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When the leaves start turning, you know it’s officially baking season! Introducing the ideal treat for your autumn baking adventures: PUMPKIN coffee cake. This tender, fluffy, pumpkin-spiced treat is vegan, gluten-free, and SO delicious! Bonus? It’s ma…
When the leaves start turning, you know it’s officially baking season! Introducing the ideal treat for your autumn baking adventures: PUMPKIN coffee cake. This tender, fluffy, pumpkin-spiced treat is vegan, gluten-free, and SO delicious! Bonus? It’s made with just 10 ingredients in 1 bowl for easy cleanup.
You, this cake, and your favorite cup of coffee or tea…it’s happening! Start your kettle and let’s bake, friends!
This 1-bowl PUMPKIN coffee cake begins with using an electric mixer to combine the cane sugar and vegan butter, ensuring a light and fluffy result (a tricky task with pumpkin-based treats!).
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Who needs those autumn-themed candles when you’ve got Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal in the oven? NO ONE. This warm and cozy oatmeal casserole, of sorts, is the epitome of fall vibes. Not only will this baked oatmeal make your house smell amazing, but it’s an easy way to meal prep breakfast for the week ahead. It’s cozy, delicious, filling, and EASY. 🙌
What is Baked Oatmeal?
If you’re new to baked oatmeal, it’s kind of like bread pudding, but made with oats instead of chunks of bread. It’s sweet, rich, hearty, and absolutely amazing. The texture is soft and moist, but not goopy like traditional oatmeal can be, and it gets just a little bit crispy around the edges of the baking dish. You can eat it hot out of the oven and the leftovers can be eaten cold or reheated in the microwave. I like to pour a little cold milk over top for a delicious hot-cold combo. Baked oatmeal can also be frozen in single-serving containers for quick reheatable weekday breakfasts!
Ingredients for Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
This apple cinnamon baked oatmeal combines our usual baked oatmeal base with apples that are coated in a little cinnamon and sugar, and then baked until they form an apple pie-like layer on the bottom of the oats. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this incredible apple cinnamon baked oatmeal:
Fresh apples: Pick a sweet or semi-sweet variety of apple, like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp. And, of course, take advantage of the fresh fall apples for the best price and flavor!
Oats: Make sure to use old-fashioned rolled oats for this recipe, not quick oats or minute oats, to achieve the best texture. Quick oats are too thin and will create a mushier texture.
Milk and eggs: Milk and eggs create a custard that keeps the baked oats soft, tender, and moist. I like to use whole milk, but you can substitute it with non-dairy milk if needed.
Brown sugar and applesauce: Using both broth sugar and applesauce to sweeten the baked oatmeal creates an even bigger apple pie-like flavor without having to use too much added sugar.
Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla make these baked oats that classic fall aroma!
Lemon juice: A little lemon juice brightens up the baked apples and really makes their flavor shine.
Cornstarch and baking powder: These two ingredients are added for texture. The cornstarch helps thicken the apple juices as they bake, creating a pie-filling-like texture. The baking powder lightens the oat mixture just a touch so it’s not quite so heavy.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
Baked oatmeal is pretty versatile. You can eat it either hot OR cold. I love it just out of the oven with a little cold milk poured over top, but it’s also great cold after it’s been refrigerated overnight. You can top it with some nuts or even some whipped cream for an even more dessert-like treat!
How to Store The Leftovers
After baking, divide the oatmeal into single-serving portions and refrigerate until completely cool. The baked oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days, or you can transfer it to the freezer for longer storage (about three months). Refrigerated or frozen baked oatmeal can be reheated quickly in the microwave.
Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Core and dice the apples.
Place the diced apples in the bottom of a 9×9-inch (or 2 qt.) casserole dish. Add the lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until the apples are coated in sugar and spices.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
While the apples are baking, prepare the baked oatmeal mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together the applesauce, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, baking powder, and cinnamon. Then add the milk and whisk to combine again.
Finally, stir the dry oats into the applesauce mixture and stir until fully combined.
After the apples come out of the oven, give them a good stir, then pour the oat mixture over top. Return the dish to the oven (uncovered) and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
After baking for 30 more minutes the oats should be golden brown on top and you may see some of the apple cinnamon layer bubbling up around the edges. Let the oats cool for about five minutes before serving.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal – Step by Step Photos
Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Core and dice four medium apples (about ½ lb. each).
Place the apples in the bottom of a 9×9-inch or 2-quart casserole dish. Add 1 Tbsp lemon juice, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp cornstarch, ½ tsp cinnamon, and ⅛ tsp cloves. Stir until the apples are evenly coated in sugar and spices.
Cover the dish with foil and bake the apples for 15 minutes in the preheated 375ºF oven.
While the apples are baking, begin preparing the oat mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1.5 cups unsweetened applesauce, 1 tsp vanilla, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, and ¼ cup brown sugar.
Add 1.5 cups milk to the applesauce mixture, then whisk again to combine.
Add 2.5 cups rolled oats (not quick oats) and stir until everything is evenly combined.
After the baked apples come out of the oven, give them a stir, then pour the oat mixture over top of the apples. Place the dish back into the oven (uncovered) and bake for 30 minutes more.
After 30 minutes the oats should be golden brown around the edges and you might see some of the apple cinnamon layer bubbling up around the edges. Remove the baked oatmeal from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
The bottom layer will be sweet and tender baked apples and the top layer will be a soft baked oatmeal. SO GOOD!
