Making Apple Cider at Home: The Basics

There are a few different ways and methods to make a homemade Apple Cider. This is probably one of the easiest and fastest methods out there, using a large pot and cooking it simply on the stove for about two hours. While orchards use a large wooden press to make cold apple cider, this is a hot version.

Use Sweet and Tart Apples

I like using different kinds of apples in my Apple Cider recipe. I find a combination of sweet and tart apples create a nice balance of flavor. I also add orange for a little flavor because it lends itself so nicely to the cloves and other spices. I used Organic Fuji’s (sweet) and Granny Smith (tart). Here are a few other kinds of apples that would work well for this recipe:

• Sweet: Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Gala or Fugi.
• Tart: Granny Smith, McIntosh or Cortland.

Sugar is Optional

Depending on the time of year, how sweet your apples are and/or your personal preference, feel free to reduce the brown sugar to an amount you feel comfortable using. This recipe is extremely forgiving when it comes to the sugar. If you happen to complete this recipe and you find your cider is not sweet enough, feel free to reheat the strained cider gently and dissolve a little more sugar into it.

No Apple Press Needed

If you were to go to a farm or orchard selling apple cider, it would most likely be out of an apple press. An apple press is simply a hand cranked system that grinds whole apples into a pulp. That pulp is then pressed to remove all the juice which is apple cider. This would be served cold.

No Crockpot Required

While you definitely can cook this cider in a crockpot (4-6 hours on low), this version does not require it! Simply add all ingredients to your pot and cook. Mash the apples, remove the oranges, cook a little longer, then strain.

What’s the Difference Between Apple Cider and Apple Juice?

Apple Cider and Apple Juice are similar, both being juice that come from apples. The difference lies in the filtration process. Apple Cider is not filtered. Apple juice is filtered, pasteurized, sometimes with sugar added, depending on the brand.

How to Make Apple Cider At Home

Like lots of my recipes, there isn’t anything HARD about this recipe…like at all. You just need a couple of hours to babysit these apples on the stove, then strain them out to get the cider. Yum! For full recipe details, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is what you can expect making this Apple Cider:

Wash, Core and Quarter Apples

Using five pounds of sweet and tart apples (I used fuji’s and granny smith), wash them thoroughly with cold water. Cut them into quarters and remove any seeds. You will be straining this entire pot of cider, so coring is optional. I prefer to core, though. Add all the apples to a large pot.

Add Orange, Brown Sugar, Water and Spices

To your apples, add in one navel orange cut in half, 1/2 cup brown sugar (or less, depending on preference), cinnamon sticks, whole cloves and 8 cups of cold water. Stir well to incorporate the brown sugar and submerge the apples in the water.

Cook the Apples

Bring the entire pot to a boil, then reduce to simmer and cook covered for one full hour.

Remove orange peels, mash remaining apples and cover and cook on low heat for another 45 minutes.

Strain the Apple Cider

After the apples have finished cooking, remove from the heat and transfer to a fine mesh sieve or strainer lined with cheesecloth. This process can take quite a few minutes because it takes some time to get all the juice out of the apple mash. Don’t worry! This is normal.

Once you have strained the cider from the apple skins and mash, voila! Your apple cider is done and ready to enjoy!

Serve Hot or Cold, With Whipped Cream!

The beauty of this recipe is it can be enjoyed hot, cold or at room temperature. We couldn’t wait to get a taste, so we had it warm with whipped cream and caramel sauce. Oh boy, was it a treat! So so good! Also delicious cold.

The consistency of this cider is smooth, but a little thicker than an apple juice would be, thanks to us not filtering it. Totally normal for apple cider.

Storing Apple Cider

Homemade Apple Cider can last up to two weeks in the fridge. I like storing mine in a large pitcher with a lid in the fridge. Before serving, be sure to stir it well. Of course it’s tasty cold, but feel free to pour it into a mug and microwave it to enjoy hot.

Other Apple Recipes You Will Love:

• Old Fashioned Apple Cake
• How to Make Caramel Apples
• Apple Turnovers
• Apple Crisp
• Buttery Apple Pie
• Apple Fritters

Don’t forget to check out my Fall Soup Recipes roundup that are really popular this time of year. Enjoy, friends!

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Homemade Apple Cider

Apple Season is here which means Homemade Apple Cider! Yes yes please. Sweet and tart apples are cooked together with oranges and warm spices.

Course Beverage, Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword apple cider, how to make apple cider

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 211kcal

Ingredients

• 5 pounds apples I used 2.5 pounds of fuji's and 2.5 pounds of granny smith
• 1 navel orange cut in half
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 8 cups cold water

Instructions

• Wash apples, cut into quarters and core. Add apple quarters to a large pot. Add orange halves, brown sugar, cinamon sticks, cloves and water.
  
• Cover pot and bring to boil, then reduce to simmer and cook covered for 1 hour.
  
• Remove lid, discard orange halves, mash apples, then cover and cook on low another 45 minutes.
  
• Strain apples from cider by pouring through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth.
  
• Serve warm with whipped cream and caramel sauce or store in containers and refrigerate and enjoy cold.
  

Nutrition

Calories: 211kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 356mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 44g | Vitamin A: 199IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg

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But Wait, What are Scotcharoos?

Besides being addictively delicious, Scotcheroos are chewy, yet soft dessert bars with chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, and Rice Krispies. This no-bake recipe was originally printed on the Rice Krispies box in the 1960s. Nowadays, almost everyone seems to have a version of the recipe in their recipe collection and is still just as popular as it was way back when.

How to Make Scotcharoos

These delicious little gems come together in about 15 minutes plus time for them to set and firm up. It’s important to remember to not place them in the fridge. Keep them at room temperature unless you want to break a tooth. For full recipe details, see the recipe card down below. But this is quite literally the easiest recipe to remember. I always say in my head (cup-a, cup-a, cup-a) because that’s the measurement for every ingredient (1 cup), plus 6 cups of Rice Krispies. Here is what you can expect when making this recipe:

Prep Dish

Prepare a 13x9x2 dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.

Make Peanut Butter Mixture

Place peanut butter, corn syrup and sugar in a medium pot over medium heat and bring JUST to a boil, stirring frequently. As soon as it comes to a boil, REMOVE from heat.

Add Rice Krispies to a Large Bowl

Measure out your Rice Krispies into a large mixing bowl.

Pour peanut butter mixture over Rice Krispies and stir until evenly coated. Work quickly.

Evenly Press into Dish

Press Rice Krispies mixture into dish and press down with oiled fingers to even it out, pressing all the way into the corners.

Make the Chocolate Butterscotch Topping

Combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips in a separate pot. Heat over medium/low heat until melted, stirring constantly. You could also do this in the microwave or in a double boiler.

Pour Chocolate Butterscotch Topping over the Rice Krispies

Once melted, pour over top Rice Krispies mixture. Spread evenly with an offset spatula.

