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Mom’s Zucchini Bread 2.0

Bread, Breakfast, Dessert, , ,

I have the best zucchini bread for you today, ready to use up the last of the fresh zucchini coming in from your gardens and farmer’s markets. I started with a tried and true family favorite, but made some slight adjustments. I think it’s the best zucchini bread out there! It’s still moist and cakey without being dense, and has the best cinnamon flavor without being too sweet. It’s perfect for breakfast, snack time, or even dessert!

Mom's Zucchini Bread 2.0 - The Archaeologist Bakes

As I mentioned, I started with my mom’s recipe that we’ve been using for years. And based on a quick internet search, it seems like a lot of moms and grandmas out there are using the same recipe. And it really was good to begin with, but I wanted to make a few changes.

The first problem I encountered with the original recipe was that it was created for 8×4-inch loaf pans. All of my loaf pans are 9×5-inch, and I bet a lot of you have the same size. This meant the loaves (each batch makes two) were pretty flat and sad-looking. But it was too much batter for just one 9×5-inch loaf. So I upped the quantities and now you get two perfectly sized loaves. If you are using 8×4-inch pans, you’ll just get three loaves instead.

Mom's Zucchini Bread 2.0 - The Archaeologist Bakes

The next problem was that while I love a nice, moist, cakey quick bread, most of the zucchini breads I have tried tend to be a little dense and almost wet. I took a page out of some other recipes I had seen, and decided to squeeze out some of the moisture from the zucchini before adding it to the batter. It doesn’t have to be squeezed completely dry, but removing about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of liquid from it helps a lot with the texture of the finished bread.

Because I was removing some of the bitter liquid, and because I sometimes find zucchini bread to be on the sweet side, I also reduced the sugar a bit. It’s still sweet, but it has a nice balance with the other flavors. And while I just use cinnamon, you could easily substitute the spices of your choice. Use apple pie or pumpkin pie spice, or make a blend of your favorite spices (I’m thinking cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom next time).

Mom's Zucchini Bread 2.0 - The Archaeologist Bakes

I add nuts to my zucchini bread, pecans and walnuts to be specific, but as with almost every recipe, those are optional. Use whatever nut or seed you like – pumpkin or sunflower seeds would be great! Just avoid any that are salted for this recipe. Or, make it even more decadent and add chocolate chips, whatever flavor you prefer! You can even leave the add-ins out entirely.

Whatever mix-ins or spices you choose, I hope you give this recipe a try. It is seriously the best zucchini bread I’ve ever eaten, and I think you’ll love it too!

Mom's Zucchini Bread 2.0 - The Archaeologist Bakes
Print Recipe
 Mom's Zucchini Bread 2.0
Servings
loaves
Ingredients
Servings
loaves
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Place grated zucchini in a clean tea towel and squeeze out excess moisture. It doesn't have to be completely dry, but give it a good squeeze to eliminate the excess liquid. You should remove 1/4 to 1/3 cup. Set zucchini aside.
  2. Combine eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Whisk together until well combined.
  3. Add zucchini and stir until incorporated.
  4. Add all dry ingredients except nuts and stir just until there are no streaks of flour remaining.
  5. Stir in nuts.
  6. Pour into two greased 9x5-inch loaf pans. Bake at 325 degrees F for 60 to 70 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center has a few moist crumbs attached.
  7. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.
  8. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze, well-wrapped, for up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes
  • Use three pans if you have 8x4-inch loaf pans. It's ok to bake two and keep the remining batter refrigerated until you can wash and re-use one of the pans.
  • As always, nuts are optional. Use any unsalted variety you like, or substitute with seeds or chocolate chips. 
  • Instead of cinnamon use apple pie or pumpkin pie spice. Or create your own spice blend. Just use the same total amount -  1 1/2 tablespoons.
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Key Lime Pie Crumble Bars

Dessert, ,

These Key Lime Pie Crumble Bars taste just like your favorite Key Lime Pie, but are much more portable. They’re perfect for cookouts and backyard barbecues, or just because you’ve got extra limes sitting around waiting to be used up. They are rich, but refreshing because of the lime flavor. You’re definitely going to want to make these this summer!

