Strawberry Nutella Coconut Milkshake

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Buon Ferragosto!

Also known as the day where everything is closed and I feel slightly trapped. Hmmm the gelato place is closed so I’ll just run to the store and pick up some…oh wait, all the grocery stores are closed. Ok, well maybe I’ll go browse some shops, oh wait, all closed. I’ll go walk around in the center for a bit…nope, hardly any buses running today to get to the center. Even if I could find a bus, all the places I could buy a ticket are closed. Ok, so I’ll walk to the gym to work out and enjoy some air conditioning. Ah, closed. So, I hunker down and eat whatever food is in the house, try to stay cool. Actually we’ve come to a bit of a cool spell, today only has a high of 90°F. I’ll take it!

I actually planned ahead this year and went grocery shopping last night. I got fruit and veggies for lunch and dinner today, but why didn’t I get better snackies? But then I remembered that I have a good stash of gelato in the freezer, and made me think of this delectable milkshake I made a few weeks ago.

So with all this time on my hands, I shall be milkshaking and sharing this milkshake with you! What’s so great about this milkshake?

It’s a Strawberry Nutella Coconut Milkshake. That’s such a long name, and kinda going against my own rule of not listing every ingredient in the title, but otherwise I didn’t quite know how to get the dream across, ya know?

How about this: Strawnutelloco Milkshake. Stranucoco Milkshake. Conuterry. Strawconutella. Regardless, this milkshake tastes like a chocolate covered strawberry rolled in coconut with a hint of hazelnut.

I have a confession to make. I originally made this milkshake to try and hide this not-awesome gelato I bought. There was a sale on a brand I had never tried before at the grocery store, and they had coconut and I love coconut but it just did not end well. Icy and so much coconut it was chewy. I didn’t want to waste it, but I also didn’t necessarily want to force myself to eat gelato?

Enter the milkshake idea. I had strawberries, Nutella, and milk, and this beautiful combo was born. The copious amounts of coconut from the gelato still rendered my milkshake a bit chewy, but if you have a GOOD brand of coconut ice cream, or even vanilla ice cream with a bit of flaked coconut and maybe a drop of coconut extract or two thrown in, you’ve got yourself the perfect summer day’s treat.

So thank you, gelato brand that shall remain unnamed, for the not delicious gelato that prompted me to create a delicious milkshake.

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Strawberry Nutella Coconut Milkshake

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut ice cream, slightly softened

• 1/2 cup milk, any variety

• 1/2 cup hulled strawberries, fresh or frozen

• 2 heaping Tbsp Nutella

• Dash of vanilla extract, optional

• Whipped cream, optional

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients except whipped cream to a blender and blend until smooth. Check consistency and add more milk if desired.

2. Spoon into 2 glasses and top with whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Jenny’s Notes:

• Don’t have coconut ice cream but still want that coconut taste? Substitute chocolate or vanilla ice cream and add a bit of flaked coconut and a drop or two of coconut extract.

• For creamier shakes, use whole milk.

• For thinner shakes you can sip, add more milk. For thicker, spoonable shakes, add less milk. Some blenders don’t blend thicker shakes well, so if yours is having problems, either wait a minute or two for the ice cream to soften a bit more before continuing to blend, or add a touch more milk.

• To make fresh whipped cream, whip about 1/4 cup / 60g heavy whipping cream with 1 Tbsp / 14g sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, or with a handheld mixer. This makes about 1/2 cup fresh whipped cream. Store in fridge, best if used within a few days.

milkshake, milk, strawberry, Nutella, coconut, ice cream, vanilla, fresh whipped cream, dessert, summer

Dessert, Beverage

American

Yield: 2 Servings

Author: Jennyblogs

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Strawberry Nutella Coconut Milkshake

Thick and creamy milkshake with coconut ice cream, Nutella, strawberries and whipped cream on top.

prep time: 5 Mcook time: total time: 5 M

ingredients:

• 2 cups coconut ice cream, slightly softened
• 1/2 cup milk, any variety
• 1/2 cup hulled strawberries, fresh or frozen
• 2 heaping Tbsp Nutella
• Dash of vanilla extract, optional
• Whipped cream, optional

instructions:

How to cook Strawberry Nutella Coconut Milkshake

1. Add all ingredients except whipped cream to a blender and blend until smooth. Check consistency and add more milk if desired.
2. Spoon into 2 glasses and top with whipped cream. Serve immediately.

NOTES:

Don’t have coconut ice cream but still want that coconut taste? Substitute chocolate or vanilla ice cream and add a bit of flaked coconut and a drop or two of coconut extract. For creamier shakes, use whole milk. For thinner shakes you can sip, add more milk. For thicker, spoonable shakes, add less milk. Some blenders don’t blend thicker shakes well, so if yours is having problems, either wait a minute or two for the ice cream to soften a bit more before continuing to blend, or add a touch more milk. To make fresh whipped cream, whip about 1/4 cup / 60g heavy whipping cream with 1 Tbsp / 14g sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with whisk attachment, or with a handheld mixer. This makes about 1/2 cup fresh whipped cream. Store in fridge, best if used within a few days.

Calories

440.85

Fat (grams)

23.21

Sat. Fat (grams)

19.31

Carbs (grams)

54.51

Fiber (grams)

3.87

Net carbs

50.64

Sugar (grams)

40.58

Protein (grams)

6.95

Sodium (milligrams)

49.23

Cholesterol (grams)

9.42

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 2 servings and includes whipped cream.

https://jennyblogs.com/blog/2019/8/14/strawberry-nutella-coconut-milkshake

Created using The Recipes Generator

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Mocha Punch

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

On entering any coffee shop in America, you’ll easily find mocha on the menu. I usually think of black coffee and cappuccino as being among the most commonly ordered, vanilla latte and mocha closely following. Because after enjoying coffee in its purer forms it is logical to then pair it with two of the greatest flavors: vanilla and chocolate. No? But I’m not a barista, so if you are, you tell me. :)

This is not the case in Italy. Italy may be the birthplace of coffee as we know it today, but that doesn’t mean that they own ALL the copyrights to the best coffee drinks. Cappuccino, espresso, macchiato….but Vanilla Latte and Mocha are not on the menu here, unless you go to one of the few “American” coffee shops, such as Arnold. First of all, if you order a latte you will get….milk. And if you order a mocha you will get…a withering stare. Not the end of the world, especially with all of the other types of coffee you can order, but sometimes I just want a mocha, ya know? I usually order my cappuccino with cocoa powder on top, but that’s not quite the same.

What’s a person to do when they don’t have mocha readily available to them? Make it at home, of course! It’s so easy, and can be even easier in a pinch, see my notes below!

But doesn’t the title say punch, you ask? Yes, yes it does. The recipe that follows can be drunk as a classic mocha, hot or iced, by simply not adding the ice cream. Or, as per the recipe, pour the whole thing in a punch bowl, add scoops of ice cream, and voila! Mocha punch fit for any party.

Recipe adapted from a friend’s mama. :)

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Mocha Punch

Serves about 20

Ingredients:

• 3 quarts / 3 L freshly brewed strong coffee

• 1 1/2 cups / 300g sugar

• 2 quarts / 2 L milk

• 3/4 cup / 240g chocolate syrup, try this homemade recipe!

• 3 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 gallon (8 cups) / 1 kg vanilla ice cream

Directions:

1. Pour brewed coffee into a large pot, bowl, or other large container. Stir sugar into hot coffee until dissolved. Cool in fridge.

2. Remove coffee from fridge and add milk, chocolate syrup, and vanilla and stir until well combined.

3. Chill until cold or overnight.

4. Just before serving, pour into serving container, mix briefly, and scoop ice cream into the punch, allowing the ice cream to melt for a few minutes before serving. (Skip this step if not serving as a punch.)

5. Store in fridge.

Jenny’s Notes:

• For an everyday mocha I reduce the sugar and milk, sometimes by up to half, as I usually drink my coffee black, and it makes it less indulgent.

• You can substitute store-bought chocolate syrup for the homemade and use instant coffee instead of brewing, if you wish! I think the flavor will always be superior when you make things from scratch, or in this instance, use good and fresh coffee instead of instant!

• If you choose to make the homemade chocolate syrup recipe, make a half recipe for exactly the quantity needed for this Mocha Punch. Or make a full recipe and enjoy the extra!

• Of course, you don’t have to use vanilla ice cream, you could use chocolate or moose tracks or heck, coffee ice cream! Whatever you like.

• When serving, you can choose to pour the whole recipe’s worth of punch into a punch bowl with ice cream, or, for smaller or longer parties, start with just a portion of the punch and ice cream, keeping the remainder in the fridge and freezer, respectively, so by the end the punch isn’t warm and the ice cream long melted.