I like to eat my apple cinnamon baked oatmeal with a splash of cold milk on top!
These Coconut Cream Pie Bars are so decadent that I could eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (And by could, I mean I HAVE.) They’re made with a buttery vanilla cookie crust and a rich and velvety coconut cream filling and topped with dollops of vanilla-scented whipped cream. You get 24 slices from this easy Coconut Cream Pie Bars recipe, so it’s perfect for a school bake sale or a large get-to-gether. I’m obsessed!
What Are Coconut Cream Pie Bars?
Coconut Cream Pie Bars are basically a simplified Coconut Cream Pie. Instead of making a pie crust and blind baking it, I use a cookie crust that comes together in seconds. I put the most work into the filling, steeping coconut milk with coconut flakes to really punch in on that tropical flavor. The flakes are strained out to create the silkiest texture, and the whole thing is topped with canned whipped cream (which can withstand a hot summer day without liquifying). The final touch is a generous sprinkle of crunchy toasted coconut flakes.
Ingredients For Coconut Cream Pie Bars
This recipe scores a 100 for convenience. You can make the crust and fill it with custard a day ahead, then refrigerate until it’s go time. You can even freeze it up for up to three months. Just leave the whipped cream topping and coconut flake garnish for when you’re ready to serve. Here’s what you need to make Coconut Cream Pie Bars:
Unsweetened Flaked Coconut: helps flavor the coconut milk custard and is used as a garnish. I use unsweetened to control the amount of sugar in the recipe. If you want to use sweetened coconut flakes, skip the sugar. You don’t have to strain the coconut flakes out of the custard, but chunky custard isn’t my thing, so I do.
Coconut Milk, Condensed Milk, and Evaporated Milk: create our custard base. If two cans of coconut milk are out of your budget, replace one can with a second can of evaporated milk and steep the mixture for an hour instead of 20 minutes.
Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: these sweeten the custard, with the brown sugar adding notes of molasses to deepen the flavor.
All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch: help thicken the custard.
Eggs: Egg yolks thicken the custard and help deepen its color. Reserve the white for a different preparation, or use them to make meringue!
Salted Butter: adds a velvety finish to the custard.
Vanilla Extract: rounds out the flavor of the filling
Whipped Cream Topping: I use canned whipped cream because it’s stabilized and tends to hold up on a hot summer day. But if you’re eating this in a controlled and cool environment, and you’re not scared of the cream getting a little soupy, try it with frozen whipped cream or our easy Homemade Whipped Cream.
How To Store Coconut Cream Pie Bars
Place leftover bars in an airtight container, top with a piece of parchment paper, seal, and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. If you plan on making the bars to freeze for later, skip the whipped cream topping and coconut flake garnish. Pour the custard into the cookie crust and refrigerate it until it sets. Then top it with a sheet of parchment directly on the surface, wrap it in two layers of aluminum, and keep it in an airtight container (or wrap it in plastic.) Thaw the frozen bars in the refrigerator before topping them with whipped cream and garnishing them with coconut flakes.
In a blender or food processor, blend the vanilla wafers into a sandy consistency.
Mix in the melted butter and salt until the cookie crumbs are completely saturated and have deepened in color.
Press the cookie crust into an 11×7-inch baking dish in an even layer and freeze. If you don't have an 11×7-inch dish, use any square or rectangle dish with a 10-cup (2.5 qt) volume.
Filling
Add the unsweetened coconut flakes to a large saucepan set over medium heat. Toast the flakes, stirring occasionally so they don't burn. Remove them from the pan when they are golden brown.
Add 1 cup of the toasted coconut flakes, the condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, salt, and flour to a heavy-bottomed saucepan set over medium heat. Stir until everything is combined and the milk has thickened, about 5 minutes.
Take the milk mixture off the heat and let it steep for 20 minutes. Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the coconut flakes from the milk mixture and discard. Add the milk mixture back to the pan and set over medium heat.
In a small bowl, add the water to the egg yolks. Mix in the cornstarch to create a slurry, then add it to the milk mixture in the pan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard bubbles in spurts.
Take the pan off the heat and add the butter and vanilla extract. Mix until the butter dissolves.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve directly into the chilled crust. Refrigerate until set, about 2 to 3 hours.
Top with whipped cream topping and sprinkle the whipped cream with the remaining 1/2 cup of toasted coconut flakes.
How to Make Coconut Cream Pie Bars – Step by Step Photos
In a blender or food processor, blend the 8 ounces of vanilla wafers into a sandy consistency. Mix in 1/2 cup of melted butter and a pinch of salt until the cookie crumbs are completely saturated and have deepened in color.
Press the cookie crust into an 11×7-inch baking dish in an even layer and freeze. If you don’t have an 11×7-inch dish, use any square or rectangle dish with a 10-cup volume.
Add the 1 1/2 cups of unsweetened coconut flakes to a large saucepan set over medium heat. Toast the flakes, stirring occasionally so they don’t burn. Remove them from the pan when they are golden brown.
Add 1 cup of toasted coconut flakes, one 14oz. can of condensed milk, one 12oz. can of evaporated milk, two 13.5oz. cans of coconut milk, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 3/4 cup of flour to a heavy-bottomed saucepan set over medium heat. Stir until everything is combined and the milk has thickened, about 5 minutes.
Take the milk mixture off the heat and let it steep for 20 minutes. Use a fine-mesh sieve to strain the coconut flakes from the milk mixture and discard. Add the milk mixture back to the pan and set over medium heat.