Key Lime Pie Crumble Bars - The Archaeologist Bakes

I love Key Lime Pie, but I don’t love making it, storing it, and serving it. I wanted something with the same flavors, but easier to make and easier to serve. These crumble bars are the perfect answer. And because I really like a tart lime, I use regular (or Persian) limes. But feel free to use Key Limes if you prefer. They tend to be a little sweeter, so you won’t have quite as tart of a filling, although this one is fairly sweet to begin with.

Key Lime Pie Crumble Bars - The Archaeologist Bakes

As always, there are options if you want to change this up. As with most citrus desserts, feel free to change up the citrus fruit depending on your tastes and what you have on hand. Because the filling depends on the acid from the citrus juice essentially jelling the sweetened condensed milk, it may be a little softer set if you use orange juice, which tends to be a little less acidic. You can help that by adding in a bit of lemon juice with the orange to raise the acidity. And, as usual, feel free to add some finely chopped nuts of your choice to the crust, or even sprinkled on top before baking. Although I didn’t do it, you can certainly add a few drops of food coloring to match the citrus you are using. The filling stays pretty cream-colored without, which I am totally fine with. But everyone loves the look of a green Key Lime Pie, so color it if you prefer, or if you want it to be more obvious what the flavor is.

I used regular Biscoff cookie butter, to help mimic the flavor of a graham cracker crust, but if you have other cookie butters you want to try, go for it! Prefer a gingersnap crust on your citrus pie? Just add in 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to your crust mixture. If you don’t have any cookie butter, go get some! Or , use a neutral-flavored nut or seed butter instead. I would use almond or sunflower (unsalted), but I would stay away from peanut butter just because of the stronger flavor. You can also add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, especially if you don’t use the Biscoff cookie butter. That will also help mimic the graham cracker taste.

While these are portable because they are a bar, they should still be stored refrigerated. While they can sit at room temperature for a short time, they should be kept cool, so stick them in a cooler if you’re taking them to a picnic. You won’t have to worry about how to get them home, because they are sure to disappear fast! These are such a great twist on the classic pie. I hope you try it soon!

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 Key Lime Pie Crumble Bars
Servings
Ingredients
Crust
Filling
Servings
Ingredients
Crust
Filling
Instructions
  1. Combine flour, oats, both sugars, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl and stir until combined.
  2. Cut butter into mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Stir in egg and cookie butter. Mixture will still be somewhat crumbly.
  4. Press half of mixture into a greased 8" square pan, and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
  5. While crust is baking, combine all filling ingredients.
  6. Pour filling onto hot crust, and crumble remaining crust mixture over top.
  7. Bake an additional 20-25 minutes or until top is lightly browned.
  8. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 30 minutes before cutting and serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes
  • Use any citrus you like instead of lime. If using orange, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to increase the acidity and help the filling set.
  • Use any cookie butter you would like.
  • If you don't have cookie butter, use a neutral nut or seed butter instead. Consider adding a 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon to help replicate the graham cracker taste.
  • If you like a gingersnap crust on your key lime pie, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger to the crust mixture.
  • Add a few drops of food coloring to the filling if you'd like.
  • Add up to 1/2 cup of finely chopped nuts to the crust, or sprinkle 1/4 cup on top.
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Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Blondies

Dessert, ,
The Archaeologist Bakes - Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Blondies

I love a good brownie as much as anyone, but especially this time of year it’s nice to mix it up with something that tastes a little lighter, like these blondies! Full of raspberries and white chocolate chips, they are also buttery and chewy and really the perfect type of blondie. And while I said they taste lighter because of the raspberry and white chocolate, trust me, they are still extremely decadent.

I’ve been making version of these blondies for years, but I’ve never shared them here. Now is the time. I admit that blondies aren’t my favorite dessert, and I’m really not a fan of white chocolate. But these blondies are just so rich and fudgy, while the raspberry really pops and the white chocolate seems to round it all out. Every time I make these I wonder why I don’t make them more often.

The Archaeologist Bakes - Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Blondies

I frequently add slivered almonds to these. Sometimes in addition to the white chocolate chips, and sometimes instead of them. But there are endless ways to customize them. As always, you can add any nut you want, or substitute any flavor chip you would like (bonus points if you use the confetti white chocolate chips like I did). Regular, old semi-sweet chocolate chips would be fantastic. Blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries would all work well. Or use a mix of whatever you have! You can also always leave out the almond extract. The zest of half a lemon would be a great addition instead!

