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Strawberry Vodka Slush

Strawberry Vodka Slush is a frozen cocktail made with strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vodka, sugar and seltzer water.

Strawberry Vodka Slush

Strawberry Vodka Slush is sweet, refreshing and hits the spot on a warm day. If you are a daiquiri fan, this is the type of cocktail for you and a real treat! There may be snow on the ground here in Cincinnati at the moment but I can’t help to think about sipping this baby by the pool this summer while soaking up some sunshine.

Tips & Tricks

Don’t blend for too long! You want a powerful blender and use crushed ice. If you don’t have crushed ice, just blend the ice for 30 seconds before adding any other ingredients. This way, the cocktail will be nice and slushie without random chunks of ice.

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Strawberry Vodka Slush

Strawberry Vodka Slush is a frozen cocktail made with strawberries, freshly squeezed lemon juice, vodka, sugar and seltzer water.
Course drink
Keyword cocktail, vodka
Servings 2 drinks
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1 pound strawberries hulled and frozen
  • 1 cup lemon juice 4 lemons
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1 cup seltzer water
  • 1 cup ice

Garnish

  • 2 ounces extra vodka optional
  • 2 lime slices
  • 2 fresh strawberries
  • whipped cream optional

Instructions

  • Wash, hull and freeze strawberries. I always freeze the fruits my kids don't eat throughout the week and use for these type of recipes.
  • Squeeze 1 cup worth of lemon juice from about 4 lemons.
  • Place frozen berries into blender with the rest of the ingredients. Blend until smooth.
  • Serve in 2 glasses and garnish with a slice of lime and a strawberry.
  • Optional to add an extra ounce of vodka to float on top of each drink before serving. Try it with a dollop of whipped cream!

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream is a cocoa made with white chocolate chips, whole milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract on the stove-top or in the slow cooker topped with an easy whipped cream made of heavy cream, strawberry Jello and confectioners sugar.

School was cancelled today because of the freezing cold temperatures outside. Like many places at the moment- Cincinnati is experiencing some serious low temperatures so what do we do? Drink hot chocolate, duh! We didn’t want any hot chocolate though so we made it special today with a strawberry whipped cream topping and Valentine’s Day sprinkles and it is just what we needed on a day like this.

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream

White Hot Chocolate can easily be made in the handy crock-pot or quickly on the stove top.

White Hot Chocolate Instructions

  • Stove Top: Add the chocolate chips, heavy cream , milk and vanilla extract to a saucepan or pot. Cook on a medium heat and whisk frequently until you reach a low simmer. Serve.
  • Crock Pot: Add your ingredients to a crock-pot and cook on low for 3 hours. Serve.

Strawberry Whipped Cream

Time for that special touch of strawberry whipped cream. This tastes like a normal fluffy, slightly sweet whipped cream but with the added bonus of strawberry flavor! Plus, it is really easy to make. Before beginning, place a metal bowl and the beaters into the freezer for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes is up, add the heavy cream, confectioners sugar, and a little bit of Jello gelatin powder in strawberry flavor to the cold bowl. Beat for 4-5 minutes you get a stiff peak – meaning it will hold firm but still look soft and fluffy.

Think of all the delicious desserts you can use this strawberry whipped cream on! YUM. 

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White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream

White Hot Chocolate with Strawberry Whipped Cream is a cocoa made with white chocolate chips, whole milk, heavy cream and vanilla extract on the stove-top or in the slow cooker topped with an easy whipped cream made of heavy cream, strawberry Jello and confectioners sugar. 
Recipe inspired by The First Year Blog
Course desssert, drink
Keyword strawberry
Servings 4 people
Author Amber

Ingredients

White Hot Chocolate

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 8 ounces white chocolate chips

Strawberry Whipped Cream

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons Jello gelatin powder strawberry

Instructions

  • Place a metal bowl and beaters into freezer for 15 minutes. 
  • Add 2 cups heavy cream , 1/2 cup confectioners sugar and 4 Tablespoons Jello gelatin powder into the metal bowl and beat for 4-5 minutes or until a stiff peak forms. Store in fridge. 
  • In a pot or saucepan, add the chocolate chips, 2 cups whole milk, 2 cups heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Cook on a medium heat stirring often as you bring it to a low simmer. 
  • Serve the hot chocolate in a mug with some strawberry whipped cream on top and add some sprinkles for fun!