In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of water to the 3 egg yolks. Mix in the 1/4 cup of cornstarch to create a slurry, then add it to the milk mixture. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard bubbles in spurts.
Take the pan off the heat and add the 4 tablespoons of butter and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until the butter dissolves.
Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve directly into the chilled crust.
Refrigerate until set, about 2 to 3 hours.
Top with 2 cups of whipped cream topping and sprinkle the whipped cream with the remaining 1/2 cup of toasted coconut flakes.
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Cookies are my all-time favorite dessert, but I also love making cookie bars because they are SO easy. You don’t have to roll the dough into balls and bake off lots of cookies, you just press all of the dough into ONE pan! Cut into squares and yo…
Cookies are my all-time favorite dessert, but I also love making cookie bars because they are SO easy. You don’t have to roll the dough into balls and bake off lots of cookies, you just press all of the dough into ONE pan! Cut into squares and you have a delicious dessert with minimal effort.…
I’ve made several versions of Strawberry Spinach Salad over the years, but this by far is my favorite! It includes fresh strawberries, salty feta cheese, candied pecans, and an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette. The textures and flavors are insanely delicious and compliment each other perfectly! It reminds you of a fancy salad that you’d get at a cafe, but you can make it at home for a fraction of the cost. This is one of those “summer” salads that I could literally eat all year long!
What’s in Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad includes lots of wonderful flavors and textures that compliment each other perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:
Baby Spinach – a simple bed of spinach greens is the base foundation for this salad.
Strawberries – fresh, juicy, strawberries add a simple and wonderful sweetness.
Red onion – slightly sharp and a nice contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries and candied pecans.
Feta cheese – soft, creamy, salty feta cheese pairs well with the strawberries in this salad. If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, goat cheese or blue cheese would also work well.
Candied pecans – these candied pecans, in my humble opinion, are one of the best parts of the salad. It adds a crunchy, sweet texture, and you can swap the pecans out for toasted walnuts or toasted sliced almonds, which would also be totally delicious!
Balsamic vinaigrette – easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing tops it all off.
Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
The dressing for this strawberry salad is probably my favorite part…ok it’s actually tied with the candied pecans! I started with Beth’s easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette and made one adjustment by replacing the mayonnaise with honey for a slightly sweeter taste. The results – absolutely amazing!
You can certainly use a store bought balsamic vinaigrette if you don’t have a well stocked pantry with all the necessary ingredients on hand, but I promise this homemade balsamic vinaigrette will taste wayyy better! I highly recommend you give it a try! ;)
Budget-Friendly Recipe Tips
If chopped nuts are a little too costly at your local store, toast up some day-old bread to use in place of the chopped pecans, similar to our Panzanella salad.
To bulk up the salad and make it stretch a little further, add your favorite pasta like penne or bow-tie pasta.
How To Store Strawberry Spinach Salad
Strawberry spinach salad stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. In order to keep the spinach from wilting too much, it’s best to store the strawberries and the dressing separately and add them to the salad right before you’re ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
This salad makes a great lunch meal by itself, Monti and I totally gobbled it up at the test studio, but you can also add some grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp on top for a more filling meal. This salad also pairs well with other leaner protein like baked cod and pan-seared chicken.
Start by making the homemade balsamic vinaigrette dressing. Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic clove, dried basil, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to a jar, bowl, or blender. Close the jar and shake the ingredients together, whisk in a bowl, or blend until the dressing is evenly combined. Set the dressing aside.
Next make the candied pecans. Add the butter, brown sugar and a pinch of salt to a small non-stick skillet. Heat over medium heat while stirring.
Once the butter and brown sugar begins to melt add the chopped pecans to the skillet and stir with the brown sugar mixture. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring every 10-15 seconds until the brown sugar fully melts (looks glossy instead of grainy) and completely coats the pecans.
Remove the skillet from the heat immediately and transfer the candied pecans to a parchment lined baking sheet. Spread the pecans out evenly in a flat layer and allow them to cool for 10 minutes while the candied coating fully hardens.
Now prep the strawberries, red onion and feta cheese. Remove the stems and slice the strawberries, thinly slice the red onion, and crumble the feta. Set these ingredients to the side.
Divide the spinach between four plates. Drizzle 2 Tbsp of balsamic vinaigrette on top of each bed of spinach.
Add sliced strawberries, red onions, a tablespoon or two of candied pecans, and a tablespoon of feta cheese to each salad. Feel free to drizzle a little more balsamic vinaigrette over the top of each and enjoy!
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY SPINACH SALAD – STEP BY STEP PHOTOS
Start by making the homemade balsamic vinaigrette. Add 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 Tbsp honey, 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 garlic clove minced, 1/2 tsp dried basic, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper to a jar, bowl, or blender. Add a top to the jar and shake, whisk in a bowl, or blend until all the ingredients are evenly combined. Set the vinaigrette dressing aside.
Next make the candied pecans. In a small non-stick skillet add 1/2 Tbsp butter, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Heat over medium heat while stirring just until the butter and brown sugar begins to melt. Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecan and stir to coat in the brown sugar mixture. Continue to cook for 2-4 minutes or until the brown sugar is fully melted (looks glossy, not grainy) and completely coating the pecans.
Remove the skillet from the heat immediately, to prevent the brown sugar from over cooking and burning. Transfer the candied pecans to a parchment lined baking sheet, spread out in a flat layer. Allow them to cool for 10 minutes and the sugar coating will fully harden.