The Archaeologist Bakes - Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Blondies

Don’t do what I do and wait too long to make these. They are so perfect for spring, when you’re craving fresh berry flavors, but it still gets cool at night so a decadent dessert sounds good. Make them this weekend (and then maybe next weekend too)!

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 Raspberry White Chocolate Chip Blondies
Course Dessert
Servings
Ingredients
Course Dessert
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil and spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Combine melted butter and brown sugar. Stir in egg, vanilla, and almond extract.
  3. Stir in flour, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Add white chocolate chips, mix well, and scrape into prepared pan. Smooth the top.
  5. Slightly chop the berries. Scatter them over the batter in the pan.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-45 minutes. Blondies should be golden brown and set in the center. A toothpick inserted near the center should come out with only a few wet crumbs.
  7. Cool completely before removing from pan and slicing.
Recipe Notes
  • Leave out almond extract, or substitute with the zest of half a lemon.
  • Use semi-sweet or other chocolate chips instead of white chocolate.
  • Use up to 1 cup of mix-ins. Instead of all chocolate chips, use 1/2 cups nuts and 1/2 cup chips.
  • Try different berries - strawberries, blackberries, and blueberries would all be great.
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Easy Apple Spice Cake with White Chocolate Browned Butter Buttercream

Cakes and cupcakes, Dessert, ,

A super-easy apple spice cake made from a mix, with a perfectly fluffy white chocolate browned butter buttercream that has only two ingredients. It’s the cake that this early fall season is begging for!

I hadn’t really planned on sharing this recipe, but I decided it was too delicious not to. It all came about mostly by accident. I was shopping at Wal-Mart this week, and found the sprinkles I ended up using on this cake. I love fall, and I love sprinkles, and I didn’t have these…so I couldn’t help myself and bought them. Look at how perfectly fall-inspired they are! But then I needed to make something to use them on. When I got home, I started thinking about what I could bake that needed these sprinkles. I remembered I had a spice cake mix in the pantry, so I pulled that out and started mixing it up. But to add just a little more fall flavor, I decided to use unsweetened applesauce in place of the oil. It adds just the slightest hint of apple that works so well with the spice cake.

I know, that’s not much of a recipe yet. But then I needed to make a frosting for it. I was going to just make my standard browned butter buttercream, but I checked my baking supplies and realized I was pretty low on powdered sugar. I wasn’t sure I would have enough for a full batch of buttercream. So I thought I would make Swiss meringue buttercream with browned butter. And I checked my eggs. Not enough of those either. (I’ve been out of town for work and haven’t been baking much.) At this point I was getting desperate, because I really didn’t want to go back to the store. And my cake was already in the oven. That’s when I remembered a two-ingredient chocolate frosting I had tried previously, and wondered if it could be made with white chocolate. I went back to the original blogger, and sure enough, it can be made with white chocolate chips! At this point I was fairly certain I could also use browned butter, so I just went for it. It was the right decision. This frosting is not too sweet, and the combination of white chocolate and nutty browned butter pair perfectly with the spice cake.

Anyone can make this frosting. Seriously, anyone. And it’s so impressive, even if you’re not a baker people will be raving over this dessert. All you do is brown butter and add white chocolate chips. To brown the butter, put it in a light-colored (not non-stick) pan and melt it over medium-low heat. It will start to bubble – that’s what you want. Let it continue to cook until you start to see brown spots at the bottom. That’s the milk solids starting to brown, which is what gives it a nutty flavor. Once the melted butter is golden and the bits are a medium brown, take it off the heat and cool it slightly. Once it is warm, but not hot, add the white chocolate chips and let them melt. Chill it until solid, bring to room temperature, and whip it up. That’s it. Delicious, sophisticated frosting with almost no effort.

I baked this in three 6-inch pans, but you can bake it in any pans you would like. Use two 8- or 9-inch, or even a 9×13-inch pan for an even easier dessert. Want to mix it up and make it your own? Add some chopped, toasted pecans on top or in the middle frosting layers. Use apple cider instead of water in the cake for an even more prominent apple flavor. Add a drizzle of caramel or melted cookie butter on top (definitely going that route next time myself!). Which ever way you make it, just make sure to give this frosting a try. It couldn’t be easier, and it will definitely impress your friends and family!

