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desserts

Caramel Apple Air Fryer Dessert Pizza

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Summer has flown by. Before we know it, Autumn will be here. Truthfully, Autumn has always been my favorite season. I love the crisp air, the turning leaves, and most of all, the delicious apple foods! But this caramel apple air fryer dessert pizza is perfect for any season. It’s crispy, gooey, and oh-so-flavorful!

Caramel Apple Air Fryer Dessert Pizza

Why the air fryer?

As someone who creates a lot of Instant Pot and air fryer meals, I get this question a lot. Honestly, both of these kitchen gadgets have been a game changer for me. Not only are they easy to use, but they create less mess, and a faster cook time. And I know busy parents can relate to that! These gadgets are truly a lifesaver. And that’s why I use the air fryer for this recipe.

Caramel Apple Air Fryer Dessert Pizza

What you’ll need

Listen, this recipe is lengthy. Both as far as ingredients and steps. But I need to tell you — give it a shot. It’s much, much easier than you would expect. With homemade pizza crust, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • warm water
  • sugar
  • dry yeast
  • all-purpose flour
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • cornmeal
Caramel Apple Air Fryer Dessert Pizza

The pizza dough crust ingredients are so simple. The caramelized apples and cream cheese frosting are even more simple. Here’s what else you’ll need to have on hand:

  • salted butter
  • brown sugar
  • water
  • 2 large apples
  • ground cinnamon
  • cream cheese
  • powdered sugar
  • vanilla

Pro tip: The apples you get should be of the tart variety. Tart apple varieties include Pink Lady, McIntosh, and Cortland apples!

Caramel Apple Air Fryer Dessert Pizza Recipe

Yield: 4

Caramel Apple Air Fryer Dessert Pizza

Caramel Apple Air Fryer Dessert Pizza
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Additional Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 43 minutes

Ingredients

Pizza Dough

  • 1 ½ cups of warm water (110 degrees F)
  • 2 teaspoons of sugar
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons of dry yeast
  • 3 ½ cups of all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 1/2 cup of cornmeal

Caramelized Apples

  • 2 tablespoons of salted butter
  • ⅓ cup of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of water
  • 2 large apples
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Pizza Assembly

  • Caramelized apples
  • 3 tablespoons of butter softened
  • 1/4 cup of brown sugar

Cream Cheese Frosting

  • 4 ounces of cream cheese softened
  • 6 tablespoons of butter, softened
  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla

Instructions

Ingredients:

Pizza Dough

  1. In a large bowl, add your warm water and yeast. Stir and mix. Allow your yeast to proof for about five minutes.
  2. After five minutes, add in your sugar, flour, olive oil, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated. 
  3. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook for about five minutes on medium speed. If using your hands, transfer the dough ball to a lightly floured flat surface and knead for about 10 minutes.
  4. Transfer your dough ball to a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a clean towel for 1 hour, or until it's doubled in size.

Caramelizing Onions

  1. Peel and dice the apples into small pieces.

  2. In a medium saucepan melt the butter over medium high heat.
  3. When the butter is melted, add the sugar, water, and apples. Stir and cook until the sugar is melted. 3 minutes.
  4. Lower the heat to medium-low and consistently stir while cooking for 8 minutes.
  5. Add the cinnamon and cook/stir for 1 minute.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool for 20 minutes. Place in a jar and cool for 1 hour. 

Pizza Assembly

  1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°
  2. Once your dough has doubled in size, remove your dough ball to a lightly floured surface.
  3. Divide your ball into 4 sections.
  4. Roll your dough using a rolling pin until it is 8 inches in diameter. 
  5. Dust the air fryer pan with the cornmeal and transfer your pizza dough to your pan. Press to flatten down on the bottom of the pan.
  6. Once your air fryer is heated, cook your dough for 4 minutes. 
  7. In a mixing bowl, add and mix the caramelized apples, 3 tablespoons of melted butter, and 1/4 cup of brown sugar. 

