 6 people
    Calories 658kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    2 tablespoons butter1 small onion, diced2 large carrots, peeled and diced2 ribs celery, diced2 cloves garlic, minced6 cups chicken broth1 (1-ounce package) dry ranch dressing4 cups cooked shredded chicken8 ounces frozen egg noodles1 cup cooked bacon, more for garnish1 (8-ounce package) cream cheese, softened and cubed1 cup half and half, or milk2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, more for garnishgreen onion, chopped for garnish

    Instructions

    Add the butter, onion, carrots, and celery. Saute until softened over medium heat, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic to the pot and saute for just a minute.
    Add the chicken broth, ranch packet, shredded chicken, and cooked bacon. Stir to combine.
    Stir in the noodles and simmer until the noodles soften, about 10 minutes.
    Stir in the cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Heat until the cheeses melt.
    Serve the soup with additional cheddar cheese, bacon, and chopped green onions—salt and pepper to taste.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 658kcal | Carbohydrates: 34g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 187mg | Sodium: 1608mg | Potassium: 643mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 4782IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 362mg | Iron: 2mg
  • Grinch Dip

    Grinch dip is a sweet and scrumptious dip perfect for any holiday party or gathering. It combines delicious cake mix, fluffy whipped topping, and smooth yogurt or pudding to create a fun dip for cookies, treats, or fruit.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Easy to Make: You can easily make this with only 5 ingredients! Just make sure you give yourself time to heat treat the cake mix.

    Kid Friendly: Your kids will absolutely love this whimsical dip! It is not only fun to look at, but the cake batter flavor is a favorite for everyone!

    Holiday Magic: This nostalgic movie resonates with everyone, both young and old. It reminds us to love and appreciate the people in our lives this time of year. This fun dip can bring all those memories flooding back!

    Ingredients Needed For Grinch Dip

    This dip would be so fun to make and enjoy while watching How The Grinch Stole Christmas for a movie night with the family. It comes together quickly, and the ingredient list is super short and simple. For exact measurements, scroll to the bottom of the post.

    Box White Cake Mix: Gives the dip the best cake batter flavor.

    Thawed Whipped Topping: Make sure your cool whip is fully thawed.

    Vanilla Pudding or Yogurt: Adds a nice smooth texture and vanilla flavor that complements the cake mix.

    Bright Green Food Coloring: Makes the dip the fun green color we all know and love from the Grinch.

    Red Heart Sprinkles: Adds the sweetest touch to remind us of how the Grinch saw that the Whos could still have love and joy without all the presents at Christmas time.

    How to Make Grinch Dip

    Make sure you give yourself time to heat-treat the cake mix before making this dip. You want it to be safe to eat, and I have instructions below on how to do that. Then you just mix everything together and get your treat to dip.

    Prep: Heat-treat the cake mix to make it safe to eat raw by spreading it out evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning. Let it cool completely.

    Combine: In a large bowl, add the cooled cake mix, whipped topping, vanilla pudding or yogurt, and a few drops of bright green food coloring.

    Mix: Whip with a hand mixer until fluffy and no lumps of cake mix remain. Add more food coloring until the dip is a nice grinchy green.

    Fold: Stir in red heart sprinkles and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with additional red heart sprinkles and serve with your favorite assortment of cookies for dipping.

    Grinch Dip Tips and Variations

    It would be so fun to have a Grinch movie night with the family and make my Grinch punch, Grinch cookies, Grinch Oreo balls, and this yummy dip! You can get creative with this dip, here are some ideas below.

    Gluten-Free Option: If you are serving this dip to guests with gluten sensitivity, you can make it gluten-free by buying a gluten-free cake mix. They have a lot of options these days, just look for a vanilla, white, or yellow cake mix for this dip. Make sure to offer gluten-free dippers like fresh fruit!

    Sprinkles: You can use any size of heart sprinkles, or a variety of sizes! If you would rather just use generic christmas or colored sprinkles, those will work just as well.

    Food Coloring: To get the best grinchy green color, I have found that the Electric Green gel food coloring by Americolor is the best out there! You can make it as soft or bright as you would like. If you don’t have bright green, you can absolutely use regular green food coloring! Sometimes adding a few drops of yellow to regular green can get it a bit more grinch-like.

    Whipped Cream: To use real whipped cream instead of whipped topping, whip 1 1/2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream and three tablespoons of powdered sugar to medium-stiff peaks. Use as directed in the recipe card.

    Dippers: You can get creative and use whatever you want to dip in this fun festive dip. Some ideas include graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, oreo cookies, or any of your favorite Christmas cookies.

    Storing Grinch Dessert Dip

    Refrigerator: Grinch dip can be made in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It is best to give the dip a good stir before serving if it has been chilled.

    Don’t Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing this dip. The whipped topping does not hold up well once frozen and thawed, resulting in an unpleasant textured dip.

    More Grinch-Inspired Recipes To Try

    Grinch Fudge

    2 hrs 20 mins

    Grinch Cookies

    36 mins

    Grinch Oreo Balls

    3 hrs

    Grinch Punch

    5 mins

    Print

    Grinch Dip

    Grinch dip is a sweet and scrumptious dip perfect for any holiday party or gathering. It combines delicious cake mix, fluffy whipped topping, and smooth yogurt or pudding to create a fun dip for cookies, treats, or fruit.
    Course Appetizer, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Christmas dip, Grinch Dip, Grinch Dip Recipe, Grinch Dunkaroo dip
    Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time 5 minutes minutes
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 72kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 (15.25-ounce) box white cake mix1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping thawed¾ cup vanilla pudding or yogurtgreen food coloringred heart sprinkles

    Instructions

    Heat treat the cake mix to make it safe to eat raw by spreading it out evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through to prevent burning. Let it cool completely.
    In a large bowl add the cooled cake mix, whipped topping, vanilla pudding or yogurt, and a few drops of bright green food coloring. Whip with a hand mixer until fluffy and no lumps of cake mix remain. Add more food coloring until the dip is a nice grinchy green.
    Transfer to a serving bowl and top with red heart sprinkles.
    Serve with your favorite assortment of cookies for dipping.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 72kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 34mg | Potassium: 29mg | Fiber: 0.01g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 21IU | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.03mg
  • Cranberry Pretzel Salad

    Make this festive cranberry pretzel salad for the holidays! The salty pretzel crust is the perfect balance to the sweet and creamy layers. Cranberry sauce gives it a pop of tartness and makes it holiday-ready!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe!