Print Recipe
 Easy Apple Spice Cake with White Chocolate Browned Butter Buttercream
Servings
Ingredients
Cake
Frosting
Servings
Ingredients
Cake
Frosting
Instructions
Cake
  1. Combine all ingredients in mixing bowl. Mix on low speed just until combined. Increase speed to high and mix for 2 minutes.
  2. Divide batter evenly between two greased 8- or 9-inch pans, or three greased 6-inch pans.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-28 minutes, depending on size of pans.
  4. Cool on wire racks for 5 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely.
Frosting
  1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Continue cooking until butter boils and begins to brown. Once solids have lightly browned and liquid is golden in color, remove from heat and transfer to a heat-proof bowl.
  2. Let cool slightly before adding white chocolate chips. Butter should be warm enough to melt the chocolate, but not so hot it will burn. If butter has cooled to far, microwave in 30 second bursts until chocolate is melted.
  3. Cool mixture in the refrigerator until solidified. Remove from refrigerator and bring back to cool room temperature.
  4. Place in large mixing bowl and beat at medium speed with whisk attachment until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  5. Fill and frost cake.
Recipe Notes
  • Use apple cider instead of water in the cake mix for even more apple flavor.
  • Add chopped, toasted pecans on top or in the middle frosting layers.
  • Drizzle the top with caramel or melted cookie butter.
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Summer Sunshine Coffee Cake

Breakfast, Dessert, ,

I have the perfect summer weekend breakfast treat for you today! Made from homemade biscuits and full of bright citrus flavors, it also makes a great afternoon pick-me-up, or even a light dessert. And it’s easy to make and comes together fairly quickly, making it great for last-minute or unplanned guests.

I got the inspiration from Paula Deen’s Orange Coffee Cake, but I wanted to make it a little more homemade. Instead of canned biscuits, I decided to make homemade angel biscuits, which are essentially a yeasted buttermilk biscuit. They are a little flaky and a little bread-y, and I think they are perfect in this application.

I also wanted to update the flavor slightly. I’m personally not a huge fan of orange flavor, but I thought mixing it with grapefruit would be a nice twist. I really like the combination in this cake. The two flavors complement each other well, without either being overwhelmed by the other. And the citrus really brightens up a cake that could otherwise feel heavy and rich. I finished if off with a cream cheese glaze, flavored lightly with grapefruit juice, since I thought that would be a little more subtle than orange, but you could use either one.

You could definitely change up the flavor with whatever citrus you love, or have on hand. I personally love limes, and think that would make a great cake. Blood oranges would make a fantastic winter cake. And can you ever go wrong with Meyer lemons? Use just a single fruit, or mix a few together to find your perfect cake.

I really hope you give this recipe a try. If you’re intimidated by yeast dough this is a perfect place to start, since there isn’t a ton of kneading. And if you really don’t want to use yeast or wait the short rise time, you can use your favorite biscuit recipe and follow the rest of the directions with that dough. However you make it, I know you’ll love it!

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 Summer Sunshine Coffee Cake
Servings
people
Ingredients
Biscuits
Filling and Topping
Icing
Servings
people
Ingredients
Biscuits
Filling and Topping
Icing
Instructions
  1. Combine yeast, warm water, and 2 teaspoons sugar in a small bowl and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Grate cold butter into flour mixture (see recipe notes for tips), and toss gently to combine well and coat all pieces with flour.
  3. Stir in yeast mixture, sour cream, and milk and mix well. Dump onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently until mixture is smooth and all flour is fully incorporated.
  4. Place into a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, approximately 30-45 minutes.
  5. While dough is rising, combine 1/2 cup sugar with orange and grapefruit zests and mix well. Melt 1 tablespoon of butter and set aside.
  6. Once dough has risen, lightly punch down and place on a lightly floured surface. Roll out to 1/2-inch thickness. Sprinkle with half of sugar and zest, then fold dough in half.
  7. Roll again lightly to 3/4-inch thickness. Cut out biscuits with 3-inch round cutter, pressing straight down without twisting. Try to get as many out of the first roll as possible. Ideally you should get 7 to 8 biscuits with the first roll. Lightly press together any scraps and cut additional biscuits. You should have 9 in total.
  8. Place one whole biscuit, one from the second batch of cutting, into the center of a greased 9-inch pie plate or cake pan. Cut remaining 8 biscuits in half with a sharp knife, creating half circles. Place the 16 pieces around the center biscuit, slightly overlapping and with all cut sides facing the same way, like flower petals.
  9. Brush the top of the biscuits with the melted butter, and sprinkle with the remaining sugar and zest mixture.
  10. Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. While coffee cake is cooling, make icing. Whisk together the cream cheese and powdered sugar. Add enough juice to make a thick icing that is just thin enough to be drizzled. Drizzle over cooled cake.
Recipe Notes
  • When grating butter into flour mixture, use full stick (8 tablespoons). Unwrap most of the way, and while holding the wrapped end, grate in 7 tablespoons. Save remaining tablespoon for topping.
  • Use any combination, or single flavor, of citrus zest and juice.
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Peanut Butter Crumb Topped Banana Bread