Let Sit + then Serve

Let sit for about an hour before cutting into 12 squares and serving at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.

Why are My Scotcharoos so Dry?

This is probably the most common problem people run into when making these..dry and hard Scotcharoos. The usual reason is that you cooked the corn syrup and sugar too long. It’s important to watch closely and remove from heat as soon as you see that the sugar has dissolved.

Storage Directions

Store Scotcharoos in an airtight container at room temperature. These will stay fresh for 3-4 days before starting to get a little dry.

Can I freeze Scotcharoos?

Yes! Freeze squares of Scotcharoos in layers with parchment or wax paper in between. Use a freezer safe, airtight container and these will stay fresh up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to serve.

Love Scotcharoos? Try These Other Dessert Bar Recipes…

• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars
• S’mores Bars
• Magic Bars
• Butterfinger Nutter Butter Cheesecake Bars
• Caramel Snickerdoodle Bars

I hope you love these as much as we do! The recipe card is below. Be sure to save, print, bookmark or share this recipe and keep it handy! Have a great weekend, friends!

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Scotcharoos

This Scotcharoos recipe is a CLASSIC featuring a chewy peanut buttery Rice Krispies base topped with chocolate and butterscotch. These will FLY off your table.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword rice krispies, scotcharoos

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Servings 12

Calories 469kcal

Ingredients

• 1 cup peanut butter creamy
• 1 cup corn syrup light
• 1 cup sugar granulated
• 6 cups Rice Krispies Cereal
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup butterscotch chips

Instructions

• Prepare a 13x9x2 dish with butter or cooking spray. Set aside.
• Place peanut butter, corn syrup and sugar in a medium pot over medium heat and bring JUST to a boil, stirring frequently. As soon as it comes to a boil, REMOVE from heat.
• Measure our your Rice Krispies into a large mixing bowl.
• Pour peanut butter mixture over Rice Krispies and stir until evenly coated. Work quickly.
• Press Rice Krispies mixture into dish and press down with oiled fingers to even it out, pressing all the way into the corners.
• Combine chocolate chips and butterscotch chips In a separate pot. Heat over medium/low heat until melted, stirring constantly.
• Once melted, pour melted chips over top Rice Krispies mixture. Spread evenly with an offset spatula.
• Let sit for about an hour before cutting into 12 squares and serving at room temperature. Do not refrigerate.

Nutrition

Calories: 469kcal | Carbohydrates: 76g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 241mg | Potassium: 225mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 59g | Vitamin A: 953IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 6mg

The post Scotcharoos appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Delicious Apple Desserts

Today I bring you my list of 17 favorite Apple Desserts! I have the full recipes all linked here, so make sure you save or bookmark this post to keep it handy all season long. I hope you find a new favorite here. What will you be making first?

Apple Turnover

This Apple Turnover recipe is simplicity at its best and the perfect treat for Fall. Store-bought puff pastry filled with buttery cinnamon apples and baked until puffed and golden. Topped with a simple sweet glaze and served warm.

Apple Crumble

This Apple Crumble with Salted Caramel will have you licking your plate clean! Soft apples, topped with a buttery crumble top and homemade salted caramel sauce. Pure heaven!

Buttery Apple Pie

Nothing is more satisfying or comforting than this Apple Pie recipe with vanilla ice cream. Sweet cinnamon apple slices poured into a homemade, all-butter crust that bakes up flaky, tender and delicious. 

Apple Dumplings

A comforting and easy dessert, these Apple Dumplings are one of the fastest ways to get a homemade dessert on the table. Covered in a cinnamon-butter-brown sugar sauce and baked in Sprite, you will DIE at how delicious these are with some vanilla ice cream. 

Apple Cake

This is a classic recipe for homemade, fresh Apple Cake made with lots of Granny Smith apples and flavored deliciously with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and orange zest. It’s a quintessential recipe to have in your recipe boxes for Fall! 

Homemade Apple Cider

Apple Season wouldn’t be complete without Homemade Apple Cider! Yes, yes please. Sweet and tart apples are cooked together with oranges and warm spices. Delicious plain, but over-the-top with whipped cream and caramel sauce.

Apple Dippers Bar

This Apple Dippers Bar consists of 3 kinds of sweet dips and lots of toppings for kids and adult alike to go buck wild and enjoy a sweet treat while staying occupied for a good 30 minutes. 

Buttery Apple Crisp

Fall in love with this Apple Crisp Recipe! A simple, from-scratch, family favorite recipe that always goes over well regardless of who you’re serving it to, with a buttery kick! 

Apple Coffee Cake

If you like cake for breakfast or dessert you’ll love this easy Apple Coffee Cake Recipe! Topped with streusel and cream cheese glaze! 

How to Make Gourmet Caramel Apples

You can make amazing and gorgeous Gourmet Caramel Apples at home with just a few easy steps! Customize with different drizzles and toppings!

Apple Pancakes with Caramel Syrup

These Apple Pancakes are inspired by apple fritters! A cinnamon spice-infused apple pancake recipe, topped with homemade caramel syrup.

Applesauce Cake with Divinity Frosting

Soft and sweet apple and cinnamon cake made in 1-bowl and baked in a half sheet pan with brown sugar marshmallow divinity frosting! Applesauce Cake is seriously heavenly!

Cinnamon Apple Danish

Use crescent roll dough to make a fast and delicious Cinnamon Apple Danish Recipe. It’s seriously so simple to throw together and tastes amazing fresh out of the oven!

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls are seriously the best thing you will ever eat this fall!! Sweet and comforting for breakfast or dessert. Enjoy!

Apple Oatmeal Cookies

These delicious Apple Oatmeal Cookies are topped with creamy brown butter frosting and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s like apple pie meats oatmeal cookie, perfect as a yummy Fall treat!

Oven Dried Apples

Oven Dried Apples make a tasty and satisfying snack on their own and also make a delicious accompaniment to granola!

I hope you enjoy these Apple Desserts with family and friends this Fall season! Have a great weekend, friends!

The post 17 Apple Desserts appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

All Things Pumpkin – 50+ Pumpkin Recipes to Enjoy

Are you ready? Make one of your favorites, or try a new recipe! Some of these recipes are more classic while others are a bit more adventurous. Either way, you’re going to love what you make!

Pumpkin Cakes & Pies

Pumpkin Roll Cake

Soft pumpkin sponge cake and fluffy cream cheese filling all rolled up into a Pumpkin Roll Cake then dusted with powdered sugar! 

Fail Proof Pumpkin Pie

This Pumpkin Pie recipe is a tried and true, classic recipe that has zero cracking. It’s homemade, easy to make and so flavorful- a must have this Fall!

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Elevate your Fall baking this year by combining Pumpkin Pie and the silky texture of a classic New York Cheesecake to get this creamy Pumpkin Cheesecake! Smooth, tangy, and creamy, it’s one of the best desserts you can make this Fall.