    Holiday Side Dish or Dessert: If you’re looking for a festive recipe to serve at the holidays, this is it! It’s perfect as a side dish or a dessert and everyone will devour it!

    Sweet and Salty: Cranberry pretzel salad is sweet and salty with a bit of tartness. The flavors compliment each other perfectly and it’s an explosion of yumminess in every bite!

    Make Ahead: The holiday season can be busy! Get ahead of the game and prepare this 1-2 days in advance! It frees up more time that you can spend with your loved ones.

    Ingredients in Cranberry Pretzel Salad

    Cranberry pretzel salad uses simple ingredients to make a festive fruity side dish! Adding cranberry sauce adds to the flavors of the holiday season. You can find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.

    Pretzels: Crushed pretzels make the perfect salty base to this sweet salad!

    Brown Sugar: Helps to slightly sweeten the crust.

    Butter: Binds the sugar and pretzels together.

    Instant Raspberry Gelatin: You can also use 2 (3-ounce) boxes cranberry gelatin…if you can find it!

    Cranberry Sauce: Just 1 can of cranberry sauce!

    Cream Cheese: The base to the creamy layer that adds a bit of tang.

    Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the creamy layer.

    Whipped Topping: Cool Whip is convenient to use but feel free to make homemade whipped cream if you prefer.

    How to Make Cranberry Pretzel Salad

    This sweet and creamy cranberry pretzel salad is the perfect side dish or dessert for any holiday meal! It’s great for making ahead of time and easy to put together. Your family will love this cranberry version of the infamous pretzel salad!

    Combine Crust Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the crushed pretzels, brown sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.

    Bake Crust: Press the mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Bake for 8 minutes, remove it from the oven, and let it cool completely.

    Prepare the Jello Layer: While the crust is baking, make the jello according to the package directions, stirring in the can of cranberry sauce. Let the jello sit at room temperature for an hour or so until it has cooled.

    Mix the Sugar and Cream Cheese: Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and sugar together with a hand mixer in a large bowl until creamy.

    Fold in the Cool Whip: Fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined.

    Spread on Cream Cheese Layer and Chill: Spread the cream cheese mixture over the top of the pretzel crust. Spread completely to the edges so the jello won’t leak through. Chill in the fridge while the jello is cooling down.

    Pour on the Jello Layer and Refrigerate: Slowly pour the cooled jello mixture over the chilled cream cheese layer. Carefully move around the pieces of cranberry as desired to distribute them evenly. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight before serving. Top with a dollop of whipped topping and a cranberry for garnish, if desired!

    Tips For Success

    Follow my tips and ideas for making this cranberry pretzel salad a success! I have some great ideas to make it just the way you like it!

    Whipped Topping: To use real whipped cream instead of whipped topping, whip 1 1/2 cups of cold heavy whipping cream and three tablespoons of powdered sugar to medium-stiff peaks. Use as directed in the recipe card in place of the whipped topping.

    Jello Flavor: If you can find the seasonal cranberry-flavored jello, go ahead and use two 3-ounce boxes of it in place of the raspberry jello! You may use cherry or strawberry jello instead.

    Cranberry Sauce Tips: If you don’t want whole cranberries in the jello, I recommend blending the whole berry sauce until smooth instead of using a can of jellied cranberry sauce. The whole cranberries contain a lot of pectic, which helps the jello set up even with the added fruit.

    Add Spices: If you like spiced cranberries, try adding a pinch or two of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tiny pinch of cloves!

    Storing Cranberry Pretzel Salad

    This is a great recipe to make ahead of time! Perfect for the busy holiday season. Keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it to your guests!

    In the Refrigerator: This can be kept for up to three days in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap.

    Make in Advance: Cranberry pretzel salad is best when made at least 1 day in advance. It needs at least 4 hours to set up but overnight is even better!

    Craving More Cranberry Recipes?

    Cranberry is such a versatile ingredient for so many holiday recipes! I have some fun and tasty cranberry appetizers, side dishes, and desserts for you to try. Your family and guests will fall in love with cranberries!

    Cranberry Salsa (The Best Holiday Appetizer!)

    10 mins

    Cranberry Pecan Brie Bites

    20 mins

    Cranberry Apple Pie

    50 mins

    Cranberry Cheesecake Fluff

    4 hrs 10 mins

    Print

    Cranberry Pretzel Salad

    Make this festive cranberry pretzel salad for the holidays! The salty pretzel crust is the perfect balance to the sweet and creamy layers. Cranberry sauce gives it a pop of tartness and makes it holiday-ready!
    Course Appetizer, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Cranberry Jello, cranberry jello dessert, cranberry pretzel salad, cranberry pretzel salad recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
    chill time 4 hours hours
    Total Time 4 hours hours 20 minutes minutes
    Servings 16 servings
    Calories 182kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    2 ½ cups pretzels, crushed3 tablespoons brown sugar¾ cups butter, melted1 (6-ounce) box instant raspberry gelatin, or 2 (3-ounce) boxes cranberry gelatin1 (14-ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese1 cup granulated sugar1 (8-ounce) container whipped topping, thawed

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine the crushed pretzels, brown sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl.
    Press the mixture into a lightly greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking dish. Bake for 8 minutes, remove it from the oven, and let it cool completely.
    While the crust is baking, make the jello according to the package directions, stirring in the can of cranberry sauce. Let the jello sit at room temperature for an hour or so until it has cooled.
    Meanwhile, beat the cream cheese and sugar together with a hand mixer in a large bowl until creamy.
    Fold in the cool whip until fully combined.
    Once the jello has cooled, carefully pour it over the chilled cream cheese layer. Carefully move around the pieces of cranberry as desired to distribute them evenly.
    Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight before serving. Top with a dollop of whipped topping and a cranberry for garnish, if desired!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 182kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 225mg | Potassium: 34mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 267IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Moo Shu Chicken

    Moo Shu Chicken is a takeout favorite that’s so easy to make at home! This flavorful dish combines tender strips of chicken, mushrooms, and cabbage with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s quick, packed with vibrant flavors, and the perfect weeknight meal!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Quick and Easy: You can have this delicious meal ready to serve in just over 30 minutes! It’s perfect for busy weeknights.