• This punch is easily stored in pitchers or empty milk jugs!

American

Yield: 20

Author: Jennyblogs

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Mocha Punch

Sweet and creamy coffee meets chocolate in this adaptable mocha. Add ice cream for a delectable party punch or drink hot or cold for an anytime mocha!

prep time: 25 Mcook time: total time: 25 M

ingredients:

• 3 quarts / 3 L freshly brewed strong coffee
• 1 1/2 cups / 300g sugar
• 2 quarts / 2 L milk
• 3/4 cup / 240g chocolate syrup, try this homemade recipe!
• 3 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 gallon (8 cups) / 1 kg vanilla ice cream

instructions:

How to cook Mocha Punch

1. Pour brewed coffee into a large pot, bowl, or other large container. Stir sugar into hot coffee until dissolved. Cool in fridge.
2. Remove coffee from fridge and add milk, chocolate syrup, and vanilla and stir until well combined.
3. Chill until cold or overnight.
4. Just before serving, pour into serving container, mix briefly, and scoop ice cream into the punch, allowing the ice cream to melt for a few minutes before serving. (Skip this step if not serving as a punch.)
5. Store in fridge.

NOTES:

For an everyday mocha I reduce the sugar and milk, sometimes by up to half, as I usually drink my coffee black, and it makes it less indulgent. You can substitute store-bought chocolate syrup for the homemade and use instant coffee instead of brewing, if you wish! I think the flavor will always be superior when you make things from scratch, or in this instance, use good and fresh coffee instead of instant! If you choose to make the homemade chocolate syrup recipe, make a half recipe for exactly the quantity needed for this Mocha Punch. Or make a full recipe and enjoy the extra! Of course, you don’t have to use vanilla ice cream, you could use chocolate or moose tracks or heck, coffee ice cream! Whatever you like. When serving, you can choose to pour the whole recipe’s worth of punch into a punch bowl with ice cream, or, for smaller or longer parties, start with just a portion of the punch and ice cream, keeping the remainder in the fridge and freezer, respectively, so by the end the punch isn’t warm and the ice cream long melted. This punch is easily stored in pitchers or empty milk jugs!

Calories

202.41

Fat (grams)

4.98

Sat. Fat (grams)

3.02

Carbs (grams)

33.94

Fiber (grams)

0.49

Net carbs

33.45

Sugar (grams)

26.31

Protein (grams)

5.27

Sodium (milligrams)

91.66

Cholesterol (grams)

19.30

Nutritional information is approximate. Calculated including vanilla ice cream

https://jennyblogs.com/blog/2019/4/18/mocha-punch

Created using The Recipes Generator

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Chocolate Sauce

Photo Public Domain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/at/deed.en Permission: Sammlung J.P. Adlbrecht

This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Classic. Quintessential. Chocolatey. Good on everything, from your morning pancakes and coffee to ice cream and that cake you just made. Or ya know, by the spoonful. Just a spoonful of…I’ll let you sing the rest yourself. ;)

What is it? Chocolate Sauce! I’m sorry, come again? Chocolate Sauce!!!! I didn’t hear you!! CHOCOLATE SAUCE!!!!!!!! That’s right. Or chocolate syrup, as you prefer. No more Hershey’s in a bottle, or going without if you live outside the USofA. It’s so easy you’ll wonder why you never made it before. No high fructose corn syrup involved!

Recipe from my Mama

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Chocolate Sauce

Makes about 3/4 cup of sauce

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup / 150g sugar

• 1/3 cup / 33g unsweetened cocoa powder

• 1 Tbsp / 7.5g cornstarch

• 1/2 cup / 118g water

• 1 tsp vanilla

Directions:

1. Combine sugar, cocoa, and cornstarch in a small saucepan.

2. Add water and whisk until there are no cornstarch lumps.

3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Reduce heat to low and boil for 5 minutes, continuing to stir.

4. Remove from heat and add vanilla.

Jenny’s Notes:

• The better quality your cocoa powder the better your sauce will taste!

• Keeps well in the fridge.

Hershey's chocolate sauce, ice cream topping, hot fudge sundae sauce, chocolate sauce

dessert, sauce, topping

American

Yield: 12

Author: Jennyblogs

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Chocolate Sauce

A basic chocolate sauce for ice cream topping, drizzling, mixing in coffee, and anything you need chocolate sauce for!

Prep time: 5 MinCook time: 10 MinTotal time: 15 Min

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup / 150g sugar
• 1/3 cup / 33g unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp / 7.5g cornstarch
• 1/2 cup / 118g water
• 1 tsp vanilla

Instructions

1. Combine sugar, cocoa, and cornstarch in a small saucepan.
2. Add water and whisk until there are no lumps.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture boils. Reduce heat to low and boil for 5 minutes, continuing to stir.
4. Remove from heat and add vanilla.

Notes:

The better quality your cocoa powder the better your sauce will taste! Keeps well in the fridge.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

63.04

Fat (grams)

0.27

Sat. Fat (grams)

0.00

Carbs (grams)

14.76

Fiber (grams)

0.56

Net carbs

14.21

Sugar (grams)

12.52

Protein (grams)

0.55

Sodium (milligrams)

0.61

Cholesterol (grams)

0.00

Nutritional information is approximate.

https://jennyblogs.com/blog/2019/4/28/chocolate-sauce

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @jennyblogsandbakes on instagram and hashtag it #jennyblogs

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Ganache Coconut Cream Pie Bars

Not mashed potatoes...:)

Oh my gosh! Ganache. Yes, coconut cream pie is delicious.  So are Almond Joys and Mounds.  So why not put them together, add a shortbread crust, put them in the slightly less formidable to cut bar form instead of pie, and voila: Ganache Coconut Cream Pie Bars. 

These bars are slightly involved, but the end product is very worthwhile.  Not to mention, you can make an 8x8 pan worth of bars, or 9x13!  I almost always go the 9x13 route.  This has become a favorite for Christmas, my mom's birthday, and just about any occasion that a little creamy coconut and chocolate is welcome.  As what seems to be turning into a trend, I failed to get any kind of decent photo of the inside, so for now, (or maybe forever...once these are cut into you'll understand why photos never get taken) please enjoy the photos of the whipped cream and toasted coconut topping.  If you'd like an idea of what bliss you're getting in to, take a peak over at Willow Bird Baking, from whom I adapted the recipe, and see her beautiful photos! 

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Ganache Coconut Cream Pie Bars

Makes about 20 servings

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup (2 sticks) / 226g cold butter

• 2 cups / 240g all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup / 100g sugar

For the Ganache

• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp / 87g heavy whipping cream

• 6 oz (1 cup) / 175g bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped, or chips

For the Coconut Cream Filling

• 6 cups / 1,422g unsweetened coconut milk or milk of choice

• 4 eggs

• 1 1/2 cups / 300g sugar

• 2/3 cup / 73g cornstarch

• 1/2 tsp / 2.5g salt

• 1 1/2 cups / 150g flaked unsweetened coconut

• 1/2 tsp / 2.5g coconut extract

• 1/2 tsp / 2.5g vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 2 cups / 464g heavy whipping cream

• 1/2 cup / 100g sugar

• 1 tsp / 5g vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup / 50g flaked unsweetened coconut, toasted (see below)

Directions:

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Ungreased 9x13in / 23x33cm baking dish.

Make the Shortbread Crust

1. Cut the butter into flour and sugar using a fork, pastry cutter, or in a food processor.  Once the mixture resembles coarse sand and the butter chunks are no larger than small peas, press mixture evenly into bottom prepared pan. 

2. Bake for 18-22 minutes until lightly golden-brown.  Set aside to cool.  Leave oven on for toasting the coconut.

Make the Ganache

1. While the crust is baking, prepare the ganache.  Place the chocolate in a medium bowl and the cream in a small saucepan.  Over medium-low heat, bring the cream to a simmer.  You can also use the microwave, 30 seconds-1 minute or until cream is just simmering, but not boiling.  

2. Pour the cream over the chocolate and let sit for 1-2 minutes to melt the chocolate.  Whisk until completely smooth.  

3. Once the crust is finished and partly cooled, pour ganache evenly over crust.  Place in fridge to set.   

Toast the Coconut

Place the 1/2 cup coconut for the topping in a shallow baking dish.  Place in oven and stir every 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn't over-brown, for a total of 5-10 minutes.  Remove and let cool.

Make the Coconut Cream Filling

1. Combine milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large saucepan. 

2. Place over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture begins to thicken and comes to a boil.  This can take anywhere from 15-35 minutes, depending on your stove.

3. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in coconut and vanilla extracts.  