No Bake Oreo Pumpkin Pie

An Oreo crust filled with creamy pumpkin pie filling all topped with whipped cream and toasted walnuts. This No Bake Oreo Pumpkin Pie is sure to be a hit this Fall.

Pumpkin Crunch Cake

This Pumpkin Crunch Cake is the tastiest (and easiest!) recipe for Fall. It’s like part pumpkin pie filling and part cobbler topping. Made simply with a yellow cake mix, pecans, pumpkin and spices, you will love this delicious dessert.

Pumpkin Cream Pie

Pumpkin Cream Pie is lighter and creamier than traditional pumpkin pie, but just as delicious! Blind bake your pie crust and then fill with a fluffy, creamy, sweet and spicy filling! 

Pumpkin Sheet Cake

This Pumpkin Sheet Cake is three creamy and sweet layers of cake, sweet pumpkin pudding and whipped cream rosettes. A cross between Pumpkin Pie and Pumpkin Cheesecake, this is the perfect make ahead dessert for any gathering this Fall!

Halloween Oreo Pumpkin Cheesecakes

Pumpkin-flavored cheesecake with a festive Oreo bottom and a spiderweb top, the perfect Halloween treats are this Oreo Pumpkin Cheesecake! 

Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes

These Mini Pumpkin Bundt Cakes aren’t just adorable, they are SO GOOD too! Topped with a simple glaze, it’s hard not to eat just one.

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler

Pumpkin Pecan Cobbler is the ultimate fall dessert with cake on the top and hot caramel sauce on the bottom!

Easy Pumpkin Cake with Nutella Glaze

This is an easy Pumpkin Cake recipe that is made in a 9×13 pan and then topped with warm gooey Nutella as a frosting!

Pumpkin Cake with Walnuts

This Pumpkin Cake is layered between delicious chocolate and caramel frosting. Topped with walnuts, this cake will be hard to resist this Fall.

Pumpkin Bars, Brownies + Cookies

Pumpkin Cookies

Soft and perfectly spiced, these Pumpkin Cookies are easy to make and even easier to eat! Made in one bowl, scooped, soft-baked, and topped with a simple glaze. 

Sugar Cookie Blossoms

These Sugar Cookie Blossoms are super festive for just about any holiday! Top with seasonal Pumpkin Spice Kisses or just plain chocolate Kisses.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

These Pumpkin Whoopie Pies are what Fall dreams are made of! These are soft and sweet cake-like cookies that are filled with a marshmallowy caramel pecan filling. A fun variation of the chocolate original.

Double Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cookies

These Double Chocolate Pumpkin Swirl Cookies are full of caramel, chocolate, pumpkin, and spices. They’re downright delectable! Perfect for fall!

Pumpkin Sugar Cookies

Sugar Cookies just got better with a little pumpkin! This recipe creates soft, chewy, lightly spicy glazed Pumpkin Sugar Cookies that are perfect for Fall!

Pumpkin Pie Bars

A golden oreo crust and a sweet and spicy pumpkin filling makes these Pumpkin Pie Bars irresistible. You just need a dollop of whipped cream!

Pumpkin Brownies

Upgrade store-bought brownie mix by making these decadent Pumpkin Brownies. It’s like Brownies and Pumpkin Cheesecake had a baby. Super easy and super fast, these are perfect for Fall baking.

Caramel Filled Pumpkin Blondies

These Pumpkin Blondies are what dreams are made of! A simple batter stirred together and then filled with soft caramel, chocolate chips and walnuts and then baked to perfection.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars

These Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars are a super easy Fall treat and usually one of the first treats I make each year. You’ll likely have all these ingredients on hand and NOTHING beats pumpkin and chocolate.

Pumpkin Lasagna Dessert

This no-bake Pumpkin Lasagna Dessert is filled with golden Oreos, cream cheese, and instant pudding flavored with pumpkin and spices. So good!

Pumpkin Shortbread Bars

These Pumpkin Pie Bars are to die for! They have a buttery shortbread bottom and are topped with chocolate chips, walnuts, and caramel.

Pumpkin Pecan Tassies

Pie crusts with a pumpkin filling and topped with sweet pecans all covered in real maple syrup! Pumpkin Pecan Tassies are calling your name!

Pumpkin Breads

Pumpkin Bread

Start your Fall baking this year with this Classic Pumpkin Bread Recipe! Sweet, comforting and just the right amount of spice.

Pumpkin Bread Rolls

Look no further for the perfect Thanksgiving bread! Friends, meet (the cutest!) Pumpkin Bread Rolls. This is a pumpkin bread dough, formed into rolls, wrapped in string to form that pumpkin shape and baked to golden perfection.

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

Moist, sweet and cakey, this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread recipe is beyond good. Filled with chocolate and baked to perfection, it’s the perfect fall bread!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Bread, a super easy and certifiably delicious recipe. Filled with pumpkin and cream cheese, topped with cinnamon sugar and then topped again, after baking, with a simple icing.

Big Batch Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

This tasty Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread has just the right amount of sweet, spice, and chocolate. Plus it makes five loaves of pumpkin bread!

Pumpkin Swirl Donut Bread

Pumpkin Swirl Donut Bread is a sweet cakey loaf with a cinnamon swirl, baked to perfection, and then coated with cinnamon sugar!

Pumpkin Biscuits with Citrus Honey Butter

Pumpkin Biscuits are easy and delicious. Pair them with citrus honey butter and it takes them right over the top.

Pumpkin Monkey Bread

This Pumpkin Monkey Bread is dough dipped in butter and cinnamon sugar, baked, then topped with a vanilla glaze. Fall dessert perfection!

Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves

These Pumpkin Bread Mini Loaves are spicy and delicious plain but add cream cheese frosting and it takes yummy to a whole new level.

Pumpkin Puddings & Other Pumpkin Treats

Pumpkin Gingersnap Banana Pudding

This copycat Magnolia Bakery Pumpkin Gingersnap Banana Pudding is super creamy, slightly spicy with that soft hint of banana, you will DIE over how delicious this is! A must make dessert this Fall!

Pumpkin Rice Pudding

Pumpkin Rice Pudding adds pumpkin and real maple syrup to a classic recipe! You will love this Fall themed variation, promise.

Pumpkin Pie Tacos

Easier yet just as tasty as traditional pumpkin pie, Pumpkin Pie Tacos are perfectly designed for you and your mouths. Perfect for Fall!

Pumpkin Cannoli Cones

These Pumpkin Cannoli Cones are easy to whip up and are perfect to satisfy that pumpkin craving. Top with chocolate chips and walnuts!

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream

What makes Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream so special? Buttery and delicious pie crust pieces IN the ice cream! And it really tastes like pumpkin pie!

Candied Pepitas

Sweet, crunchy, spiced, and straight-up addicting, these are Candied Pepitas (pumpkin seeds)! Who knew candying nuts and seeds was so simple?

