Strawberry Cream Cheese Fruit Dip with Philly Cream Cheese

This Strawberry Cream Cheese Fruit Dip is made with Philadelphia Strawberry Cream Cheese and is the perfect way to encourage children {and adults!} to eat more fruit! With only 2 ingredients, you can whip it up in no time! Serve it with your favorite fruit or graham crackers for an easy snack idea!


Life as a mom gets hectic sometimes, doesn't it?! It always seems like there is something to do or someone who needs our attention! As the meal planner, grocery shopper and cook for our family, I need to plan 3 meals a day plus a snack - for seven people! With five growing kiddos, I try to be very conscious about what my family eats. Luckily, I don't usually have a problem getting them to eat a fruit .... but let's be honest, it can get boring! Have you ever heard this line:

"Strawberries? Again?!" (moans)

That's what I hear when I get them for 87 cents and I buy lots and lots of containers of strawberries! With a little help from Philadelphia Cream Cheese, I can whip up a batch of my (easy and kid-famous!) Strawberry Cream Cheese Fruit Dip and make those strawberries fun again!


I'm not sure what it is about dips that makes food fun to eat?! Chips and salsa? Hot queso with pretty much anything? Oh, and there's Bread with Spinach Dip ... Pita Bread with Hummus ... Hot Pizza Dip ... Buffalo Chicken Dip ... Chicken Enchilada Dip ... Guacamole ... Bean Dip?! I think you get the point .... Dips are awesome! Even fruit dips!

We like to serve our Strawberry Cream Cheese Fruit Dip with whatever fruit is on sale that week and some graham crackers or chocolate animal crackers!
After running some errands, this was a quick snack to whip up. As you can see, Abby enjoyed it!



Strawberry Cream Cheese Fruit Dip
Printable recipe
Yield: 1-1½ cups

1 tub (8 oz.) Philadelphia Strawberry Cream Cheese
1 container (7 oz.) marshmallow creme
Fresh fruit, graham crackers or animal crackers - as desired

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and marshmallow cream until smooth. Serve immediately with fresh fruit, graham crackers or chocolate animal crackers! Refrigerate any leftover Strawberry Cream Cheese Fruit Dip and use within 3 days.



Since it's Spring, fresh fruit will be in abundance - why not treat your family to a fun and easy snack idea?

Now that you have an easy snack idea, you need to know where to find the ingredients -right?! Walmart! I found the tubs of Philadelphia Strawberry Cream Cheese near the bagels and close to the sliced cheese! Just a side note - Philadelphia Cream Cheese also makes a Blueberry Cream Cheese that would be equally fantastic in this recipe! Look for them on your next Walmart shopping trip! :)
#SpreadTheFlavor #CollectiveBias
Other Posts You May Enjoy:

If you would like to try another strawberry recipe, consider myStrawberry Agua Fresca
If you would like to see another fun dip recipe, consider myHomemade Guacamole
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!

Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved

Banana Fluffernutter Crepes

Whether for a weekend brunch or a weeknight dinner, these Banana Fluffernutter Crepes are delicious and easy!

Confession ... I never had crepes as a child. Seriously. Apparently, I had a very deprived childhood. I was in my 30's (*GASP*) before I had my first bite of a crepe!! As a matter of fact .... These Crepes with Walnut Cream and Caramel Sauce from my bloggy friend, Linda - made me realize just how deprived I was! It has only been in the last year that I have tried them - and I still can't figure out why I never had them before?! They're so easy to make - they're pretty cheap - and you can literally fill them with almost anything - sweet or savory!! 
One of our favorite varieties of fillings for crepes is actually a spin off of a favorite sandwich - the fluffernutter. Super delish! 
Surprise your family with a fun weekend brunch - or have something a little bit different for dinner one night! These Banana Fluffernutter Crepes are sure to be a hit!


Banana Fluffernutter Crepes
Printable recipe
Yield: 6-8 servings

For the crepes:
1½ cups milk
4 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1½ tsp. sugar
Pinch of salt
8 tsp. butter

For the filling:
Creamy peanut butter
Marshmallow creme
Sliced bananas

For the garnish:
Chocolate sauce
Sweetened Whipped Cream (click the link to see my simple homemade recipe!!)
Additional banana slices

In a small bowl, whisk the milk and eggs. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt. Add the flour mixture to the milk mixture and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for one hour.

