Anyone who knows me knows that I'm not much of a cake baker. I'm really not into making "fancy" cakes of any kind. Too putsy and time consuming, when all I want to do is eat! Not to mention that I always seem to have trouble coming up with great kids birthday cake ideas. [Read more...]
If you're a fan of peanut butter and chocolate (and honestly, who isn't?), you're going to love these No-Bake Peanut Butter Bars. They taste just like a homemade version of Reese's but require only five simple ingredients and zero oven time! This is the kind of dessert that gets rave reviews at potlucks, disappears from holiday dessert tables, and becomes a go-to recipe in your back pocket for whenever you need something sweet fast.
No-bake peanut butter bars are an easy, fuss-free dessert made from pantry staples like graham crackers, powdered sugar, peanut butter, butter, and chocolate. Think of them as a simplified, homemade take on a peanut butter cup, but layered in a pan and chilled instead of baked.
The base is rich and slightly crumbly from the graham cracker crumbs and powdered sugar, while the top is a smooth layer of melted chocolate that firms up beautifully in the fridge. They're quick to make and don't require any oven time, which makes them especially ideal for summer or when you just don't feel like baking.
You only need five simple ingredients to make these no-bake peanut butter bars, and there's a good chance you already have them in your pantry:
These bars come together in just a few easy steps and require no baking-just a little chill time in the fridge!
You can also watch the video below that shows exactly how to make them!
These bars are endlessly customizable! Here are my favorite ways to give them a twist:
If you love desserts like these no-bake peanut butter bars, you'll definitely want to check out a few of my other favorites! Try my chocolate pudding in the microwave - it's rich, creamy, and ready in minutes with pantry staples! For something fun and festive, decorated chocolate pretzels, dipped marshmallow treats, and chocolate pretzel hugs are always a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. And if you're after a classic sweet with minimal effort, my simple homemade fudge recipe is a must-make. No oven, no stress!
Whether you have dietary restrictions, allergies, or just want to try something new, these easy swaps will keep your no-bake peanut butter bars just how you want them.
These no-bake peanut butter bars are a dream to make ahead and store. I like to wrap them individually and store them in the freezer so I have them whenever I get a craving.
In the fridge: Store the bars in an airtight container, separating the layers with parchment or wax paper to prevent them from sticking. They'll stay fresh for up to a week.
At room temperature: You can keep them at room temperature for 1-2 days, especially in cooler months. Just be aware they'll soften significantly and might lose their clean edges.
Cut the bars into individual servings, then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or parchment. Place the wrapped bars in a freezer-safe bag or container (don't forget to label them). They'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, let them sit in the fridge for a few hours or on the counter for 15-20 minutes until softened but still firm.
These peanut butter bars are very sweet, so cut back on the powdered sugar if you prefer. I know you'll love them any way you make them!
I listed 16 bars as the yield for this recipe, but this greatly depends on the size of the pan you use and how large or small you cut the bars.
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
This Roasted Tomato Salsa couldn't be easier but has a wonderfully smoky flavor, both from roasting the tomatoes and from smoky chipotle peppers.
Roasted Tomato Salsa makes me happy.
Seriously, I want to do a happy dance whenever it's around. It's bright and colorful with so much flavor, and filled with loads of healthy goodness! I can eat as much as I want without ever having to worry about eating "too much". Roasted tomato salsa is good on just about everything, from scrambled eggs to steak (have you tried mixing some into cottage cheese? It's heaven).
And there are so many different kinds of salsa! Red or green? Spicy or mild? Chunky or blended? The variations are endless. I prefer Roasted Tomato Salsa simply because I love the depth of flavor that's brought out by roasting the tomatoes until they're good and black then blending them almost to a puree.
I should really call this recipe Spicy Chipotle Roasted Tomato Salsa since I add some chipotle pepper, too; it adds even more smokiness and some spice, which to me is the perfect combination for the perfect salsa.