    Bursting with Flavor: The savory hoisin sauce mixed with the tender chicken and crisp veggies will make your taste buds so happy.

    Better than Takeout: All the flavors you love in takeout are made fresh at home with this simple recipe! Serve with ricenoodles or vegetable egg rolls for a complete the meal!

    Ingredients Needed for Moo Shu Chicken

    The ingredients needed for this Moo Shu Chicken recipe are simple. You should be able to find everything easily in the grocery store. If you can’t find Chinkiang vinegar, rice vinegar will work just as well. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Chicken Breasts: You’ll need one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

    Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances all of the flavors and is used to season the chicken.

    Sesame Oil: Used to cook the eggs, chicken and veggies and also for adding nutty flavor to the sauce.

    Eggs: Gives the dish texture and more protein!

    Cabbage: Both red and green cabbage provide a beautiful color and a nice crunch.

    Sliced Mushrooms: I like to use either shiitake mushrooms or baby Bella mushrooms for earthy, umami flavor.

    Hoisin Sauce: A sweet and savory sauce that brings depth to the dish.

    Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami taste to the sauce.

    Chinkiang Vinegar: A dark, tangy Chinese vinegar that adds authentic flavor.

    Garlic Paste: Infuses everything with the best savory flavor!

    Ginger Paste: Adds a warm, spicy kick.

    Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to coat the ingredients.

    How to Make Moo Shu Chicken

    This moo shu chicken comes together really easily. Your family will absolutely love it! I like to have all of the ingredients measured out before I get started because this recipe moves quickly.

    Prep: Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat one tablespoon of the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.

    Cook: Pour the eggs into the skillet and let them cook, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes, until cooked through. Carefully remove the eggs and then place them on a cutting board. Roll the eggs up and then slice them into thin slices and set aside.

    Cook: Turn the heat up to medium-high, then add one tablespoon of the oil. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook by stirring and tossing frequently to sear the chicken on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

    Cook: Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, red cabbage, green cabbage, and mushrooms to the skillet and cook. Stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender, about 3-5 minutes.

    Make the Sauce: While the vegetables are cooking, make the sauce. In a bowl, whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, garlic paste, ginger paste, and cornstarch.

    Combine: Add the eggs and moo shu chicken back to the pan with the vegetables, then pour the sauce over everything. Stir and cook everything together until everything is coated in sauce and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and serve.

    Mu Shu Chicken Tips and Variations

    You guys are going to love this recipe. It is seriously better than any Chinese take out I’ve ever had! I think part of that is that I get to eat it fresh! Here are a few ideas for making this moo shu chicken turn out exactly how you like it!

    Make a Wrap: Traditionally Moo Shu chicken is served with Mandarin pancakes, but you can use flour tortillas, and make a wrap. 

    Swap the Protein: For a twist on the classic recipe, use pork, beef, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.

    Change up the Vegetables: You can add any vegetables to this dish you like. Carrots, snap peas, or peppers all make great additions.

    Add Spice: For a spicy kick, you can add in chili paste, sriracha or even red pepper flakes.

    How to Store Leftover Moo Shu Chicken

    I don’t know what it is about Chinese food that makes it the best leftovers, but this dish is no exception! You’ll love having extras to heat up throughout the week for a quick lunch.

    In the Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. 

    Reheat: When ready to serve, you can easily rewarm the chicken and veggies in a hot pan for a couple of minutes or alternatively use the microwave.

    In the Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or keep it in the fridge.

    More Asian-Inspired Recipes

    Asian recipes are some of my family’s favorites! They’re super flavorful with lots of great texture. Check out my full list of Asian-inspired recipes! And give these a try next!

    Dragon Chicken

    1 hr 10 mins

    Korean Beef Lettuce Wraps

    25 mins

    Samosas

    1 hr 5 mins

    Sushi Bowl

    20 mins

    Print

    Moo Shu Chicken

    Moo Shu Chicken is a takeout favorite that’s so easy to make at home! This flavorful dish combines tender chicken, mushrooms, and cabbage with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s quick, packed with vibrant flavors, and the perfect weeknight meal!
    Course Dinner, Main Course
    Cuisine Asian, Asian American
    Keyword asian chicken, moo shu, moo shu chicken
    Prep Time 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 25 minutes minutes
    Total Time 40 minutes minutes
    Servings 5 people
    Calories 250kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into stripsSalt and pepper to taste3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided2 large eggs, beaten1 ½ cups shredded red cabbage1 ½ cups shredded green cabbage2 cups sliced mushrooms, shitake or baby bella2 tablespoons hoisin sauce3 tablespoons soy sauce1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar2 teaspoons garlic paste, or grated garlic1 teaspoon ginger paste. or grated ginger1 teaspoon cornstarch

    Instructions

    Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of the sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
    Pour the eggs into the skillet and let them cook, undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, until cooked through. Carefully remove the eggs and place them on a cutting board. Roll the eggs up and slice them into thin slices, set aside.
    Turn the heat up to medium-high, add 1 tablespoon of the oil and the seasoned chicken into the skillet, and cook, stirring and tossing frequently to sear the chicken on all sides, about 3-5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
    Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, red cabbage, green cabbage, and mushrooms to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender, about 3-5 minutes.
    While the vegetables are cooking, make the sauce. In a bowl whisk together the hoisin sauce, soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, garlic paste, ginger paste, and cornstarch.
    Add the eggs and chicken back to the pan with the vegetables and pour the sauce over everything.
    Stir and cook everything together until everything is coated in sauce and the sauce has thickened. Remove from heat and serve.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 25g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 124mg | Sodium: 851mg | Potassium: 618mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 441IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Turtle Cookies

    Turtle Cookies are a baked, bite-size brownie loaded with pecans, then filled with a creamy caramel center for a rich, decadent holiday cookie! These turtle cookies are always a huge hit and are gone in minutes.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Beautiful: Not only are these cookies absolutely delicious, but they are stunning to look at! Wow, your guests with these beauties for your next party or get-together.

