The Best Crack Cake Recipe

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Crack Cake is incredibly moist and dense, with delicious warm hints of cinnamon and a buttery wine sugar glaze that takes this cake to new levels of pure decadence!

 COURSE DESSERT

 CUISINE AMERICAN

 PREP TIME: 15minutes

 COOK TIME: 1hour 

INGREDIENTS:

CAKE INGREDIENTS

▢1 yellow cake mix

▢3.4 oz. vanilla pudding mix

▢¼ cup packed light brown sugar

▢¼ cup granulated sugar

▢2 teaspoons cinnamon

▢5 large eggs room temperature

▢½ cup whole milk

▢½ cup vegetable oil

▢1 cup sour cream

▢½ cup sweet white wine I used a Riesling

GLAZE INGREDIENTS

▢½ cup salted butter

▢¼ cup sweet white wine

▢1 cup granulated sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a bundt pan with nonstick baking spray and set aside.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, beat together all of the cake ingredients.
  3. Beat mixture until fully combined.
  4. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan.
  5. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean and the edges of the cake have pulled away from the pan.
  6. In a small saucepan, heat butter wine and sugar for the glaze. Heat and stir until sugar is dissolved, then remove from heat.
  7. Use a bamboo skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the cake bottom (still in the pan).
  8. Pour glaze over the cake and allow it to soak up the glaze. This takes 15-20 minutes.
  9. Once the glaze is absorbed into the cake, loosen the sides of the pan with a spatula as much as possible. Turn the cake out of the pan onto a cake plate.
  10. Cut and serve cake.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

Calories: 518kcal | Carbohydrates: 70g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 101mg | Sodium: 464mg | Potassium: 107mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 52g | Vitamin A: 472IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 144mg | Iron: 1mg

 

Butter Swim Biscuits Recipe

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Butter Swim Biscuits

Butter Swim Biscuits are buttermilk biscuits that are baked drenched in butter for a biscuit that has a crispy crust with a soft and fluffy inside.

Butter Swim Biscuits are buttermilk biscuits that are baked drenched in butter for a biscuit that has a crispy crust with a soft and fluffy inside. If these biscuits sound amazing (which they are), be sure to also try my Buttermilk Biscuits!

Prep Time: 15mins

Cook Time: 28mins

Total Time: 43mins

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Butter Swim Biscuits

Servings: 9

INGREDIENTS:

  • 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 cups (490 g) buttermilk
  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, melted

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
  2. Add flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt to a medium bowl. Use a whisk to sift ingredients.
  3. Pour in the buttermilk and stir until mostly combined, being careful not to overwork the batter.
  4. Pour the melted butter into an 8×8-inch baking dish*. Place the dough on top of the butter and use a spatula (or your hands) to evenly spread the dough out to the edges of the pan.
  5. Cut the unbaked dough into 9 squares (3×3 pattern). Bake for 28 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.
  6. Allow the butter to be absorbed into the biscuits before cutting and serving.

NOTES:

You can place the baking dish on a baking sheet in case of spillover.

How to Freeze Biscuits

Wrap cooled biscuits tightly with foil or plastic wrap and then in a freezer-safe storage bag. If they are wrapped tight and air can’t get to them, they should remain fresh for a couple of months.

How to Store Biscuits

Biscuits are best eaten fresh, usually on the same day of baking. If you want to make them a day ahead of time:

  • Bake biscuits.
  • Allow biscuits to cool to room temperature.
  • Wrap tightly with foil (Only use plastic wrap if the biscuits are completely cooled; trapping in hot air could make the biscuits soggy.)
  • Place in refrigerator until ready to use. (You can also leave at room temperature if you prefer.)
  • Warm in the oven at the lowest temperature for up to 10 minutes when ready to serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 241kcal

Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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Slow Cooker Green Chile Chicken and Rice Casserole has the flavors of green chile enchiladas but with rice instead of tortillas.

This recipe has the flavors of green chile chicken enchiladas but I used rice instead of tortillas. One of my mom’s signature dishes was green chile enchiladas which was my inspiration for this.

Prep Time: 15mins

Cook Time: 2hrs

Total Time: 2hrs 15mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 small white onion, diced
  • 1 poblano pepper, diced (about 1/2 cup)
  • 19 oz. can green enchilada sauce
  • Add these ingredients at the end:
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onion
  • 3 cups hot cooked white rice

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle over the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and chili powder over the chicken. Add the onion, poblano pepper.
  3. Pour over the enchilada sauce.
  4. Cover and cook for 6-8 hours on the low setting.
  5. When the cooking time is done, shred the chicken with two forks.
  6. Add the sour cream, half cup of the cheese and the green onion.
  7. Stir. Add the cooked rice and stir. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese.
  8. Place the lid back on and cook for 15 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
  9. If your rice has cooled and not hot, you will need to cook longer about 45 minutes on high.