Bread, Breakfast, ,

It’s almost time for school to start, and I have a great recipe for quick breakfasts or lunchbox treats. Peanut Butter Crumb Topped Banana Bread is a perfect mix of peanutty crumb topping and sweet banana bread.

I have been seeing so many variations on banana bread lately – crumb topped (cinnamon, graham cracker, cookie butter, and more), stuffed with cream cheese, filled with chocolate chips, or swirled with peanut butter. They all sound so good. But then I saw a recipe for peanut butter crumb-topped brownies, and I decided that the two had to meet.

Although I love walnuts or pecans in banana bread, I left them out this time. You could absolutely add them back in – or use chopped peanuts for an extra peanut bite. Chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, even butterscotch or caramel chips would be a welcome addition. You can also substitute the nut or seed butter of your choice in the crumb topping as well.

Did I mention this recipe makes two loaves? That’s right – one for right now (I ate half a loaf warm from the oven so be warned!), and one for the freezer for those hectic weekdays. I love eating a slice bread of this for breakfast, but it makes a great snack as well. Pack it in a lunchbox or serve a slice after school. This is going to become your favorite banana bread!


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Peanut Butter Crumb Topped Banana Bread

Servings
loaves


Ingredients
Peanut Butter Crumb Topping

Banana Bread

Servings
loaves


Ingredients
Peanut Butter Crumb Topping

Banana Bread


Instructions
Peanut Butter Crumb Topping
  1. Melt peanut butter and butter together.

  2. Stir in remaining ingredients and set aside.

Banana Bread
  1. Combine butter and slightly chopped, or broken, bananas in a microwave safe bowl or large saucepan. Heat over low heat, or 30 seconds at a time in the microwave. Stir and mash with a large spoon or potato masher until butter is melted and bananas are soft and mashed.

  2. Remove from heat. Stir in sugar and salt. Add eggs, milk, and vanilla and mix well.

  3. Stir in flour and baking powder just until combined.

  4. Gently stir in any mix-ins, if using.

  5. Divide evenly between two greased 9"x5" loaf pans.

  6. Divide peanut butter mixture in half, and crumble evenly over batter in pans.

  7. Bake at 350-degrees F for 40-45 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean

  8. Cool 10 minutes before turning out of pan onto cooling rack to cool completely.

  9. To freeze, wrap well in plastic wrap and foil, and place in a zip-top freezer. Freeze for up to a month.


Recipe Notes
  • Add chopped peanuts to up the peanut butter flavor.
  • Use pecans or walnuts for a more traditional banana bread.
  • Use any flavor chips - chocolate, peanut butter, butterscotch, caramel, etc.
  • Substitute any nut or seed butter for the peanut butter in the crumb topping.


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Black and White Banana Cupcakes

Cakes and cupcakes, , ,

I have the perfect Fourth of July recipe for you today! It’s a delicious banana cupcake dipped in chocolate and vanilla fudge frostings. It’s a great dessert to bring to a cookout for several reasons. First, the recipe makes 24 cupcakes, so there’s plenty to go around. Second, the frostings set up firm so they’re easy to transport and they won’t melt easily in the heat if you’ve got them sitting outside. And finally, well, they’re just plain delicious!

These cupcakes are one of my favorites. Well, let me clarify. The cupcakes are delicious. The frostings are out of this world, and probably the reason I like the cupcakes so much. I am a chocolate person through and through. I never choose vanilla if chocolate is an option. Except with this frosting. This vanilla frosting is almost like a vanilla fudge. It is so good, it will almost make you forget there is chocolate available too. Almost. So, I could never choose between a vanilla frosted and chocolate frosted one. Until now. I figured if New York could frost their cookies with both vanilla and chocolate, well, I could do it to my cupcakes. Yep, it’s a good idea.