Pumpkin Seed Granola

You’ll want to add this delicious Pumpkin Seed Granola to your repertoire this Fall. It is loaded with the wholesome goodness of oats, nuts, and coconut.

Pumpkin Breakfast Muffins, Waffles, Crepes + Pancakes

Pumpkin Pancakes

A simple recipe for Pumpkin Pancakes! Based on my original pancake recipe, these are spiked with pumpkin and lots of warm spices, then fried in butter. Top with butter and maple syrup for a crowd-pleasing breakfast. 

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danish

If you love cheese danish, this Pumpkin Cream Cheese Danish takes it over the top for a delicious festive treat for fall. Enjoy!

Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, sweet and so addicting, this festive, new version of cinnamon rolls will have everyone swooning. Since Pumpkin Spice everything is all the rage, it makes perfect sense to add pumpkin to a huge batch of cinnamon rolls and slather them with maple frosting.

Old Fashioned Pumpkin Donuts

Nothing better than homemade Pumpkin Donuts! These sweet donuts are light, airy, spiced with cinnamon, and covered in a simple glaze.

Glazed Pumpkin Bran Muffins

Pumpkin Bran Muffins will knock your socks off! They are moist, tender, sweet and on the healthy side! Made in one bowl and ready in an hour. Perfect on a crisp Fall morning!

Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins

Mini Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins are moist and perfectly spiced. They are really simple to throw together for breakfast or as a snack.

Bakery-Style Pumpkin Muffins

This recipe for Pumpkin Muffins is soft, moist, sweet, and believe it or not, secretly healthy! Add on a few pepitas before baking to make these look like you bought them fresh out of a bakery.

Healthy Pumpkin Muffins

Festive for Fall, these are loaded with oats, pumpkin and maple syrup, you can feel good about making these Healthy Pumpkin Muffins all season long and enjoying for breakfast or a healthy snack.

Yeasted Pumpkin Waffles

Your breakfast will be extra special when you make these amazing *Yeasted* Pumpkin Waffles. Perfectly spiced, slightly sweet, light and fluffy!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pancakes

With the addition of just a few other ingredients, ordinary pancakes turn into these wonderful Pumpkin Pancakes with chocolate chips! Perfectly festive for Fall!

Healthy Pumpkin Waffles

These Healthy Pumpkin Waffles are made with whole wheat flour and warm spices. Freezer-friendly and reheatable for those busy fall mornings!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Crepes

Pumpkin Cheesecake Crepes are made with a cinnamon and vanilla batter, cooked, and then filled with a pumpkin cream cheese filling. SO GOOD!

Savory Pumpkin Dishes

Pumpkin Soup

This Creamy Pumpkin Soup recipe is filled with lots of spices, maple syrup, pumpkin, and heavy cream making it savory, a little sweet and so creamy! Top with pepitas for a light crunch.

Pumpkin Risotto

Creamy and comforting, this Pumpkin Risotto will have you licking your plates clean! Arborio rice is cooked slowly with onions, garlic, pumpkin, broth and spices until soft. Finished with parmesan cheese, heavy cream and pepper for a velvety finish. It’s a fabulous main course or side dish for Fall. 

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese

This Pumpkin Mac and Cheese is a creamy, melty, salty delicious Fall version of Mac and Cheese. Made with lots of bacon and topped with ruffles chips for good measure, you too will want to make this year-round.

Pumpkin Dips & Spreads

Pumpkin Butterscotch Dip

Cinnamon sugar twists, made with puff pastry, are an easy and delicious dessert when dipped into this creamy Pumpkin Butterscotch Dip.

Pumpkin Dip

This easy Pumpkin Dip is made with cream cheese, pumpkin, and vanilla pudding. Perfect with vanilla wafers, graham crackers or gingersnaps!

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Spread is super fast to whip up and delicious spread on bagels…or eaten with a spoon!

And there you have it, friends! I lost count, but here are 50+ Pumpkin Recipes to ensure you have a great pumpkin season!

The post 50+ *MUST TRY* Pumpkin Recipes appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Apple Crumble

I remember being a little girl and watching my mom make her recipe for apple crumble which was heavy on the apples and very light on the crumble and I remember thinking what a travesty it was. I was probably 5.

So, as an adult armed with a decent amount of kitchen knowledge, I took matters into my own hands promising myself that I would create a recipe that even I, the cooked fruit hater, could love.

And I did it! I took it pretty easy on the apples, doubled the normal amount of crumble topping, and was quite heavy-handed with the warm salted caramel sauce for the ultimate fall dessert that everyone and their mom will love. So let’s make this baby!

How to Make Apple Crumble with Salted Caramel

This apple crumble recipe has three main components. The sauce, crumble, and apple filling. Each section needs its own set of ingredients and so I’m going to break it down for you. See the printable recipe card below for full details on ingredients & measurements. Here is what you can expect when making this recipe.

Make the Crumble Topping

This is a super easy process where you just measure, dump, and mix. Combine flour, brown sugar, white sugar, butter and salt into a bowl (or stand mixer bowl) and mix. The mixture will be crumbly but stay together when squeezed. Set aside.

Make Salted Caramel Sauce

The hardest part of this recipe is probably making the homemade salted caramel. I’m going to walk you through the steps pretty well but if it still intimidates you in any way, there are plenty of salted caramel sauces on the market which are great options. Even warming up store bought caramel sauce and adding in a little sea salt will work too. Here we go

1. Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat to melt the sugar. Continue cooking and swirling sugar until it turns amber in color.
2. Whisk in sea salt and heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up violently briefly. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
3. Stir in butter and vanilla. Set aside.

Prep Apples + Cook

Prepare apples and toss in lemon juice. The best apples to use for this dish are granny smith apples. This is simply because of their taste, texture, and good baking qualities.

Cook apples in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat in butter to draw out moisture. Sprinkle with salt to draw out all the moisture possible. Drain apples and place back into skillet. This process should take about 5-7 minutes of cooking.

Layer + Assemble Apple Crumble

Pour 3/4 of prepared caramel sauce into the apples and stir gently. Top with the crumble topping.

Bake + Serve

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes and serve with remaining caramel sauce.

Toppings

Besides the caramel sauce, you can also top this dessert with ice cream or whipped cream. Think of it as a deconstructed apple pie. So all that creaminess perfectly compliments this apple crumble recipe.

Leftovers

I doubt you’ll have any leftovers because this dessert is SO divine! But if you do, don’t worry. Cover with plastic wrap and store your apple crumble in the fridge for up to 4 days.

You can reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds at a time or pop it into the oven to warm it up.

More Apple Recipes to Try!

• Apple Turnover
• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
• Buttery Apple Crisp
• Apple Cinnamon Cream Cheese Danish
• Apple Streusel Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
• Buttery Apple Pie Recipe

Be sure to save, print, bookmark or share this recipe so you have it and use it all Fall long. It’s a good one!

