Brownies from Scratch

The fudgiest, gooiest brownies EVER! These are from scratch: pantry staples, just one bowl, and no mixer needed.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 1/4 cups unsalted butter (2 1/2 sticks)
  • 1 3/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F, and mist a 9 by 9-inch or 9 by 13-inch pan with non-stick spray.  Line with parchment.
  2. Place the sugar, butter, cocoa, and salt in a large microwave-safe bowl, and microwave in one-minute increments, stirring, until the butter is completely melted and the mixture feels very warm to the touch.
  3. Add the eggs, one at a time, stirring after each addition.
  4. Stir in the flour and baking powder.
  5. Stir in the vanilla.
  6. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until set around the edges but still soft towards the middle.
  7. Cool completely in the pan, then transfer to a cutting board and cut into squares.

Source:  https://topmesothelioma12.blogspot.com/2019/08/simply-perfect-brownies-from-scratch.html

Chocolate Cream Pie

With a chocolate cookie crust, silky chocolate pudding center, and pillowy whipped cream topping, this pie is truly a chocolate lover’s dream.

INGREDIENTS

Whipped Cream

  • 3 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1/3 cup powdered sugar

Chocolate Filling

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 8 oz pkg cream cheese (softened)
  • 3 cups prepared whipped cream (the rest will go on top)
  • 1 9″ deep dish pie crust

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Bake pie crust according to package directions
  2. For the whipped topping: In a medium bowl using a electric mixer, whip 3 cups heavy whipping cream and powdered sugar on high until stiff peaks form about 5 minutes. chill until ready to use. (This should make 5-6 cups whipped cream)
  3. In a large bowl using an electric mixer beat the softened cream cheese, cocoa powder and powdered sugar until smooth. Set aside.
  4. In a small bowl add the chocolate chips and butter, microwave for 30 seconds. Stir and microwave again for 15 second increments until melted.
  5. Using the electric mixer mix in the melted chocolate, and 3 cups of the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until combined.
  6. Spread chocolate filling into pie crust. Refrigerate for 4 hours. Spread the remaining whipped cream on top.
  7. Garnish with chocolate shavings

NOTES

You can use store bought whipped cream, but you will need about 5-6 cups

Source:  https://butteryourbiscuit.com/rich-creamy-chocolate-cream-pie/

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

The zucchini makes this cake super moist. You would never believe there is a vegetable in it. And no – you can’t taste the zucchini. It just makes the cake much more moist and delicious.

INGREDIENTS

For the Cake

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 3/4 cup oil
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla
  • 2 1/2 cups flour
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 cup cocoa
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 2 1/4 cups grated zucchini

For Chocolate Frosting

  • 1 stick butter melted
  • 2/3 Cup Cocoa
  • 3 Cups Powder sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 325°.
  2. Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, mix sugar, oil, and eggs together until creamy.
  4. Add vanilla, and mix until well combined.
  5. In a smaller bowl, stir flour, baking powder, baking soda, cocoa, cinnamon, and salt together with a small whisk just to blend everything together.
  6. Add flour mixture in with the sugar, eggs, oil and vanilla. Mix well.
  7. Slowly mix in the milk.
  8. After everything is well combined, stir in the zucchini.
  9. Pour into bundt pan and bake for approximately 60 minutes.
  10. Cake will be done when toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  11. *Check cake at 50-55 minutes

Chocolate Frosting

  1. In a medium size mixing bowl, add melted butter. Mix in cocoa.
  2. Next add in some powder sugar and then milk, then some powder sugar then milk. Repeat until all is well mixed. Mix on low speed.
  3. After frosting is well blended, add in vanilla.
  4. Makes about 2 cups of frosting.
  5. Frost cake once cake has cooled.

Source:  https://www.greatgrubdelicioustreats.com/chocolate-lovers-zucchini-cake/

Brown Sugar Cookies

Brown Sugar Cookies made with dark brown sugar and butter are sweet, soft, chewy, and the PERFECT spin on the traditional cookie ready in under 30 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 14 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 2 cups packed dark brown sugar
  • 2 cups flour, plus 2 tablespoons
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a skillet melt 10 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat. Whisk constantly until butter starts to brown, about 3-4 minutes. Pour into bowl, add remaining butter to same bowl and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl whisk together sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, flour, baking soda, and baking powder.
  4. Add remaining brown sugar and salt to butter and whisk until smooth. Whisk in egg, egg yolk, and vanilla.
  5. Combine butter mixture with dry ingredients, stirring until dough forms.
  6. Either roll dough out to 1/2-inch thick and use a cookie cutter or roll into a ball and place on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar.
  7. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until cookies begin to set.

Source: https://dinnerthendessert.com/brown-sugar-cookies/

Pumpkin Pie─Easy

This Thanksgiving favorite dessert is creamy with just the right amount of spice. It practically melts in your mouth! And with only five ingredients, it’s beyond easy.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin purée
  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
  • 2 blind baked 9-inch pie shells, or 1 unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie shell

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Arrange an oven rack in lowest position and heat to 425°F. Place the pumpkin purée, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl and whisk until combined.
  2. If making 2 (9-inch) pies: Divide filling between 2 blind baked 9-inch pie shells. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 15 to 20 minutes more. Let cool on a wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. If making 1 (9-inch) deep dish pie: Pour the filling into an unbaked 9-inch deep dish pie shell. Bake for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350°F and bake until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 35 to 40 minutes more. Let cool on a wire rack for 2 hours. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

RECIPE NOTES

Blind baking: To blind bake the pie shells, bake at 425°F until the edges just start to brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool before adding the filling.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days.

Source: https://www.livingwellspendingless.com/easy-5-ingredient-pumpkin-pie/#QC5cidMgJW08ySJv.32

Lemon Icebox Pie

A Southern classic, lemon icebox pie that requires no baking or eggs! Foolproof and delicious every time!

Prep Time: 10 mins
Time if making graham cracker crust: 15 mins

INGREDIENTS

Crust

  • 8 whole graham crackers (broken; usually in 1 pkg.)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 5 tablespoons butter (half a stick)

Filling

  • 1 cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed (10-12 lemons, depending upon size)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup lemon instant pudding mix
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon gelatin (unflavored)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

Prepare Crust

  1. Preheat oven to 350º F
  2. Melt butter in small saucepan
  3. In food processor, combined broken pieces of graham crackers and sugar; drizzle in melted butter
  4. Pour graham cracker mixture into 9 inch pie plate; press graham cracker mixture into the bottom and sides of the pan
  5. Bake on middle rack for 12-15 minutes; remove from oven and allow to cool before filling

Prepare Filling

  1. In the food processor, combine all ingredients and pulse until it reaches a smooth consistency
  2. Scoop filling into cooled graham cracker crust; cover with plastic and refrigerate for 2-3 hours
  3. Prior to serving, garnish with whipped cream and lemon slices
  4. Allow pie to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before slicing

Note

This pie can easily hold its own in the freezer for up to a week, provided its covered with plastic. Allow pie to thaw in refrigerator prior to serving.

https://www.smartypantskitchen.com/easy-no-bake-lemon-icebox-pie/?utm_medium=social&utm_source=pinterest&utm_campaign=tailwind_tribes&utm_content=tribes&utm_term=677941810_26788164_159932

Peach Pie

This is a simple, quick, old fashioned, baked, two crust peach pie made with thick syrup peaches and extra crust inside pie.

INGREDIENTS

2 large cans of sliced peaches in thick syrup
1/4 cup white sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 tsp of lemon juice
1 tsp of pure vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1 stick of butter
3 tbs of cornstarch
1/2 cup of milk
1 box of Pillsbury Refrigerated Pie Crust, 2 count

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Pour in large bowl peaches (drain juice from 1 can and reserve ½ of juice from other can), white sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and cinnamon. Stir well.
  • Place butter in pan on stove, melt to bubble stage over high heat, and add bowl of seasoned peaches.
  • Add cornstarch in milk for slurry. Add to peaches and stir well.
  • Allow to cook on high heat until the syrup thickens up, which should take anywhere from 5-10 minutes. Reduce while preparing crust.
  • Preheat oven to 350o F.
  • Take your pie crust and cover the bottom of a baking pan. Vent with fork tings. Bake until beginning to turn brown. Remove from oven.
  • Cover crust in baking pan with peaches. Add some of the syrup but not too much.
  • Cover the peaches with another layer of pie crust. Cut heat vents.
  • Pour ½ stick of melted butter over the pie crust and sprinkle a mixture of white sugar and cinnamon over the crust very lightly.
  • Time varies—allow it to bake until it’s brown on top.