Nutritional Info:

Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 99mg | Sodium: 1002mg | Potassium: 458mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 1025IU | Vitamin C: 16.2mg | Calcium: 252mg | Iron: 1.2mg

 

Watermelon Salad with Feta Recipe

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This delicious, refreshing watermelon salad recipe is meant for hot summer days. With feta, avocado, mint & lime, it’s the perfect mix of savory & sweet

Once summer rolls around, I can’t get enough of salads made with a mix of peak-season fruits and veggies. I love a good sweet & savory combination, and this watermelon salad with feta, mint, avocado, and a tangy lime dressing is exactly that.

Every year, as soon as I spot a good watermelon, I rush home to make this recipe. It takes minutes to throw together, and it’s incredibly refreshing. Try it once, and you’ll have it on repeat for the rest of watermelon season

What to Serve with Watermelon Salad

I love to make this salad for cookouts. It pairs well with whatever you’re grilling, whether that be portobello mushroom burgers or dogs, black bean burgers, veggie burgers, or corn on the cob.

It’s also good with picnic sandwiches like these chickpea shawarma wraps, these BBQ jackfruit sandwiches, this caprese sandwich, or this mushroom po’ boy.

If you have extra watermelon, make watermelon margaritas! If you don’t have extra watermelon, you can never go wrong with classic margaritas.

If you love this watermelon salad recipe…

Try more of my favorite fruity salads like this strawberry caprese salad, this watermelon tomato salad, this summer slaw, or this corn salad!

Watermelon Salad with Feta & Mint

Prep Time: 15mins

Total Time: 15mins

Serves 4

This refreshing watermelon salad is one of our favorite summer sides. Feta, mint & avocado are the perfect tangy, creamy, and fresh counterpoints to the juicy watermelon.

Ingredients:

Dressing
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice
  • ½ garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon sea salt
For the salad
  • 5 cups cubed watermelon
  • 1 heaping cup diced English cucumber
  • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onions
  • ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 avocado, cubed
  • ⅓ cup torn mint or basil leaves
  • ½ jalapeño or serrano pepper, thinly sliced, optional
  • Sea salt

Instructions:

  • Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic and salt.
  • Arrange the watermelon, cucumber, and red onions on a large plate or platter.
  • Drizzle with half the dressing.
  • Top with the feta, avocado, mint, and serrano pepper, if using, and drizzle with remaining dressing. Season to taste and serve.

Creamy Beef Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake Recipe

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Creamy Beef Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake – Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our creamy ground beef pasta recipe. This delectable dish features trofie pasta, roasted red peppers, and a heavenly blend of torn mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked to perfection, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Get ready to experience a mouthwatering culinary delight like no other.

There’s something undeniably irresistible about the combination of pasta and a hearty meat sauce turned into a delicious pasta bake. Imagine a bubbling casserole dish, brimming with layers of mouthwatering goodness, proudly displayed at the center of our table.

As a family, we value the time spent together at the dinner table, and I believe that enjoying a healthy, low-calorie meal doesn’t mean sacrificing the joy of sharing the same foods. That’s why I always make sure to include nutritious sides that encourage healthy eating habits for everyone. By incorporating wholesome ingredients and smart choices, we can all indulge in the same delicious spread while maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

Trust me, once you experience the magic of this dish, it will become an absolute favourite, and you’ll be inspired to recreate it again and again. So gather around the table, savour the delightful flavors, and revel in the knowledge that a healthy meal can be both satisfying and enjoyed by the whole family.

Variations on the the Recipe

Bring your own unique twist to the classic Creamy Beef Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake with these creative variations. Customize the dish to suit your preferences and add an exciting burst of flavor to your culinary creation. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Vegetarian Option: Embrace a vegetarian lifestyle or simply explore meat-free alternatives by swapping the ground beef with plant-based ground meat. The plant-based version will provide a delicious and satisfying vegetarian option, without compromising on taste or texture.

Different Mince/Ground Meat: Experiment with various types of mince or ground meat to suit your preferences. Turkey, chicken, or pork mince can be excellent alternatives to beef, bringing their unique flavors and characteristics to the dish. Each variety will lend a distinct taste and create a delightful variation.