The printable recipe card below. Have a great day, friends!

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Salted Caramel Apple Crumble

An Apple Crumble recipe that will have you licking your plate clean! Soft Apples, topped with a buttery crumble top and homemade salted caramel sauce. Pure heaven!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Apple crumble, apple crumble recipe, how to make apple crumble, salted caramel sauce

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Servings 8 servings

Calories 485kcal

Author Lauren’s Latest

Ingredients

For the caramel sauce-

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

For the crumble-

• 1 cup all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter softened
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

For the apples-

• 4 granny smith apples peeled, cored and sliced
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

For the caramel sauce-

• Heat sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat to melt the sugar. Continue cooking and swirling sugar until it turns amber in color.
• Whisk in sea salt and heavy cream. The mixture will bubble up violently briefly. Continue whisking until sauce is smooth.
• Stir in butter and vanilla. Set aside.
  

For the Crumble

• Combine all ingredients together using a stand mixer. The mixture will be crumbly but stay together when squeezed. Set aside.
  

For the Apples

• Prepare apples and toss in lemon juice.
  
• Cook apples in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat in butter to draw out moisture. Sprinkle with salt to draw out all the moisture possible. Drain apples and place back into skillet. This process should take about 5-7 minutes of cooking.
  
• Pour 3/4 of prepared caramel sauce into the apples and stir gently.
  
• Top with the crumble topping.
  
• Bake at 350 for 20 minutes and serve with remaining caramel sauce.
  

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcal | Carbohydrates: 67g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 71mg | Sodium: 659mg | Potassium: 143mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 51g | Vitamin A: 860IU | Vitamin C: 5.8mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 0.9mg

The post Apple Crumble appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

What Are You Looking For?

Chicken and Dumplings, Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup, White Chicken Chili, Chicken Noodle Soup, or whatever you’re craving, this list has it! Whichever recipe you choose first, it’s sure to leave your belly full and happy and we won’t judge you for licking the bowl clean. Dig in!

Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup

This Creamy Chicken Wild Rice Soup is the perfect warm and comforting meal for the upcoming cold winter months. Filled with lots of veggies and wholesome wild rice, your family will fall in love with this recipe.

Cauliflower Soup (Instant Pot & Slow Cooker Directions)

Instant Pot Cauliflower Soup is a low carb, easy and tasty dinner for those chilly nights ahead this fall! Grab your preferred appliance, some bacon (yum!), and this comforting recipe.

Chicken Gnocchi Soup

An Olive Garden copycat recipe, this Chicken Gnocchi Soup is creamy, flavorful and really easy to make. Flavorful carrots, chicken and gnocchi cooked together in a thick and creamy broth, this soup will become your new fall favorite!

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

This 25-minute Loaded Baked Potato Soup is super simple and delicious! Perfect for busy weeknights this fall. Top with traditional baked potato toppings and then enjoy!

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Creamy, cheesy and oh so yummy, this Broccoli Cheese Soup will knock your socks off! A quick and comforting weeknight meal that tastes great! Grab some broccoli and cheese and get cooking! 

Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup

This Tomato Basil Tortellini Soup is a super easy vegetarian meal that is packed full of tomatoes, seasonings, and cheesy tortellini! It’s a really quick meal that comes together in a cinch. It’s comforting but not too heavy. Perfect for those chilly evenings.

Creamy Tomato Bisque

This soup is filled with lots of veggies, plus butter and cream for good measure and blended to perfection! I like mine a little chunky, but feel free to keep that blender going until it’s completely smooth. 

Taco Soup

This Taco Soup is healthy, hearty, easy, and delicious, it will make you want to give up tacos completely and commit to just soup! My favorite part is all the toppings to load on top!

Beef Stew ( Crockpot Recipe)

A comforting, classic recipe for beef stew – crockpot version! Tender beef chunks with carrots and red potatoes all wrapped up in a buttery, velvety thick gravy. The longer it cooks, the tastier it gets. Like a big warm slow cooker beef stew hug straight from my kitchen to yours.

Pumpkin Soup

This Creamy Pumpkin Soup is filled with lots of spices, maple syrup, pumpkin, and heavy cream making it savory, a little sweet and so creamy! Top with pepitas for a light crunch.

Vegetable Beef Soup

Filled with tender stew meat, comforting broth and tons of veggies, this Vegetable Beef Soup is a delicious, filling and hearty soup. Perfect for dinner as we get into the chilly Fall months. Make it on the stove or in the crockpot, I’ve got directions for both! 

Chicken Pot Pie Soup

This Chicken Pot Pie Soup is a lighter, lower-calorie version of Chicken Pot Pie that is faster and easier to make but just as delicious! Packed with veggies, shredded chicken and seasonings, you’ll have a quick and healthful weeknight meal, in less than 30 minutes.

Creamy Sausage Kale Soup

Made with Italian Sausage, kale, and potatoes, this Creamy Sausage Kale Soup is exactly what you need to warm up on a cold day! And yes, it is a Zuppa Toscana copycat recipe! The sweet Italian sausage flavors the creamy broth and the potatoes and kale add substance to make this hearty and healthful. It’s a relatively quick recipe to make and doesn’t take a bunch of prep work.

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

This recipe is so tasty and will feed a crowd! Very hearty, very healthy and is particularly divine with lots of cheese, sour cream, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips and anything else you want to throw up on top. 

Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

The most delicious, comforting Classic Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe! Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for chilly or sick days!

Sweet Potato Curry Soup

You all will LOVE Sweet Potato Curry Soup. Warm, creamy, and {mostly} nutritious. It’s super delish and takes almost zero elbow grease. AND, it’s full of yummy spices that will make you want to get cozy by a fire and put on heavy turtleneck sweaters.

Minestrone Soup

This flavorful classic Minestrone Soup recipe is warm, satisfying, and packed full of nutrition. Perfect for the colder months and even more perfect in a homemade bread bowl.

Hamburger Soup

This humble and simple Hamburger Soup recipe is the perfect comforting dinner or quick weeknight meal. Filled with ground beef and veggies with a hearty and flavorful broth, this soup will make it to the weekly rotation this Fall.

White Chicken Chili

You have to give this White Chicken Chili a try! It is creamy, a little spicy, filling, and filled with nutrition. Make a big pot, serve with rice and it will seem bottomless. The perfect meal for a crowd on a cold evening.

No Bean Chili

This No Bean Chili is a hearty and healthy recipe, filled with turkey and tons of vegetables! This meal comes together quickly and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner! 

Homemade Chili

You’ll never need another Chili Recipe again! This is the most basic, family-friendly, veggie-filled, delicious, one-pot chili recipe ever

Chicken and Dumplings

A homemade, easy Chicken and Dumplings recipe that is both comforting and tasty! Warm broth with tender chicken and buttery dumplings. Perfect for Fall!