4. Remove crust from fridge and pour filling over crust.  Place back in fridge to set, 2-4 hours.  

Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. Whip the cream and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer until stiff peaks form.

2. Spoon over chilled bars, or pipe.  Finish with toasted coconut.  Store in fridge.  

Jenny's Notes:

• Because the ganache in this recipe is not decorative, you can easily substitute coconut milk or another kind for the heavy whipping cream. I prefer using coconut milk, reducing the amount of fat/calories. Save those for when you need the high-shine perfect ganache!

• If you only have sweetened coconut milk or sweetened flaked coconut on hand, go ahead and use those. Simply reduce the sugar by about 1/4-1/2 cup / 50-100g in the filling, if you wish. I prefer to have unsweetened coconut on hand so I can control how much sugar I'm adding to breakfasts, desserts, etc., plus I like the smaller size of flaked and grated coconut vs. shredded.

• For toasting coconut, and every use really, I highly recommend Le Creuset pans. My toasted coconut used to always come out in various shades, but since using Le Creuset it always turns out a beautiful even, golden-brown. They conduct heat evenly and beautifully.

• If a 9x13 pan of cream coconut heaven seems daunting to you, it's super easy to halve this recipe for a 8x8 or 9x9in pan!

• These bars should ideally be eaten within 3-4 days. Otherwise the whipped cream starts to separate and the crust gets soggy.

Coconut Cream pie, bars, shortbread, chocolate ganache, fresh whipped cream, toasted coconut

Dessert, Pie, bars

American

Yield: 20

Author: Jennyblogs

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Ganache Coconut Cream Pie Bars

Shortbread crust, a thin layer of ganache, classic coconut cream pie filling, all topped with fresh whipped cream and toasted coconut.

Prep time: 1 H & 45 MCook time: 32 MTotal time: 1 H & 77 M

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread Crust

• 1 cup (2 sticks) / 226g cold butter
• 2 cups / 240g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup / 100g sugar

For the Ganache

• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp / 87g heavy whipping cream
• 6 oz (1 cup) / 175g bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped, or chips

For the Coconut Cream Filling

• 6 cups / 1,422g unsweetened coconut milk or milk of choice
• 4 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups / 300g sugar
• 2/3 cup / 73g cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp / 2.5g salt
• 1 1/2 cups / 150g flaked unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 tsp / 2.5g coconut extract
• 1/2 tsp / 2.5g vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 2 cups / 464g heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup / 100g sugar
• 1 tsp / 5g vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup / 50g flaked unsweetened coconut, toasted (see below)

Instructions:

Make the Shortbread Crust

1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Ungreased 9x13in / 23x33cm baking dish.
2. Cut the butter into flour and sugar using a fork, pastry cutter, or in a food processor. Once the mixture resembles coarse sand and the butter chunks are no larger than small peas, press mixture evenly into bottom prepared pan.
3. Bake for 18-22 minutes until lightly golden-brown. Set aside to cool. Leave oven on for toasting the coconut.

Make the Ganache

1. While the crust is baking, prepare the ganache. Place the chocolate in a medium bowl and the cream in a small saucepan. Over medium-low heat, bring the cream to a simmer. You can also use the microwave, 30 seconds-1 minute or until cream is just simmering, but not boiling.
2. Pour the cream over the chocolate and let sit for 1-2 minutes to melt the chocolate. Whisk until completely smooth.
3. Once the crust is finished and partly cooled, pour ganache evenly over crust. Place in fridge to set.

Toast the Coconut

1. Place the 1/2 cup coconut for the topping in a shallow baking dish. Place in oven and stir every 1-2 minutes, making sure it doesn't over-brown, for a total of 5-10 minutes. Remove and let cool.

Make the Coconut Cream Filling

1. Combine milk, eggs, sugar, cornstarch, and salt in a large saucepan.
2. Place over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture begins to thicken and comes to a boil. This can take anywhere from 15-35 minutes, depending on your stove.
3. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in coconut and vanilla extracts.
4. Remove crust from fridge and pour filling over crust. Place back in fridge to set, 2-4 hours.

Make the Whipped Cream Topping

1. Whip the cream and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer or with a handheld mixer until stiff peaks form.
2. Spoon over chilled bars, or pipe. Finish with toasted coconut. Store in fridge.

Notes:

Because the ganache in this recipe is not decorative, you can easily substitute coconut milk or another kind for the heavy whipping cream. I prefer using coconut milk, reducing the amount of fat/calories. Save those for when you need the high-shine perfect ganache! If you only have sweetened coconut milk or sweetened flaked coconut on hand, go ahead and use those. Simply reduce the sugar by about 1/4-1/2 cup / 50-100g in the filling, if you wish. I prefer to have unsweetened coconut on hand so I can control how much sugar I'm adding to breakfasts, desserts, etc., plus I like the smaller size of flaked and grated coconut vs. shredded. For toasting coconut, and every use really, I highly recommend Le Creuset pans. My toasted coconut used to always come out in various shades, but since using Le Creuset it always turns out a beautiful even, golden-brown. They conduct heat evenly and beautifully. If a 9x13 pan of cream coconut heaven seems daunting to you, it's super easy to halve this recipe for an 8x8 or 9x9in pan! These bars should ideally be eaten within 3-4 days. Otherwise the whipped cream starts to separate and the crust gets soggy.

Calories

446.04

Fat (grams)

30.59

Sat. Fat (grams)

21.07

Carbs (grams)

41.54

Fiber (grams)

2.52

Net carbs

39.02

Sugar (grams)

26.41

Protein (grams)

4.58

Sodium (milligrams)

152.00

Cholesterol (grams)

92.63

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 20 servings.

https://jennyblogs.com/blog/2018/2/7/ganache-coconut-cream-pie-bars

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @jenevamorris on instagram and hashtag it #jennyblogs

Created using The Recipes Generator

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Pistachio Cake with Honey Vanilla Buttercream

Pistachios remind me of Christmas.  In fact, just this morning I had my first pang of "I miss Christmas," which usually hits me around July.  My family rarely eats/buys/uses pistachios, but we always have bowls of them out for Christmas.  It's tradition.  Beyond that, I never thought too much of cooking or baking with them because they were only ever around when we were already over inundated with food.  And yes, they are expensive and you may have to shell them.  

Then I went to Europe where pistachio gelato is the best flavor and the line up of pastries always includes pistachio right next to the chocolate and vanilla.  Pistachio was this flavor, this nut, that I had not tapped into.  And I've only just started.  Oh the thrills!  This cake was a light bulb of "What have I been missing out on!?" My poor family and friends, all these years and I didn't make this for them.  How selfish of me.  Selfish no more, here is the recipe so you can revel in the glory with me!

This cake is fluffy, light, with a wonderful, nutty pistachio flavor that is not overbearing. It has a slight elegance to it, something about being more than 2 layers and the white frosting.

The cake ingredients are fairly standard aside from the pistachios. If you have pistachio flour ready-made available to you, you can save yourself step. Maybe try Amazon, you can find anything online these days! If not, pistachios should be readily available, and you can make pistachio flour yourself by grinding them for a few seconds in a food processor. I don’t have a food processor in Italy, so I get by with an electric coffee grinder which works great!

The frosting is a light and creamy, not-too-sweet cooked frosting. Ever since the first time I’ve made a cooked frosting, the raves come pouring in about how it’s the best frosting they’ve ever eaten. Between cooked frostings and Italian meringue buttercream, I’ve rarely looked back at the traditional American buttercream that is mostly sugar. It has its place, but it seems the general consensus between anyone who has tried some of my cakes and cupcakes that a not-too-sweet frosting is GREATLY appreciated. Give the cooked frosting below a try and see if you don’t fall in love with it!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Recipe adapted from Joanne eats well with others

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Pistachio Cake with Honey Vanilla Buttercream

Makes 1 3 layer 6-inch round cake. Serves about 8

Ingredients:

For the Pistachio Cake

• 1/2 cup / 63g shelled pistachios

• 1 1/4 cups / 164g cake flour

• scant 1/2 cup / 47g all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tsp / 7g baking powder

• 1/2 tsp / 2.5g baking soda

• 1/2 tsp / 2.5g salt

• scant 1/2 cup / 100g oil

• 3/4 cup / 150g sugar

• 1 1/2 tsp / 7g vanilla extract

• 1 egg

• 3/4 cup / 178g ice water

• 1 egg white

• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

For the Honey Vanilla Buttercream

• 3/4 cup / 150g sugar

• 3 Tbsp / 20g all-purpose flour

• 3/4 cup / 178g milk

• 3 Tbsp / 44g heavy whipping cream

• 3/4 cup / 170g butter, cubed

• 1 tsp / 5g vanilla extract

• 2 Tbsp / 42g honey

Directions:

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Grease and line the bottoms of 3 6-inch cake rounds with parchment paper.