Let’s start by talking about the cupcakes. Really, these aren’t much different than banana bread. They’re a little bit lighter in texture, which is perfect for a summer cupcake. The banana flavor is there but not overwhelming, and the bananas help to keep the cupcakes moist. Nuts are completely optional, but I do enjoy walnuts or pecans in these. I think hazelnuts or macadamias would also be great. Or, if you prefer to throw in some mini chocolate chips, I won’t stop you. They’re your cupcakes – do what sounds good to you!

Now, the frostings. Yes, plural. But I promise they aren’t difficult. Both are rich and fudgy, and they both go so well with the banana cupcake. To frost them, if you only want one flavor on the cupcake, you can just dip the tops into the warm frosting. To get the half and half look, I found it easier to use a spoon or spatula to spread partially cooled frosting on half a cupcake and then repeat on the other half with the other flavor. If you want sprinkles (and who doesn’t want sprinkles?), you need to be fast with them. This frosting sets fairly quickly, so I wouldn’t frost more than one or two cupcakes before topping with sprinkles. It’s a great task for any little helpers you have!

Each frosting recipe makes enough to fully frost 12 cupcakes, so one recipe of each flavor will cover 24, either 12 of each or half and half on 24. Of course, if you don’t need to transport these or want to change them up, you can absolutely use a standard buttercream. Chocolate, vanilla…..peanut butter, anyone? And you could replace the sprinkles with chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or chopped candies. 

These cupcakes are sure to become a favorite. Bake up a batch for your next picnic or bake sale. And if you have leftovers, well, they’re basically banana bread…so I say eat them for breakfast!

Print Recipe
 Black and White Banana Cupcakes
A light banana cupcake with chocolate and vanilla fudge frostings.
Course Dessert
Servings
cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcakes
Chocolate Frosting
Vanilla Frosting
Course Dessert
Servings
cupcakes
Ingredients
Cupcakes
Chocolate Frosting
Vanilla Frosting
Instructions
Cupcakes
  1. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla and mix well,
  2. Stir in mashed bananas.
  3. Combine dry ingredients, except nuts. in a separate bowl.
  4. Add half of dry ingredients to banana mixture, mix, and add sour milk. Mix well and add remainder of dry ingredients.
  5. Stir in nuts if using.
  6. Line 24 muffin cups with paper liners and fill about 2/3 full.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and the centers spring back when touched.
  8. Remove cupcakes to wire racks to cool.
Chocolate Frosting
  1. Combine chocolate, butter, and milk in the top of a double boiler and heat until melted.
  2. Turn off heat, but leave the double boiler together. Stir in powdered sugar. Frosting should be thick but pourable.
Vanilla Frosting
  1. Combine butter, milk, and salt in the top of a double boiler and heat until melted.
  2. Turn off heat but leave double boiler together. Stir in vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Frosting should be thick but pourable.
Assembly
  1. While frosting is still pourable, dip the tops of the cupcakes and allow to set on wire racks.
  2. To create half and half cupcakes, let frosting cool slightly and spread cupcakes half with vanilla and half with chocolate frosting.
  3. Frosting sets quickly, so add sprinkles after every one or two cupcakes are frosted.
  4. If frosting begins to cool and set in the bowl, you can reheat gently in the double boiler.
Recipe Notes

Make these your own:

  • Choose your favorite nut to add.
  • Leave out the nuts entirely.
  • Substitute mini chocolate chips instead of nuts.
  • Not in love with chocolate? Double the batch of vanilla frosting and use only that.
  • Family of chocoholics? Double the chocolate frosting and use only that.
  • Instead of sprinkles, use nuts, mini chips, or chopped candies.
  • You can use any flavor of buttercream on these as well - chocolate, vanilla, and peanut butter would be great!
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Ginger-Lime Thumbprint Cookies

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The first time I made a cookie similar to this was while I was on a project and living in a hotel room. I was baking for the crew almost every weekend, but since I was in a hotel and cooking in a toaster oven with only a few tools, I tried to use shortcuts where I could. I was looking for ways to easily dress up a cookie mix when I stumbled upon a recipe for ginger-lime sugar cookies and decided that could work. I just mixed up the mix and added lime zest and fresh ginger. I stirred in some white chocolate chips and baked them up. Everyone went crazy for them!