Now prep the rest of the salad ingredients. Wash and slice 1/2 pound of strawberries, thinly slice 1/4 of a red onion, portion out 2 oz of crumbled feta cheese, and gather your cooled candied pecans.
Divide 8 oz of spinach between four salad plates (roughly 2 oz per plate) or you can add all of the spinach to a larger serving bowl. Add 2 Tbsp of the balsamic vinaigrette to each salad plate or drizzle 1/3 cup of the dressing over the bowl of spinach. Reserve the rest of the dressing to add right before serving.
Divide the toppings (sliced strawberries, sliced red onion, 1 tablespoon of crumbled feta, and 1-2 tablespoons of candied pecans) between the four salad plates or add the toppings to a larger salad serving bowl. Drizzle each salad with a little more of the balsamic dressing and enjoy!
This buttery old-fashioned peach cobbler hits! Juicy summer peaches and a crispy cake-like topping will always be a crowd-pleaser, which is why this homemade peach cobbler recipe is perfect for any occasion, from a simple weeknight dessert to the star of the potluck. Plus, you can make it with fresh, canned, or frozen peaches, so it’s an easy recipe that’s also easy on your wallet! (It comes in at under a dollar a serving! Woot!!)
What Is Peach Cobbler
Peach Cobbler is often credited as a dessert created in the American South, but it’s actually Native American in origin. This dish of sweet, juicy summer peaches baked with a simple buttery batter is so easy to make and so yummy it’s almost criminal. Be warned: it smells so good that your loved ones will beg to devour it straight from the oven. Let it rest a few minutes before you dig in because it’s LAVA HOT. I speak from experience.
Ingredients For Peach Cobbler
You might want to double this recipe for Peach Cobbler because it will go fast, and you might have some feelings about that. I recently had two teenagers destroy the whole thing before I finished my first serving, and I was inundated with waves of deep resentment. Here’s what you’ll need to make Peach Cobbler:
Peaches– are the star of the show here. You can use fresh, canned, or frozen. You don’t have to peel your peaches if you don’t want to. It’s a textural thing for me. If using canned, get them in their own juices, and don’t discard the juices. If they are canned in syrup, again, keep the juices, but omit the brown sugar in the recipe. If using frozen, let them thaw before mixing with the other ingredients.
Sugar – helps sweeten the batter and the filling and deepens the color of the crust. You’ll use brown and granulated, though if you only have one type, use what you have. This recipe is very forgiving.
Spices – cinnamon pairs beautifully with peaches, adding a gentle dimension to the flavor profile. I also use a touch of ground ginger and nutmeg to create a deeper flavor, but if your peaches are super tasty, feel free to skip them both.
Lemon Juice– adds a much-needed acidity to the sweet filling and helps thicken the peach juices. You can use fresh or bottled.
Cornstarch– helps thicken the peach juices while keeping them clear and glossy. If you don’t have cornstarch, thicken the filling with 2 teaspoons of all-purpose flour. FYI, it might get a little cloudy.
All Purpose Flour– creates the batter for the cobbler. We have not tested this recipe with gluten-free flour and can’t give any specific guidance, though I bet it would be tasty with almond flour.
Baking Powder – leavens and aerates the batter. If you don’t have baking powder, use 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cup of milk called for in this recipe.
Almonds – pair incredibly with peaches and add texture to the cobbler. While I use sliced, feel free to use chopped. You can substitute the almonds with pecans or walnuts. Skip the almonds if you have a nut allergy or if they’re not as budget-friendly as you’d like.
Milk and Butter– create the batter. The fat in the milk keeps the crumb velvety, so use whole or add a tablespoon more butter if you’re using 2% milk. If you want to keep things vegan, use plant-based butter and milk.
Vanilla – scents the batter but can also be skipped if you don’t have any on hand.
Peach cobbler is good for up to three days. Since it contains dairy, you’ll want to refrigerate it after it cools in an air-tight container. If you have leftovers, try to enjoy them within a day, as the flavors and textures dull quickly. You can also freeze peach cobbler. Cool it before storing it in an air-tight container with parchment paper on the surface. It will keep for up to 3 months.
How To Reheat Peach Cobbler
It’s best to reheat peach cobbler in a 350°F oven until steaming. If reheating from frozen, it’s fine to put the cobbler in the oven straight from the freezer. While you can reheat peach cobbler leftovers in a microwave, the texture of the cobbler will change. If you choose to go the microwave route, heat it in 30-second increments until steaming.
Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the sliced peaches, brown sugar, salt, and ground ginger. Let the peaches sit for five minutes to absorb the sugar and spices and release their juices.
Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the peaches and their juices. Cook down the juices for about 5 minutes. Mix the cornstarch with the lemon juice to create a slurry, then add it to the peaches and stir well. Turn the heat to mid-high and bring to a boil.
When the juices have thickened to the point that they stay separated when you run a spoon through them (about 5 minutes), take the pan off the heat.
Add the melted butter to the pie dish and add the cooked peaches and their juices to the dish.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, sliced toasted almonds, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Stir in the milk and vanilla and mix lightly, just until a batter forms. Pour the batter on top of the peaches.
Bake until the cobbler is golden brown, about 35 minutes. Cool before serving and enjoy!!
*You do not have to peel the peaches if you don’t want to. If using canned peaches, use two 15-ounce cans of peaches in their own juices. Do not drain the juices. If using frozen sliced peaches, use 2 pounds, but thaw them before mixing them with the brown sugar.