  8. Remove the cooked dough and then top it with 1/4 of the caramel apple sauce from the mixing bowl. Cook for another 4 minutes.
  9. Repeat the steps for each pizza.
  10. While the pizza is cooking, add the frosting ingredients to a bowl and mix to combine.
  11. Once the pizza is cooked and cooled, pipe or drizzle the frosting onto the pizzas.
     
  12. Serve and enjoy! Use any extra frosting as a dipping sauce. 
    © Rachel

    Truly this recipe is so easy. If you’re looking for other Fall recipes, check out these adorable Mummy Jalapeño Poppers!

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    Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

    by 9 Comments

    One of my favorite treats from my childhood was so simple. Pudding! It seemed like such a delicacy, despite being made from a box. As a mom I’m 100% guilty of not making enough of these types of treats. Which is maybe why my kids also think pudding is a ‘special’ treat. But I’ve also spoiled them even further by making this easy homemade chocolate pudding from scratch. They will never look at boxed pudding the same from here on out!

    Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

    What you’ll need

    This chocolate pudding is so easy to make and it only has 7 ingredients — most (if not all) of which you probably have in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

    • 6 tablespoons of flour
    • 1/2 cup of sugar
    • 6 tablespoons of cocoa powder
    • 2 Eggs
    • 3 cups of whole milk
    • 2 tablespoons of butter
    • 1 teaspoon of vanilla

    Optional ingredients would include whipped cream and chocolate shavings (for that extra ‘wow’ factor!).

    Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

    That’s it. No fancy pressure cooker or air fryer required for this one! I just know you will enjoy it as much as we have.

    Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

    How to make this Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

    Yield: 3 cups

    Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding

    Easy Homemade Chocolate Pudding
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 15 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes

    Ingredients

    • 6 tablespoons of flour
    • 1/2 cup of Sugar
    • 6 tablespoons of Cocoa powder
    • 2 Eggs
    • 3 cups of whole Milk
    • 2 tablespoons of butter
    • 1 teaspoon of Vanilla

    Instructions

    INGREDIENTS -

    1. Add flour, sugar, and cocoa powder to a mixing bowl. Combine.
    2. Add eggs and mix until paste forms.
    3. Mix in the milk until smooth.
    4. Add mixture to a saucepan over medium heat. Continue to whisk until the mixture starts to simmer and thicken up.
    5. Remove from heat and add the butter and vanilla. Mix in until melted.
    6. Set in the fridge for 1-2 hours until the pudding has cooled and set.
    7. Serve with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
    © Rachel

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    Making the most of Quarantine Halloween

    by 21 Comments

    Twenty-twenty will forever go down as the worst phrase of our generation. As a mom of young kids, one of the worst things ever is knowing that my kids know that something is going on. I mean, my 7 year old and my 4 year old both keep saying “…when COVID-19 is over, can we….?” And it absolutely breaks my heart. But we’re all doing the absolute best that we can given the circumstances. So I have made it my personal mission to let my kids know that Covid doesn’t have to stop the fun. And that’s why I’m making the most of quarantine Halloween!

    trick or treat

    Trick-or-no-treat?

    Our city is still very much on the fence regarding trick-or-treating. But I am not. Our neighborhood gets really busy — which we have always welcomed. But this year I am less than thrilled about the potential for kids coming and going and pushing around. With a heavy heart we decided against traditional trick-or-treating this year. And, honestly, I think that’s what’s best. My kids will have another Halloween and trick-or-treat. But, Covid is a wildcard. And I couldn’t live with myself if something happened.

    So what should we do?!

    There are so many ways to make the most of Halloween. Kids don’t really care about trick-or-treating. Heck! My kids usually only last 15 minutes! But they do love celebrations — and candy! So that’s what we will do.

    Making the most of Quarantine Halloween

    How we’re celebrating

    We will still dress up. I will admit — I don’t like how much adults ‘love’ Halloween. I’ve always hated the idea of adult Halloween parties. But I will dress up this year for my kids. We will have a big at-home party! My kids and I will be setting up the most perfect candy charcuterie board for Halloween.