I fell in love with the ginger-lime combination at that point, and I have made similar cookies many times since. I wanted to dress them up a little for you, though, so I turned them into thumbprint cookies!  These are soft, chewy cookies that actually stay soft and chewy for up to a week. For the filling, I use vanilla almond bark because I prefer it over actual white chocolate. You can use whichever you prefer or have on hand. These have a tropical vibe to them, so I think a sprinkle of toasted coconut or toasted macadamia nuts would be perfect. You could either sprinkle some on top of the ganache before it sets, or go all out and roll the cookie dough in them before baking!


Print Recipe
 Ginger-Lime Thumbprint Cookies
Servings
dozen
Ingredients
Servings
dozen
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Melt butter.
  2. While still warm, add cubed cream cheese, sugar, and oil. Whisk until combined and cream cheese is mostly melted.
  3. Add lime, ginger, and egg and mix well.
  4. Stir in flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until a smooth dough is formed.
  5. Refrigerate dough for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours.
  6. Scoop dough, using a 1 1/2 tablespoon scoop, onto a parchment or silicone lined cookie sheet.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown around the edges.
  8. As soon as the cookies come out of the oven, press an indentation in the middle with a small (1/2 teaspoon) measuring spoon.
  9. Cool 5 minutes, then move to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  10. Once cookies are baked, make the ganache by combining almond bark with heavy cream in a microwave safe bowl.
  11. Microwave 30 seconds at a time, stirring after each. Continue until chocolate is completely melted and mixture is smooth.
  12. Spoon, or pipe with a piping or plastic bag, the ganache into the indents in the cookies. Let set until firm, about 1 hour.
  13. Sprinkle with additional lime zest if desired.
Recipe Notes
  • Sprinkle with toasted coconut or toasted, chopped macadamia nuts before the ganache sets.
  • Roll the cookie dough in coconut or chopped macadamia nuts before baking.
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Pecan Sticky Buns

Breakfast, ,

Do you have breakfast plans this weekend? Or are you looking for something sweet to add to your Easter brunch next weekend? If so, you’re in luck, because I have the recipe for the best-ever sticky buns.

These are one of my favorite breakfast treats. My mom made them on occasion when I was a kid, and I was always excited when they made an appearance on the breakfast menu.  I’ve tried a number of other sticky buns since then, and I have yet to find any that are as good as these. They are full of caramel and pecans, with a hint of cinnamon. And they are perfectly gooey and sticky.

Sticky buns may seem intimidating, but they are really pretty simple to make. If you can make a cinnamon roll, you can definitely make these. It starts with a rich yeast dough which is filled with chopped pecans, butter, brown sugar, and a little cinnamon. The topping is just brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, a little more cinnamon, and a ton of pecans.

As always, you can leave the pecans out of both the topping and the filling, or substitute another nut of your choice. Most of the sticky bun recipes I see do not include cinnamon, especially in the topping. I really like it in there, but you can definitely leave it out as well. And you could put whatever you like in the filling – add a handful of raisins or other dried fruit if you’re so inclined, or even some mini chocolate chips if you want to really take it over the top.

 

These are so good, and you probably have everything you need already in your pantry. Make these this weekend or for Easter brunch (or both!). I promise you will love them!

Print Recipe
 Pecan Sticky Buns
Servings
Ingredients
Rolls
Topping
Filling
Servings
Ingredients
Rolls
Topping
Filling
Instructions
Dough
  1. Dissolve the yeast in the warm water.
  2. Scald the milk (bring it just to a simmer) and add the butter. Let cool to warm room temperature while the butter softens and partially melts.
  3. Transfer milk mixture and yeast to stand mixer. Add sugar and eggs and mix well with the paddle attachment. (You can also do this by hand with a large spoon).
  4. Add salt and 4 cups flour and mix well with the dough hook attachment (or a spoon).
  5. Continue to knead dough, adding up to 1/2 cup additional flour, until dough is only slightly sticky, about 5 minutes with the mixer.
  6. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
Topping
  1. Combine all ingredients except pecans in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  2. Boil for 1 minute.
  3. Pour into a greased 9"x13" baking pan and sprinkle with pecan halves. Set aside.
Filling and Assembly
  1. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and pecans in a small bowl.
  2. Roll dough, once doubled, into a 12"x 22" rectangle.
  3. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle with filling.
  4. Roll up, jelly-roll style, starting on the short end. (You should end up with a roll 12" long.)
  5. Cut into 1" slices and place, cut side up, onto topping in prepared pan.
  6. Cover and let rise again until doubled. See note to prepare the night before and bake in the morning.
  7. Bake at 350-degrees F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
  8. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes (no longer!) for the topping to harden slightly.
  9. Invert onto serving platter, scraping any pecans and topping left in the pan onto the top of the rolls.
  10. Enjoy warm! Rolls will keep up to 3 days covered at room temperature, but do yourself a favor and microwave them for a few seconds to rewarm before eating. 🙂
Recipe Notes