Set a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat it to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix the 6 sliced peaches, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger. Let the peaches sit for five minutes to absorb the sugar and spices and release their juices.
Set a large skillet over medium heat and add the peaches and their juices. Cook down the juices for about 5 minutes. Mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to create a slurry, then add it to the peaches and mix in well. Turn the heat to mid-high and bring to a boil.
When the juices have thickened to the point that they stay separated when you run a spoon through them (about 5 minutes), take the pan off the heat.
Add 8 tablespoons of melted butter to the pie dish and add the cooked peaches and their juices to the dish.
In a large bowl, mix the 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup sliced toasted almonds, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 pinch nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoons salt. Stir in 1 cup milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla and mix lightly, just until a batter forms.
Pour the batter on top of the peaches. The butter will rise to the top. I prefer a buttery, crispy topping, so I don’t stir the batter into the peaches. If you’d like to have some of the peaches popping through the topping, mix it lightly into the peaches.
Bake until the cobbler is golden brown, about 35 minutes. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving and collecting ALL OF THE COMPLIMENTS. For the most amazing experience, top it with ice cream or whipped cream!
This recipe goes out to all of my fellow zucchini lovers who have an abundance of zucchini growing in their gardens right now. Or maybe you’re like me and just have extra zucchini hanging out in the fridge that you need to use before it goes bad. Either way, one of my favorite ways to use up zucchini is by making these delicious and slightly irresistible Zucchini Muffins. They’re soft, super moist and the perfect way to sneak in a green vegetable!
Ingredients Needed for Zucchini Muffins
What I love about baking recipes is that they often include pantry staple ingredients that you already have on hand. You can easily whip up a batch of these zucchini muffins using the following:
Grated Zucchini – Zucchini naturally contains a lot of water, but there’s no need to pat or squeeze out the excess water for this recipe. In this case the extra liquid helps add moisture to the muffins – saving you an extra step!
All Purpose flour – this gives the muffins structure. We used all-purpose flour, but you can safely substitute up to half of the flour for whole wheat flour without affecting the flavor or texture too much.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda – both are leavening agents to help the muffins rise. We used both due to the extra acidity from the applesauce.
Eggs – to help bind all of the muffin ingredients together.
White Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – the combination of both sugars helps to balance the sweetness, moisture and texture of the muffins.
Applesauce & Oil – yes, we’re using both in this recipe! The combination of both oil and applesauce helps keep the muffins moist, but not too oily, and you gain more flavor and moisture by incorporating the applesauce. We’re not making any dry muffins over here! :)
Cinnamon & Vanilla – keeping the added spices simple is key. These two pair nicely together to help enhance the flavor of the zucchini muffins.
Should You Peel the Zucchini Before Grating It
Thankfully there is no need to peel your zucchini before grating it. The skin of the zucchini is very thin and tender, so it’s barely noticeable once baked into the muffins. Just give it a good wash with your hands or a vegetable brush and you’ll be good to go!
A Few Recipe Tips!
Don’t over mix the batter. Overmixing will cause the muffins to become dense and tough instead of light and fluffy. Mix the dry and wet ingredients together until they are just barely combined and there are no traces of dry flour left in the bowl.
Oil your muffin pan well. Even if you are using a nonstick muffin pan, make sure to oil it well or use cupcake liners to prevent your muffins from sticking to the pan.
You can easily stretch this batter and get 12 regular size muffins. We were going for larger, bakery style muffins, so we divided the batter into eight muffin wells.
How to Store Zucchini Muffins
Allow the muffins to cool completely at room temperature before storing. You can store leftover zucchini muffins in an airtight container or a food storage bag at room temperature or in the fridge for 4-5 days. For longer storage, store in a freezer-safe storage bag for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen muffins at room temperature or microwave for about 30 seconds until warm, then add a little butter and enjoy!
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Next wash the zucchini well, trim off the stem of the zucchini, then using the large holes on a box grater, grate the zucchini and set it to the side.
In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon) until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients (eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, applesauce, oil and vanilla extract) until well combined.
Add the grated zucchini to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir until combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the same bowl as the dry ingredients. Stir together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix at this point.
Divide the batter between eight greased or lined muffin wells.
Bake the muffins for about 24 minutes or until golden brown and puffed in the center. Allow the muffins to cool for about 5 minutes, then carefully loosen the edges with a knife and transfer the muffins to a wire rack to finish cooling. Enjoy!
How to Make Zucchini Muffins – Step by Step Photos
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Next wash the zucchini well, trim off the stem of the zucchini, then grate 2 cups of zucchini (roughly about 1 lb.) and set the grated zucchini to the side.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp cinnamon until well combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/3 cup applesauce, 1/4 cup cooking oil and 1 tsp vanilla extract until well combined.
Add the 2 cups of grated zucchini to the bowl with the wet ingredients. Stir until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the same bowl as the dry ingredients. Stir together until just barely combined and there are no traces of dry flour left in the bowl. Be careful not to overmix the batter at this point.
Divide the batter between eight greased or lined muffin wells.
Bake for about 24 minutes or until golden brown and puffed in the center. And be prepared for your kitchen to smell amazing! Allow the muffins to cool for about 5 minutes then carefully loosen the edges of the muffin with a knife. Transfer the muffins to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Enjoy these soft, fluffy, and absolutely delicious Zucchini Muffins by themselves or with a little butter spread on top!