    Neighbor Gift: These decadent cookies are a great neighbor gift during the holidays. Your friends will love you for making these for them.

    Flavor Combination: The flavor combination of chocolate, caramel, and nuts is amazing! If you love this combination, try these Rolo Pretzel Turtle Recipe, Turtle Brownie, Turtle Pecan Bars, and Frosted Turtle Brownies.

    Ingredients Needed For Turtle Cookies

    This list of ingredients is full of pantry staples. You could literally make these right now! Ok, I don’t always have pecans and caramels on hand but I could use what I do have for a fun variation. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Cookies

    All Purpose Flour: The base of the cookie dough.

    Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Makes the cookie rich and chocolatey.

    Salt: Super important to enhance the flavor of the chocolate.

    Unsalted Butter: Adds a soft depth of flavor to the cookies.

    Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness.

    Egg: Separated, it binds the ingredients together.

    Egg White: Used to roll the cookie dough balls in so the pecans will stick.

    Milk: Makes the dough smooth and creamy.

    Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm flavor that enhances the rest of the ingredients.

    Finely Chopped Pecans: Finely chopped and prepared to add around the rim of the cookie.

    Topping

    Soft Caramel Candies: Unwrapped and melted in the middle of the cookie.

    Heavy Cream: Combined with the caramels to make it smooth and creamy.

    Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Creates a beautiful drizzle across the top of the cookie.

    Shortening: Added to the chocolate to make it easier to drizzle.

    How to Make Turtle Cookies

    This turtle cookie recipe is easy to follow and will be the best decision you will make this holiday season. Your friends and family will be so happy you made them!

    Combine: Whisk together the flour, cocoa, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.

    Beat: Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the butter and sugar together on high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla and mix until incorporated.

    Chill: Reduce the speed to low and add the flour and cocoa mixture to the butter and sugar mixture until combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour. When the dough is nearly finished chilling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside.

    Roll and Whisk: Scoop and roll the dough into one-inch balls. In a small bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy. Roll the cookie dough balls in the egg white until fully coated.

    Finish Cookies

    Coat: After coating the balls in egg white, roll them in the chopped pecans until the outside is coated. I like to press the pecans into the dough gently.

    Indent: Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving two inches between them. Use a teaspoon to press an indentation into each ball. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set.

    Melt: While the cookies are baking, melt the caramel and heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second increments. Stir between each increment until it is fully melted.

    Fill: Once the cookies are baked, use the teaspoon to press the indentation again since the cookies will puff in the oven. Fill each indentation with the warm caramel, about one scant teaspoon.

    Drizzle: Melt the chocolate and shortening in the microwave in 20-second increments, then pour the melted chocolate into a sandwich bag. Barely snip the corner and drizzle the chocolate over the turtle cookies.

    Turtle Cookie Tips

    Making these turtle cookies is easier than you think. Here are some ideas to make sure they turn out perfect every time!

    Cake Box Cookies: Instead of making your cookies from scratch, you can use a shortcut by making the chocolate cookie base by mixing one box of chocolate cake mix with two eggs and ½ cup of vegetable oil. Cover and chill the dough, then resume the instructions in step 4. 

    Indent Cookies Twice: Remember to use a teaspoon twice to make the indentation on the cookies. Once right after rolling them in the pecans. And the second time when they are fresh out of the oven. This gives a nice little well for your caramel sauce to sit in.

    Don’t Skip the Chilling! Chilling cookie dough allows the fat in it to solidify, helping to prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven. If you’d like, you can scoop and roll the dough into balls before chilling it. This can speed up chill time, though I wouldn’t chill them for less than 40 minutes. 

    Use Soft Caramels: I prefer Werther’s brand soft caramels for the centers of these cookies, but you can use any soft caramel.

    Reheat Caramel as Needed: When your final batch of turtle cookies comes out of the oven, your caramel may need 10-15 seconds more in the microwave. Heat it in small increments as needed through the filling process.

    How to Make Ahead and Store Leftover Turtle Cookies

    How to store turtle cookies: Store turtle cookies in an airtight container or ziplock bag placed at room temperature or in the fridge. I recommend that you layer the cookies with parchment paper to prevent the turtle cookies from sticking together. These will last about one week at room temperature and 2 weeks in the fridge.

    Can you make turtle cookies ahead of time? Yes, these are great cookies to make ahead of time. They can be stored at room temperature in the refrigerator or freezer.

    Can you freeze turtle cookie dough? Yes! This is a great idea to get ahead of your holiday baking schedule. Simply make your turtle cookie dough and roll into balls, then place on a baking sheet. Freeze for about one hour. Place your turtle cookie dough balls in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, simply bake from frozen and continue with the recipe. Add a few minutes to your baking time since they are frozen. When baking the cookie dough from frozen, the indentation will only be made once RIGHT after the cookies come out of the oven.

    Can you freeze turtle cookies? Once the cookies are completely cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. If you are layering your turtle cookies, add a layer of parchment paper or foil wrap to avoid them from sticking together. When ready to share your turtle cookies, simply take them out and thaw at room temperature. Enjoy!

    Variations For Turtle Cookies

    Salt: Add extra sea salt or coarse salt for a salty and sweet treat!

    Chocolate: Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate are fun ways to add some different flavors of sweetness.

    Nuts: Try chopped walnuts, almonds, or even macadamia nuts. If you are not a fan of nuts, go ahead and leave them out.

    Caramel: Don’t have caramels on hand? Using my Homemade Caramel recipe will give you even better results!

    Extract: Switch out vanilla extract for almond extract.