I swear, every time I make this roasted tomato salsa it feels as if there's a fun fiesta going on! I've never known anyone who, when deeply depressed, decided to bring out the salsa and margaritas (but I think I'll try it the next time I'm feeling down and see what happens) but I'm certain it could cure anyone's blues.
It's a sure bet that where there is salsa, there are happy, joyful people to be found. This Wednesday I'm having a few girlfriends to enjoy this roasted tomato salsa and a pitcher of pomegranate margaritas!
Today might be Cinco de Mayo, a chance for everyone to get happy and celebrate our Mexican-American friends, but I'll be making this roasted tomato salsa all summer long. I never follow a recipe, I usually just throw it in the food processor and see what comes out. But here's the general idea and feel free to tweak it to your own tastes.
Homemade salsa is always better if you make it at least a few hours before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
Have you ever wondered how to make chocolate bowls with balloons? It might sound a little crazy at first, but this fun project is surprisingly easy and the results are show-stopping! These edible chocolate cups are made by dipping small balloons into melted chocolate, then letting them set into the perfect shape for filling with mousse, berries, ice cream, or whatever dessert your heart desires.
They're the kind of DIY treat that's fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough to make on a lazy weekend afternoon. If you're entertaining guests or just looking for a creative dessert idea, chocolate bowls made with balloons are a sweet way to impress with minimal effort.
Chocolate bowls (also called chocolate cups or edible dessert bowls) are small, bowl-shaped shells made entirely of chocolate. They're typically formed by dipping the bottom of a balloon into melted chocolate, then allowing it to harden into shape before removing the balloon. The result is a beautifully glossy, sturdy chocolate vessel that's perfect for filling with mousse, ice cream, berries, whipped cream, or any sweet treat you love.
These fun and functional bowls are often made with semi-sweet or dark chocolate, but you can use milk or white chocolate too. They're an easy way to add a wow factor to dessert without needing any fancy tools, and they're as delicious as they are decorative!
Balloons are the easiest and most accessible tool for shaping chocolate bowls at home. Their rounded shape naturally mimics a bowl, and when the balloons are dipped into melted chocolate, they form a smooth, even shell as the chocolate cools and hardens.
Here's why making chocolate bowls with balloons works so well:
This fun DIY dessert project requires just a few simple ingredients and tools, most of which you probably already have on hand! Have everything ready before you melt the chocolate so you can work quickly while it's at the ideal dipping consistency.
Making chocolate bowls with balloons is simple once you know a few key tips. Here's how to do it from start to finish:
Now that you've made your chocolate bowls with balloons, it's time for the fun part - filling them! These edible bowls are so fun and versatile and can be used for both elegant desserts and holiday treats. Here are some of our favorite filling ideas:
Tip: When filling your chocolate bowls, avoid overly hot fillings or liquids (this can melt or soften the chocolate). Serve shortly after filling, or refrigerate until ready.
Making chocolate bowls with balloons is surprisingly simple, but a few smart tips will help you get flawless results every time. Here's what to keep in mind:
Chocolate bowls aren't just a dessert, they're an experience! Here are some ideas for where to serve these gorgeous chocolate bowls with balloons:
If you love easy, no-bake treats that look impressive but take hardly any effort, you've got to try a few more of my favorites! Start with my no-bake chocolate fudge - just three ingredients and it practically makes itself. Or go classic with easy chocolate dipped strawberries and pretzel rods dipped in chocolate, both of which are perfect for gifting or on a holiday dessert try. For something especially simple, pretzel hugs with M&Ms are salty-sweet bites that come together in minutes. And for something extra fun (and adorable), make a batch of chocolate party spoons. They're great for stirring into hot cocoa or wrapping up as edible gifts!
Making chocolate bowls with balloons is so simple but so gorgeous!
Fill the balloons with anything you like! See the post for a list of ideas, but a few quick ones are chocolate mousse, pudding, or little candies or M&Ms.
