Cake Batter Blondies

I know I don't say this often, but this is one of the most delicious things I’ve ever eaten. I'm obsessed with using cake mixes for everything...and they always turn out perfect!

This recipe is super simple and soooooo delicious. The blondies come out super chewy and soft. I used Christmas sprinkles to stay in the holiday spirit and they turned out great!

Cake Batter Blondies

Recipe adapted from The Girl Who Ate Everything

Ingredients:

1 (18.25 ounce) box yellow cake mix

1/4 cup canola or vegetable oil

1 egg

1/4 cup milk

1/2 cup sprinkles

1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine first three ingredients in a large bowl.

Add the milk slowly and mix well. You want to cake batter to be as dense and thick as possible for a chewy blondie so try to use the least amount that you can.

Mix in the sprinkles and white chocolate chips.

Pour into 8 x 8inch baking pan, sprinkle a few more sprinkles on top, and bake for 25-30 minutes until edges are just turning brown. The blondies will still be gooey in the middle just out of the oven but after they’ve completely cooled they will be perfectly chewy and soft.

Allow to cool for at least 30 minutes so the center sets, before cutting into squares.

White Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies

I’m pretty much obsessed with peppermint this time of year. When I saw these mint chocolate M&Ms at Target, I knew I had to use them to make something pepperminty and delicious! They pretty awesome straight out of the bag, but you know me, I had to bake something with them! 

I saw first these cookies on Two Peas and Their Pod...and on Pinterest of course! 

I also added crushed candy canes and white chocolate chips to amp up the peppermint flavor.

These are seriously good and scream CHRISTMAS in your mouth! I just love all of the great colors too...such a great holiday cookie!

White Chocolate Peppermint M&M Cookies

Ingredients:

1 box white cake mix
2 eggs
1/2 cup oil
3/4 cup white chocolate chips
3/4 cup Mint Chocolate M&Ms
About 1/2 cup crushed candy canes (I used the green and red ones)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly mist two cookie sheets or line with silicone liners. Set aside.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil. Stir in the white chocolate chips, M&Ms, and crushed candy canes to combine.

3. Drop heaping Tablespoonfuls of dough onto the prepared sheets, about 1-2″ apart. Bake for about 10-12 minutes.

4. Allow the cookies to set on the baking sheets about 5 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. Store at room temperature, airtight, for about a week. This makes approx. 2 dozen cookies.

Family, Friends, and Food

Well, it's the day after Christmas and I'm in serious recovery mode. The past few days have been a whirlwind! It was another great year for family, friends and food!

Oh and did I forget to mention that I got ENGAGED?!? I am the happiest girl in the world and cannot think of a better and more loving family to be a part of. We are super excited and I'll be sure to keep you updated on the wedding plans! 

Until then check out my Christmas Cake Pops...

Funfetti cake with cream cheese frosting.

I've been requested to make some for New Year's, so stay tuned...
I hope you and your family had a wonderful holiday full of love, cheer, family, and...dessert! :)

Funfetti Cake Pops 

Ingredients:

• 1 box funfetti cake mix (cook as directed on the box)
• 1 cup cream cheese frosting (recipe below)
• 1 package vanilla almond bark or candy melts
• 1/4 cup vegetable shortening (Crisco)
• lollipop sticks and wrappers (you can find these at Michael's)
• Rectangular foam block 

Cream Cheese Frosting

Ingredients:

• 1/2 (4 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2-1 cup sifted confectioners' sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp milk 

1. Bake the cake according to the directions on the box or your recipe. Be sure to let the cake cook completely. While the cake is in the oven begin on the cream cheese frosting. 

2. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer. With the mixer on low speed, add the powdered sugar a little at a time until smooth and creamy. Beat in the vanilla extract and milk until it is a smooth and creamy consistency.

3. Once the cake is completely cool, crumble the cake

4. Stir in the frosting to create a smooth cake mixture. It should look like a huge cake ball.

5. Roll into balls and place on cookie sheet. You should get about 25-30 cake balls. Place them in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes.

6. Melt the chocolate candy melts in the microwave according to package directions. Add a little shortening at a time until the chocolate is really smooth and silky.

7. Dip stick into melted chocolate and press into cake ball. Return to fridge for 5 minutes. Dip cake balls into chocolate and gently tap to remove any extra. Bakerella posted a great video that has step by step instructions.

8. Add some sprinkles or other decorations while chocolate is still soft. Put them back in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to harden. I use the foam to stick the pops into while they are setting.