After making this strawberry whipped cream for our white hot chocolate, I am thinking of all kinds of fun flavors and ways to eat whipped cream! Do you have any amazing flavor ideas? Let me know in the comments below.

Chocolate Waffles

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Chocolate Waffles are made with basic baking ingredients, cocoa powder and chunks of milk chocolate. Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a special breakfast.

I have Valentine’s Day on the mind- it is only a few weeks away! I like to make something special every year for my family. It may be a big breakfast or a delicious cake… maybe just a fancy steak dinner. While a stuffed animal and a few heart-shaped chocolates are fun… there is something about baking or cooking for your loved ones that gives you all the good feels. This year, my homemade treat are these Chocolate Waffles! Let’s be honest though- do we really need a holiday to make these yummy waffles? Probably not.

Chocolate Waffles

Chocolate Waffles are really easy to make. Everything except for the egg whites and chopped chocolate go into a big mixing bowl to be whisked together. The egg whites are beaten until they come to peak, meaning they turn into a white foam, then they are folded into the waffle batter. A chocolate bar is chopped up and also folded into the batter for extra chocolate flavor.

**Make sure to read the instructions on your waffle maker because each will have a slightly different recommended cook time. 


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Chocolate Waffles

Chocolate Waffles are made with basic baking ingredients, cocoa powder and chunks of milk chocolate. Top with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a special breakfast. 
Course Breakfast, brunch
Keyword chocolate, waffles
Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings 8 waffles
Author Amber

Ingredients

  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 Tablespoons confectioners sugar
  • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 4 ounces milk or dark chocolate chopped
  • 2 egg whites
  • non-stick cooking spray
  • strawberries sliced
  • whipped cream
  • chocolate syrup

Instructions

  • Add the dry ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk together. Dry ingredients are flour, cocoa powder, confectioners sugar, and salt. 
  • Add the vegetable oil, milk and vanilla extract. Whisk together. 
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites to a peak where the egg is like a stiff foam. Fold in the egg whites into the batter. 
  • Chop up a chocolate bar and fold into batter. You can use any baking chocolate you like - dark or milk. 
  • Heat up your waffle iron. 
  • Spray iron with non-stick spray. Add 1/2 cup batter (for a single waffle maker) and use a spatula to spread out the batter. 
  • Cook each waffle for 3 minutes or per waffle iron recommended cooking time. 
  • Top with chocolate syrup drizzle, sliced strawberries and whipped cream. 

Do you make your family anything special for Valentine’s Day? Let me know about it in the comments below.

Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote

Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #TeaProudly #TeaProbiotics #CollectiveBias

Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote is made with plain yogurt, granola and a fresh strawberry sauce paired with a warm cup of New Bigelow Tea with Probiotics for a perfect start to any morning.

For the past 6 months, I have been really focused on living a healthier lifestyle by being more cautious of the foods I am consuming, cutting back on unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol, being physically active in everyday life and getting a daily workout in. I plan on maintaining my healthier lifestyle going into the fall season and beginning each morning with Bigelow teas are helping me do so.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, starts from the moment you wake up. Get in the right mindset! Stay positive and take a moment to yourself to meditate, stretch, pet your dog or whatever relaxes your mind before beginning the day.

After taking a moment of relaxation, make sure to eat a balanced breakfast. By having the first meal of the day be something that makes you feel good, you can easily continue your day eating healthy and staying in the right mind frame to create a better version of yourself.

What my breakfast looks like: 

  • Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote made with yogurt, a high protein granola and fresh strawberries.
  • A probiotics tea from the Bigelow family with a pinch of honey.

Interested in trying out the NEW Bigelow Tea with Probiotics offerings? Hover over the photo above to click through to Walmart.com and buy it!

