Southern Made Simple

Keeping things simple with a smidge of Southern charm

Desserts

Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie Trifles

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This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #sweetnessrevolution

We’re finally rounding the corner on our final weeks of winter, and each day when I go outside I can feel the warmth and promise of spring on my skin. Spring is such a glorious season filled with growth and newness, and one of my favorite ways to celebrate the arrival of spring is to support local farmers as they bring out their bundles of fresh produce grown in our area.

There is something so euphoric about sinking your teeth into a fresh, plump, and juicy strawberry. One bite sends me daydreaming of all the glorious fruits my family will be enjoying as we march onward into spring and summer. This weekend when I was reaching for my carton of strawberries in the refrigerator for a little pick-me-up snack, I had a pretty sweet idea for a way to “level-up” my love for strawberries with simple and decadent dessert – these no-bake Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie Trifles!

No-bake cheesecake trifles are a simple dessert that requires minimal effort, so they’re easy to whip up, easy to serve, and fun to eat! I start with a bottom layer of cubed brownies, followed by a layer of cheesecake filling, topped with fresh strawberries, a simple strawberry compote, and a smidge of whipped cream on top! My not-so-secret weapon to making this dessert extra delicious is Truvia® Sweet Complete® Granulated All-Purpose Sweetener​ in the brownies and strawberry compote, and Truvia® Sweet Complete® Confectioner’s Sweetener​ in the cream cheese filling. You can find both of these products online or in-store at your local Publix!

Perhaps one of my favorite things about using Truvia® Sweet Complete® Granulated Sweetener​ in my baking is that it measures cup-for-cup with sugar for replacement in any recipe. It’s sweetened with stevia, is Keto-friendly, and contains zero calories per serving, making it a perfect option for sweetening your coffee, tea, or baking and browning in your favorite treats!

For the base of these Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie Trifles, I started with making a delicious brownie sweetened with Truvia® Sweet Complete® Granulated Sweetener​ and just 1/2 cup of milk chocolate chips to keep the sugar content of the brownies relatively low. I love using this brownie recipe when creating layered desserts because they make a firmer brownie instead of one that is super gooey and fudgy, making them perfect for dicing into cubes and maintaining their structure when layering cream cheese on top!

Once the brownies were out of the oven, I allowed them to cool before cubing. I then added a small handful of cubed brownie pieces into the bottom of a small serving jar. To make the cream cheese filling, I combined two 8 oz packages of softened cream cheese, 1 1/2 cup Truvia® Sweet Complete® Confectioner’s Sweetener​ and 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extra and blended until smooth and creamy.

Truvia® Sweet Complete® Confectioner’s Sweetener​ also measures and sweetens just like regular confectioners sugar in all of your favorite recipes, making it a perfect option if you’re looking to reduce the amount of traditional sugar used in your recipes. Once the cream cheese mixture was complete, I added it into a piping bag and piped a thick layer on top of the brownie pieces in the serving jar.

Next, I diced a small handful of fresh strawberries to add on top of the layer of cheesecake filling. The “icing on the cake” is this simple strawberry compote I whipped up to pour on top of the fresh strawberries. I make this same strawberry compote frequently on the weekends to serve on top of pancakes, waffles, and fresh pound cake!

To make the compote, simply add 2 cups fresh diced strawberries into a saucepan, followed by 1/2 cup Truvia® Sweet Complete® Granulated Sweetener​, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, and 1 tsp cinnamon. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 12-14 minutes, making sure to stir frequently. This process will break down the sugars in the strawberries, making a thick syrup-like concoction that pairs perfectly with these Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie Trifles!

Once you layer a little strawberry compote on top, you can garnish the dessert with a little whipped topping if you like! Here’s a full version of the recipe if you’d like to give it a try:

Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie Trifles
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Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie Trifles

Ingredients

For Brownies:

  • 10 Tbs salted butter melted
  • 1 cup Truvia® Sweet Complete® Granulated All-Purpose Sweetener
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup melted milk chocolate chips
  • 3/4 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt

For Cheesecake Filling:

  • 2 8oz packages cream cheese softened
  • 1 ½ cup Truvia® Sweet Complete® Confectioner's Sweetener
  • 1 ½ tsp vanilla extract

For Strawberry Compote:

  • 4 cups fresh strawberries diced and divided
  • ½ cup Truvia® Sweet Complete® Granulated Sweetener
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

For Brownies:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and spray an 8x8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray
  • In a large microwave safe bowl, melt butter completely and whisk in 1 cup Truvia® Sweet Complete® Granulated Sweetener
  • Add in eggs and vanilla and whisk thoroughly
  • Fold in melted chocolate
  • Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in flour, cocoa powder and salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  • Pour into greased baking pan and bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and allow to cool before cutting into cubes to assemble strawberry cheesecake brownie trifles.