I know this recipe for buttery Peach Baked Oatmeal is awesome because everyone in the studio got quiet when they were eating it, a rare moment with our lively group! Crispy and caramelized on the outside and velvety on the inside, this easy breakfast dish will become a morning favorite. Did I mention this baked oatmeal comes in at a little over a dollar per serving?? You’ve got to make this recipe!
What is Baked Oatmeal?
Baked oatmeal is exactly what it sounds like. It’s oats mixed with a liquid, a binder (like eggs), a sweetener, a fat (like butter), and other ingredients to add flavor and texture, like fruit, nuts, and spices. The oatmeal absorbs all of the flavors that were mixed into it so it blossoms when you taste it. My recipe is less custardy than our website’s other baked oatmeal recipes. It has more of a bite, like pasta. That’s because I use less liquid, so the oats retain their shape and get these crispy golden edges… OMG, I have to stop writing about it cause I’m going to end up in my kitchen making baked oatmeal at 10 o’clock at night like a crazy person. Just trust. It’s fantastic.
Ingredients For Baked Oatmeal
The best thing about baked oatmeal is that it’s endlessly customizable. You can use any fruit, nuts, or spices you like. This is what you’ll need to make my favorite combination:
Oatmeal– Skip the instant oats which turn to mush in a heartbeat and stick to old-fashioned, which will give you a better texture. While you can bake steel-cut oats, the liquid-to-oats ratio is different, and I haven’t tested that, so I can’t give you any direction.
Peaches– Canned in their own juices is my go-to, as I use the juices in the recipe. If using fresh or frozen, you’ll need to add a cup of water to the mix. You can substitute peaches with apples, pears, or bananas, also adding a cup of water to the mix.
Butter– because you can’t get those crispy edges without it and those crispy edges are EVERYTHING. Substitute with vegan butter if you’re dairy-free.
Cream– helps create a velvety texture. You can use whole milk as well, though I’d add an additional tablespoon of butter. Use coconut cream if you want to skip the dairy. Just make sure it’s full fat. You need it.
Eggs– will help bind the oatmeal. If you want to skip the eggs you can try using 2 ripe bananas as a binder.
Brown Sugar– mixes with the butter to develop deep caramel notes. You can substitute it with your preferred sweetener.
Cinnamon and Vanilla– season and scent the oatmeal. They also pair exquisitely with peaches and help elevate the fruit’s flavors.
Tips For The Best Baked Oatmeal
Use old-fashioned oats instead of quick oats. Old-fashioned oats will give your baked oatmeal a chewier texture.
Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing will make your baked oatmeal tough. Fold the ingredients in and mix until they are barely combined.
Bake the oatmeal until it’s cooked through. Underbaked oatmeal will be mushy. You want the oatmeal to have a slight bite.
Baked Oatmeal Toppings
If you’re looking to add a little extra oomph to your Peach Baked Oatmeal, it pairs beautifully with our Homemade Whipped Cream. You can also top it with Strawberry Syrup, Blueberry Sauce, or our Lemon Curd. Or you can go wild and use all four! ( Editor’s Note: I know it seems like too much sugar, Beth- but think of how amazing it would be to start your day with such decadence! Don’t fight it. )
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Cool leftovers completely before storing them so the oatmeal doesn’t get soggy. Store baked oatmeal in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to three days and in the freezer for three months. To reheat, microwave it for a few minutes until steaming.
Set an oven rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 375°F. Drain the cans of peaches, reserving the juices. Add the drained peaches to a 13×9 inch baking dish, reserving six slices for garnish. Add 1/4cup brown sugar to the peaches. Dice 4 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle over the peaches. Finish with 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla. Mix thoroughly.
Add the old-fashioned or rolled oats to a large bowl. Add 1/4teaspoon cinnamon and the remaining 1/4cup brown sugar and mix well.
Mix 1 cup of peach juices with the cream and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla. Add the beaten eggs and mix. Add the wet mixture to the oatmeal and stir just until incorporated.
Dollop the oats over the peaches. Dice the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle over the top. Garnish with peach slices.
Bake until it is golden brown and crispy, about 45 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes. Enjoy as is or serve with a little cream!
How to Make Peach baked Oatmeal – Step by Step Photos
Set a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat it to 375°F. Drain the 2 (15oz) cans of peaches, reserving the juices. Add the drained peaches to a 13 x 9 baking dish, reserving six slices for garnish. Add 1/4 cup brown sugar to the peaches. Dice 1/2 stick of butter and sprinkle it over the peaches. Finish with 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla.
Add 3 cups of old-fashioned or rolled oats to a large bowl. Add 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon and the remaining 1/4 cup brown sugar and mix well.
Mix 1 cup of peach juice with the 1/2 cup of heavy cream and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla. Add the 2 beaten eggs and mix. Add the wet mixture to the oatmeal and stir just until incorporated.
Dollop the oats over the peaches. Dice the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and sprinkle over the top. Garnish with peach slices.
Bake until it is golden brown and crispy, about 45 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving! (If you can wait for that long. I’ve yet to accomplish this feat. But I don’t mind eating peach-flavored lava. You do you.) I like to serve it with a little cream in a bowl that I refill over and over and over again. Enjoy!
For me, nothing says “Summer is here!” like a succulent rack of BBQ Ribs with All. Of. The. Sides. But maybe, like me, you don’t have a grill or a backyard, or any desire to stand out in the hot sun next to fire. First, I see you. Second, you don’t need a big fancy grill to get juicy, tender, fall-off-the-bone BBQ Ribs. All you need is a baking pan, some foil, and some patience to get oven-baked barbecue ribs on the table that’ll have your whole family asking for more! PS This is a great recipe for Father’s Day, the 4th Of July, or a summer barbecue. So make sure to save it!