    More Turtle-Inspired Desserts to Try

    Rolo Pretzel Turtle Recipe

    9 mins

    Frosted Turtle Brownies

    45 mins

    Turtle Pecan Bars

    2 hrs 28 mins

    Turtle Brownies

    55 mins

    Print

    Turtle Cookies

    Turtle Cookies are bite-size brownies loaded with pecans, then filled with a creamy caramel center for a rich, decadent holiday cookie! They are always a huge hit and are gone in minutes.
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Keyword caramel turtle cookies, chocoalte turtle cookie, chocolate caramel pecan cookies, pecan turtle cookies, turtle cookie recipe, turtle cookies, turtle cookies recipe
    Prep Time 25 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 12 minutes minutes
    chill 1 hour hour
    Total Time 1 hour hour 37 minutes minutes
    Servings 24 cookies
    Calories 159kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Cookies

    1 cup all-purpose flour cup unsweetened cocoa powder¼ teaspoon salt½ cup unsalted butter softened cup granulated sugar1 large egg separated1 egg white in addition to whole egg2 tablespoons milk1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 ¼ cup pecans finely chopped

    Topping

    14 soft caramel candies3 tablespoons heavy cream2 ounces semi-sweet chocolate1 teaspoon shortening

    Instructions

    Whisk together the flour, cocoa, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
    Use a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment to beat the butter and sugar together on high speed for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolk, milk, and vanilla and mix until incorporated.
    Reduce the speed to low and add the flour mixture to the sugar mixture until combined. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for an hour.
    When the dough is nearly finished chilling, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, line two baking sheets with parchment paper, and set aside.
    Scoop and roll the dough into one-inch balls. In a small bowl, whisk the egg whites until frothy.
    Roll the cookie dough balls in the egg white until fully coated, then roll them in the chopped pecans until the outside is coated. I like to press the pecans into the dough gently.
    Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets, leaving 2-inch between them. Use a teaspoon to press an indentation into each ball.
    Bake for 10-12 minutes or until set.
    While the cookies are baking, melt the caramel and heavy cream in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each increment until it is fully melted.
    Once the cookies are baked, use the teaspoon to press the indentation again since the cookies will puff in the oven. Fill each indentation with the warm caramel, about one scant teaspoon.
    Melt the chocolate and shortening in the microwave in 20-second increments, then pour the melted chocolate into a sandwich bag. Barely snip the corner and drizzle the chocolate over the cookies.

    Notes

    Updated on Number 27, 2024

    Updated on November 30, 2019

    Original Post on December 15, 2013

    Nutrition

    Calories: 159kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 154IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Tom Cruise Coconut Cake

    Tom Cruise coconut cake is a dense pound cake with coconut flavor and silky white chocolate throughout. The indulgent frosting is a coconut cream cheese buttercream with sweetened coconut on the outside. It’s a coconut lover’s dream—but a super sweet one.

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    Famous Copycat: You could spend a lot of money buying the cake straight from the source, but this recipe is seriously so good you don’t need to.

    Flavor: I am not kidding when I tell you guys that this cake is seriously the best thing I have ever tasted! I’m so happy with how it turned out.

    Versatile: This cake is so delicious it will be a hit for any occasion, holiday, birthday, Christmas, Easter, or just anytime that sweet tooth hits.

    What is Tom Cruise Coconut Cake?

    This cake is called the Tom Cruise Coconut Cake after the white chocolate coconut bundt cake created by Karen Doan from Doan’s Bakery in Woodland Hills, California. Every holiday season, Tom Cruise orders a bunch of these cakes to send all around the country to his Hollywood friends. You can order them from Gold Belly and have them shipped to you, but it costs $129.99 (with free shipping, haha). If you want to save yourself some dough (haha, pun intended), make your own! I promise my recipe will deliver the same crazy good flavor and texture. Actor Tom Hanks even said this is the cake he would want for his final meal!

    Ingredients for Tom Cruise Coconut Cake

    Cake

    Cake Flour: Provides the base of the cake and gives a light, fluffy texture.

    Granulated Sugar: Adds the best sweet flavor and wonderfully caramelized texture.

    Leavening Agents: Baking Powder and Baking Soda are used as leavening agents to make the bread airy.

    Salt: Salt is necessary to add contrast to the sweet to enhance all the flavors.

    Unsalted Butter: Adds moisture and a rich flavor.

    Eggs: Used as a binding agent to create delicious, dense bread.

    Coconut Extract: The star of the show! All of the delicious coconut flavor needed to give this cake its flavor profile.

    Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet flavor. Use store-bought or my homemade vanilla extract.

    Sour Cream: Gives the cake added moisture and gives it a nice crumb.

    White Chocolate Chips: Provides an extra bit of sweetness and the best texture.

    Coconut Frosting

    Cream Cheese: Provides the base of the frosting and a tangy, creamy flavor.

    Salted Butter: Gives the frosting a buttery, rich flavor and texture.

    Powdered Sugar: Adds sweetness and makes the frosting light and fluffy.

    Coconut Extract: A touch more coconut flavor to add to this incredible coconut cake!

    Cream of Coconut: Give the frosting more coconut flavor and add moisture to give it the right texture.

    Sweetened Shredded Coconut: One more layer of coconut goodness!

    How to Make Tom Cruise Coconut Cake

    I’ve heard so much about this famous coconut cake that Tom Cruise sends to all his friends during the holidays that I wanted to try it myself. When I saw the price tag, I knew I needed to make my own recipe. You guys, it’s seriously so good! I can’t wait for you to try it!

    Prep: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 12-cup bundt pan well with pan spray and set aside. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and set aside.

    Beat: Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.

    Combine: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.

    Mix: Add the sour cream and both the coconut and vanilla extracts and mix until evenly incorporated. 

    Mix: Add the flour mixture, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure it’s all incorporated. Mix at medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter is thick and pale. Fold the white chocolate chips into the batter before spreading the batter evenly in the prepared bundt pan.

    Bake: Bake for 60-75 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center and the cake springs cake when lightly pressed on. Let the Tom Cruise coconut cake cool for at least 30 minutes before inverting it onto a baking rack.

    Frosting

    Beat: Add the butter and cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat them at medium-high speed.

    Combine: Add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture and beat on medium-high until fully combined.

    Mix: Add the coconut extract and coconut milk.

    Beat: Beat until it’s pale and fluffy.

    Coconut

    Frost: Once the cake is fully cooled, add the frosting to the outside of the cake.