For Cheesecake Filling:

  • Using a mixer, beat together all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. Transfer mixture into piping bags and pipe a thick layer on top of brownie pieces in the serving jar
  • Set in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow the mixture to firm back up before adding the next layer.
  • Dice about 2 cups worth of fresh strawberries and add a handful on top of the cheesecake filling in each serving glass.

Strawberry Compote:

  • Add only 2 cups worth of the diced strawberries to a medium saucepan and add all remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and allow to simmer 12-14 minutes, being sure to stir occasionally. Sauce will gradually thicken and become syrup-like.
  • Remove from heat and allow to cool briefly
  • Add remaining 2 cups of fresh strawberries on top of the layer of cheesecake filling, followed by a spoonful of strawberry compote.
  • Garnish with whipped topping and serve.

Tried this recipe?

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Coupon Alert:

Next time you head out to your local Publix, make sure you grab this money-saving coupon! Right now, you can save $1.50 on any ONE (1) package of Truvia® Stevia Sweetener​. Offer valid 3/18 – 4/15.

​

These Strawberry Cheesecake Brownie Trifles are the perfect way to ring in the spring season, and swapping out traditional sugar and replacing it with Truvia® Sweet Complete® Sweeteners​ makes for a winning combination in my book! You can find both Truvia® Sweet Complete® Granulated Sweetener​ and Truvia® Sweet Complete® Confectioner’s Sweetener​ in the baking aisle at your local Publix, so be sure to grab that coupon before your next shopping trip!

What will you be sweetening this spring with your Truvia® Sweet Complete® Sweeteners​? Leave a comment below and share the love!

Bailey’s No Bake Cheesecake Trifles

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These Bailey’s No Bake Cheesecake Trifles are a wonderful way to ring in St. Patrick’s Day! With a hint of Bailey’s Irish Cream and a few sprinkles on top, what’s not to love? 

Bailey's No Bake Cheesecake Trifles

Earlier last week I shared a scrumptiously indulgent breakfast using traditional Irish Soda Bread and transformed it into a bread pudding using Bailey’s Irish Cream Liqueur. St. Patrick’s Day is something I’m leaning a little more into these days. I’ve been finding so much joy and value in learning about my heritage and Irish culture, and my favorite ways to do that are through music and food. 

And speaking of Irish music, I highly recommend giving the song The Rattlin’ Bog a listen. It’s a classic Irish song that’s been around for what seems like forever. Be warned – it’s insanely catchy, so you might get it stuck in your head for days. My kids have been bouncing off of the walls for days chanting it. 😉 

Bailey's No Bake Cheesecake Trifles

Since I had the bottle of Bailey’s on hand from my previous recipe, I decided to give it a whirl in a no-bake cheesecake dessert. No bake cheesecakes are my jam. I especially love serving them in these small little parfait jars that I found on Amazon. They’re a perfect small-sized portion for an indulgent treat such as these! 

Bailey's No Bake Cheesecake Trifles

I start with a layer of crushed ginger snaps. You can use crushed graham crackers, but I really love the bite of ginger paired with the liqueur. The cream cheese mixture is simple – 2 bricks of cream cheese, 1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar and 1/4 cup Bailey’s. Spoon a small amount of gingersnap crumbs into the bottom of the serving glasses. Then pipe the cream cheese filling into the jars and set in the refrigerator for a bit to firm back up. Top with whipped topping and a few sprinkles and you’ve got a sweet St. Patrick’s Day treat! 

Here’s a free printable copy of my recipe if you’d like to give it a try! 