Additional Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a fiery culinary adventure, amplify the heat level by adding a dash of hot sauce, such as Tabasco. This extra kick will infuse your pasta bake with an irresistible zing, tantalizing your taste buds with every bite.

Additional Flavor: Explore the depths of flavor by substituting sweet regular paprika with smoky paprika. The smoky variation will impart a rich, smoldering essence, adding complexity and a touch of intrigue to the dish. However, if you prefer a milder flavor, stick to sweet paprika for a more delicate taste.

Herbaceous Twist: Elevate the freshness of your pasta bake by incorporating fragrant herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano. The addition of these aromatic herbs will infuse the dish with a burst of natural flavors, enhancing its overall appeal and providing a delightful herbaceous twist.

Added Vegetables: Amp up the nutritional value and add vibrant colors to your dish by including additional vegetables. Choose vegetables that complement the flavors of the pasta bake, being mindful of their water content. Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or any vegetable of your choice can be sautéed or lightly cooked before being added to the pasta bake, ensuring they retain their texture and flavor.

Unleash your culinary creativity with these variations, allowing you to personalize the Creamy Beef Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake to your liking. Whether you’re exploring different protein sources, enhancing the spice level, or infusing fresh herbs and vegetables, these modifications will elevate your dining experience and create a dish that truly reflects your unique tastes.

Tips for Freezing

To enjoy this scrumptious pasta bake on a busy weeknight or store leftovers for later, follow these freezing suggestions. Keep in mind that not everyone finds frozen, defrosted, and reheated pasta appealing due to its slightly overcooked texture. However, if you’re content with the outcome of frozen pasta dishes, you can confidently freeze this particular dish.

Creamy Beef Roasted Red Pepper Pasta Bake – This delectable dish features trofie pasta, roasted red peppers, and a heavenly blend of torn mozzarella and Parmesan. Baked to perfection, each bite is a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. Get ready to experience a mouthwatering culinary delight like no other.

PREP TIME: 15 mins

COOK TIME: 40 mins

TOTAL TIME: 55 mins

INGREDIENTS:

  • olive oil spray
  • 1 onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 455g (1lb) of extra lean ground beef (mince)
  • 1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
  • salt and black pepper
  • pinch of red chilli flakes (optional)
  • 200g (7oz) of roasted red peppers (jarred in brine), drained
  • 1 cup (240ml) of chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (puree)
  • 1 tablespoon of granulated sweetener
  • 80ml of reduced fat single cream or half and half
  • 240g of trofie pasta, uncooked – or use your preferred pasta shape)
  • 90g (3oz) of fresh mozzarella, torn into pieces
  • 30g (1oz) of freshly finely grated parmesan
  • 2 teaspoons of dried parsley

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. Spray a deep ovenproof frying pan with olive spray
  2. Add the onion and fry for a few minutes until softened.
  3. Add in the mince and garlic and fry until browned.
  4. Season well with salt and black pepper and stir in the paprika and pinch of chilli flakes if using.
  5. Add the drained roasted red peppers, tomato paste, stock and sweetener to a blend and pulse until sauce like.
  6. Pour this into the mince along with the cream , and simmer for 10 minutes.
  7. Taste the meat sauce and season as needed to your desired taste with salt and black pepper
  8. Cook the pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, reserve a 1/3 cup (80ml) of the cooked pasta water, then drain the pasta, spray with olive oil spray and toss to coat to prevent it from sticking together.
  9. Preheat oven to 170c fan, 190c, 375f or gas mark 5
  10. Add to the meat sauce, along with the reserved pasta water and stir until all combined and coated.
  11. Scatter with the torn fresh mozzarella and sprinkle inbetween with the parmesan.
  12. Bake in the oven for 20 minutes until cheese on top is melted and lightly golden
  13. Sprinkle with the dried parsley and enjoy!!

Notes:

WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs: due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values

Gluten Free Friendly – use gluten free pasta and stock

Suitable for Freezing ❄️

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Nutritional Info:

Yield: 4

Serving Size

1 SERVING

Calories547TotalFat13gSaturatedFat7gTransFat0gUnsaturatedFat10gCholesterol66mgSodium521mgCarbohydrates54gFiber2gSugar4gProtein39g

Vegan Lebanese Potato Salad

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Servings: 2 Lebanese Potato Salad, also known as batata salata, is a light and refreshing dish commonly found in the Middle East. Unlike American potato salads, this version has no mayonnaise—just bright lemon juice, fresh herbs, tangy olives, and, of course, olive oil! If you’re feeling ravenous, serve this alongside Mediterranean Roasted Chicken (page 148). … Read more