What you need to make BBQ Ribs
Are you ready to skip the grill and fire up your oven? Here’s what you need to make delicious oven-baked barbecue ribs that leave you wishing you’d made a double batch!
Ribs– your choice: baby back, spare, short, St. Louis style, you name it. Though cook times will vary, you can make any 3-pound rack using this simple recipe.
Barbecue Sauce– we have a great recipe for Homemade BBQ Sauce if you want to make your own, but any BBQ sauce will do. Not only does the sauce add deep flavors, but it also helps caramelize the outer layer of ribs for mouth-wateringly sticky perfection.
Spices– a rub is a must if you want to add deep flavor to ribs. For this recipe, we will make our own rub with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cayenne, and mustard powder, but if you have a favorite brand, use 5 tablespoons.
Butter – mixing the dry rub with melted butter makes it easy for the seasoning to stick to your ribs as they bake. The butter also adds flavor and keeps your ribs from getting dry.
Liquid– placing liquid in the pan will help keep your ribs from drying out. You can use any liquid: water, chicken broth, and if you’re making pork ribs, apple juice works beautifully.
How To Pick Ribs
Here are a few helpful tips to keep in mind when picking ribs:
Look for meaty ribs that are the same thickness from end to end. Press your finger down into the rib to get a feel for how much meat there is on the bone.
Look for ribs marbled throughout with fat, which keeps them juicy and adds flavor. Pass on ribs with big clumps of fat, which adds to the weight and cost of the rack but has to be trimmed before baking.
The ribs should be about the same size and thickness from end to end, which ensures even cooking. Of course, you’ll have some natural tapering at one end, but avoid racks with a considerable size difference from end to end.
Plan on at least 3 to 4 ribs per serving and buy accordingly.
What To Serve With BBQ Ribs
Kick up your BBQ Ribs 100 notches by serving them with delicious, easy-to-make Budget Bytes classics like:
Wrap ribs tightly in plastic or foil and place them in an airtight container. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to three days or in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat from frozen, thaw the ribs in your fridge overnight. When ready to cook, bring the ribs to room temperature while you preheat your oven to 250°F. Line a sheet pan with a rack and fill the pan with a few cups of water. Wrap the ribs in foil, place them on a sheet pan, and warm for about 20 to 30 minutes or until steaming.
Place an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 300°F. Trim the ribs, removing excess fat. Trim the thicker end to even out the thickness. (Cook the trimmed meat with the ribs as a cook's bonus.) Turn the ribs over and remove the silvery membrane from the back of the ribs.
Line a sheet pan that's at least 2 inches deep with heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a wire cooling rack in it. If you do not have a cooling rack, crumple a long sheet of aluminum and roll it into a rack-sized donut that is at least 2 inches thick. Place the trimmed ribs on the rack. Pat off any excess moisture with a paper towel.
Make a rub by mixing salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, brown sugar, cayenne, ground mustard, and melted butter.
Rub the seasoning generously all over the meaty top of the ribs in a thick layer.
Pour chicken broth into the sheet pan, being careful not to pour it on the ribs. Place the sheet pan in the oven. Lower the temperature to 250°F. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes.
Cover the ribs in aluminum foil and bake for 60 minutes, rotating the sheet pan midway through.
Remove the aluminum foil and brush the ribs with 1 cup of bbq sauce. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until tender. Every rack is different. The ribs are ready when a fork can easily pull the meat off the bone.
Turn the heat in the oven on broil. Brush the ribs with an additional 1/2 cup of bbq sauce and place under the broiler for a few minutes, just until a little char develops. Remove the ribs from the oven and rest for 15 minutes. Cut the ribs to your desired size, serve, and try not to lick your fingers!
Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat it to 300°F. Trim the ribs, removing any big clumps of excess fat. Trim the thicker end to even out the thickness and cook the trimmed meat along with the ribs. Cook’s bonus! Turn the ribs over and remove the silvery membrane from the back of the ribs. It gets rubbery when cooked. Use a pairing knife or other sharp small knife to cut away at the skin while you pull it.
Line a sheet pan that’s at least 2 inches deep with heavy-duty aluminum foil and place a rack in it. Place the trimmed ribs on the rack. If you do not have a cooling rack, crumple a long sheet of aluminum and roll it into a rack-sized donut that is at least 2 inches thick. Place the trimmed ribs on the rack or aluminum donut. Pat off any excess moisture with a paper towel.
Make a rub by mixing 2 teaspoons of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 2 teaspoons of cayenne, 2 teaspoons of mustard powder, and 4 tablespoons of melted butter.
Rub the seasoning generously all over the meaty top of the ribs.
Pour the chicken broth into the sheet pan, being careful not to pour it on the ribs. Place the sheet pan in the oven. Lower the temperature to 250°F. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes. Cover the ribs in aluminum foil and rotate the sheet pan front to back. Bake for another 30 minutes, then rotate the sheet pan again and bake for an additional 30 minutes.
Remove the aluminum foil and brush the ribs with 1 cup of bbq sauce. Bake for an additional 30 minutes or until tender. Every rack is different. The ribs are ready when a fork can easily pull the meat off the bone.