Print Recipe

Bailey's No Bake Cheesecake Trifles

Ingredients

Bottom Layer Crust

  • 20-25 ginger snaps crushed
  • 4 Tbs butter (I use Kerrygold Pure Irish Butter) melted

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 2 8 oz packages cream cheese softened
  • 1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1/4 cup Bailey's Irish Cream Liqueur

Instructions

Crust:

  • Using a blender or food processor, pulse ginger snaps until just slightly course
  • Pour melted butter over crumb mixture and stir
  • Spoon crumb mixture into the bottom of serving glasses and press lightly to compact

Cream Cheese Mixture:

  • Using a mixer, beat together all ingredients in a large bowl until well combined. If mixture it too liquidy, add a little more confectioners sugar.
  • Transfer mixture into a piping bag and pipe a thick layer over ginger snap crumbs
  • Refrigerate until cream cheese mixture firms back up - about an hour
  • Top with whipped cream, sprinkles or caramel sauce
  • Enjoy!

Tried this recipe?

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By the way, here’s that recipe for  Irish Soda Bread Pudding with Bailey’s Caramel Cream Sauce that I mentioned earlier. If you have a little Bailey’s left over, use it to make this dish for an extra sweet breakfast! Irish Soda Bread Pudding with Bailey's Caramel Cream Sauce

Looking for more delicious Irish inspired recipes to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Check out these posts found right here on Southern Made Simple! 
Irish Soda Bread | Irish Soda Bread Pudding with Bailey’s Caramel Cream Sauce | Shamrock Sugar Cookies | St. Patrick’s Day Sugar Wafers | St. Patrick’s Day Snack Crafts for Kids

How will you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year? Do you have a favorite way of celebrating? Will you be adding these Bailey’s No Bake Cheesecake Trifles to your menu?  Leave a comment below and share the love! 

Strawberry Brownies

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These Strawberry Brownies are a sweet treat that I’ve had tucked away in my old recipe binder for nearly a decade. They’re a Valentine’s Day favorite around here, and they come together with just a few ingredients! They’re actually one of the very first recipes that I ever shared on this blog back in 2015, and now I’m bringing them back to life with a few new photos to share with you just in time to make your Valentine’s Day extra sweet!

Strawberry Brownies

Years ago before I had children, I taught Sunday school for a few years. The kids in my class would always request that I bring a plate full of these strawberry brownies, even though it wasn’t anywhere close to Valentine’s Day. I always kept a couple of boxes of Strawberry cake mix on hand so I could whip them up on the fly before Sunday School to surprise them with their favorite special treat. I’m always amazed at the wonders you can do with a simple box of cake mix. Next to sliced bread, I think they’re one of my favorite culinary conveniences!

Strawberry Brownies

The glaze on the brownies is the star of the show, and it’s poured over the baked brownies while they’re still hot right out of the oven. The brownies will soak up a good bit of the glaze, giving them a gooey and dense middle layer that is absolutely irresistible!

Strawberry Brownies

Here’s a free printable copy of the recipe if you’d like to give it a try!

Strawberry Brownies
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Strawberry Brownies

Ingredients

For Strawberry Brownie Mix:

  • 1 box strawberry cake mix
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil

For Glaze:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 Tbs water

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F
  • Spray an 8x8 square dish with nonstick cooking spray
  • Combine cake mix, eggs and vegetable oil until just combined and all lumps are smooth - do not not over mix! Batter will be very thick.
  • Pour into greased baking dish and bake 30-32 minutes, or until brownies are set (brownies will continue to cook and firm up a little while cooling, but you want them to still be a little dense in the middle)
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and water and pour over brownies while they're still warm.
  • Allow brownies to mostly cool before cutting
  • Enjoy!

Tried this recipe?

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Strawberry Brownies

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out these great recipes found right here on Southern Made Simple!

Strawberry Milkshake Cookies | Strawberry Lemonade | Strawberry French Toast Bake | Fresh Strawberry Pie |  Valentine’s Day Snack Crafts for Kids | Valentine Sugar Cookies


Happy Valentine’s Day, friends! Don’t forget to check out our brand new Etsy shop if you’re on the hunt for a perfect gift! 😉

2 Ingredient Fruit Dip

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This 2 ingredient Fruit Dip is so simple, sweet and versatile! It’s a must-make if you love to make charcuterie or snack boards, and it also makes an awesome topping for pancakes, French toast, etc.! 

Charcuterie and snack boards have grown tremendously in popularity over the last 2-3 years it seems, and I am absolutely a fan of the craze. Not only are they a beautiful and an aesthetically pleasing way to serve finger foods for a gathering, but they’re also a perfectly acceptable way to transition snacks into a meal when cooking is the farthest thing from your mind. When I break out the giant serving platter and start pulling snacks out of the pantry and fridge, my family knows that this mama isn’t cooking anything else the rest of the day. 

2 Ingredient Fruit Dip

You may recall some of the charcuterie boards I’ve done in the past. My Halloween Charcuterie Board is a favorite of mine, and I also have a Sweet & Savory Charcuterie Board, a Spring-themed Charcuterie board and the Ultimate Summer Charcuterie board on the blog if you’re looking for a few ideas when creating your own. I love to incorporate a mix of both fresh and dried fruits on the boards I create, and I love to have a dip to serve alongside the fresh fruit or to smear on top of crackers. 

2 Ingredient Fruit Dip

Making a fruit dip is super simple, and this 2 Ingredient Fruit Dip is a go-to for me when making charcuterie boards. All you need to whip up this dip is a container of whipped topping and a container of strawberry (or whatever flavor you prefer) cream cheese!

Here’s a free printable copy of the recipe if you’d like to give it a try:

Print Recipe

2 Ingredient Fruit Dip

Ingredients

  • 1 8 oz container Cool Whip thawed
  • 1 8 oz container strawberry cream cheese spread softened

Instructions

  • Using a hand or stand mixer, combine thawed whipped topping and softened cream cheese and mix until smooth and there are no chunks of cream cheese left.
  • Serve immediately and refrigerate any leftovers.
  • Enjoy!

Tried this recipe?

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If you want to lighten this dip up just a bit, you can swap out the whipped topping with a sugar free variety, or you can even make your own from scratch!

2 Ingredient Fruit Dip

This recipe will make more fruit spread than you’ll need for a charcuterie board, so my favorite thing to do with the leftovers is to serve it on top of French toast, pancakes or smeared over a bagel of piece of toast for breakfast. 

Looking for more Charcuterie Board Inspiration? Check out these posts right here on Southern Made Simple!

Spring Charcuterie Board | Ultimate Summer Charcuterie Board | Sweet and Savory Charcuterie Board | Halloween Charcuterie Board

Sugar Roasted Peanuts

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Peanuts! Get your peanuts! Sugar roasted peanuts are a scrumptious snack that are very easy to make, and if you package them up and tie a ribbon around them, they make a wonderful treat to share with a friend! Growing up right next door to the peanut capital of the world, peanuts have always played a significant role in my life and the community that I was raised in. As the granddaughter of a peanut farmer, I’ve learned quite a bit over the years about the economical importance this tiny nut has had not only on my own family, but on the state of Alabama as a whole. They’re arguably one of the most important crops grown on American soil, and they’re loaded with important nutrients that just might surprise you! 

Sugar Roasted Peanuts

During peanut harvest season in the early fall, I shared my recipe for Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts – which are a true southern delicacy that most folks around here just can’t get enough of. I’ve even been known to eat them for breakfast, truth be told. While boiled peanuts are undoubtedly my favorite way to snack on these lovely little legumes, these sugar roasted peanuts come in at a close second. 

Sugar Roasted Peanuts

Most people know that peanuts are a great source of protein, but did you know that incorporating a handful of peanuts into your daily diet can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and promote healthier cholesterol levels? (You can read more about the health benefits of peanuts here.)  Peanuts are actually classified as a superfood, which further proves that not all heroes wear capes! 😉 

Sugar Roasted Peanuts

These sugar roasted peanuts, or “candied peanuts” are vey easy to make. In fact, I use the same recipe when making my Sugar Roasted Pecans! I frequently make these around the holidays or for special occasions, but they’re great to make and eat any time of year. I love to add them to charcuterie boards, too! Here’s a free printable copy of the recipe if you’d like to give it a try!

Print Recipe

Sugar Roasted Peanuts

Ingredients

  • 1 16 oz container unsalted dry roasted peanuts
  • 1 egg white
  • 4 tsp water
  • 1 Tbs vanilla extract
  • 1 cup white granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp cinnamon
  • 3/4 tsp salt

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 250 F
  • Line baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Using a mixer, beat egg white until frothy. Add in water and vanilla and continue mixing
  • Stir in cinnamon, sugar and salt
  • Add in peanuts and coat with egg mixture completely using a large spoon
  • Spread the peanuts evenly on to the baking sheet and bake for 1 hour, being sure to stir every 15 minutes
  • Enjoy!

Tried this recipe?

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The photo below is of my 2 year old daughter sneaking a peanuts while I was trying to photograph them. She crawled up in my lap while the camera was still in my hand, so I kept snapping photos to capture the sweet moment!

Sugar Roasted Peanuts

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out these other peanut favorites found right here on Southern Made Simple!

Instant Pot Boiled Peanuts | No Bake Peanut Butter Pie | Peanut Butter Fudge | Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats | Peanut Butter Corn Flake Candy

Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Do you have a really good, classic, no-fail and dependable chocolate chip cookie recipe that you love to reach for when a cookie craving comes along? If not, allow me to introduce you to the new love in your life. Seriously. These Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies are lightly crispy on the outside, perfectly soft and chewy on the inside and have an irresistible buttery and brown sugar flavor with the perfect chocolate chip-to-cookie ratio. I may be tooting my own horn a little bit here, but I’d say these chocolate chip cookies are pretty darn close to perfect.

Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are the most googled cookie recipe of all time, and that holds especially true during the holidays. Many folks are grasping at things that bring them comfort and joy during this time of year, and that means savoring classic recipes that they know are good. And honestly, I think chocolate chip cookies would even bring the Grinch himself a little bit of joy and happiness. I’ve never seen a grumpy person with a stack of cookies and a glass of milk in their hands. 😉 

Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

The base of this recipe may look a little familiar to you, as it’s the same dough that I use in my Soft & Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies that I shared just a few weeks ago. It’s my go-to cookie dough for just about any cookie, especially ones that I really want to have that soft-batch bakery feel. 

Here’s a free printable copy of my recipe if you’d like to give it a try!

Print Recipe

Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup salted butter room temperature
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 Tbs vanilla flavoring
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp corn starch
  • 2 cups milk chocolate chips

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl using a hand or stand mixer, combine butter, white sugar and brown sugar
  • Add in vanilla and egg and mix until incorporated
  • Slowly add in flour, baking soda and corn starch and mix until soft, thick dough forms
  • Add in chocolate chips and stir until just combined
  • Refrigerate 1 hour or longer (Don't skip this step!)
  • Preheat oven to 350 F and spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or use a non-stick silicone baking mat
  • Once dough is thoroughly chilled, roll or scoop into 1 1/2-2 inch balls and place an inch or more apart
  • Bake for 10-11 minutes. *Cookies will appear undercooked when first removed from the oven. Do not cook any longer - the cookies will continue to set while left to cool on the cookie sheet.
  • Allow to cool at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tried this recipe?

Tag me on Instagram: @SouthernMadeSimple or use the hashtag #SouthernMadeSimple and share your love of southern cuisine!

By the way, here’s a few of my must-haves in the kitchen when it comes to baking cookies. There’s still time to let Santa know about these items if you’re adding them to your wish list! 

Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

When these cookies first come out of the oven, they’re going to look a little undercooked. That’s exactly what you want them to look like. I promise. They’ll continue to cook a little while they’re cooling on the cookie sheet, and the texture will be everything you’ve ever wanted a cookie to be. You’ll definitely be going back for seconds and thirds. And then you’ll go back for another one to dunk into your coffee the next morning. I’m just speaking from experience here. 😉 

Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

If you like this recipe for Soft & Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, be sure to check out these other great recipes found right here on Southern Made Simple!

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies | Molasses Cookies | Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies | Soft Batch Candy Corn Cookies | Strawberry Milkshake Cookies

What types of cookies will you be baking during this holiday season? Do you like to try new-to-you recipes, or do you prefer to stick to the classics? Leave a comment below and tell me about your favorite kinds of cookies. I always love to hear what’s cooking in your kitchen!

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn

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Since we put up our Christmas tree and decorations last week, we’ve been spending a lot of family time watching kid friendly Christmas movies almost every night. We turn all of the lights in the house off except for the tree, lighted garland and a few flameless candles, and my two girls have been absolutely mesmerized over the new ambiance that the Christmas lights bring. Even though our girls are very young and their attention span can’t last the length of the movie, we still enjoy the time we spend together. I’ve also enjoyed making a special treat for us to munch on while we all curl up together and watch. Popcorn is always a must when watching movies, and I love to zhoosh it up a bit and make it feel a little more Christmas-y. This White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn is the perfect blend of sweet and salty, and has been the perfect movie snack for us all to enjoy while watching the big screen!

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn

When I was in college, I worked at the local movie theater for about 2 1/2 years to help pay for my wedding. During that time I sort of had a love-hate relationship with popcorn. Sure, freshly buttered popcorn smells absolutely amazing, but for the entirety of those 2 1/2 years I smelled like popcorn too. My clothes, car, even my bedroom smelled like popcorn. I had to nearly crawl inside the giant popper each night to disassemble and clean the machine, and you would be amazed at how quickly that “extra butter” can get all over everything. 

So all that is to say, I never really popped popcorn very much after I left my job there. Popcorn was my supper many a night when I was working late, and I always felt that I had had my fill of it. But every now and then I circle back around to it, and adding fun toppings like melted white chocolate and crushed peppermint candies makes this snack irresistible!

 

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn

If you find yourself curling up on the couch this season to enjoy your favorite Christmas movies, here’s a few of my favorite things to cozy up with on movie night!

And if you want to spruce up your  popcorn and make it feel a little more festive, here’s a free printable copy of the recipe for you to try!

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn
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Ingredients

  • 2 bags buttered popcorn popped
  • 1 8oz bag Wilton White Chocolate Melts
  • 1/8 tsp peppermint extract
  • 1 tsp fine red sugar sprinkles (feel free to add more or less!)
  • 10-12 peppermints crushed

Instructions

  • Pop popcorn according to package instructions, set aside
  • In a microwave safe bowl, pour in chocolate melts and microwave for 30 second intervals, stirring in between until completely melted
  • While chocolate is melting in microwave, carefully crush peppermints
  • Pour popcorn into a large mixing bowl and pour melted chocolate, crushed peppermints and sprinkles and stir until well coated
  • Pour popcorn onto a baking sheet and spread out to dry
  • After about 15-20 minutes, the chocolate should be dry and the popcorn is ready to eat. Enjoy!

Tried this recipe?

Tag me on Instagram: @SouthernMadeSimple or use the hashtag #SouthernMadeSimple and share your love of southern cuisine!

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn

And if you’re looking for a bit of a different flavor profile for your popcorn on movie night, check out these recipes for Caramel Apple Bourbon Popcorn and Smokin’ Sriracha Popcorn! 

Are you enjoying watching holiday movies this Christmas season? What are some of your favorite movies and snacks to enjoy? I’m always looking for a good recommendation! Leave a comment below and share the love!

Cranberry Banana Nut Bread

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This recipe for Cranberry Banana Nut Bread is one of my favorite things to bake during the holiday season. When it’s sweet aroma fills my kitchen as it’s baking, it has a special way of giving me those warm and fuzzy feelings that only the Christmas season can bring. The tartness of the cranberries paired with the sweetness of the bananas makes a wonderful combination, and it’s absolutely delightful with a pad of butter smeared on top and a cup of coffee to go with it!

Cranberry Banana Nut Bread

Little known fact about me: I do not like bananas. At all. You won’t ever find a banana pudding recipe or a banana cream pie here on Southern Made Simple. Even their smell bothers me. I have to turn my head away when I’m peeling one for my daughters to eat. Banana flavored things such as pudding or candies are also a hard pass for me. However, oddly enough, the one exception to my strange distaste for bananas is banana nut bread. And I don’t just like banana nut bread, I love it.

Cranberry Banana Nut Bread

And when I get lucky enough to have a few bananas on the counter that my daughters are no longer interested, I know exactly what I’m going to make with them. Cranberries freeze decently, so this time of year when the grocery stores have plenty of them on hand, I like to buy extra and keep them in the freezer so that I can pull them out and bake with them throughout the first few months of the year.

Cranberry Banana Nut Bread

This cranberry banana nut bread is perfectly moist with golden brown edges that have the perfect amount of “crunch.” This bread is great to bake and give to a loved one during the Christmas season, and it also freezes and thaws nicely if you’d like to bake extra!

Here’s a free printable copy of my recipe if you’d like to give it a try:

Cranberry Banana Nut Bread
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Cranberry Banana Nut Bread

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 ripe bananas mashed
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 F
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine softened butter and sugar
  • Add in mashed banana, eggs, yogurt and vanilla and stir until just combined
  • Add in flour, baking soda and salt and stir until just combined - do not over stir
  • Fold in cranberries and nuts
  • Pour batter into a greased 5x9 loaf pan
  • Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in middle of bread comes out clean

Tried this recipe?

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Cranberry Banana Nut Bread

Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this post to find more recipes featuring cranberries! If you’ve got some leftover from Thanksgiving, this bread is a perfect place to put those berries to good use!

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out these other great recipes found right here on Southern Made Simple!

Banana Nut Squash Bread | Soft & Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies | Cranberry Jalapeno Christmas Dip | No Bake Mini Cranberry Cheesecake Trifles | Cranberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake | Sugared Cranberries

Are you doing any special holiday baking this season? If so, I’d love to hear what you’ve got cookin’ in your kitchen! Drop a comment below and share what you’re making for the holidays. I hope you and your family truly have a happy, safe and wonderful Christmas season!

Soft & Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

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These Soft & Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies are a perfect holiday treat to indulge in! Grab a cup of coffee or a tall glass of milk and enjoy!

I need y’all to hear me on this. Clean out your ears real good and make sure you’re listening very closely, because what I’m about to say is very serious. It is absolutely no exaggeration, and while I understand that it is a bold statement, it’s wholeheartedly true.

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

I’ve had a lot of cookies during my time here on Earth. Soft batch, fudgy, cakey, some with nuts, some with various types of chocolate chips. I’ve loved nearly every cookie I’ve tried. Some tries were just likes and not loves, but for the most part I’m a cookie-kinda-girl and I’ve never been mad at a cookie. I even like the super cheap ultra-manufactured nothing-special cookies. You know, those butter cookies you had every year at VBS as a kid that you stuck your finger through the middle and wore like they were edible rings? I love those, too. They’ve got a special place in my heart.

But these? These cookies are my favorite cookies in the entire world. Granted, I know I’ve never tried every cookie in the world, but at this point I don’t feel like I need to. I’ve found true love, and it’s baked right into these Soft & Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies. 

I can’t put my finger precisely on it – maybe it’s the copious amounts of butter, or the richness of the brown sugar. Maybe it’s the fact that these cookies are perfectly chewy and soft, but sturdy enough to dunk in your morning coffee or glass of milk without it crumbling straight to the bottom of your glass. Or perhaps it’s the bits of tart cranberry tucked inside coupled with the sweetness of those white chocolate morsels. Whatever it is, the world needs more of it. Especially in this dumpster-fire of a year 2020.

If you’ll be doing a little holiday baking this year, this recipe is a must-try. I promise you. Bake some for you, bake some for your neighbors down the street, or make them as a treat for your family for getting through an incredibly tough year. Honestly, just bake them because it’s a random Tuesday. You don’t need a reason!

Here’s a free printable copy of my recipe if you’d like to give it a try!

White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies
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Soft & Chewy White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup salted butter room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 2 tsp corn starch
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 Tbs vanilla flavoring
  • 1 cup dried sweetened cranberries
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl using a hand or stand mixer, combine butter, white sugar and brown sugar.
  • Add in vanilla and egg and mix until incorporated.
  • Slowly add in flour, corn starch, baking soda and salt and mix until a soft, thick dough forms.
  • Add in dried cranberries and white chocolate chips and stir until just combined.
  • Refrigerate for 1 hour or longer. (Don't skip this step!)
  • Preheat oven to 350 F and spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or use a non-stick silicone baking mat
  • Once dough is thoroughly chilled, roll or scoop into 2 inch balls and place about an inch or more apart on the cookie sheet
  • Bake for 10-11 minutes. *Cookies will appear undercooked when first removed from the oven. Do not cook any longer - the cookies will continue to set while left to cool on the cookie sheet.
  • Allow to cool at least 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies

If you like this recipe, be sure to check out these other great cookie recipes found right here on Southern Made Simple!

Strawberry Milkshake Cookies | Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Cookies | Molasses Cookies | Banana Nut Cranberry Cookies | Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies | Cool Whip Cookies | Hot Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies | Chocolate Covered Cherry Cookies | Cookies for Santa

Acorn Muffin Bites

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This shop has been compensated by Inmar Intelligence and Entenmann’s® Little Bites. All opinions are mine alone. #SeasonOfLittleBites

When I decided to homeschool my daughter this year, I was excited at the freedom and the possibilities to venture beyond the books and discover new ways of learning through hands-on activities and adventures. The fall season is the perfect time to venture outdoors and study nature, and we’ve been enjoying collecting and gathering acorns, twigs, pinecones, and things of that nature to study more in our at-home kindergarten classroom.

Acorn Muffin Bites

After a recent outdoor scavenger hunt, my daughter’s fascination with acorns was beginning to bloom. She loved how they all had little “hats” on top, and she started her own collection of them inside an old glass jar. This prompted the wheels in my brain to begin turning up new ideas to spark her curiosity and imagination. I opened up a package of Entenmann’s Little Bites® Chocolate Chip muffins for her to enjoy for her afternoon snack, and the idea to create these Acorn Muffin Bites was quickly born!

Acorn Muffin Bites

Entenmann’s Little Bites® muffins have been a staple in our pantry for years. I love them because they contain no high fructose corn syrup and zero (0) grams of trans fat per serving, and she loves them because they’re perfectly soft, easy, and mess-free for her little hands, plus they contain real ingredients like blueberries, strawberries, and in this case – real chocolate chips! The muffins were already the perfect shape to use as the base of the acorn, so while she was snacking I headed back to the pantry to search for some melting chocolate, pretzel sticks and a few chocolate sprinkles to create our own little snack-craft project.

Acorn Muffin Bites

Realizing I needed to add a few things to my grocery list, I hopped online and added more Entenmann’s Little Bites® muffins to my cart, plus a few other things we needed around the house using Walmart’s Online Grocery service. I love being able to conveniently add items I need to my cart from my computer or phone and choosing a time to pick up my groceries at the store that works for me. With a busy homeschooling schedule, I’m thankful to be able to spend less time in-store and more learning and playtime with my girls!

Entenmann’s Little Bites® muffins are available nationwide and come in more than 8 varieties, so there’s truly a flavor to fit every snacking occasion. In addition to the chocolate chip muffins, I also picked up a package of Entenmann’s Little Bites® Blueberry Muffins and Entenmann’s Little Bites® Pumpkin muffins to further celebrate the fall season!

Acorn Muffin Bites

Once I had all ingredients needed on hand, I explained to my daughter that we were going to add a few new acorns to her beloved collection, but this time we weren’t going to keep them in a jar – we were going to eat them! She looked a little puzzled, but she was so excited when I told her that chocolate and sprinkles were involved. These acorn muffin bites are a perfect craft for little hands to get involved with, as there’s no actual cooking or baking required. All we needed was a little melted chocolate almond bark, chocolate sprinkles, and pretzel sticks that were broken in half.

Once the chocolate was melted in the microwave, we dipped the tops of the chocolate chip muffins into the melted chocolate and then added sprinkles on top. We then set them out on a plate to dry and inserted the pretzel stick in the top to serve as the stem. After about 20 minutes, the chocolate was dry and we began to snack away!

Acorn Muffin Bites

Creating these cute little acorn muffin bites using Entenmann’s Little Bites® muffins was a perfect homeschool (or anytime) activity to do with my daughter, and they were a wonderful way to celebrate the goodness found in the changing of the season this year! In addition to making fun snacks like these, we love to enjoy Entenmann’s Little Bites® muffins for any occasion, and we’ll soon be taking them with us on many more outdoor adventures! I love that they’re perfectly pre-portioned and portable your on-the-go needs. They’re a must-have in our house, and they certainly keep the smiles coming!

Acorn Muffin Bites

Next time you’re shopping in-store or online at Walmart, make sure you check out the variety of Entenmann’s Little Bites® muffins (like Pumpkin!) and other varieties such as Entenmann’s Little Bites® Fudge Brownies, plus other NEW flavors coming soon!