Make the Pistachio Cake

1. Place the pistachios in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.  Set aside 2 tablespoons.  Continue to pulse remaining pistachios until finely ground, like flour in texture.  

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together pistachio flour, cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.  

3. In a normal bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, beat together oil, sugar, and vanilla.  Add egg and beat until just combined.  

4. With the mixer on low, add the pistachio flour mixture to the batter in three additions, alternating with the ice water, beginning and ending with pistachio flour mixture.  After each addition mix until just combined.  

5. In another medium bowl, beat the egg white with cream of tartar until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes.  Gently fold the egg white into the cake batter, starting with just a spoonful to lighten the batter, then continue on with the rest.  

6. Pour batter into prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.  Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then flip onto a wire rack to cool completely while you make the buttercream.  Remove parchment paper from bottoms.  

Make the Honey Vanilla Buttercream

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and flour.  Add milk and cream and place over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens, about 5-10 minutes.  

2. Once thickened, pour mixture into a bowl of a stand mixer.  Beat on high until cool, 8-10 minutes.  Reduce speed to medium low and add butter, piece by piece, until fully incorporated.  Increase speed and beat a few minutes, until light and fluffy.  Beat in vanilla and honey.  

Assembly

Use a serrated knife to level off the top of the cakes.  Cut off just as much as necessary to make the top of the cake level and flat.  If you prefer domed cakes, leave one layer uncut for the top. Place one leveled layer on desired serving plate, cut side down.  Generously spread frosting over top and place second layer on top, again cut side down.  Top with more frosting.  Finish with top layer, domed side up if desired.  Frost the whole cake.  Top with remaining 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios.   

Jenny's Notes:

• For an 8 - 9in / 20-23cm 3 layer cake, double this recipe.  

• If your buttercream seems too thin or soupy after you've added the butter, stick it in the fridge for a few minutes, then rewhip.  Most likely it has not cooled down enough to stabilize.

• If you don’t have 3 6-inch pans, it is easier to split the batter in two and bake in two pans, instead of 3. You then have the option of making a two layer cake, or cutting each layer in two for a four layer cake.  

cake,layer cake,pistachio flour,pistachio,roux,cooked frosting,buttercream,honey vanilla

dessert, cake

American

Yield: 8 servings

Author: Jennyblogs

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Pistachio Cake with Honey Vanilla Buttercream

3 layer moist pistachio cake with a light and fluffy cooked honey vanilla buttercream frosting.

Prep time: 1 H & 25 MCook time: 30 MinTotal time: 1 H & 55 M

Ingredients

For the Pistachio Cake

• 1/2 cup / 63g shelled pistachios
• 1 1/4 cups / 164g cake flour
• scant 1/2 cup / 47g all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp / 7g baking powder
• 1/2 tsp / 2.5g baking soda
• 1/2 tsp / 2.5g salt
• scant 1/2 cup / 100g oil
• 3/4 cup / 150g sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp / 7g vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup / 178g ice water
• 1 egg white
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar

For the Honey Vanilla Buttercream

• 3/4 cup / 150g sugar
• 3 Tbsp / 20g all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup / 178g milk
• 3 Tbsp / 44g heavy whipping cream
• 3/4 cup / 170g butter, cubed
• 1 tsp / 5g vanilla extract
• 2 Tbsp / 42g honey

Instructions

Make the Pistachio Cake

1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Grease and line the bottoms of 3 6-inch cake rounds with parchment paper.
2. Place the pistachios in a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Set aside 2 tablespoons. Continue to pulse remaining pistachios until finely ground, like flour in texture.
3. In a medium bowl, whisk together pistachio flour, cake flour, all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
4. In a normal bowl or bowl of a stand mixer, beat together oil, sugar, and vanilla. Add egg and beat until just combined.
5. With the mixer on low, add the pistachio flour mixture to the batter in three additions, alternating with the ice water, beginning and ending with pistachio flour mixture. After each addition mix until just combined.
6. In another medium bowl, beat the egg white with cream of tartar until soft peaks form, about 3-4 minutes. Gently fold the egg white into the cake batter, starting with just a spoonful to lighten the batter, then continue on with the rest.
7. Pour batter into prepared cake pans and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Allow cakes to cool in pans for 10 minutes, then flip onto a wire rack to cool completely while you make the buttercream. Remove parchment paper from bottoms.

Make the Honey Vanilla Buttercream

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and flour. Add milk and cream and place over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture boils and thickens, about 5-10 minutes.
2. Once thickened, pour mixture into a bowl of a stand mixer. Beat on high until cool, 8-10 minutes. Reduce speed to medium low and add butter, piece by piece, until fully incorporated. Increase speed and beat a few minutes, until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla and honey.

Assembly

1. Use a serrated knife to level off the top of the cakes. Cut off just as much as necessary to make the top of the cake level and flat. If you prefer domed cakes, leave one layer uncut for the top. Place one leveled layer on desired serving plate, cut side down. Generously spread frosting over top and place second layer on top, again cut side down. Top with more frosting. Finish with top layer, domed side up if desired. Frost the whole cake. Top with remaining 2 tablespoons chopped pistachios.

Notes:

For an 8 - 9in / 20-23cm 3 layer cake, double this recipe. If your buttercream seems too thin or soupy after you've added the butter, stick it in the fridge for a few minutes, then rewhip. Most likely it has not cooled down enough to stabilize.

If you don’t have 3 6-inch pans, it is easier to split the batter in two and bake in two pans, instead of 3. You then have the option of making a two layer cake, or cutting each layer in two for a four layer cake.  

Calories

619.89

Fat (grams)

36.67

Sat. Fat (grams)

13.98

Carbs (grams)

68.16

Fiber (grams)

1.40

Net carbs

66.76

Sugar (grams)

42.85

Protein (grams)

6.57

Sodium (milligrams)

500.72

Cholesterol (grams)

77.11

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 8 servings.

https://jennyblogs.com/blog/2017/6/23/pistachio-cake-with-honey-vanilla-buttercream

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @jennyblogsandbakes on instagram and hashtag it #jennyblogs

---

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

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Cream Cheese Coffee Cake. Think a delicate crumb, super moist with swirls of cream cheese making the coffee cake even softer, and a sweet crumble on top.

Coffee cakes (and scones) often get a bad rap for being dry. No one likes to eat something that makes their mouth feel like it’s full of sawdust. There is no need to make dry baked goods when there are so many good recipes out there! A good example? This Cream Cheese Coffee Cake recipe. I already have a few favorite NOT dry recipes like this Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake, but today’s Cream Cheese Coffee Cake really uh, takes the cake on the moist scale. I apologize if you don’t like the word “moist”, but I struggle finding suitable synonyms that get the same point across. If you have any ideas, I’m open to suggestions so I don’t offend some people’s sensibilities. :)

Now, post Valentine's Day, or Galentine's Day, you may need to take a break from chocolate.  No wait, never mind, that's silly.  Chocolate is always necessary.  What was I thinking?  But I'm sure you already have plenty of chocolate on your hands (maybe literally, put that candy bar down and get busy making this coffee cake) in the form of heart boxes, Dove dark chocolate with those hidden messages, Hershey's kisses, or in my case, Toblerone.  So instead, let's make a very white dessert (or breakfast, hey) with a delicate crumb and cheesecake filling.  Yes? Yes.

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Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Serves 12-16

Ingredients:

For the Filling

• 8 oz / 225g cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup / 50g sugar

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 egg

For the Cake

• 1 1/2 cups / 180g all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 3 Tbsp / 42g oil

• 1/2 cup / 100g sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1/2 cup / 123g yogurt or sour cream

For the Streusel

• 1/4 cup / 50g sugar

• 1/4 cup / 30g all-purpose flour

• 3 Tbsp / 42g cold butter, cubed

Directions:

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Greased 8x8in / 20x20cm square baking pan.

For the Filling

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer beat cream cheese until smooth, about 30 seconds. 

2. Add sugar, vanilla, egg and beat on medium-low speed until combined.  Pour into another bowl and set aside. 

For the Cake

1. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. 

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine oil and sugar.  Beat in eggs one at a time.  Add vanilla. 

3. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and yogurt to the oil and sugar mixture.  Dry, yogurt, dry, yogurt, dry.  Mix only until just combined after each addition. 

For the Streusel

1. Combine sugar, flour, and butter in a small bowl with a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands until crumbles the size of pebbles appear.

Assembly

1. Spread half of the cake batter in the bottom of prepared pan. 

2. Pour and spread cream cheese filling evenly over batter; gently swirl.

3. Spread remaining half of cake batter over cream cheese filling. 

4. Evenly sprinkle streusel over the top.

5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean. 