Turn the heat in the oven on broil. Brush the ribs with an additional 1/2 cup of bbq sauce and place under the broiler for a few minutes, just until a little char develops. Remove the ribs from the oven and rest for 15 minutes. Cut the ribs to your desired size, serve, and try not to lick your fingers!
This hearty Sausage Meatballs and Kale Sheet Pan Meal is chock full of deep, tangy flavors and succulent textures! It’s perfect for those days when you don’t feel like cooking. And if you’re at the point where you can’t bring yourself to make a meatball, just slice sausage in its casing to get this meal in the oven even faster. PS This sheet pan dinner meal preps excellently. Quick cooking, super filling, no fuss, and you can make it for the week! What’s not to love?
What You’ll Need
This Italian Sausage Meatball and Kale Sheet Pan Meal is quick, easy, and endlessly versatile! Here’s what you’ll need to make it:
Italian Sausage– I use ground spicy Italian sausage but you can use sweet Italian or any of your favorite ground sausages, including plant-based ones. You can also remove the sausage from its casing or skip making meatballs altogether and just slice it in its casing. Fat adds flavor and delivers a tender meatball, so skip low-fat sausages or ground meats.
Milk– adds moisture to the sausage and helps create depth of flavor. If you are cooking dairy-free, try using almond milk or coconut milk. If you’re really watching your pennies, just use water.
PankoBreadcrumbs– add texture and keep the meatballs from drying out (after a soak in milk). You can substitute Panko with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Egg – helps to bind the meatballs so they keep their shape. Substitute the egg with 3 tablespoons of plain yogurt, 1/4 ricotta cheese, or 1/3 cup of unsweetened apple sauce.
Kale– is hearty and can stand up to a high-heat roast. You can substitute it with other hearty greens like Collards or Swiss Chard.
Cherry Tomatoes– deepen in flavor when roasted, but feel free to sub with other fresh elements like bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions. In a pinch, used canned tomatoes. Just make sure to drain them and give them a rough chop.
Potatoes– add bulk to this easy meal and soak up all the flavors from the drippings—sub with sweet potatoes or other root vegetables like carrots, radishes, or parsnips.
Spices and Seasonings– smoked paprika, chili flakes, garlic powder, brown sugar, dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, and olive oil dress the veggies and greens in robust flavors.
Grated Parmesan Cheese– is the chef’s kiss in this dish. The cheese adds umami (AKA savoriness) and a touch of creamy saltiness. Omit it if you like, or substitute it with nutritional yeast.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. If meal prepping, add fresh kale on top of the roasted ingredients to keep it from wilting. You can freeze in an airtight container for up to a month with a sheet of plastic or parchment on the surface to prevent frostbite. Thaw in your fridge overnight. You can eat leftovers cold or warm them in a microwave until steaming.
This hearty Italian Sausage Meatballs and Kale Sheet Pan Meal is chock full of deep, tangy flavors and succulent textures! It's perfect for those days when you don't feel like cooking.
Preheat oven to 450°F. Place quartered red potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of salt, black pepper, and chili flakes. Sprinkle over the potatoes and toss. Place the potatoes in a sheet pan.
In the same bowl, add the cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Scatter them over the potatoes.
Soak the breadcrumbs in milk. Break up Italian sausage in a large bowl. Mix in breadcrumbs and egg. Wet your fingers with a bit of leftover oil from the bowl the tomatoes were in. Roll 16 meatballs and place them on the sheet pan between the potatoes and tomatoes.
Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the meatballs and bake for another 10 minutes.
While the meatballs bake, add 1/2 lb of the kale to the same bowl the potatoes and tomatoes were in. Mix red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss the kale in the dressing, massaging it into the leaves.
Remove the sheet pan from the oven, and scatter kale all over.
Roast for 3 to 4 minutes until the kale has charred in spots. To serve, split raw kale between 4 bowls. Top with charred kale and tomatoes and mix. Finally, top with meatballs and potatoes. Garnish with parmesan cheese.
How to Make Sausage Meatballs And Kale Sheet Pan MeAL – Step by Step Photos
Preheat the oven to 450°F. Place 1 pound of quartered red potatoes in a large bowl and drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil. Mix 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of salt, ¼ teaspoon of pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes. Sprinkle over the potatoes and toss. Place the potatoes in a sheet pan.
In the same bowl that you dressed the potatoes, add the sliced pint of cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Scatter them over the potatoes.
Soak the breadcrumbs in milk. Break up Italian sausage in a large bowl. Mix in breadcrumbs and egg. Wet your fingers with a bit of leftover oil from the bowl the tomatoes were in. Roll a 1-ounce meatball and place it on the sheet pan between the potatoes and tomatoes. Repeat with the remaining sausage until you have 16 meatballs.
Bake for 10 minutes, then turn the meatballs and bake for another 10 minutes.
While the meatballs bake, add 1/2 pound of kale to the same bowl the potatoes and tomatoes were in. Mix 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss the kale in the dressing, massaging it into the leaves.
Remove the sheet pan from the oven, and scatter kale all over.
Roast for 3 to 4 minutes until the kale has wilted and charred in spots. To serve, split the 1/2 pound of leftover raw kale between 4 bowls. Top with charred kale and tomatoes and mix. Finally, top with meatballs and potatoes. Garnish with parmesan cheese and chow down!
Cookies are my all-time favorite dessert, but I also love making cookie bars because they are SO easy. You don’t have to roll the dough into balls and bake off lots of cookies, you just press all of the dough into ONE pan! Cut into squares and you have a delicious dessert with minimal effort.… 