    Add Coconut: Press the coconut all around it until it is fully coated. I like to do this over a large baking sheet to catch all the excess coconut.

    Coconut Cake Tips and Variations

    Baking Spray: I recommend using a pan spray that is specifically for baking and has flour in it. This will help your bundt cake release cleanly from the pan! Use a paper towel to blot out any pools of spray before adding the batter to the pan. If you don’t have baking spray, you may use regular pan spray and dust the inside of the pan thoroughly with flour, tapping out the excess.

    NO Peeking! Try to resist opening the oven door too early to test the doneness fo the cake. This can cause the cake to sink in the middle! Bundt cakes typically take quite a bit of time to bake.

    Toasted Coconut: You can toast the coconut flakes for the outside of the cake if you would like. Spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes, stirring every minute or two until toasted to your liking. Let it cool completely before pressing it to the outside of the cake.

    How to Store and Make Ahead Tom Cruise Cake

    Fridge: You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Make Ahead: The cake can be baked up to 2 days before frosting. Store in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator until you are ready to frost it.

    More Coconut Cake Recipes to Try

    Coconut Cream Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

    1 hr 30 mins

    Strawberry Coconut Cream Cake with Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting

    40 mins

    Lemon Coconut Cake

    1 hr 10 mins

    Italian Cream Cake

    1 hr 20 mins

    Print

    Tom Cruise Coconut Cake

    Tom Cruise coconut cake is a dense pound cake with coconut flavor and silky white chocolate throughout. The indulgent frosting is a coconut cream cheese buttercream with sweetened coconut on the outside. It’s a coconut lover’s dream—but a super sweet one.
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Keyword Coconut Bundt Cake, Coconut Christmas Cake, Doan’s Bakery coconut cake, Tom Cruise Coconut Cake, Tom Cruise Coconut Cake Recipe
    Prep Time 45 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time 2 hours hours
    Servings 12 servings
    Calories 973kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    Cake

    3 cups cake flour2 ⅔ cups granulated sugar½ teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon baking soda½ teaspoon salt1 cup butter, room temperature5 large eggs1 tablespoon coconut extract, or emulsion1 teaspoon vanilla extract1 cup sour cream6 ounces white chocolate chips

    Coconut Frosting

    4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature1 cup salted butter3 ½ cups powdered sugar1 teaspoon coconut extract¼ cups cream of coconut2 cups sweetened shredded coconut

    Instructions

    Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray 12-cup bundt pan well with pan spray and set aside.
    Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, and set aside.
    Add the butter and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
    Add the eggs one at a time, mixing until combined, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to make sure everything is evenly incorporated.
    Add the sour cream and both the coconut and vanilla extracts and mix until evenly incorporated.
    Add the flour mixture, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure it’s all incorporated. Mix at medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the batter is thick and pale.
    Fold the white chocolate chips into the batter before spreading the batter evenly in the prepared bundt pan.
    Bake for 60-75 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center and the cake springs cake when lightly pressed on. Let the cake cool for at least 30 minutes before inverting it onto a baking rack.

    Cream Cheese Frosting

    Add the butter and cream cheese to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat them at medium-high speed.
    Add the powdered sugar to the butter mixture and beat on medium-high until fully combined. Add the coconut extract and coconut milk, beating until it’s pale and fluffy.

    Assembly

    Once the cake is fully cooled, add the frosting to the outside and press the coconut all around it until it is fully coated. I like to do this over a large baking sheet to catch all the excess coconut.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 973kcal | Carbohydrates: 124g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 51g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 12g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 173mg | Sodium: 505mg | Potassium: 215mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 99g | Vitamin A: 1296IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    Super flavorful Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken cooks up perfectly every time! It’s tender and juicy on the inside, with a tasty teriyaki sauce coating the outside. Pair with rice and veggies for an easy meal on busy nights!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    So Easy: This air fryer teriyaki chicken is a simple meal that comes together quickly!

    Great Taste and Texture: Air frying the chicken makes it perfectly juicy with very little effort!

    Versatile Main: Enjoy with a variety of sides, from broccoli or green beans to any other vegetables your family likes! We also love this chicken with rice!

    Ingredients Needed

    Air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe is incredibly simple to make! You’ll just need a handful of basic ingredients to whip up a flavorful main dish that’s better than takeout. Scroll to the bottom of the post for exact measurements.

    Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut the chicken into small pieces to absorb the flavor and crispy from the air fryer.

    Soy Sauce: Gives the marinade a delicious salty taste.

    Brown Sugar: Provides a bit of sweetness to balance the savory flavors.

    Vinegar: Use rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar to help tenderize the meat.

    Garlic: Minced garlic is a must in any Asian glaze.

    Sesame Oil: Gives the sauce an earthy, nutty flavor.

    Ground Ginger: Adds a hint of warm spice.

    Water & Cornstarch: Whisked together to thicken the sauce.

    Garnish: Finish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor and texture.

    How to Make Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    This baked teriyaki chicken is a family favorite, but I think I might love this air fryer version even more! It has the same great sweet and savory flavor and can be cooked in half the time! I know all you busy mamas need that in your life!

    Prep: Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces, then place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and set aside.

    Combine: In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Reserve ¼ cup of the sauce and set aside.

    Marinate: Pour the remaining sauce into the bowl of chicken pieces, then cover and marinate in the fridge for 20 minutes. 

    Air Fry: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the air fryer basket. Space the chicken pieces evenly in a single layer. Close the basket and cook for 8 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Open the basket and flip the chicken pieces. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until cooked through. The safe internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Heat the Sauce: Place the reserved ¼ cup of sauce into a small saucepan. In a small bowl whisk the water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Add the mixture to the sauce and whisk over medium heat until the sauce thickens.

    Serve: Baste the chicken with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Serve the chicken over rice! Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice if desired.

    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Tips and Variations

    When it comes to cooking, you can adjust things to suit your preferences. Here are some easy ways to make this recipe exactly how you want!

    Vinegar: I love using rice vinegar in this recipe, but white vinegar or apple cider vinegar are great substitutes!