In an 8-in. nonstick skillet, melt 1 tsp. butter over medium heat. Pour 2-3 tbsp. of the batter into the center of the pan. Lift and tilt the pan to coat the bottom evenly with the batter. Cook until the top appears dry, carefully turn with a spatula and cook an additional 15-20 seconds longer. Remove the crepe to a wire rack. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, adding butter to the skillet as needed. 

To serve: Top each crepe with peanut butter, marshmallow creme and sliced bananas. Roll up and carefully place on a plate. Drizzle with chocolate sauce. Add a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. Top the sweetened whipped cream, then with an additional banana slice, if desired.

To store crepes: Once the crepes have cooled, stack crepes with waxed paper or paper towels between them. Refrigerate and use within 2-3 days. Fill with desired filling.



Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Sausage Gravy and Biscuits
Pineapple Orange Smoothie
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!

Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved

Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies

These Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies have a chocolaty brownie with a layer of peanut butter fudge, topped with a rich chocolate ganache! Chocolate and peanut butter lovers, rejoice!

Is there a better combo than chocolate and peanut butter?! I didn't think so! :) If you're a fan of chocolate and peanut butter, you're gonna LOVE these brownies. Although these may look intimidating with the three layers, let me assure you it's easy. That's how I roll - I like easy!

Today, you can find me over at All She Cooks with these insanely awesome Peanut Butter Fudge Brownies!! I'll see y'all over there! <<Click THIS link to go over to All She Cooks!!>>



Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Basic Brownies
Red Velvet Cupcakes withOreo Cream Cheese Frosting
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!

Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved

S'more Bark

I just love easy treats .... and it doesn't get much easier than this S'more Bark! Just like the regular treat, this bark version os full of graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows!


Today, you can find me with this S'more Bark recipe, my monthly contributor post, at Memories by the Mile <<Click link to see recipe>> ... See y'all over there!

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Chocolate Chip S'mores Bars
Pineapple Upside Down Cake
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!

Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved

Small Batch Fudge

Necessity is the mother of invention .... Have you ever heard that saying?! How true is it?! I mean, really?! This Small Batch Fudge was an invention of necessity ... It took three tries to get it right - and now I've got it for those times when I need a chocolate fix quick! 


The other night, I wanted something .... I wasn't sure what exactly, but it had to be chocolate. I know y'all know how that is! Y'all know those meme's going around about raiding your baking stash ..... that was totally me! I thought to myself that I probably looked ridiculous walking between the pantry and fridge for any kind of chocolate .... I spotted some chocolate chips - about half a bag. I could have just taken a small handful and called it good .... but I wasn't really satisfied with that idea. I really wanted it to be something else. I spotted some mini marshmallows too .... and that's when I had the idea to try to make just enough fudge for me .... and Brian. I'm pretty sure he would have thought it rude if I didn't at least offer him some! LOL.

The first batch was, uh ... not so pretty and almost inedible. Ok, it was gross. The second batch was getting better - and this batch (I'm sharing today!) was almost spot on!
You could reduce the amount of sugar a tad if you find it to be a bit too sweet for your liking. I also spooned mine in a ramekin after I microwaved it in the coffee cup because I wanted a more flat fudge than the coffee cup allowed. If you don't mind a taller fudge, by all means, save yourself the extra dish and just keep it in the coffee cup! You can do it however you like!
I used sprinkles to top our fudge because it was 1) easy 2) they were in my pantry 3) sprinkles are fun .... but you could use most anything you like in fudge!
Although I haven't tried it yet .... I am guessing you could use different flavors of chips to make different flavors of fudge! So really, this is like I'm sharing unlimited recipes in one!



Small Batch Fudge
Printable recipe
Yield: 2-3 servings (about 4-6 pieces of fudge)

¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup sugar
1 tbsp. butter
½ cup mini marshmallows
Sprinkles, nuts, crushed candy canes, or other toppings (optional)

Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe coffee cup. Add the sugar and butter. Microwave on HIGH for 2-3** minutes. (I microwaved mine for 2:30). Remove the coffee cup from the microwave using an oven mitt. Add the marshmallows to the cup; stir until the marshmallows are melted and the mixture is thoroughly combined. 

Let mixture cool for about 3-5 minutes, then refrigerate for 10-15 minutes or until the fudge is set. Run a butter knife around the edge of the fudge. Remove from the cup. Cut into pieces. 

*Please note - You may need to adjust the cook time depending on your microwave. 