    Making the most of Quarantine Halloween

    What you need for a candy charcuterie board

    Assorted candies
    Small containers
    Large cutting board or platter

    Charcuterie Board

    Candies may include:

    Twizzlers
    M&Ms
    Candy Corn
    Candy Pumpkins
    Jelly Slugs
    Halloween Pez
    Bloody Bites
    Spooky Lips Lollipops
    Assorted snack size candies, wrapped or unwrapped

    1. Choose a board or serving dishes for the charcuterie board.
    2. Place loose ingredients (small candies, loose candies, etc.) into bowls or individual dishes. Place those bowls on the board or buffet first.
    3. Arrange other candies around the bowls.
    4. Add assorted tongs or Halloween decorations.

    Tell me this…

    How are you planning on making this the BEST Halloween ever for your kids?!

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    Salted Caramel Crumble Cheesecakes

    by 28 Comments

    The build up of anxiety over the last several months have been nothing but anxiety inducing. My anxiety baking has taken on a personality of its own, with its greatest feat being these Salted Caramel Crumble Cheesecakes. The recipe itself is of moderate difficulty. The cheesecake combines traditional baking and candy-making. But it’s not overly difficult!

    crumble cheesecakes

    Why have I been anxiety baking?

    First, I need to vent about something. I’ve watched countless friends and acquaintances share their photos of parties and get togethers on social media. And it’s exhausting. For those of us who have stayed on the sidelines, distancing, taking every possible precaution? We’re utterly spent and emotionally drained.

    I desperately want to see my friends and family. And I long for the days of going out for a drink or a cup of coffee. But the reality is that we are living in a pandemic. And those times should look very different than ‘normal’ life. And, for me and many others, it has. But that doesn’t change the fact that here in the United States, we cannot seem to get our Covid cases under control. The complete distrust in health officials and partisan politics have led us into a horrible place.

    What our family life has looked like lately

    For those who aren’t familiar with our day-to-day in this house, we have gone very few places since March. When schools shut down, I decided to do everything in my power to help flatten the curve. My kids and I spend most of our time doing arts and crafts, watching movies, playing games, cooking, baking, and playing in the yard. There have been no playdates. There have been no outdoor dinners. And they have only seen the inside of a store once (Target, with my two littlest in a wagon and my oldest walking beside me as I picked up a couple of ‘musts’).

    So, for now, my reality looks like this: Expect a lot more anxiety baking. You can also expect to see us transitioning to full-time distance learning (perhaps even full-on homeschooling). We will continue to do our best to avoid being a statistic — for ours and your health.

    salted caramel crumble cupcakes

    But now, Salted Caramel Crumble Cheesecake!

    My anxiety is your reward, friends! Here are my ‘tips’ for this delectable dessert: Instead of making your own caramel sauce, grab this one from Amazon.

    Salted Caramel Crumble Cheesecake

    cheesecakes

    Ingredients

    Graham Cracker Crust

    • ¾ Cup of graham cracker crumbs
    • 1 ½ tablespoon sugar
    • ¼ cup of unsalted butter, melted

    Cheesecake Filling

    • 2 - 8 ounce cream cheese, softened
    • ½ cup of sugar
    • ½ cup of sour cream
    • ¾ teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
    • ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 tablespoon of salted caramel sauce

    Crumble Topping Ingredients

    • ½ cup light brown sugar, tightly packed
    • ¼ cup of sugar
    • 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt
    • ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted
    • 1 ¼ cup of flour
    • Salted caramel sauce for drizzle

    Instructions

    For the crust:

    1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees and line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
    2. Using a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until combined.
    3. Using a tablespoon, scoop the crust into the cupcake liners.
    4. Using a flat bottomed round cup, press the cup into the crust to make a firm crust.
    5. Set aside.