    Ginger: Use freshly grated ginger in place of ground ginger!

    Serve With: Serve over rice or noodles to complete the meal! For a low-carb option, you can add chicken as a protein to a salad. It would also be delicious with my easy fried rice!

    Spice: To give the teriyaki sauce a kick, add red pepper flakes or a squeeze of Sriracha sauce!

    Storing and Reheating Leftovers

    Using the air fryer to reheat leftovers works great! It quickly warms up and crisps these teriyaki chicken pieces perfectly, all in less time than using the oven.

    Fridge: Allow the air fryer teriyaki chicken to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It will last in the fridge for 3-4 days.

    Freezer: Once placed in an airtight container, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.

    Reheat: Pop it in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes or until warmed. You can also microwave the chicken in 30-second increments until warmed.

    More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

    Air fryers have changed cooking for the better. They cook food so quickly, and everything that comes out tastes amazing. Here are some of my most popular air fryer recipes that you should definitely try!

    Air Fryer Pork Belly

    40 mins

    Brown Sugar Garlic Air Fryer Salmon

    15 mins

    The BEST Air Fryer “Roasted” Potatoes

    25 mins

    Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

    23 mins

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    Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken

    Super flavorful Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken cooks up perfect every time! It’s tender and juicy on the inside with a tasty teriyaki sauce coating the outside. Pair with rice and veggies for an easy meal on busy nights!
    Course Dinner
    Cuisine American, Asian American
    Keyword air fryer teriyaki chicken recipe, easy teriyaki chicken
    Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time 12 minutes minutes
    Marinate 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time 42 minutes minutes
    Servings 4 people
    Calories 235kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Equipment

    Ingredients

    2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1 pound½ cup soy sauce cup brown sugar1 tablespoon rice vinegar, or apple cider vinegar1 clove garlic, minced1 teaspoon sesame oil¼ teaspoon ground ginger¼ cup water1 tablespoon cornstarchsesame seeds and chopped green onions, for garnish

    Instructions

    Cut the chicken into 2-inch pieces. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl and set aside.
    In a small bowl combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, and ground ginger; reserve ¼ cup of the sauce and set aside.
    Pour the remaining sauce into the bowl of chicken pieces. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
    Add the marinated chicken pieces to the air fryer basket. Evenly space the chicken pieces in a single layer. Close the basket and cook for 8 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Open the basket and flip the chicken pieces. Close the air fryer and cook for an additional 8 minutes or until cooked through. The safe internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
    Place the reserved ¼ cup marinade into a small saucepan. In a small bowl whisk the water and cornstarch to make a slurry. Add the cornstarch to the sauce mixture and whisk over medium heat until the sauce thickens.
    Baste the chicken with the thickened teriyaki sauce. Serve the chicken over rice! Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 235kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 27g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 1757mg | Potassium: 509mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 34IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 1mg
  • Cherry Cordials

    Homemade cherry cordials are a tasty, nostalgic treat! They’re made with sweet cherries that are coated in a rich chocolate shell. Make them for Christmas or Valentine’s Day, and watch them disappear!

    Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

    An Irresistible Sweet Treat: I’m a fan of chocolate-covered anything! I can’t get enough of sweets like chocolate covered strawberries and creamy chocolate covered banana bites. But these chocolate cherries might be my favorite!

    Better Than Store-Bought: All you need is a little time and patience, and you’ll have a treat everyone will love. Plus, homemade is more special!

    Perfect for Any Occasion: These are great year-round, but I especially love to make them for gifting around the holidays.

    Cherry Cordial Ingredients

    The ingredient list for this cherry cordials recipe is short and simple! Invertase is a unique ingredient, but you can easily find it at baking supply stores or online. Scroll to the bottom of the post for the exact measurements.

    Maraschino Cherries: These sweet cherries add a juicy burst of flavor with each bite!

    Water: Helps dissolve the sugar for the fondant.

    Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the fondant mixture.

    Light Corn Syrup: Keeps the filling nice and smooth.

    Maraschino Cherry Liquid: Adds extra cherry flavor.

    Invertase: Creates the signature gooey texture of the inside filling.

    Almond Extract: For a warm, nutty flavor.

    Chocolate: Use coating chocolate or almond bark to create the candy shell.

    How to Make Classic Cherry Cordials

    Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps in this recipe. The instructions are very simple and easy to follow. You’ll be biting into sweet, gooey cherry cordials before you know it!

    Dry the Cherries: Drain the cherries and reserve the liquid. Lay the cherries out on a few layers of paper towels. Pat them dry well with a few more paper towels. Set aside.

    Make the Fondant: Add the water, sugar, corn syrup, and cherry juice to a heavy bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium heat until boiling. Use a pastry brush to carefully brush water around the inside rim of the pan. This will melt any sugar granules into the pot.

    Make the Syrup: Use a candy thermometer and cook the syrup until it reaches 240-244ºF, about 5-8 minutes.

    Cool the Syrup: Remove it from the heat and pour it onto a small greased baking sheet. Let the syrup cool until it reaches 120ºF, about 20-30 minutes.

    Beat the Syrup: Once cooled, transfer the syrup to a stand mixer bowl. Beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment until the syrup becomes opaque and runny. Pour into a container and store in the fridge until you are ready to dip your cherries.

    Dipping the Cherry Cordials

    Warm the Fondant: Before dipping, gently warm the fondant in 20-second increments in the microwave until it is runny and flows off a spoon in ribbons. You can also use a double boiler. Stir in the invertase and almond extract.

    Dip in Fondant: Dip the cherries in the fondant. Let the excess drip off, and then wipe the bottoms on the side of the bowl.

    Let Them Sit: Place the fondant dipped cherries on a greased baking sheet. Warm the fondant as necessary to keep it workable. The more it cools down, the thicker it will coat the cherries. Let them sit until fully set.

    For the Chocolate Coating

    Heat the Chocolate: Once the cherries have been dipped and the fondant is set, heat the coating chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments. Stir well between each increment until all the chocolate is melted.