Creamy Carrot Soup

This Creamy Carrot Soup is simplicity at its finest. A ridiculously easy, thick and creamy soup that is made with carrots, onions and potatoes. It’s the perfect comforting soup for Fall.

Cream of Mushroom Soup

This Cream of Mushroom Soup is as easy as they come. Lots of straightforward ingredients, simple steps, and a delicious end product.

Crockpot Sweet Corn Chowder with Sausage

Fall is upon us and nothing is quite as comforting {or easy!} as a warm, creamy Sweet Corn Chowder Recipe with Sausage from your slow cooker.

I hope you find a new favorite soup recipe from this list. There are so many good ones! Be sure to save, print, bookmark or share your favorites. Happy Fall cooking, friends!

The post 25 Fall Soup Recipes appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Ready in Less Than 20 Minutes

When I want a quick sweet treat, I really appreciate the simpler recipes like this one. Ready in less than 20 minutes, these are perfect to whip up for an afternoon snack, dessert or sharing with a friend.

How to Make Coconut Cookies

These cookies are pretty straightforward. Be sure to see the printable recipe card down below for complete directions and ingredient measurements. Here’s what you can expect when making these cookies.

Preheat Oven + Prep Baking Sheet

Preheat oven. Line baking sheet with silicone mat or parchment paper. Set aside.

Make Dough

Cream butter and sugars together. Stir in egg and vanilla.

Stir in baking soda, salt and flour until just incorporated. Stir in coconut.

Bake

Using a cookie scoop, scoop dough onto prepared pan. Bake 8-9 minutes, rotating the pan half way through.

Cool + Serve

Allow to cool 3 minutes on the pan and move to cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Coconut Cookie Variations

Here are a few add-in ideas if you want to take a different spin on these.

• Add mini-chocolate chips.
• Add some chopped nuts.
• Drizzle chocolate over the top or dip half the cookie in chocolate and add more coconut flakes or sea salt to the chocolate side.

Storing Coconut Cookies

Store at room temperature in a ziploc bag, or airtight container. Cookies will stay fresh this way for 3-5 days.

Freezing Baked Cookies

You can freeze cooled cookies. Layer cookies in an airtight container with wax paper or parchment paper. Cookies will stay fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months.

Make Ahead/Freezing Dough

If you’re wanting to make these ahead and store the dough in the freezer…scoop dough onto a baking sheet and place in the freezer until frozen. Remove pan from freezer and store frozen dough balls in a zip bag or container.

When ready to bake, place on baking sheet and bake according to recipe, adding a couple minutes if baking from frozen.

Love Coconut? Here Are Some Recipes to Try…

• Coconut Cake
• Coconut Cream Pie
• Coconut Macaroons
• Triple Chocolate Coconut Cupcakes

There ya go, I hope you love these as much as we do! Be sure to save, print, bookmark or share this recipe. The printable recipe card is below. Enjoy, friends!

Print

Coconut Cookies

If you're a fan of coconut, these soft and chewy Coconut Cookies will be your new addiction!

Course Cookies, Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword coconut cookies

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Total Time 18 minutes

Servings 24 small

Calories 82kcal

Author Lauren’s Latest

Ingredients

• ½ cup butter softened
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar packed
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 egg beaten
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ⅛ tsp salt
• 1 ¼ cup all purpose flour
• 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line baking sheet with silicone mat or parchment paper. Set aside.
• Cream butter and sugars together. Stir in egg and vanilla.
• Stir in baking soda, salt and flour until just incorporated.
• Stir in coconut.
• Scoop onto prepared pan.
• Bake 8-9 minutes, rotating the pan half way through.
• Cool 3 minutes on the pan and remove to cooling rack.
• Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition

Calories: 82kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 61mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 128IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 0.3mg

The post Coconut Cookies appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Perfect Make Ahead Dessert

I never used to be a banana pudding addict until I started making this banana pudding recipe. Ohhhh mama is it good! A little time consuming because you have to plan ahead, but so so delicious! This recipe comes from Magnolia Bakery (as in the place in NYC known for their banana pudding). There is no better banana pudding recipe out there which is why I’m sharing this slight variation of their recipe with you today. Because this is completely no-bake, it’s a perfect make ahead dessert. Also, it’s a serious crowd pleaser. You’re going to love it.

Banana Pudding Basics

Banana Pudding is a traditional southern recipe consisting of pudding, banana, and vanilla wafer cookie layers. However, this recipe can be found just about anywhere nowadays. Although it’s easier to buy it pre-made, it tastes even better homemade. So here’s what you’ll need to make my banana pudding recipe yourself:

Bananas – you’re going to need ripe bananas for this recipe. FYI: The longer the banana pudding sits, the more likely the bananas are to brown. The best way to ensure the bananas won’t turn brown is if you cover them completely with the pudding mixture so they aren’t exposed to air. (Brown bananas are still fine to eat, they just don’t look very appetizing.)

Vanilla Wafer Layers – essentially a texture and flavor compliment to the creamy pudding and sweet bananas.

Pudding Layers – made with instant vanilla pudding, cold water and sweetened condensed milk. After it sets, fresh whipped cream is folded into the pudding to make it even lighter.

Ingredient Substitutions

One disclaimer about using substitutions: this recipe is basically a copycat of the Magnolia Bakery Banana Pudding Recipe, so if you do sub anything in or out it’s not going to be as close to that recipe. But as always, feel free to make it how YOU like it.

• Banana Pudding Instead of Vanilla Pudding. If you love love love banana flavoring, try using banana flavored pudding mix or stirring in a little banana extract into your vanilla pudding.
• Cream Cheese. One of my readers has made this recipe but they mixed in cream cheese to the pudding mixture. Sounds delicious!
• Butter Cookies or Shortbread instead of Vanilla Wafers. You can use any sort of plain cookie you like. You can even try shortbread, golden (vanilla) oreos or girl scout cookies for this recipe.

Before You Begin, Read This-

So, this banana pudding recipe comes down to doing two major things. Follow these tips and you too will end up with an amazing and delicious homemade banana pudding.

1. Let the initial pudding-sweetened condensed milk mixture set up in the fridge for enough time to be really thick. Several hours to several days is fine!
2. Let the entire banana pudding set in the fridge long enough so that the vanilla wafers have enough time to soften. At least 12 hours.

How to Make Banana Pudding

This banana pudding recipe is so darn simple that anyone can make it! The hardest part is having the patience to let the pudding mixture thicken and then leaving the finished banana pudding in the fridge long enough for the vanilla wafers to soften. Even though this takes some time, it ends up being the perfect make ahead dessert for any gathering or holiday. For full recipe details, see the printable recipe card down below. Here is what you can expect making this Banana Pudding.

Make the Pudding Mixture

In a large bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined – about 1 minute. Add the pudding mix and beat well.

Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours up to overnight to set and become very thick.

In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until no streaks of pudding remain.