Jenny's Notes:

• Love coffee cake or serving at a party?  You can double this recipe and bake in a 9x13 inch pan.  Increase baking time to about 40 minutes.

cream cheese, coffee cake, streusel, cream cheese filling, swirl, moist

Breakfast, Dessert

American

Yield: 12-16 Servings

Author: Jennyblogs

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Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

Super moist coffee cake with a thick cream cheese swirl and delicate streusel topping.

prep time: 45 Mcook time: 25 Mtotal time: 70 M

ingredients:

For the Filling

• 8 oz / 225g cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup / 50g sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg

For the Cake

• 1 1/2 cups / 180g all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 Tbsp / 42g oil
• 1/2 cup / 100g sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 cup / 123g yogurt or sour cream

For the Streusel

• 1/4 cup / 50g sugar
• 1/4 cup / 30g all-purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp / 42g cold butter, cubed

instructions:

How to cook Cream Cheese Coffee Cake

For the Filling

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer beat cream cheese until smooth, about 30 seconds.
2. Add sugar, vanilla, egg and beat on medium-low speed until combined. Pour into another bowl and set aside.

For the Cake

1. In a medium bowl whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer combine oil and sugar. Beat in eggs one at a time. Add vanilla.
3. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and yogurt to the oil and sugar mixture. Dry, yogurt, dry, yogurt, dry. Mix only until just combined after each addition.

For the Streusel

1. Combine sugar, flour, and butter in a small bowl with a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands until crumbles the size of pebbles appear.

Assembly

1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Greased 8x8in / 20x20cm square baking pan.
2. Spread half of the cake batter in the bottom of prepared pan.
3. Pour and spread cream cheese filling evenly over batter; gently swirl.
4. Spread remaining half of cake batter over cream cheese filling.
5. Evenly sprinkle streusel over the top.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.

NOTES:

Love coffee cake or serving at a party? You can double this recipe and bake in a 9x13 inch pan. Increase baking time to about 40 minutes.

Calories

269.85

Fat (grams)

13.92

Sat. Fat (grams)

6.21

Carbs (grams)

31.96

Fiber (grams)

0.47

Net carbs

31.48

Sugar (grams)

18.21

Protein (grams)

4.58

Sodium (milligrams)

270.60

Cholesterol (grams)

58.08

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 12 servings.

https://jennyblogs.com/blog/2017/2/16/cream-cheese-coffee-cake

Created using The Recipes Generator

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Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Muffins

Do you like my snowman liners? :)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Muffins are great, aren’t they? So American and so versatile. They can be savory or sweet and just about any flavor you could desire. They can be calorie bombs or nutrition bombs. These Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Muffins are actually pretty good for you, considering how delicious they are.

The sugar content is low, only whole wheat flour is used, and they’re rich in peanut butter and chocolate!

Sometimes I think muffins don’t get the recognition they deserve. Each country has its specialty and maybe of all the things that my country could’ve invented I would’ve chosen croissants or pastries, but muffins have their place on the table for sure! I am not ashamed.

The world is a beautiful place full of diverse people, traditions, and food.  The beauty of the age we live in is how accessible it has become to travel.  You no longer have to rely on magazines and other people's experience, or weigh the cost of time it takes to get places and the chance of death as you voyage on a ship or whatnot.  Even if you remain right where you are, chances are the other people around you are coming and going.  The world is opening up more and more, we are no longer isolated from each other.  We are exposed to different ways of thinking, culture, languages, ideals.  Sometimes we agree, and sometimes we don't, and as long as we know how to do those two things humbly and lovingly, it can be a beautiful thing.  Even when it seems the disagreements outweigh the agreements, there will always be one thing we have in common: Food. 

Never underestimate the power of food.  We can thank France for flaky, buttery pastries, crepes, chocolate mousse, and baguettes, Italy for pizza, pasta, gelato, and panettone, Germany for pretzels and bratwurst, Greece for Gyros and tzatziki, the middle east for hummus, falafel, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, pita, and shawarma, Turkey for Turkish delight and baklava, Japan for sushi, China for wontons, spring rolls, and dumplings, Ireland for Shepherd's pie, Mexico for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas, Canada for Poutine, U.S. for macaroni and cheese, apple pie, s'mores, buffalo wings, jambalaya, annnnnnd muffins. 

Basically, while the French are making pastries, Americans are making muffins.  Hm.  That's fine.  Taking two days to make something does not necessarily mean it will be automatically better.  (In this case, however, I think it does.)  But we don't always have the luxury of taking two days to make pastries when the fancy strikes.  Life and work happens.  Enter the humble muffin.  Simple, humble, delicious, and quick to whip up.  It has its place in the kitchen.

They tend to get a bad rap for being high in calories, unhealthy, and associated with muffin tops.  I promise, their sole intent in life is not give you a muffin top.  Poor muffins.  I am here today to show you that muffins can be nutritious, not 500 calories a pop, and enjoyable to make.  I hope I don't have to tell you they are also enjoyable to eat.  Especially these ones. :)

Recipe adapted from Culinary Adventures in the Kitchen

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Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Muffins

12-14 muffins

Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups / 270g whole wheat or white whole wheat flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 3 Tbsp / 42g oil

• 1/4 cup / 61g yogurt

• 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar

• 3/4 cup / 195g peanut butter

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 eggs

• 1 cup / 237g buttermilk

• 1 cup / 175g chocolate chips

Directions:

Oven 375°F / 190°C.  Muffin tin lined with cupcake liners or greased.  You may need two pans.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. 

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine oil, yogurt, and brown sugar.  Add peanut butter and mix until incorporated.  Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down sides of bowl as needed. 

3. Add 1/3 of flour mixture to the stand mixer, mixing just until combined.  Add half of the buttermilk, again mixing until just combined.  Repeat with another third of the flour, the remaining half of the buttermilk, and finally the last third of flour.  Gently stir in 3/4 cup / 130g chocolate chips with a spoon or spatula. 

4. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full, and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup / 44g chocolate chips over the tops. 

5. Bake until lightly golden around the edges and/or a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, about 16-18 minutes. 

Jenny's Notes:

• Whole wheat flour is not necessarily healthier than white whole wheat flour, they are simply different kinds of wheat.  Whole wheat flour is a red wheat, which gives it the darker color and slightly heavier texture.  Think of it like a Granny Smith apple and a Macintosh Apple, they are different varieties of apple but equally nutritious for you. 

• Using either plain yogurt or a sweetened yogurt like vanilla is fine in this recipe. 

• These muffins are not overly sweet, (I think they're perfect for breakfast so you don't start your day with a sugar coma) so feel free to up the sugar if you prefer sweeter muffins. 

muffins,snack,nutritious, chocolate chips, whole wheat, dark chocolate, peanut butter, buttermilk,yogurt

Breakfast, Bread

American

Yield: 12-14 Muffins

Author: Jennyblogs

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Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Muffins

Lightly sweet, whole wheat peanut butter muffins with a healthy sprinkling of chocolate chips.

prep time: 30 Mcook time: 18 Mtotal time: 48 M

ingredients:

• 2 1/4 cups / 270g whole wheat or white whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 3 Tbsp / 42g oil
• 1/4 cup / 61g yogurt
• 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar
• 3/4 cup / 195g peanut butter
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup / 237g buttermilk
• 1 cup / 175g chocolate chips

instructions:

How to cook Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Muffins

1. Oven 375°F / 190°C. Muffin tin lined with cupcake liners or greased. You may need two pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine oil, yogurt, and brown sugar. Add peanut butter and mix until incorporated. Add the eggs one at a time, scraping down sides of bowl as needed.
4. Add 1/3 of flour mixture to the stand mixer, mixing just until combined. Add half of the buttermilk, again mixing until just combined. Repeat with another third of the flour, the remaining half of the buttermilk, and finally the last third of flour. Gently stir in 3/4 cup / 130g chocolate chips with a spoon or spatula.
5. Fill muffin cups 3/4 full, and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup / 44g chocolate chips over the tops.
6. Bake until lightly golden around the edges and/or a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean, about 16-18 minutes.

NOTES:

Whole wheat flour is not necessarily healthier than white whole wheat flour, they are simply different kinds of wheat. Whole wheat flour is a red wheat, which gives it the darker color and slightly heavier texture. Think of it like a Granny Smith apple and a Macintosh Apple, they are different varieties of apple but equally nutritious for you. Using either plain yogurt or a sweetened yogurt like vanilla is fine in this recipe. These muffins are not overly sweet, (I think they're perfect for breakfast so you don't start your day with a sugar coma) so feel free to up the sugar if you prefer sweeter muffins.