    For the cheesecake:

    1. Using a hand mixer, beat together the sugar and cream cheese until combined and smooth.
    2. Beat in the sour cream, salted caramel sauce, vanilla and salt until combined.
    3. Beat in 1 egg at a time until combined.
    4. Scoop 2 ½  tbsp of the cheesecake mixture into the crust.
    5. Bake in the oven for 17-22 minutes or until the edges are firm and a really light golden brown starts to form.
    6. Allow the cheesecakes to cool for a few hours in the fridge.
      salted caramel crumble cupcakes

    For the topping:

    1. Combine all ingredients into a medium bowl.
    2. Using your fingers, mix ingredients together until combined and crumble like topping the cupcake.
    3. Top the cheesecake with the crumble.
    4. Drizzle the caramel sauce on top.
    5. Enjoy!
      crumble cheesecakes



        © Rachel

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        Delicious Copycat Cosmic Brownies Recipe

        by 22 Comments

        I’m in full on back-to-school mode over here. I’m trying not to be, but the deadline of school/homeschool start is quickly approaching. This year I’m getting creative with lunches and snacks. The past few months have given me a new confidence in the kitchen. And, despite how strange this school year may look, I’m ready to tackle lunches and snacks like a pro with these Copycat Cosmic Brownies recipe!

        Copycat Cosmic Brownies Recipe

        I have to admit — my guiltiest of guilty pleasures are the Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies. I don’t know what is so glorious about them. Nostalgia, maybe? I’m not certain what it is — but these Copycat Cosmic Brownies contain all of that same magic!

        Make school snacks fun

        As we all know, this will be an unprecedented school year. No one really knows what it will look like for our kids — or us. Although I have decided to keep my kids home full-time and do distance learning, my plan is to still keep the school day structure. Before the pandemic started, I saw the writing on the wall. I watched what was happening in other countries, and I knew schools would be shut down in the US. So I stocked up on snacks and craft supplies. Those lasted approximately two weeks. Ha!

        spatula with dessert

        Now that I have a bit more time to prep for what’s to come, I was able to prepare in other ways. I bought a few sets of bento boxes from Amazon. My goal is to still make ‘school lunches’ for the kids. That way they aren’t trying to snack all day.

        Cosmic Brownies or Bust

        Copycat Cosmic Brownies Recipe

        My love for Little Debbie Cosmic Brownies is apparently a trait I passed on to all three of my kids. And I can’t blame them! Fun fact — I’m not a big fan of chocolate, especially in candy. But these copycat cosmic brownies?! OMG — SO good!

        spatula

        You’ll have most of the items you need to make this recipe. The one ‘specialty’ item would be the rainbow chips. If you’ve ever eaten a cosmic brownie, you know those aren’t just regular chocolate chips on top! Nope! Those are candy coated chocolate chips. I bought a bag here off Amazon and it was the best priced per ounce.

        The full Copycat Cosmic Brownies recipe

        Copycat Cosmic Brownies

        Copycat Cosmic Brownies
        Prep Time 15 minutes
        Cook Time 35 minutes
        Total Time 50 minutes

        Ingredients

        Brownies

        • 1 cup granulated sugar 
        • 1 cup brown sugar 
        • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
        • 1/2 teaspoon salt 
        • 2 large eggs plus 2 yolks 
        • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted 
        • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips 
        • 1/2 cup vegetable oil 
        • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 
        • 1/4 cup cocoa powder

        Glaze

        • 4 Tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
        • 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
        • 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips

        Topping

        • ¼ cup Rainbow Chocolate Chips

        Instructions

          1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
          2. Line a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
          3. Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla, salt, whole eggs and yolks in a large bowl.
          4. Melt the butter and chocolate in a double boiler, then whisk together until fully combined.
          5. Whisk in the vegetable oil.
          6. Pour the chocolate mixture into the sugar mixture and mix until fully combined. Gently fold in the flour and cocoa.
          7. Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes.
          8. Meanwhile make the glaze.
          9. Place chopped or grated chocolate into a medium-sized, heatproof bowl and set aside.
          10. In a large heatproof bowl combine your sweetened condensed milk and butter.
          11. Microwave for 30 seconds and stir.  Microwave another 30 seconds.
          12. When the butter is melted carefully add your chocolate chips and stir in until melted.  You can also microwave for 15 seconds more until chips are all melted and ganache is smooth.
          13. Pour the ganache over the brownies and immediately sprinkle with the rainbow chips. 
          14. Let cool completely before slicing.
          15. ENJOY!
        © Rachel