Note:  If you prefer extra crust, bake some pie pastry in strips. Layer half of peaches, add layer of baked strips, and then the other half of peaches.

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDo8a9jp1JI

Frozen Grasshopper Pie

This fluffy, no bake frozen Grasshopper Pie recipe is sure to become a favorite! Chocolate cookie crust, light minty filling, makes for a unique pie for any season!

Prep Time 20 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 8 slices (makes one 9 1/2-10 inch deep dish pie (or a smaller traditional pie depending on ingredient amounts selected))

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients for a 6-cup volume Deep Dish pie pan (9 or 10″ diameter, 2″ deep):

  • 2 1/4 cups plus 1/4 cup chocolate wafer crumbs*
  • 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter melted (plus a bit more to grease the pie pan)
  • 36 regular=size marshmallows**
  • 1 cup Half and Half
  • 1/2 cup green Crème de Menthe liqueur (purchased or homemade)
  • 1 1/8 cups heavy whipping cream

Ingredients for 4 cup volume Traditional/Standard pie pan (8 or 9 inch diameter, 1 to 1 1/2 inch depth; NOT deep dish):

  • 1 1/2 cups plus 1/4 cup chocolate cookie crumbs
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted (plus a bit more to grease the pie pan)
  • 25 regular-size marshmallows**
  • 2/3 cup Half and Half (the original recipe used cream or milk)
  • 5 tablespoons green Creme de Menthe
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

INSTRUCTIONS

To make the Crust:

  1. Butter the pie pan. In a large bowl combine the chocolate wafer crumbs (reserving 1/4 cup for topping) and melted butter. Hand stir until combined (the crumbs will look ‘wet’ but it won’t necessarily be sticking together unless using gluten-free crumbs). 
  2. Pour crumb mixture into the pie pan. Using the back of a large spoon or fingers, press crumbs into the pie pan evenly on the bottom and sides to form a crust. Place in the freezer. 

Making the Filling:

  1. Combine the marshmallows and Half and Half in the top of a double broiler OR in a metal, heat-proof bowl placed over a sauce pan of boiling water (not touching the water). Cook, stirring constantly once marshmallows begin to melt, until the marshmallows have melted completely. TIP: using a whisk at the end is helpful to ensure the marshmallows are completely liquified. Remove from heat.
  2. Add the Crème de Menthe into the marshmallow mixture and stir or whisk to combine. Note: the Creme de Menthe may settle in the bottom of the bowl but will be further incorporated in the last filling step. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.
  3. Using a standing or hand held mixer, whip heavy whipping cream until firm peaks appear. Fold/stir into the green marshmallow mixture. Whisk lightly at the end as needed to ensure the mixture is combined well.
  4. Pour into prepared pie crust (TIP: place the prepared crust on a baking sheet if needed to allow it to stay level in the freezer). Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cookie crumbs on the top and place in the freezer. Freeze until firm.

Recipe Note

** The size marshmallows used for this pie are what have been traditionally known are ‘regular’ as opposed to mini marshmallows (or large or jumbo).

Source:  https://boulderlocavore.com/gratitude-and-grasshopper-pie/

Grasshopper Pie

This recipe is for a light and delicate mint and chocolate chiffon dessert. It origins are from an original 1930s prohibition-era cocktail per Yankee Magazine • May 29, 2007.

INGREDIENTS

Crust:

  • 16 Oreo Mint n’ Creme cookies (with filling), broken into rough pieces
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Filling:

  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 envelope unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • Pinch table salt
  • 1/4 cup green creme de menthe
  • 1/4 cup white creme de cacao

INSTRUCTIONS

1. For the crust: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Grind cookies in food processor to fine crumbs. Transfer to bowl, drizzle with butter, and toss well. Press crumbs evenly into bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate and refrigerate crust until firm, about 20 minutes. Bake until set, 8 to 10 minutes. Cool completely on wire rack.

2. For the filling: Beat egg yolks in medium bowl. Combine gelatin, sugar, 1/2 cup cream, and salt in medium saucepan and let sit until gelatin softens, about 5 minutes. Cook over medium heat until gelatin dissolves and mixture is very hot but not boiling, about 2 minutes. Whisking vigorously, slowly add gelatin mixture to egg yolks. Return mixture to saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add creme de menthe and creme de cacao. Pour into clean bowl and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, until wobbly but not set, about 20 minutes.