Calories

329.90

Fat (grams)

17.53

Sat. Fat (grams)

4.88

Carbs (grams)

39.14

Fiber (grams)

4.20

Net carbs

34.95

Sugar (grams)

18.61

Protein (grams)

9.13

Sodium (milligrams)

328.68

Cholesterol (grams)

32.10

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 12 servings.

https://jennyblogs.com/blog/2017/2/11/whole-wheat-peanut-butter-muffins

Created using The Recipes Generator

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Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

Some people are adverse to the word healthy when it comes to desserts.  This recipe today is to help you see you don't need to be one of those people. 

Oh, but what I would give to have a little slice of this pie right now, healthy or not!  Actually, I wouldn't give much.  But that doesn't mean I don't want it.  Yes, Whole30January is still happening.  It has gotten easier in recent days...but you can ask my mom, who is doing it with me, if that's a true statement.  So here is yet another recipe you can make and eat in my stead.  Please, for my sanity.  Just don't tell me how delicious it is.  I like to ask the people around me who are eating delicious nonWhole30food to tell me how disgusting it is.  It almost makes me feel better.  Won't you be glad when Whole30January is over so you won't have to hear any more of my sardonic complaining? 

What do I mean when I say healthy? I mean, aside from the chocolate chips (which have some health benefits in and of themselves aside from the sugar), that you could eat this for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, and nut free. Just keep in mind you may need to use certified ingredients, i.e. certified GF oats (even though oats are a gluten-free food, they are almost always processed in facilities that also process foods that contain gluten, and there is a high risk of cross-contamination) and check your other ingredients for stowaway unwanted allergens! Chocolate chips, as long as they are semi-sweet or dark chocolate, should not contain any dairy, yet I’ve seen brands that do contain dairy. Reading labels is very important for so many reasons!

Yes ok, on to this nutritious pie that somehow tastes like dessert!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Recipe adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie

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Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

12-16 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 15oz cans / 500g cooked white beans (navy, great northern, cannellini) or garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 cup / 90g oats or 180g ground flax seeds

• 1/4 cup / 63g applesauce

• 3 Tbsp / 42g oil

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp baking soda

• 2 tsp baking powder

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar

• 3 tsp stevia powder

• 1 cup / 170g chocolate chips or chunks, plus more for sprinkling

Directions:

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Greased 8 - 9in / 20 - 23cm pie dish.

1. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in a food processor and blend until smooth.  Stir in chocolate chips. 

2. Scrape dough into prepared pan and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips. 

3. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes.  Allow to cool before slicing and serving. 

Jenny's Notes:

• If you don’t have applesauce, you can use oil instead. That means you would be adding a total of 7 Tbsp / 98g oil, or a scant half cup.

• I adapted this recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie.  She is very good about giving lots of options if you are gluten-free, vegan, have a nut allergy, etc.  I simply narrowed it down to my favorite combination of ingredients from her options, and preferred amount of sweetener so that it tastes like dessert without giving in to your sugar dragon too much. 

• Feel free to add more sugar if you feel the need! 

• If for whatever reason your batter comes out too thick or thin, (didn't drain the beans as much, the applesauce brand you use is soupier, etc.) you can add more oats or flax to thicken, or applesauce, maple syrup, or milk to thin. 

vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, healthy, cookie pie,

dessert

American

Yield: 12-16

Author: Jennyblogs

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Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

A healthy and somehow still delicious cookie pie that is gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, and vegan.

prep time: 15 Mcook time: 35 Mtotal time: 50 M

ingredients:

• 2 15oz cans / 500g cooked white beans (navy, great northern, cannellini) or garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup / 90g oats or 180g ground flax seeds
• 1/4 cup / 63g applesauce
• 3 Tbsp / 42g oil
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar
• 3 tsp stevia powder
• 1 cup / 170g chocolate chips or chunks, plus more for sprinkling

instructions:

How to cook Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie Pie

1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Greased 8 - 9in / 20 - 23cm pie dish.
2. Combine all ingredients except chocolate chips in a food processor and blend until smooth. Stir in chocolate chips.
3. Scrape dough into prepared pan and sprinkle with additional chocolate chips.
4. Bake in oven for 30-35 minutes. Allow to cool before slicing and serving.

NOTES:

If you don’t have applesauce, you can use oil instead. That means you would be adding a total of 7 Tbsp / 98g oil, or a scant half cup. I adapted this recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie. She is very good about giving lots of options if you are gluten-free, vegan, have a nut allergy, etc. I simply narrowed it down to my favorite combination of ingredients from her options, and preferred amount of sweetener so that it tastes like dessert without giving in to your sugar dragon too much. Feel free to add more sugar if you feel the need! If for whatever reason your batter comes out too thick or thin, (didn't drain the beans as much, the applesauce brand you use is soupier, etc.) you can add more oats or flax to thicken, or applesauce, maple syrup, or milk to thin.

Calories

280.72

Fat (grams)

10.08

Sat. Fat (grams)

3.02

Carbs (grams)

44.03

Fiber (grams)

7.02

Net carbs

37.01

Sugar (grams)

20.13

Protein (grams)

7.85

Sodium (milligrams)

533.19

Cholesterol (grams)

0.00

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 12 servings.

https://jennyblogs.com/blog/2017/1/21/healthy-chocolate-chip-cookie-pie

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @jenevamorris on instagram and hashtag it #jennyblogs

Created using The Recipes Generator

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Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Think of a delicately moist coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl and a crunchy, sweet streusel on top. That’s what we’re making today.

If the first thought that comes to your mind when you think of coffee cake is dry-crumbly-use-up-a-week's-worth-of-saliva-in-one-bite-cake, then think again.  No, no, no.  Coffee cake is supposed to be sweet, but not quite as sweet as regular cake, flavorful, and with a beautifully dense crumb.  That's fancy talk for moist.  But for the mental care of some readers who have an avid dislike for that term, I tried to avoid using it.  But I still did to explain myself.  Just can't win. 

Oh, and for some people who may be confused, there is (most often) no coffee involved in the batter.  The final product, however, pairs beautifully with a mug of coffee.  Hence the name.  (Speaking of words we don't like...mug?  No thanks.  It's like your mouth was too lazy to talk - "mmmm" - then made a huge effort and ended up with "ug."  Mmmmmmug.) 

On to more delicious sounding, looking, and tasting things!! 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

---

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Serves 9-12

Ingredients:

For the Cake

• 1/2 cup / 112g oil

• 1/2 cup / 100g sugar

• 1/4 cup / 50g brown sugar

• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder

• 3/4 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 egg

• 1/2 cup / 122g plain yogurt

• 1/2 cup / 119g milk

• 2 cups / 240g all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar

• 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Streusel

• 1/3 cup / 67g sugar

• 1/4 cup / 30g all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup / 23g rolled oats

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 2 Tbsp / 28g butter, melted

Directions:

Oven 350°F / 177°C.  Greased 8x8in / 20x20cm square baking pan, or 8in / 20cm round cake pan.

Make the Cake

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat oil, sugars, baking powder, salt, and vanilla until well combined.  Beat in egg. 

2. In a separate small bowl mix together yogurt and milk. 

3. Add a third of the flour to the oil mixture, mixing until almost combined.  Add half of the yogurt mixture.  Continue adding flour and yogurt mixture to oil mixture until everything is just combined. 

4. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading all the way to edges; set other half aside. 

Make the Cinnamon Swirl

1. In a small bowl combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder. 

2. Sprinkle evenly over batter in pan. 

3. Pour remaining batter over cinnamon filling and use a spatula to gently spread to edges.

Make the Streusel

1. In another small bowl, combine sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon.  Add the melted butter and mix until crumbles form. 

2. Evenly distribute crumble over batter in pan. 

3. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. 

Jenny's Notes:

• Watch that bake time.  Toothpicks are your best friend.  I was testing this recipe using my Italian oven that didn't like to bake things on the bottom, so you may need less time.

• REALLY like coffee cake?  Double this recipe and put in a 9x13 inch pan or two cake pans.  You can always freeze one pan!

• Don't have plain yogurt on hand? You can also use sweetened yogurt and reduce sugar by 1/4 cup / 50g, or try Greek yogurt, fresh ricotta, sour cream, or mascarpone.  The dairy options are endless!!!!  I really liked fresh ricotta in this recipe. 

coffee cake, cinnamon swirl, brunch, streusel topping

breakfast, cake, dessert

American

Yield: 9-12 servings

Author: Jennyblogs

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Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake

Delicate, moist coffee cake with a cinnamon swirl and streusel to top it all off.