Delish .... and just what I needed. 
Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Oreo Cream Cheese Frosting
Conversation Heart Bark
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!
Featured at Hun, What's For Dinner?, A Pinch of Joy and Plaid and Paisley Kitchen

Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved

Chocolate Cherry Marshmallow Brownies

Where has January gone?! It's hard to believe it's almost February - of course, the weather is reminding much of the country that it's still winter! With Valentine's Day approaching, I wanted to share an easy dessert idea. These Chocolate Cherry Marshmallow Brownies are eye-catching with their bright red, white and dark brown colors! 


This is one of those recipes I tried years ago and tucked it away to make again ... and promptly forgot about it! Don't you hate when you do that?! I was going through some paperwork recently, and found this little gem. I remembered how great it was years ago - and knew I had to make it again and share it with y'all!


Chocolate Cherry Marshmallow Brownies
Printable recipe
Yield: 18-24 servings

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted
4 eggs
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup baking cocoa
2 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
2 cups miniature marshmallows
1 jar (10 oz.) maraschino cherries, drained well and chopped
½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp. heavy whipping cream

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-in. baking pan with cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, cream the sugar and butter. Add the eggs and beat until thoroughly combined. 

In a separate medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt. Gradually add to the creamed mixture.

Pour and spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 28 minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the marshmallows. Bake an additional 2 minutes or until the marshmallows are softened, but not browned. Remove from the oven. Sprinkle with cherries and allow to cool on a wire rack. 

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and cream. Stir until smooth. Drizzle chocolate over brownies. Let stand until chocolate is set! Cut into squares.



Other Posts You May Enjoy:

Basic Brownies
Chocolate Pound Cake
I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!
Featured at Ms. enPlace and Mandy's Recipe Box

Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved

Lemon Funfetti Cake with Lemon Curd Filling and Lemon Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting

I love baking cakes ..... not that my blog name would have given it away or anything! ;) Of course my blog isn't just about cakes - or evenly mostly about cakes - because who could eat that many cakes .... seriously?! Perhaps that's a story for another time.

Our daughter turned 2 years old recently ... and after four boys, it's been fun doing girl things and buying girl stuff! I mean, I've waited 17 years to do this - since my oldest boy was born. All little girls love sparkles and sprinkles, right?! They just make the world a better place, don't ya think?

I wanted something a little more fun than a plain vanilla cake and decided to make her a Lemon Funfetti Cake with Lemon Curd Filling and Lemon Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting. Trying to say that fives times fast. Yeah. 
This cake had a nice lemon flavor that wasn't overpowering. I loved the lemon curd between the layers - but you could totally use frosting if you choose to. 
This cake is perfect for birthdays or baby showers. I think it would also be great in the Spring! I decided to top this cake with even more sprinkles - because who couldn't use more sprinkles in their life? And of course, because they're fun, why not?!



Lemon Funfetti Cake with Lemon Curd Filling
and Lemon Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting
Slightly adapted from Baked Bree
Printable recipe
Yield: 12-16 servings

For the cake:
2¼ cups cake flour
1 tbsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
1¼ cups buttermilk
4 egg whites
1½ cups sugar
1 lemon, zested
1 stick unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 tsp. lemon extract
1 container (1.75 oz.) rainbow sprinkles

For the frosting:
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 jar (7 oz.) marshmallow creme
2 cups powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon extract

Additional ingredients:
Extra sprinkles
Lemon Curd

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour two round 8 or 9-inch cake pans. Set aside.

Sift the cake flour, baking powder and salt together. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg whites.

Cream the butter, sugar and lemon zest in a large bowl. Add the lemon extract and one-third of the flour mixture. Mix well. Add half of the buttermilk mixture. Mix well. Repeat until all of the ingredients are added, ending with the flour mixture. Add the sprinkles and fold to incorporate.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the middle tests clean. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

While the cake is cooling, prepare the frosting by creaming the butter until it is light and fluffy. Add the marshmallow creme and mix well. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla and lemon extract.

Once the cake has cooled completely, place one of the cake layers on a serving platter or a cake stand. Pipe a circle of frosting around the outside edge of the cake. Fill the circle with lemon curd. Place the other cake layer on the top. Frost the cake. If desired, decorate or top with additional sprinkles.

Store the cake in the refrigerator. Remove about 15 minutes prior to serving. Refrigerate any leftovers.



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I hope you enjoy! Shared at thesefun parties!

Featured at The Taylor House

Don't forget to share and comment ♥Copyright © Love Bakes Good Cakes 2012-2013 All Rights Reserved