Note: To make these the night before, follow instructions until the second rise (in the pan). When rolls are not quite doubled in size, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. The next morning, remove from refrigerator and preheat oven. Once oven is preheated, bake rolls for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

  • Substitute pecans for your favorite nut, or leave out completely.
  • Leave out cinnamon in the topping and/or filling if you prefer. If leaving the cinnamon out of the topping, consider adding a pinch to 1/4 teaspoon of salt for that salted caramel flavor.
  • Add fillings of your choice - raisins, dried fruit, mini chocolate chips, etc.
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Apple Cider Cookies for the Go Bo! Bake Sale

Cookies, ,

If you follow me on Facebook, you may have seen recently that I signed up to donate decorated cookies for the Go Bo! Bake Sale. For the whole story, go check out that link. In short, a 12 year-old boy (Bo) was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia. While fighting cancer, he started the Go Bo! Foundation to fund cancer research and childhood treatment. The year he passed, a bake sale was planned as a fundraiser for the foundation. A local cookier took to social media to spread the word about the bake sale and ask any other cookiers to donate decorated cookies. That was in 2012, and they raised $5,000 at that bake sale. As word has spread, more and more cookiers have donated. Last year they were able to raise over $30,000!

When I heard about the fundraiser, I knew I wanted to decorate some cookies to donate. I pored over cookie after cookie on Pinterest, and finally settled on a design. It was a hybrid of a few others I had seen out there, and I have to say I really love the way they came out. I made royal icing transfer and then attached them to the flooded cookies. Here are the images I used as templates.

After I knew what design I wanted to create, I had to decide what flavor to make. I love my basic butter cookie recipe, but I wanted something a little more special. So I thought about the apple cider shortbread I had made at Christmas last year. I knew I could combine that idea with my favorite butter cookie, so that’s what I did. Most of the flavor comes from instant hot cider mix, but I felt like it needed another punch of apple flavor, so I reduced some apple cider down to a syrup and mixed that in as well. It was exactly what I was looking for! I think these will be making a reappearance at Christmas this year!

There aren’t a lot of easy substitutions for this recipe. But you could brown the butter and then cool and solidify it before creaming with the sugar. Or, use maple syrup instead of the cider syrup for a hint of maple. And, I suspect you could use instant (sweetened) ice tea mix instead of the cider mix (leaving out the reduced cider syrup) for a summery version of this cookie. In fact, I may try that next summer!

Print Recipe
 Apple Cider Cookies
Servings
Ingredients
Servings
Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Place apple cider into a saucepan. Bring to boil over medium heat and cook until it is reduced to 2 tablespoons. Set aside to cool.
  2. Cream butter with sugar and hot cider mix.
  3. Beat in egg, vanilla, and cooled reduced cider.
  4. MIx in salt and flour until well blended.
  5. Depending on how warm your butter was, you may need to chill the dough for up to an hour to make rolling easier.
  6. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface to nearly 1/4 inch thickness, and cut out with desired cookie cutter.
  7. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes. Cookies should be lightly browned around the edges.
  8. Cool on cookie sheets for 5 minutes before moving to a rack to cool completely.
  9. Decorate as desired. You can also decorate with sprinkles before baking.
Recipe Notes
  • Use parchment or silicon mats on the cookie sheets if desired.
  • Roll thinner if a crisper cookie is desired.
  • Use maple syrup in place of the reduced cider for a slight variation.
  • Omit the reduced cider and replace the hot cider mix with sweetened ice tea mix for a summery cookie.
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