Prep time: 30 MinCook time: 45 MinTotal time: 1 H & 15 M

Ingredients

For the Cake

• 1/2 cup / 112g oil
• 1/2 cup / 100g sugar
• 1/4 cup / 50g brown sugar
• 1 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup / 122g plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup / 119g milk
• 2 cups / 240g all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Swirl

• 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar
• 2 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

For the Streusel

• 1/3 cup / 67g sugar
• 1/4 cup / 30g all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup / 23g rolled oats
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 2 Tbsp / 28g butter, melted

Instructions

Make the Cake

1. Oven 350°F / 177°C. Greased 8x8in / 20x20cm square baking pan, or 8in / 20cm round cake pan.
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat oil, sugars, baking powder, salt, and vanilla until well combined. Beat in egg.
3. In a separate small bowl mix together yogurt and milk.
4. Add a third of the flour to the oil mixture, mixing until almost combined. Add half of the yogurt mixture. Continue adding flour and yogurt mixture to oil mixture until everything is just combined.
5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading all the way to edges; set other half aside.

Make the Cinnamon Swirl

1. In a small bowl combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa powder.
2. Sprinkle evenly over batter in pan.
3. Pour remaining batter over cinnamon filling and use a spatula to gently spread to edges.

Make the Streusel

1. In another small bowl, combine sugar, flour, oats, and cinnamon. Add the melted butter and mix until crumbles form.
2. Evenly distribute crumble over batter in pan.
3. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Notes:

Watch that bake time. Toothpicks are your best friend. I was testing this recipe using my Italian oven that didn't like to bake things on the bottom, so you may need less time. REALLY like coffee cake? Double this recipe and put in a 9x13 inch pan or two cake pans. You can always freeze one pan! Don't have plain yogurt on hand? You can also use sweetened yogurt and reduce sugar by 1/4 cup / 50g, or try Greek yogurt, fresh ricotta, sour cream, or mascarpone. The dairy options are endless!!!! I really liked fresh ricotta in this recipe.

Calories

402.38

Fat (grams)

16.42

Sat. Fat (grams)

2.95

Carbs (grams)

59.80

Fiber (grams)

1.55

Net carbs

58.24

Sugar (grams)

35.85

Protein (grams)

5.08

Sodium (milligrams)

311.45

Cholesterol (grams)

29.23

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 9 servings.

https://jennyblogs.com/blog/2017/1/6/cinnamon-streusel-coffee-cake

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @jennyblogsandbakes on instagram and hashtag it #jennyblogs

Created using The Recipes Generator

---

Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

It's almost Christmas!!!  The most wonderful time of the year, filled with family, friends, delicious food, and cheery music.  Wasn't that a wonderfully cliché sentence?  Yes, but we hope it's true.  I am fortunate enough to say that it is for me.  I love all my family, I love Christmas music (I can't always vouch for it all being "good" music, but it lifts your spirit and you can mindlessly sing along while wearing a Santa hat and elf socks without anyone thinking twice), and we have an abundance of delicious food.  So much food. 

What is one to do when they have been indundated with rich holiday food?  Take a break?  No fun.  Stand by the vegetable tray all night?  Nah, I hear the conversation can get a little heated with those peppers.  Chew gum?  No, you need a compromise.  Something that will satisfy, but not put you over like your great-aunt's cousin-once-removed on your dad's side triple chocolate cake with chocolate buttercream, ganache, whipped cream, sprinkles, drizzled with caramel and bonbons on top.  Something more like a fruit based cake.  Banana.  With chocolate chips, because it is Christmas, and peanut butter because that makes the whole thing.  The bow on top of the present.  The icing on the cake...so very literally. Plus protein. It’s basically a health food, you guys.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Recipe adapted from Handle the Heat

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Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

Makes 12-16 servings

Ingredients:

For the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

• 2 1/2 cups / 300g all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder

• 3/4 baking soda

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 3/4 cup / 168g oil

• 3/4 cup / 150g sugar

• 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup / 123g plain yogurt or sour cream

• 4 overripe bananas, mashed, to get roughly 1 1/3 cups / 400g mashed banana

• 1 cup / 170g mini chocolate chips

For the Peanut Butter Frosting

• 1 cup / 226g unsalted butter (2 sticks, 8 oz), room temperature

• 1 cup / 260g creamy peanut butter

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• pinch of salt

• 2 - 2 1/2 cups / 250-313g powdered sugar

Directions:

Oven preheated to 350°F / 177°C.  Grease and flour two 8 or 9in / 20 or 23cm round cake pans.

Make the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.  Set aside.

2. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together oil and sugars.  Add vanilla and eggs; beat well.

3. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the egg mixture.  Mix in yogurt.  Add another third of flour mixture.  Add bananas.  Add final third of flour mixture.  Fold in chocolate chips.

4. Pour and divide batter evenly between the two prepared pans. 

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.   Allow to cool for about 10 minutes in the pans before flipping out onto cooling racks to cool completely. 

Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and peanut butter together until light and fluffy.  Add vanilla and salt.  Add 2 cups of powdered sugar; add more as needed until frosting is thick enough to spread. 

Assembly

1. Center one cake layer upside down on a cake stand or plate.  Frost this layer within 1/4 inch of edge of cake. 

2. Place second layer on top, and frost cake with remaining frosting.  Sprinkle with additional chocolate chips, if desired. 

Jenny's Notes:

• I prefer to use organic yogurt instead of sour cream in recipes simply because it's healthier.  I don’t always have plain yogurt on hand, so in those cases I use vanilla yogurt and reduce the sugar in the recipe by 1/3-1/2 cup, depending on the amount of yogurt called for.  Feel free to use whatever you have on hand! 

Banana, cake, banana chocolate chip, chocolate chip cake, peanut butter, peanut butter frosting, banana cake, ripe banana recipe

Dessert, Cake

American

Yield: 12-16

Author: Jennyblogs

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Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting

A tender banana cake speckled with chocolate chips topped with a creamy peanut butter frosting.

Prep time: 1 hourCook time: 40 MTotal time: 1 H & 40 M

Ingredients:

For the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

• 2 1/2 cups / 300g all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3/4 cup / 168g oil
• 3/4 cup / 150g sugar
• 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup / 123g plain yogurt or sour cream
• 4 overripe bananas, mashed, to get roughly 1 1/3 cups / 400g mashed banana
• 1 cup / 170g mini chocolate chips

For the Peanut Butter Frosting

• 1 cup / 226g unsalted butter (2 sticks, 8 oz), room temperature
• 1 cup / 260g creamy peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
• 2 - 2 1/2 cups / 250-313g powdered sugar

Instructions:

Make the Banana Chocolate Chip Cake

1. Oven preheated to 350°F / 177°C. Grease and flour two 8 or 9in / 20 or 23cm round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat together oil and sugars. Add vanilla and eggs; beat well.
4. Add 1/3 of the flour mixture to the egg mixture. Mix in yogurt. Add another third of flour mixture. Add bananas. Add final third of flour mixture. Fold in chocolate chips.
5. Pour and divide batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool for about 10 minutes in the pans before flipping out onto cooling racks to cool completely.

Make the Peanut Butter Frosting

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat butter and peanut butter together until light and fluffy. Add vanilla and salt. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar; add more as needed until frosting is thick enough to spread.

Assembly

1. Center one cake layer upside down on a cake stand or plate. Frost this layer within 1/4 inch of edge of cake.
2. Place second layer on top, and frost cake with remaining frosting. Sprinkle with additional chocolate chips, if desired.

Notes:

I prefer to use organic yogurt instead of sour cream in recipes simply because it's healthier. I don’t always have plain yogurt on hand, so in those cases I use vanilla yogurt and reduce the sugar in the recipe by 1/3-1/2 cup, depending on the amount of yogurt called for. Feel free to use whatever you have on hand!

Calories

785.39

Fat (grams)

45.52

Sat. Fat (grams)

15.55

Carbs (grams)

88.21

Fiber (grams)

3.37

Net carbs

84.84

Sugar (grams)

59.78

Protein (grams)

10.55

Sodium (milligrams)

386.82

Cholesterol (grams)

75.36

Nutritional information is approximate. Based on 12 servings using the full 2 1/2 cups of powdered sugar for the frosting.

https://jennyblogs.com/blog/2016/12/23/chocolate-chip-banana-cake-with-peanut-butter-frosting

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @jenevamorris on instagram and hashtag it #jennyblogs

Created using The Recipes Generator

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Caramel Toffee Cheesecake

Happy Thanksgiving!  I am thankful for so many things.  One of those things is cheesecake. 

Especially a caramel cheesecake with a layer of chocolate between the crust and cheesecake, toffee bits, whipped cream, and more caramel drizzled on top. Yep, especially that.