Why drink Bigelow Tea with Probiotics as part of a balanced breakfast? 

Bigelow is my #1 choice when it comes to tea! I tea proudly with Bigelow because it is the only choice for me. Bigelow teas are manufactured in the US with individually wrapped foil pouches to deliver freshness. You can taste the quality and all-natural ingredients with every sip. The Bigelow family delivers an uncompromised tea experience with their tea blends. From the beautiful aroma to amazing taste to the warm feeling you get all over your body while drinking- there is nothing like enjoying a cup of Bigelow in the morning.

Speaking of quality ingredients, the innovative combination of Ganeden-BC30 helps maintain a healthy balance in the digestive tract when used as part of a healthy diet. Healthy digestion begins with these three probiotic flavors:

Walmart is where I head to pick up my Bigelow Tea with Probiotics. You can find them on the coffee aisle!

Click HERE for more information and to purchase.

Follow Bigelow Tea on Social Media

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote

I love starting my morning off with yogurt to pair with my Bigelow Tea with Probiotics! This Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote hits the spots and keeps me motivated to eat healthier all day long. Plus, the strawberry compote is just plain delicious!

Never made a compote?

This strawberry compote is so simple to make. Make a batch on Sunday night to prepare for a week of delicious Yogurt Parfaits with Strawberry Compote to enjoy every morning with your Bigelow Tea.

Begin by washing, hulling and slicing fresh strawberries. Add the strawberries to a saucepan on the stove top, along with honey and lemon juice and bring to a low simmer. Simmer the strawberries for 12 minutes. I like to mash half the strawberries as they simmer to pull out all that amazing juice from the fruit. After the strawberries have simmered for 12 minutes, remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, place in refrigerator and enjoy as you please. This strawberry compote also tastes amazing on top of waffles, cheesecake or even as an addition to cold beverages like lemonade.

Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote
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Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote is made with plain yogurt, granola and a fresh strawberry sauce paired with a warm cup of New Bigelow Tea with Probiotics for a perfect start to any morning. 

  • Strawberry Compote (will produce approximately 6 servings)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 quart fresh strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Yogurt Parfait with Strawberry Compote
  • 6 ounces yogurt, plain
  • 2 tablespoons granola
  • 3 tablespoons strawberry compote
  • Garnish
  • mint sprig
  • strawberry, sliced
  1. Make the strawberry compote ahead of time. Start by washing, hulling and and slicing the fresh strawberries.
  2. Place strawberries into a medium saucepan with honey and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer for 12 minutes. As the strawberries simmer, muddle half of them well by squishing with the back of a spoon or using a potato masher.
  3. Let the strawberry compote cool and place into a jar to store in fridge for one week.
  4. Once the strawberry compote has cooled off, you can make the parfait.
  5. Add 3 tablespoon of strawberry compote to bottom of bowl.
  6. Layer yogurt on top, followed by a couple tablespoons of granola.
  7. Garnish with a sliced strawberry and mint (optional).

Find Bigelow Tea at a Walmart near you and comment below with some of your best morning tips that keep you on track to a healthy lifestyle.

Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer

Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer

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The Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer is made with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries muddled with vodka and poured over ice with a lemon-lime sparkling water for a refreshing cocktail with few calories and a lot of flavor.

Hot summer days call for a cocktail with simplicity, low calorie and leaves you completely refreshed. This Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer does just that! Bonus that this cocktail is also beautiful and would be great for hosting a get together with girlfriends.

Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer

This Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer is really simple to create. All you need:

Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer
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The Triple Berry Vodka Spritzer is made with fresh strawberries, blueberries and raspberries muddled with vodka and poured over ice with a lemon-lime sparkling water for a refreshing cocktail with few calories and a lot of flavor. 