Slice the Bananas

Peel and Slice four bananas right before assembly. Yellow bananas with a few brown spots are the perfect bananas to use! Sweet, soft and ripe.

Assemble the Banana Pudding

Add 1/2 the Nilla wafers into the bottom of a 9×13 pan. Yes, you can use a trifle dish. See my notes below about that.

Top with a layer of bananas, and 1/2 of the pudding mixture.

Repeat these layers once more, garnishing with additional wafers or wafer crumbs on the top layer.

Cover Tightly + Chill

Cover tightly and allow to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours – or up to 8 hours. Once everything has had time to set, serve it up and enjoy!

Trifle Dish vs Shallow Serving Dish

It’s pretty traditional to serve a layered dessert, like a banana pudding, in a trifle dish to see all the pretty layers. While it certainly makes a statement, it’s not necessary. I actually prefer making this in a 9×13 for easy transportation as well as storage. It also takes up less space in my fridge.

If you’d like to use a trifle dish, divide the vanilla wafers, the bananas, and the pudding mixture into thirds and layer three times instead of just two.

Do I Serve Banana Pudding Warm or Cold?

The answer to this question is: it depends. There are lots of variations of banana pudding out there! This recipe is served cold and is completely no-bake, thanks to the instant vanilla pudding. Other recipes for banana pudding are made completely from scratch with a homemade pudding (similar to how you would make a banana cream pie filling), some have a meringue topping (more traditional southern) and some are served warm.

Storing Banana Pudding

How Long Does Banana Pudding Last?

I would suggest eating this banana pudding within two days of making it. Any longer and the bananas start to get too brown and ripe. Since I suggest using very ripe bananas to begin with, that window is only about two days. BUT, if you use bananas that aren’t as soft or ripe, you could push this to 3-4 days.

The time frame on this recipe is what makes it such a great potluck or holiday dessert, lots of mouths to feed means not worrying about what to do with leftovers.

Can this Banana Pudding Recipe be Frozen?

Unfortunately, because of the ingredients in banana pudding, it should not be frozen. The pudding is mixed with water and then folded together with whipped cream. When frozen and then thawed, the consistency of the pudding will inevitably change. The bananas will also turn brown and mushy when defrosted. Not pretty or delicious.

If you do want to make this in advance, simply make the pudding mixture ahead of time and don’t assemble with the nilla wafers and bananas until the day before.

Love Banana Pudding? Try These Other Favorites:

• Easy Cannoli Recipe
• The Best Homemade Brownie Recipe
• Rice Krispie Treats
• The Best Homemade Cinnamon Rolls
• Chewy Oatmeal Cookies
• Banana Cream Pie Recipe

Below is the printable banana pudding recipe card. Be sure to pin, save, bookmark, print, share, so you can keep this recipe close. It’s a good one.

Have a great, day, friends!

Print

Banana Pudding

Perfectly sweet and delicious, this Banana Pudding Recipe will make you never want another dessert again! Best for any holiday or potluck.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Banana Pudding, Banana Pudding Recipe, How to Make Banana Pudding

Prep Time 2 hours

Refrigeration 6 hours

Total Time 2 hours

Servings 18 servings

Calories 344kcal

Author Lauren’s Latest

Ingredients

• 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk 1 can
• 1 1/2 cups ice cold water
• 3.4 ounces vanilla instant pudding mix 1 box
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 4 cups sliced ripe bananas
• 12 ounces vanilla wafers 1 box

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• In a large bowl, beat together the sweetened condensed milk and water until well combined – about 1 minute. Add the pudding mix and beat well. Cover and refrigerate for 3-4 hours to overnight. It is very important to allow the proper amount of time for the pudding mixture to set. It will be watery if you don’t let it set up long enough.
• In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until no streaks of pudding remain.
  
• To assemble dessert, use a 9×13 glass dish. 
  
• Arrange 1/2 of the vanilla wafers covering the bottom, overlapping if necessary. Next, layer 1/2 of the bananas, and 1/2 of the pudding mixture. Repeat once more, garnishing with additional wafers or wafer crumbs on the top layer. Cover tightly and allow to chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours – or up to 8 hours. 
  

Video

Notes

The longer the banana pudding sits, the more likely the bananas are to brown. The best way to ensure the bananas won’t turn brown is if you cover them completely with the pudding mixture so they aren’t exposed to air.

If you’d like to use a trifle dish, divide the vanilla wafers, the bananas and the pudding mixture into 3rds and layer three times instead of just two.

Nutrition

Calories: 344kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 246mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 26g | Vitamin A: 665IU | Vitamin C: 3.7mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 0.1mg

The post Banana Pudding Recipe appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Simple Labor Day Cookout Recipes

We’ve really been enjoying our summer with lots of get-togethers with family and friends! Whether we’ve been at our house or invited to a potluck with friends, we have not been deprived of delicious food. I pulled together some of our favorites from this summer to bring to you a good selection of recipes to use at your Labor Day festivities this year.

First, we have appetizers and salads. Then on to main course, sides and of course DESSERT!

May your Labor Day weekend taste as delicious as ours!

Have a great holiday weekend, friends!

Appetizers

Grilled Corn Salsa

Grilled Corn Salsa is perfect for a summer appetizer any day! Enjoy this with tortilla chips at your Labor Day festivities this year!

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Buffalo Chicken Dip is creamy, spicy, and perfect for an easy party appetizer this Labor Day Weekend! Pair with chips, veggies, pita bread, and/or crackers.

Fried Zucchini

Fried Zucchini is wildly addicting and our favorite way to eat zucchini lately. Served as a side or appetizer, these will quickly disappear, just as fast as you can fry them up!

Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Frito Bites

Carolina BBQ Pulled Pork Frito Bites are crunchy, tangy, sweet-with-a-little-heat, pork-tastic Frito bites! Carolina sauce never paired so well with pulled pork. It’s a perfect appetizer to bring to your Labor Day Cookout!

Salads

Caprese Salad

Nothing beats a Caprese Salad Recipe. Fresh, flavorful and delicious made with cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, sweet basil, and a homemade garlic balsamic dressing! It’s truly the perfect salad.

Broccoli Salad with Bacon

This is the best Broccoli Salad recipe ever! It’s sweet, creamy, and crunchy with fresh broccoli, homemade dressing, and lots of bacon! This salad pairs well with so many different meals. Make it at your Labor Day BBQ!

Creamy Potato Salad (no eggs!)

This Creamy Potato Salad recipe is truly one of the best recipes I have. It’s such a crowd-pleasing classic in my book. Perfect for Labor Day gatherings of any kind and easy to make well in advance.

Ambrosia Salad

If you want a salad that tastes just like dessert, Ambrosia Salad is the ticket! Made with fresh pineapple, mandarin oranges, maraschino cherries, coconut, mini marshmallows and stirred together with a whipped cream dressing, your Labor Day guests will fall in love with this Ambrosia Recipe!