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        Vegan Chocolate Tart (gluten free / dairy free / Vegan )

        by 23 Comments

        Having two kids with dairy intolerances has its challenges. For one — it can feel impossible to make a dessert that kids enjoy. But the reality is that gluten free and dairy free desserts are way easier to make than you may think! In fact, this vegan chocolate tart, which is both dairy free and gluten free, is incredible and enjoyed by all ages!

        vegan tart

        Vegan and Dairy Free Doesn’t Have to be Difficult

        Incorporating dairy free or vegan dishes into your diet is actually way easier than you would think. Mostly everything has a vegetable or nut substitute. And, in meals where appropriate, a ‘cheesy’ flavor is easy to replicate!

        If you’re looking to incorporate more vegan options into your diet, there are a few things you should always have on hand! My suggestion is to stock up on cashews, nutritional yeast, and Ajoyo almond milk.

        Lick the spoon! — It’s Vegan!

        We’ve all seen desserts that look too decadent to eat. This is one of those. But it’s easier to make than you would think! Simple ingredients and a simple process. And absolutely nothing to stop you from licking the batter off the spoon!

        vegan ingredients

        Your family and friends will never know this vegan chocolate tart is also gluten free

        Gluten Free + Vegan Chocolate Tart

        vegan tart

        Gluten Free / Egg Free / Dairy Free

        Ingredients

        Tart Crust

        • 1/2 cup of buckwheat flour
        • 1/2 cup of whole almonds
        • 1/4 cup of cocoa powder
        • 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar
        • 1 tablespoon of corn flour
        • 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter alternative ( or for non-vegan, unsalted butter)
        • 1/4 teaspoon of salt

        Tart Filling

        • 7 tablespoons of dark chocolate, chopped
        • 1/2 cup of vegan whipping cream
        • 4 tablespoons of AJOYO Unsweetened Almond Milk, room temperature
        • 1 teaspoon of instant coffee
        • 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder
        • 1 tablespoon of corn flour
        • 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
        • 1/4 cup of sugar
        • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract 
        • 1/4 teaspoon of salt

        Instructions

        For the base / crust:

        1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
        2. Place the buckwheat flour and almonds in a Vitamix or food processor and grind to form a firm powder.
        3. Add the powder to a bowl. Then add all the remaining ingredients and mix it together by hand until everything is well combined.
        4. Spray tart tin with cooking spray. Place the crust mixture on the tart tin and spread evenly with a spoon or hands.
        5. Bake crust at 350 degrees for 12-15 minutes (until cooked through).
        6. Remove and set aside to cool.

        For the filling:

        1. Warm a medium saucepan over low heat.
        2. Add the vegan cream, chopped chocolate, coffee, cocoa powder and sugar to the saucepan. Stir until all of the chocolate melts.
        3. Add AJOYO Unsweetened Almond Milk to the saucepan and stir in the corn flour until it is completely dissolved. Cook and continue to stir until the mixture begins to thicken (about 5 minutes).
        4. Remove the saucepan from heat, and add the salt, olive oil, and vanilla extract to the pan. Mix thoroughly.
        5. Let filling cool for roughly 15 minutes before pouring it into the cooled tart base.
        6. Spread the filling evenly and place in fridge for 6 hours to chill.
        7. Serve with your choice of fresh fruits! ENJOY!
        © Rachel
        vegan chocolate tart
        vegan tart

        Tell me — what’s your favorite vegan substitute?!

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