  • 2 blueberries
  • 2 raspberries
  • 1 strawberry
  • 2 ounces vodka
  • 6 ounces sparkling water lemon-lime
  • ice
  • Garnish
  • 1 Strawberry
  • 1 lime slice
  • 2 blueberries
  • 2 raspberries
  1. In a cocktail shaker, muddle 2 blueberries, 2 raspberries and 1 sliced strawberry.
  2. Add 2 ounces vodka and 2 ounces sparkling water.
  3. Shake and strain into a glass over ice.
  4. Top off with more sparkling water.
  5. Garnish with a couple more berries, slice of lime and strawberry.
  6. Serve.


Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older. #CelebratorySips #HenrysSparklingSips #HenrysHardSparkling #CollectiveBias

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules are made with fresh strawberries, mint, ginger beer, lime juice, vodka and Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water for a beautiful seasonal cocktail with fewer calories.

Spring has finally arrived in Cincinnati after a very long winter! Good-bye snow boots and bulky coats. Hello sunshine and flip-flops! The temperature has been perfect the last couple weeks and I am itching to start entertaining our friends this season with some Honey Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Salsa and ice cold Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules. 

These Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules have a little twist from the classic version, which is using a little less ginger beer and adding in that light Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water for a truly refreshing beverage without the calories that a lot of cocktails contain. It is almost bikini season after all!

Why add Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water to your Moscow mule? 

  • Creates a light, refreshing and down-right delicious cocktail.
  • No sugar with only 88 calories to keep that beach body in check.
  • Low carb with no artificial flavors or colors.
  • Contains as much alcohol as beer but with fewer calories.

Find more recipe inspiration for Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water by clicking HERE. 

Make sure to try Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water in all the yummy flavors or just grab a variety pack to find your favorite. I want to hear about your own creative cocktail concoctions that are keeping you and your friends cool this season. Let me know how you are drinking Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water in the comments down below.

Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water comes in: 

  • Lemon Lime
  • Strawberry Kiwi
  • Passion Fruit
  • Variety pack

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule

Your friends are all going to love this Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule and it is really simple to make. Start by slicing some fresh strawberries, slice limes into wedges and also some slices for garnish. Mint is a great aromatic and flavorful addition to this drink but completely optional. These Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules are a hit regardless!

Each glass will get one jigger of vodka (grab your favorite), one sliced strawberry, one mint leaf and freshly squeezed lime from a wedge. Muddle all those ingredients together well to infuse the flavors into the vodka.

Fill the glass with ice and one more sliced strawberry, followed by three ounces of ginger beer, and fill the remainder with Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water Lemon Lime. Garnish with a lime slice and mint.

Strawberry Lime Moscow Mule
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Strawberry Lime Moscow Mules are made with fresh strawberries, mint, ginger beer, lime juice, vodka and Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water for a refreshing seasonal cocktail with fewer calories. 

Yields: 1

  • 1 jigger (1.5 ounces) vodka
  • 3 ounces ginger beer
  • 3 ounces Henry's Hard Sparkling Water Lemon Lime
  • 1 lime wedge
  • 2 strawberries
  • mint (optional)
  • ice
  1. Slice the strawberries and lime.
  2. In a copper cup or glass, add vodka, the juice from 1 lime wedge, 1 mint leaf and 1 sliced strawberry. Muddle ingredients together.
  3. Fill glass with ice and add the other sliced strawberry.
  4. Add 3 ounces ginger beer.
  5. Top with Henry's Hard Sparkling Water Lemon Lime (3 ounces worth).
  6. Garnish with a lime slice and mint.
  • Preparation time: 3 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 172

Cheers to warmer weather ahead! Time to make some great memories with friends and Henry’s Hard Sparkling Water! 

20 Crazy Delicious No-Bake Summer Desserts

20 Crazy Delicious No-Bake Summer Desserts

We are ready for summertime in this household and the weather has been gorgeous lately! Sunny and 90 degree days which means lounging by the pool, sipping frozen beverages and neighborhood grill outs is around the corner. Summer gets pretty darn hot and muggy here in Cincinnati and I try to avoid turning the oven on as much as possible so today we have 20 Crazy Delicious No-Bake Summer Dessert recipes because dessert is always on that weekly must-have list!