I love the graham cracker crust because it stays together so well! The secret is to use toffee bits in the crust. Toffee is sticky and while the crust is baking all the little pieces melt a bit, fusing the graham cracker crust together into a beautiful, slightly crunchy mass. No crumbling graham cracker crusts today! I mean, I even pressed the crust all the way up the sides of the pan and it stayed even after taking off the spring form pan. Success.

You know how they say actions speak louder than words?  Well, instead of talking about how much I love cheesecake and how great this crust is, I'm going to share the recipe with you...that's an action, right?  Then in turn you can make it, and then you acted on your thankfulness too.  This is such a great plan, let's go! 

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy something using these links, Jennyblogs may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. This helps to support Jennyblogs. For further information see the privacy policy. Grazie!

Recipe adapted from Yammie’s Noshery

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Caramel Toffee Cheesecake

Serves about 16-20

Ingredients:

For the Toffee Crust

• 3 cups / 255g crushed graham crackers, about 2 packages or 18 sheets

• 1/2 cup / 85g toffee bits, plain or with chocolate (Heath Bits O Brickle)

• 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar

• 1 cup / 226g butter, melted

• 6 oz / 170g bitter-sweet chocolate, chopped

For the Filling

• 3 8oz packages / 675g cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 cup / 245g sour cream

• 1 cup / 200g sugar

• 1 Tbsp / 15g vanilla extract

• 1/4 cup / 75g caramel sauce (To make homemade caramel, halve this recipe here)

• 4 eggs, lightly beaten

For the Topping

• 1 cup / 237g heavy whipping cream

• 2 Tbsp / 40g maple syrup or sugar

• 1/4 cup / 75g caramel sauce

• 1/4 cup / 43g toffee bits

Directions:

Oven 300°F / 149°C.  10in / 26cm spring-form pan lined with parchment paper, bottom and sides.

Make the Toffee Crust

1. Combine graham crackers, toffee, brown sugar, and butter.  Press firmly into the prepared spring-form pan, pressing all the way up the sides.  Sprinkle chopped chocolate evenly over bottom of crust. 

2. Bake for 5 minutes or until chocolate is melted.  Remove from oven and spread chocolate evenly with a spatula.  Place crust in freezer while you make the filling.

Make the Filling

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar on low-medium speed for a few minutes.  Add vanilla and caramel.  Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until just combined. 

2. Pour over crust and bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until edges are set and center is still a bit jiggly when lightly shaken. 

3. Turn off oven and crack open the door, leaving cheesecake to set for another 30 minutes.  Remove from oven and allow to cool for a further 30 minutes.

4. Refrigerate until completely chilled, about 6 hours or overnight.

Make the Topping

1. When cheesecake is ready, beat whipping cream in the bowl of a stand mixer until soft peaks form.  Add maple syrup and beat until stiff peaks form. 

2. Pipe whipped cream onto cheesecake, or if you don't have piping bags or tips, simply spread it with a spatula. 

3. Warm caramel in a small saucepan and drizzle all over the cheesecake with a spoon or spatula.  Sprinkle with toffee and chill until ready to serve.

Jenny's Notes:

• Cheesecakes require a decent amount of beating, however, avoid beating on high speeds as you don't want to incorporate too much air into the batter. 

• You can also use an 8in / 20cm spring-form pan + a 6in / 15cm spring-form pan to make this recipe. Or, instead of the 6 incher just stick any extra crust in the bottom of a square baking dish, top with lefotver filling and you have cheesecake bars! I have done the second option before. :) The bars will bake for less time than a spring-form pan.

caramel, toffee crunch, Heath, Bits O Brickle, cheesecake, homemade caramel, chocolate, graham cracker crust

dessert

American

Yield: 16-20 servings

Author: Jennyblogs

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Caramel Toffee Cheesecake

Toffee graham gracker crust, a layer of dark chocolate, caramel cheesecake filling, and whipped cream, caramel, and more toffee bits on top.

prep time: 1 hourcook time: 1 H & 55 Mtotal time: 2 H & 55 M

ingredients:

For the Toffee Crust

• 3 cups / 255g crushed graham crackers, about 2 packages or 18 sheets
• 1/2 cup / 85g toffee bits, plain or with chocolate
• 1/2 cup / 100g brown sugar
• 1 cup / 226g butter, melted
• 6 oz / 170g bitter-sweet chocolate, chopped

For the Filling

• 3 8oz packages / 675g cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup / 245g sour cream
• 1 cup / 200g sugar
• 1 Tbsp / 15g vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup / 75g caramel sauce (To make homemade caramel, halve this recipe here)
• 4 eggs, lightly beaten

For the Topping

• 1 cup / 237g heavy whipping cream
• 2 Tbsp / 40g maple syrup or sugar
• 1/4 cup / 75g caramel sauce
• 1/4 cup / 43g toffee bits

instructions:

How to cook Caramel Toffee Cheesecake

1. Oven 300°F / 149°C. 10in / 26cm spring-form pan lined with parchment paper, bottom and sides.

Make the Toffee Crust

1. Combine graham crackers, toffee, brown sugar, and butter. Press firmly into the prepared spring-form pan, pressing all the way up the sides. Sprinkle chopped chocolate evenly over bottom of crust.
2. Bake for 5 minutes or until chocolate is melted. Remove from oven and spread chocolate evenly with a spatula. Place crust in freezer while you make the filling.

Make the Filling

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat cream cheese, sour cream, and sugar on low-medium speed for a few minutes. Add vanilla and caramel. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until just combined.
2. Pour over crust and bake for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, or until edges are set and center is still a bit jiggly when lightly shaken.
3. Turn off oven and crack open the door, leaving cheesecake to set for another 30 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for a further 30 minutes.
4. Refrigerate until completely chilled, about 6 hours or overnight.

Make the Topping

1. When cheesecake is ready, beat whipping cream in the bowl of a stand mixer until soft peaks form. Add maple syrup and beat until stiff peaks form.
2. Pipe whipped cream onto cheesecake, or if you don't have piping bags or tips, simply spread it with a spatula.
3. Warm caramel in a small saucepan and drizzle all over the cheesecake with a spoon or spatula. Sprinkle with toffee and chill until ready to serve.

NOTES:

Cheesecakes require a decent amount of beating, however, avoid beating on high speeds as you don't want to incorporate too much air into the batter. You can also use an 8in / 20cm spring-form pan + a 6in / 15cm spring-form pan to make this recipe. Or, instead of the 6 incher just stick any extra crust in the bottom of a square baking dish, top with lefotver filling and you have cheesecake bars! I have done the second option before. :) The bars will bake for less time than a spring-form pan.

Calories

619.24

Fat (grams)

42.95

Sat. Fat (grams)

25.01

Carbs (grams)

53.18

Fiber (grams)

0.90

Net carbs

52.27

Sugar (grams)

42.62

Protein (grams)

7.17

Sodium (milligrams)

376.36

Cholesterol (grams)

156.01

Nutritional information is approximate and based on 16 servings.

https://jennyblogs.com/blog/2016/11/24/235s5sno40u8k76ro7k5m6fq2466gw

Created using The Recipes Generator

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Homemade Eggnog

Do you know what 2 weeks from today is?  Yes, Thanksgiving!  A big feast requires lots of food, lots of planning, and of course lots of shopping, preparing, and cooking.  There are of course all the traditional dishes to make, but sometimes you want to throw in something new and delicious.  Since many of you, my smart friends, break out the eggnog for the first time on Thanksgiving, why not try making it homemade this year?  No high fructose corn syrup, artificial flavor, or "Holly"-ness about it.  (I still am not sure I know the difference between store-bought Hollynog and Eggnog?)  It's very simple to make, and can easily be doubled, tripled, or quadrupled (Hello, Morris family) to fit your needs.  'Tis the season to be jolly, not drink Hollynog.  

Homemade Eggnog

Makes 8 Servings

Ingredients:

• 4 eggs

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 1/2 tsp nutmeg, plus more for sprinkling

• 4 cups milk

• 4 oz. (1/4 cup) brandy, bourbon, or rum, optional

Directions: 

In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until light in color and the sugar has dissolved.  Whisk in vanilla, nutmeg, milk, and alcohol.  Strain into a pitcher or serving dish of choice and chill until ready to serve.  Sprinkle with additional nutmeg. 

Halve, double, or triple this recipe as needed.

Jenny's Notes:

So easy and delicious!  If you are worried about the raw eggs in this, simply use pasteurized eggs.  I am fortunate enough to be able to us eggs straight from chickens I know and trust. 

If you are serving this to children and/or people who don't drink, obviously don't add any alcohol.  What I like to do is add the alcohol to only half so everyone is happy, or let people add their own.  But not the children.

Serve in a punch bowl with dollops of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat!