Top Ate All Time Favorite Desserts

May 15, 2014

Everything is my life is now punctuated by naptime. This is something I did not understand before having my own child. My friends' days would completely revolve around naptime.  I always thought, "Come on, does your kid need to nap EVERDAY?" Now, I am living and breathing it. Yes, he needs to nap EVERYDAY and yes, it NEEDS to be at the same time! If I try to push naptime, never mind try to skip it all together (OMG, I can't even imagine), everyone's day is ruined. By everyone, I am not just referring to myself, Quinn and The Hubbster.  I am talking about the elderly lady in the grocery store who rolls her eyes because my kid is screaming or screeching or BOTH.  There's also the young 20-something waitress who cringes at the sight of a complete arm-flailing, leg-kicking temper tantrum while we try to enjoy lunch at a totally kid friendly restaurant. She thinks to herself "When I have kids, they will NEVER behave that way." I know this because I use to be her! Have you seen the Friends Without Kids Video? Hilarious!
For the reasons mentioned above, traditional pastry making and proper baking are generally out of the question. If a dessert takes longer than a naptime to prepare from start to finish, there's no way it's happening. If it requires special baking equipment or ingredients I don't already keep in my pantry, forget about it! I LOVE to bake make desserts, but I don't love to spend all my time and energy perseverating in the kitchen. It's just not worth it! So, to make the list of my Top Ate All Time Favorite Desserts, each recipe needed to feel approachable but also have impressive presentation and knock-your-socks-off flavor.
Enjoy!

No-Bake Banana Pudding: Years ago, Kevin, my dear friend and dedicated blog editor, brought this amazing dessert to a party we both attended. It was love at first taste. I immediately asked for and LOST the recipe. This happened three or four times before I finally had half a brain to store it in my email so it was easily accessible from anywhere. It has become a favorite at several annual parties that my family attends. Kevin, thanks for the years of compliments.

Quick and Easy Blueberry Crisp: Rinse, dump and sprinkle. There were two reasons that I was amazed the first time I had this at my stepmother's house. First, she literally spent five minutes preparing it to bake. Second, the crunchy, buttery, sweetness.....OMG. I just decided that I am making this again today. Done.

Best Ever Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: My mother-in-law has a fantastic repertoire of recipes that would make you drool. Her carrot cake is no exception. Many family members, myself included, request it as their birthday cake each year.  I think I may even go as far to say this is my favorite Roze recipe....well this and her Mac and Cheese.  Ohhhhhh, that Mac and Cheese kills me. Recipe coming soon!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Brownie Trifle: This trifle is one of the first recipes I started making regularly as it was often requested by family and friends. By using a box brownie mix (or if I am feeling lazy I pick up some store made brownies from the bakery department), this dish feels approachable and is easy to whip up in no time! The presentation will make your friends think you spent hours slaving in the kitchen. BUT, you didn't!

Golden Oreo Cupcakes: I love Oreos. Who doesn't, right? But, Golden Oreos? Those bad boys are a force to be reckoned with. Up the ante on the classic vanilla cupcake by placing one Golden Oreo in the cupcake liner before scooping in the batter. The cookie will bake right along with the cupcake. Typically I use a homemade cupcake and frosting recipe but I've substituted a box mix and canned frosting when I am in a time crunch. Ninety percent of people won't know the difference!

Peach Crumble: I LOVE the crumble part. In fact, I adapted the recipe by doubling the topping. Each time I made this recipe, I prepared slightly more topping until I got to double what the original recipe called for. It's perfect! When I was at Whole Foods today (I go everyday...no exaggeration), I drooled over the fresh peaches that are JUST starting to come into season.  Even if peaches aren't in season, this recipe can be made with almost any other fruit.  Apple Crumble is typically another crowd-pleasing favorite!

Snickerdoodle Cupcakes with Streusel and Cinnamon Frosting: The Hubbster is not typically a dessert eater. (I know, crazy.) BUT, because of the cinnamon and streusel, he LOVES these cupcakes!  Similar to my Golden Oreo Cupcakes, the homemade cupcake recipe can be substituted for a box mix. The streusel is to die for, so make sure to include it even if you go with a box mix!

Individual Vanilla Cookie Trifles: As previously stated, I have my own private relationship with Golden Oreos. Mixing them with butter to make the crust of this trifle goes beyond my wildest dreams.  After serving your guests their own little trifles, they’ll rave about all your “hard work” in the kitchen and never realize that you barely turned on your mixer and never even opened the oven. That's my idea of making dessert!