No Bake Orange Creamsicle Cheesecake from The Cincy Shopper. This dessert is gorgeous with a Nilla Wafer crust and layers of orange creamsicle goodness.

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Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats from Crayons & Cravings are basically the cutest no-bake treat for summer! This one will impress friends at summer gatherings and no, you don’t have to tell them how easy it was to make! It can be our little secret.

Watermelon Rice Krispie Treats, no bake summer desserts, summer recipes

 

You can’t talk about fabulous desserts without some peanut butter options! These No Bake Oreo Peanut Butter Bars with Chocolate Chips from Savory Tooth have 3 layers of yum. OREO + peanut butter = gimme some now!

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Raw Vegan Blackberry Cheesecake from One Clever Chef has me swooning! Just look at that color!

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Gluten-free Vegan Mocha Cheesecake Bites from Vegan Huggs is a must-make this summer. Who doesn’t love some mocha? or cheesecake? or bite-sized anything?

 

Chocolate Eclair Cake from Amanda’s Cookin’. Do I need to even say anything? Just wrap it up, I am taking this one to go and no, I probably won’t share.

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What is summer without some fresh strawberries? This Strawberry Cheesecake Pie from Spend with Pennies is a creamy no-bake dessert.

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No Bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Bars from The View from Great Island. Eggless cookie dough and rich chocolate combine for a simple summer treat.

 

More Crazy Delicious No-Bake Summer Desserts

No Bake OREO birthday Cake Squares from Brooklyn Farm Girl.

Strawberry Lush Cake from Small Town Woman. 

Light and Luscious Easy Lemon Trifle from A Magical Mess.

No Bake Blueberry Cheesecakes from Pint-Sized Treasures. 

Coffee Granita from Fun, Food and Frolic.

White Chocolate Raspberry Truffles from Sweet and Savory Meals.

No-churn Red Wine, Strawberry and Salted Dark Chocolate Ice Cream from Pass Me Some Tasty.

Edible OREO Birthday Cake Cookie Dough from Leggings ‘N’ Lattes.

Chocolate Salami from The Culinary Jumble. 

Homemade Banana Cherry Popsicles from Me and My Inklings. 

Coconut Cheesecake with Berry Jelly from My Gorgeous Recipes. 

Dreamy Peanut Butter, Banana and Chocolate Popsicles from Occasionally Eggs. 

20 Crazy Delicious No Bake Summer Desserts, summer recipes, no bake desserts

Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry Muffins

Strawberry Muffins are made with fresh strawberries and basic baking ingredients for a delicious start to the day.

It is strawberry season! We love ourselves some locally grown fresh strawberries and I am always searching for recipes to utilize them. This recipe is a great weekend brunch item to bake for the family. These Strawberry Muffins smell amazing and are just perfect fresh out of the oven.

I cannot take credit for this recipe! This recipe comes from the amazing Ina Garten from Barefoot Contessa.


Make sure to checkout some great cookbooks from Ina Garten on Amazon for some more fabulous recipes!

Strawberry Muffins
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Strawberry Muffins are made with fresh strawberries and basic baking ingredients for a delicious start to the day.

  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1.25 cups milk
  • 2 eggs
  • 16 tablespoons butter, melted (2 sticks)
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, diced
  • 1.5 cups sugar
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  2. Place muffin liners in muffin pan.
  3. In a large bowl, add flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Mix ingredients.
  4. Add the eggs, melted butter and milk to mixing bowl. Use a hand or stand mixer to beat ingredients.
  5. Dice 2 cups of fresh strawberries.
  6. Add the strawberries and sugar to mixing bowl. Stir.
  7. Fill each muffin liner 3/4 full.
  8. Bake 20-22 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
  9. Place on a cooling rack for 5-10 minutes.
  10. Serve.

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping made with an easy graham cracker crust, creamy layer of cheesecake, a layer of sour cream on top and topped with strawberries with a fresh strawberry glaze drizzle.

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry ToppingI have said this before and will say again- I love cheesecake! Cheesecake is my favorite dessert and my favorite way to make it is with a simple graham cracker crust, easy filling and a fresh fruit sauce so this Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping hits the mark.

I bought this 9inch Heart Shaped Springform Pan last year and just used it for the first time! I love the heart shape for Valentine’s Day (which is fast approaching) or anytime really. If you don’t have a use for a heart shaped cake pan, you can use a regular 9 inch Springform Pan. 

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry ToppingCheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping

This Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping is pretty basic and easy to make. With that being said- if you have never made a cheesecake EVER… maybe start out with our Creamy Raspberry Sauce Cheesecake (perfect for first time cheesecake makers) because cheesecake can be tricky for newbies.

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry ToppingStart with the graham crust which is the same as that with our Sparkling Cranberries White Chocolate Cheesecake. Graham crackers, room temperature butter and a bit of sugar are pressed into the bottom of the springform pan. To crush the graham crackers, place them into a ziploc bag and smash with a rolling pin. Really easy and this crust works great for any kind of cheesecake you are making.

The cheesecake filling is the most important step to making this dessert perfect. Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing. Don’t get impatient.. this is really important. Cream cheese straight from the fridge will clump up and not mix well so the cheesecake won’t be smooth and creamy like we want it. I also have my eggs sit out while the cream cheese softens so everything mixes well. Blend all the cheesecake filling ingredients together with a hand mixer and pour into springform pan. Bake for 55 minutes. Do a toothpick check in the center to make sure it comes out clean. If not, place back in oven and check every 5 minutes.

Should you do a water bath for this cheesecake? I did not but you certainly can. Cover the bottom of the cheesecake in foil to avoid leaks and then put the springform pan into a larger pan with some hot water inside (no more than an inch deep). A water bath can help cook the cheesecake more evenly and reduce cracks.

As the cheesecake cooks in the oven, make your sour cream topping. Use a hand mixer to blend all your sour cream topping ingredients together and pour over the cheesecake right when it comes out of the oven. Place back into oven for 5 minutes.

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry ToppingLet the cheesecake sit out and cool for about 30 minutes and then put in fridge to set up for 12-24 hours.

Hull all 2 quarts worth of strawberries. Half will be decorated on top of the cheesecake so you can be picky and grab the best ones or the ones closest in size. Start on the outer edges and place strawberry after strawberry on top until completely filled.

The other half of the strawberries will go into the food processor to make a puree. Blend well and pour in a saucepan on the stovetop on a medium heat with lemon juice and sugar. Bring the strawberries to a simmer. On the side, mix 1 cup water with 3 tablespoons cornstarch. Pour into saucepan. Whisk well. The sauce will begin to thicken and you can add in your red food coloring. Remove from heat and strain. Let cool and place into a pastry bag to decorate the cheesecake. Use as much or as little sauce as you would like- cover all the strawberries if you want!

Have extra strawberry sauce? Save for later to pour over waffles for breakfast!

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping
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Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping made with an easy graham cracker crust, creamy layer of cheesecake, a layer of sour cream on top and topped with strawberries with a fresh strawberry glaze drizzle. Recipe inspired from Taste of Home.