BBQ/Smoker

The Best Burger Recipe

The Best Burger is grilled hot, juicy, and slathered in my secret sauce. Of course, the most classic dinner you can make on a grill is a hamburger (or cheeseburger of course)! It never gets old and it tends to taste better the hotter it gets outside. This is a must have this Labor Day Weekend!

Blue Cheese Burger Recipe

This classic Blue Cheese Burger is big, hot and juicy off the grill and can be made start to finish in about 20 minutes! Perfect for Labor Day Cookouts!

How to Grill Corn

If you are going to be firing up that grill this Labor Day for some tasty ribs or burgers, throwing a few ears of corn on the grill is so convenient to cook a tasty sweet and savory side along with your main course, plus it adds amazing flavor to an otherwise boring ear of corn.

Turkey Burger Recipe

This Turkey Burger Recipe will be the juiciest and most delicious burger you ever did make. One secret ingredient takes these babies over the top! Simple to make on the grill or stovetop, flavorful, and obviously super moist. 

Smoked Chicken Wings

The deep wood flavor you get from low and slow smoking is far superior to those heavily breaded deep fried wings you get in a restaurant. Have this smoked deliciousness in less than 2 hours at your Labor Day BBQ this year.

Smoked Pork Butt

Smoked Pork Butt is going to turn into the most delicious Pulled Pork you’ve ever had. Low and slow is the name of the game when preparing a Pork Butt. And smoking is (in my humble opinion) the BEST way to do this. Smoked pulled pork is my go-to choice for feeding a crowd at your Labor Day cookout.

Smoked Ribs

If these smoked ribs don’t scream Labor Day BBQ, then I don’t know what does. Whatever type of ribs you are smoking (spare ribs, pork ribs, baby back ribs), this 3-2-1 ribs method will give you fall off the bone ribs every time along with that distinctive smoky flavor that is undeniable.

Side Dishes

Boston Baked Beans

Tangy yet sweet this Boston Baked Beans recipe can be made on the stovetop or in a crockpot. Perfect to make ahead and have ready for your Labor Day cookout!

Classic Coleslaw Recipe

This Classic Coleslaw Recipe is a fresh, made from scratch recipe that will make you never buy store bought coleslaw again! Coleslaw is one of the quintessential salads of summer and the unsung hero for many dishes! Pair this with some smoked pulled pork at your Labor Day BBQ.

Macaroni Salad

This simple Macaroni Salad Recipe is the perfect combination of creamy and crunchy, and totally adaptable to your own liking. It’s the perfect side dish Labor Day weekend and is ready in just 15 minutes! 

Desserts

Perfect Lemon Bars

These Lemon Bars are the quintessential party dessert, baking up perfectly sweet while still lemony and tart. Very few, simple ingredients are needed to make this recipe from scratch and they always are the first to go at any get-together. 

Fruit Pizza

When you need a beautiful, delicious, lightly sweet dessert, try making a Fruit Pizza! Sugar Cookie dough is spread into a half sheet pan and baked, then topped with a light and creamy pudding and fresh fruit. A perfect addition to your Labor Day get-together!

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream

Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream is easier to make than you think and I’m going to show you how! This recipe is made with a simple no-cook chocolate base and yields a rich and decadent ice cream. It’s the perfect treat on a hot summer day!  

Zucchini Brownies

Labor Day is almost here which means you absolutely need a recipe for the Best Zucchini Brownies! Get ready for chocolate zucchini bliss that’s soft, sweet, and topped with a chocolatey glaze.

Nutella Deviled Strawberries

These Nutella Deviled Strawberries are a fast, three-ingredient dessert or treat, perfect for any party or afternoon pick-me-up. If you’ve never had Nutella and strawberries, get ready to live! A must have this Labor Day!

Buttery Apple Pie

Nothing is more satisfying or comforting than this apple pie recipe with vanilla ice cream. Sweet cinnamon apple slices poured into a homemade, all-butter crust that bakes up flaky, tender and delicious. A perfect farewell to summer.

The post Labor Day Cookout Recipes appeared first on Lauren's Latest.

Sneak Zucchini into Cookies

I’ve realized that zucchini is one of the most versatile vegetables ever and tastes almost like air. You throw it into whatever you want and it just sort of melds into the recipe you’re making. It’s PRIME for getting your kids to eat veggies without them knowing (muwahaha).

How to Make Lemon Zucchini Cookies

These Lemon Zucchini Cookies are almost like a mini cake with a phenomenal texture and a tangy lemon glaze. As you can expect, you can’t taste the zucchini and the poppy seeds pop out with that fabulous lemony flavor. For full recipe details and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below.

Preheat + Prep Pans

Preheat oven. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

Combine Wet Ingredients

Cream butter, shortening and sugar together until combined. Stir in eggs and vanilla. Scrape sides and stir again briefly. 

Add Dry Ingredients + Bake

Add in all dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Stir in lemon zest, zucchini and poppy seeds by hand. Scoop onto prepared baking sheets and bake until bottoms are lightly golden. Cool 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Make Glaze

For the glaze, stir powdered sugar into the lemon juice bit by bit until you form a thick glaze, about the same viscosity as white school glue. Drizzle over cookies and let set a few minutes. Serve.

Storing Lemon Zucchini Cookies

Lemon Zucchini Cookies can be stored in an airtight container or ziplock bag at room temperature for about 5 days.

More Lemon Cookie Recipes to Try!

• Lemon Crinkle Cookies
• Lemon Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
• Glazed Lemon Cookies
• Chewy Glazed Lemon Sugar Cookies

Give them a try today! They won’t last long. The printable recipe card is below. Enjoy!

Print

Lemon Zucchini Cookies

Lemon Zucchini Cookies are sweet pillows of deliciousness. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze these cookies are kid approved!

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword Lemon Zucchini Cookies

Prep Time 12 minutes

Cook Time 8 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Servings 32 cookies

Calories 120kcal

Author Lauren’s Latest

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter softened
• 1/2 cup butter flavored shortening
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 lemon zested
• 1 1/4 cups zucchini grated
• 2 teaspoons poppyseeds

for the glaze:

• 1 lemon juiced
• powdered sugar

US Customary – Metric

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
• Cream butter, shortening and sugar together until combined. Stir in eggs and vanilla. Scrape sides and stir again briefly. Add in all dry ingredients and mix until incorporated. Stir in lemon zest, zucchini and poppy seeds by hand. Scoop onto prepared baking sheets and bake 8 minutes or so until bottoms are lightly golden. Cool 5-10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
• For the glaze, stir powdered sugar into the lemon juice bit by bit until you form a thick glaze, about the same viscosity as white school glue. Drizzle over cookies and set set a few minutes before diving in. Or, pay no attention to me and snarf ’em down!

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 62mg | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 4.5mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.6mg

The post Lemon Zucchini Cookies appeared first on Lauren's Latest.