    Dip the Bottoms: Dip just the bottoms of the cherries in the chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

    Dip the Whole Cherry: Once the bottoms have set, dip the whole cherry in the chocolate. Make sure they are fully coated and set on a parchment-lined baking sheet until fully set. Store in an airtight container for at least 48 hours or up to 3 weeks. This will allow the invertase to liquify the fondant before serving. You can check if they are ready by cutting open a cherry every other day or so until they have liquified to your preference.

    Chocolate-Covered Cherry Cordial Tips

    New to making candy? These tips will ensure you make the best chocolate covered cherries!

    What is invertase? Invertase is an enzyme used in candy making to help break down candy into liquid sugar. It takes time to work. You can dip the cherries in firm fondant icing and then coat them in chocolate. The best part? No candy mold is needed! Over a few days or up to three weeks, the invertase breaks down the fondant into syrup for the signature oozing cherry cordial.

    Do you HAVE to use invertase? You don’t have to! The cherries will still taste delicious, just not like traditional liquid-filled cordials. For an adult version, soak them in the liquor of your choice. Bourbon, amaretto, cherry liqueur, or Kirsch.

    Using Chocolate Chips: If you use chocolate chips to dip your cherries, add a tablespoon or two of shortening or butter. This will increase the fat content to avoid streaked chocolate. I prefer almond bark or candy melts because they are so easy to melt and dip. You can even temper chocolate to get the absolute most beautiful dipped cherries.

    Using Stemless Cherries: If you use maraschino cherries without stems, use gloves. Don’t worry about making the fondant coating perfect since you’ll cover it with chocolate. Wear gloves and drizzle chocolate all around to fully coat the cherries. And use them to decorate with chocolate swirls or drizzles.

    Dipping Cherries: When dipped in the fondant, don’t bother with parchment paper. Place them right on a greased baking sheet.

    Almond Extract: You don’t have to add the almond extract if you don’t care for it! It won’t affect the outcome of the fondant, just the flavor.

    Making the Sugar Syrup

    Making Sugar Syrup: When cooking the sugar syrup, don’t stir it! This can disturb the sugar and cause little sugar crystals to form outside of the syrup. Even one sugar crystal can cause your syrup to crystalize and turn grainy as it cools. So, it’s important not to disturb it once you’ve cleaned the inside of the pot with the pastry brush. Also, be sure to thoroughly wash any utensils used to stir the sugar mixture if you end up stirring it together before heating it.

    Cooling the Syrup: You don’t have to pour the syrup onto a baking sheet to cool. You can pour it into a greased microwave safe bowl instead, but it will take longer to cool to 120ºF. Pouring it into a greased baking sheet helps speed up the process!

    How to Store Leftovers

    I recommend storing at room temperature, if you love that gooey center! However, you can freeze them too, so make a double batch!

    Storing: Place the cherry cordials in an airtight container. Store at room temperature or in the fridge for up to 4 months.

    In the Freezer: You can freeze the candies, but this may cause the chocolate to crack and the liquid fondant to leak out. If you do freeze them, freeze in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Enjoy them frozen or left at room temperature to thaw for a few hours.

    More Cherry-Inspired Desserts to Try

    If you are craving something sweet with cherry and chocolate, I’ve got you covered. Try the recipes below! Let me know which is your favorite!

    Cherry Cheesecake Brownies

    1 hr

    Martha Washington Candy

    45 mins

    Black Forest Cake

    1 hr 20 mins

    Chocolate Cherry Mousse Bars

    30 mins

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    Cherry Cordials

    Homemade cherry cordials are a tasty, nostalgic treat! They’re made with sweet cherries that are coated in a rich chocolate shell. Make them for Christmas or Valentine’s Day and watch them disappear!
    Course candy, Dessert
    Cuisine American, French, French American
    Keyword Cherry Cordials, Cherry Cordials recipe, Chocolate covered cherry cordials, Homemade Cherry Cordials
    Prep Time 1 hour hour
    Cook Time 10 minutes minutes
    cooling 30 minutes minutes
    Total Time 1 hour hour 40 minutes minutes
    Servings 36 cordials
    Calories 168kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    36 maraschino cherries, with or without stems¼ cup water2 cups granulated sugar cup light corn syrup2 tablespoon maraschino cherry liquid1 teaspoon invertase½ teaspoon almond extract24 ounces coating chocolate or almond bark, chopped

    Instructions

    Drain the cherries and reserve the liquid. Lay the cherries out on a few layers of paper towels and pat them dry well with a few more paper towels. Set aside.
    Make the fondant to dip the cherries in by adding the water, sugar, corn syrup, and maraschino cherry liquid to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and heat over medium heat until boiling. Use a pastry brush to carefully brush water around the inside rim of the pan, melting any sugar granules into the pot.
    Use a candy thermometer and cook the syrup until it reaches 240-244 degrees Fahrenheit, or the soft ball stage, about 5-8 minutes.
    Remove it from the heat and pour it onto a small greased baking sheet. Let the syrup cool until it reaches 120 degrees Fahrenheit, about 20-30 minutes or so.
    Once cooled, transfer the syrup to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment until the syrup becomes opaque and runny. Pour into a container and store in the refrigerator until you are ready to dip your cherries.
    When you are ready to dip your cherries, gently warm the fondant in 20-second increments in the microwave or over a double boiler until it is runny and flows off a spoon in ribbons. Stir in the invertase and almond extract.
    Dip the cherries in the fondant and let the excess drip off, then wipe the bottoms on the side of the bowl.
    Place the fondant-dipped cherries on a greased baking sheet. Warm the fondant as necessary to keep it workable, as the more it cools down, the thicker it will coat the cherries. Let them sit until they are all fully set up.
    Once the cherries have been dipped and the fondant is set, heat the coating chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring well between each increment until all the chocolate is melted.
    Dip just the bottoms of the cherries in the chocolate and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    Once the bottoms have set, dip the whole cherry in the chocolate. Ensure they are fully coated and set on a parchment-lined baking sheet until fully set. Store in an airtight container for at least 48 hours or up to 3 weeks to allow the invertase to liquefy the fondant before serving. You can check if they are ready by cutting open a cherry every other day or so until they have liquified to your preference.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 0.01g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.003g | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 3mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 2IU | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.03mg