Yields: 12 servings

  • Graham Cracker Crust
  • 6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
  • 1.25 cups graham crackers, crushed (1 sleeve worth)
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • Cheesecake filling
  • 4- 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1.25 cups sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • Sour Cream Topping
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Strawberry Glaze
  • 1 quart strawberries
  • 3 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • red food coloring
  • Other
  • 1 quart strawberries
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Make your graham cracker crust. Place a sleeve of graham crackers into Ziploc bag and crush crackers with a rolling pin.
  3. In a small bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs, 6 tablespoons room temperature butter and 1/4 cup sugar and then place into the bottom of your 9 inch springform pan. Press the graham crackers down.
  4. Make the Cheesecake Filling. Use a hand mixer to thoroughly mix your softened cream cheese and 1.25 cups sugar. Blend until creamy. Add the tablespoon of lemon juice and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Blend again. Lastly, add 4 eggs and mix again. Pour filling into springform pan.
  5. If you would like- make your water bath by covering bottom of springform pan with foil and putting into a larger pan with hot water at bottom.
  6. Bake cheesecake for 55 minutes. Check the center with a toothpick to make sure it comes out clean. If not, place back into oven checking every 5 minutes until done.
  7. Sour Cream Topping. While the cheesecake cooks, blend your sour cream topping with hand mixer. Add 2 cups sour cream, 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into a bowl and blend until creamy. When the cheesecake is finished cooking, add the sour cream topping right away smoothing out the top and place back into oven for 5 minutes.
  8. Remove cheesecake from oven and let cool for about 30 minutes before placing into fridge for 12-24 hours.
  9. Hull all 2 quarts of strawberries and decorate the top of the cheesecake with half of them. Start on the outside and work your way in.
  10. Strawberry Glaze. Place the other half of the strawberries into food processor and blend until you have a puree. Place the puree into a saucepan on the stovetop on a medium heat adding 3 teaspoons lemon juice and 1 cup sugar. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup water and 3 tablespoons cornstarch and add to pan. Add your red food coloring (to desired amount) and whisk sauce until thickened. This only takes a few minutes after the sauce/glaze has begun to simmer. Remove from heat and strain. Let cool.
  11. Once the strawberry glaze has cooled, place into a pastry bag and cut a small amount off tip to complete the decoration of the cheesecake. Glaze in between each strawberry and around the sides, you may even place the glaze over each individual strawberry. You don't have to use it all, just the desired amount of glaze.
  12. Place into fridge until time to serve.
  • Preparation time: 25 minutes
  • Cook time: 60 minutes

Cheesecake with Fresh Strawberry ToppingCheesecake with Fresh Strawberry Topping

Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert

Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert

Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert with a pretzel crust, layer of creamy no bake cheesecake topped with strawberries and Jell-O.  Most of you have probably had a pretzel salad dessert but if you haven’t, you must make today!

Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad DessertLayered Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert is great for BBQ’s, family gatherings, work pot lucks or just a treat for the family on the weekend. It is really tasty and one of those dishes that pleases everyone. Maybe not everyone… I had a coworker that hated strawberries. Hated them! She’s the oddball in this equation though.

Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad DessertThe most difficult part of making this dessert is having patience has the layers cool. Patience is not my thing! Bake your pretzel crust, let cool. Then, whip up the cream cheese layer and again, let cool. Make sure the cream cheese layer butts up tot he side of the casserole dish to avoid Jell-O leakage. You can see I had a spot that leaked through a tad so my pretzel crust has a bit of red tint to it. Still tastes great. When you do the Jell-O layer, have it cool and set just a bit before pouring over the cream cheese layer. This will also help you get those perfect layers. Place in fridge until Jell-O is completely set up and serve with a dollop of whipped topping.

Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad DessertWhat type of gathering can you see yourself making this Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert?

Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert

Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert
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Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert
  • 2 packets Jell-O strawberry flavored gelatin
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • 1 cup cold water
  • 4 cups sliced frozen strawberries
  • 2 cup crushed pretzels
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup + 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 8 ounce cream cheese
  • 8 ounce container whipped topping
  • extra whipped topping for garnish
  1. Pre heat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Crush your pretzels, 3 tablespoons sugar and melt the butter. Squish together on the bottom of a casserole dish. I used a 9 x 11 with a tight squeeze.
  3. Bake for 7-10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.
  4. Boil 1 cup of water. Add your strawberry packets and let dissolve. Add in 1 cup cold water and mix. Set to the side.
  5. In a medium bowl, use a hand mixer to thoroughly mix the cream cheese. Add in one cup sugar and mix. Add in 8 ounces of whipped topping and fold in.
  6. Once the crust layer is cooled, add your cream cheese layer. Make sure to spread cream cheese layer evenly and butt up to all the sides of dish.
  7. When the Jell-O has cooled, add in your sliced strawberries. Mix and add the layer to your casserole dish.
  8. Place in fridge until completely set.
  9. Serve with a dollop of whipped topping on top.

Layered Strawberry Pretzel Salad Dessert