3. Beat remaining 1 1/2 cups cream with electric mixer to stiff peaks. Whisk 1 cup whipped cream into gelatin mixture until completely incorporated. Using rubber spatula, fold gelatin mixture into remaining whipped cream until no streaks of white remain. Scrape mixture into cooled pie shell, smooth top, and refrigerate until firm, at least 6 hours or preferably overnight. (The pie will keep tightly wrapped in refrigerator for up to 2 days.) Serve, topped with chocolate curls, if desired.

Source:  https://newengland.com/today/food/grasshopper-pie-2/

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Cheesecake

If you’re a fan of Reese’s peanut butter cup, then you should really try this peanut butter and chocolate no bake cheesecake. The combination of nutty peanut butter with decadent chocolate is oh-so-yummy!

Ingredients

The Base

  • 5.3 oz graham crackers, crushed 
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

The Chocolate Layer

  • 4 oz semisweet chocolate, melted
  • 7 oz full fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup icing sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream (35% fat) (60 ml), chilled

The Peanut Butter Layer

  • 7 oz full fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup icing sugar, sifted
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 oz peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup whipping cream (35% fat), chilled

The Ganache

  • 3 oz semisweet chocolate
  • 1/3 cup whipping cream (35% fat)
  • 2 tbsp whipping cream (35% fat)

Instructions

The Base

  1. Blend the graham crackers in a food processor into fine crumbs. Pour into a bowl and add in melted butter. Mix well.
  2. Pour into a 7 inch springform pan. Press evenly and tightly to the base. Place in the freezer for 30 minutes.

The Chocolate Layer

  1. Chop chocolate into small pieces and melt in microwave with 15 seconds intervals. Stir in each interval. Set aside.
  2. Whisk cream cheese in a bowl until light and fluffy. Then add in icing sugar, vanilla extract, pinch of salt and mix to combine.
  3. Add in melted chocolate and immediately mix everything together until well combined. Set aside.
  4. Whisk whipping cream in a bowl until soft peaks. Pour it into the chocolate cream cheese mixture and fold to combine.
  5. Pour over the prepared base. Spread evenly and place in the fridge for 1 hour for it to set a bit.

The Peanut Butter Layer

  1. Whisk cream cheese in a bowl until light and fluffy. Then add in icing sugar, vanilla extract and mix to combine.
  2. Warm peanut butter slightly in a microwave so that it’s runnier. Add into the cream cheese mixture and mix well. Set aside.
  3. Whisk whipping cream in a bowl until soft peaks. Pour it into the peanut butter cream cheese mixture and fold to combine.
  4. Pour over the chocolate layer. Spread evenly and place in the fridge for 1 hour for it to set a bit.

The Ganache

  1. Chop the chocolate into small pieces and place into a bowl. Heat cream just until it’s about to simmer. Pour into the bowl containing chocolate and leave untouched for 3 minutes. Gently whisk to combine.
  2. Pour ganache on top of the cheesecake and swirl the pan around to help the ganache covering the surface. Place in the fridge overnight or until fully set.
  3. Once fully set remove it from the pan, slice and enjoy!

How Transfer To Serving Plate

  1. It’s easy since this cake is small. First insert a knife under the cheesecake and carefully run it all around to detach the cheesecake from the base.
  2. Using the same knife, gently lift the cheesecake a bit and insert 1 flat spatula. Do the same in the opposite direction.
  3. Carefully yet confidently lift the cheesecake with both spatulas and place on a serving plate. Gently remove spatulas out.
  4. Or place a baking sheet on the base of the springform pan before assembling. You will have a slightly bigger baking sheet coming out from the springform pan after assembling it. Before serving, gently slide the cheesecake onto a serving plate.

How To Serve

  1. Keep the cheesecake in the fridge all the time until just a few minutes before serving. Cut the slices as needed and put back the cheesecake in the fridge to maintain chill. 

Notes

  1. Please use full fat cream cheese. Meaning, do not use light cream cheese else it won’t set as good.
  2. Please use minimum 35% fat content for the whipping cream. The fat is needed to help set the cheesecake.
  3. This recipe doesn’t use gelatin so it usually takes longer to set.
  4. Use unsalted butter.

Source: https://www.elmundoeats.com/no-bake-peanut-butter-chocolate-cheesecake/