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
If you're looking for an easy, no-bake treat that's fun to make and even more fun to eat, you're in the right place! Marshmallow pops are a quick and customizable dessert that are perfect for parties, birthdays, holidays, or just a sweet afternoon project with the kids. With just a few simple ingredients (marshmallows, melted chocolate, and your favorite toppings) you can create a colorful treat that looks impressive but takes just minutes to make!
Marshmallow pops are a fun and easy treat made by placing marshmallows on sticks, dipping them in melted chocolate, and adding toppings like sprinkles, crushed cookies, or graham cracker crumbs. Think of them as a cross between cake pops and s'mores (without the baking)! They're great for parties, holidays, edible gifts, or rainy day kitchen fun with kids. You can decorate them to match any theme, making them just as festive as they are delicious.
You only need a few ingredients to make these adorable and delicious marshmallow pops:
Making marshmallow pops is simple, fun, and totally kid-friendly! Here's how to do it:
One of the best parts about marshmallow pops is how easy they are to customize. Here are some fun ideas to try:
Prep them early: You can make marshmallow pops up to 3-4 days in advance of your event. This gives you plenty of time to decorate and package them without last-minute stress.
Make sure they're set before packaging: Be sure the chocolate is completely set before packaging or stacking to avoid smudging or sticking.
Room temperature: Store finished marshmallow pops in an airtight container at room temperature. They'll stay fresh for up to 5 days.
Avoid the fridge: Refrigeration can cause condensation and make the chocolate coating sticky or discolored.
Use parchment or wax paper: If stacking, place a sheet of parchment or wax paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Individually wrap them: For gifting or parties, wrap each pop in a clear treat bag and tie with ribbon or twine. It keeps them fresh and makes for a cute presentation.
Freezing is not recommended, as marshmallows tend to lose their soft, chewy texture and can become grainy when thawed. Stick to making them fresh within a few days of when you plan to serve them.
If you love fun, no-bake treats like marshmallow pops, you'll definitely want to try a few more easy favorites! My 3-ingredient fudge dessert is rich, creamy, and done in just minutes. For something a little fancy but still foolproof, DIY chocolate bowls (made using balloons!) and festive dipped pretzel rods are perfect for parties or gifting. For something especially simple, these M&M Pretzel Hugs come together in no time and look adorable on any cookie tray. And don't miss easy chocolate spoons for edible gifts - they're not only delicious but also make the cutest gifts or hot cocoa toppers!
These easy marshmallow pops are perfect for any occasion, and a great choice to enlist the help of your littles!
See the post for loads of ideas for toppings, holidays, etc!
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix. This was calculated using ONLY the marshmallows and chocolate - it does not include toppings.
If you're looking for a festive treat that's as easy as it is adorable, these M&M Pretzel Hugs are your new go-to holiday favorite. They're made with just three ingredients: pretzels, Hershey's Kisses, and holiday M&M's!
These sweet and salty bites are perfect for cookie trays, classroom parties, edible gifts, or a quick baking project with the kids. They come together in minutes, require zero baking skills, and always disappear fast (so go ahead and make a double batch!).
I've been making these easy Christmas cookies for years, and they're one of the few recipes that everyone from toddlers to grandparents can help with. You don't need a mixer, fancy equipment, or even much time. Just a sheet pan, some seasonal candy, and a few spare minutes in the oven. And if you can get your hands on the seasonal pretzels, even better!
M&M Pretzel Hugs are a simple, no-bake holiday treat made by melting a Hershey's Kiss onto a mini pretzel, then pressing an M&M into the soft chocolate. They're also known as Christmas pretzel hugs, holiday pretzel bites, or pretzel buttons. Whatever you call them, they're festive, fun, and SO delicious to eat!
These bite-sized treats deliver the perfect sweet-and-salty combo:
These M&M Pretzel Hugs couldn't be easier! They only require three ingredients, all of which are easy to find during the holidays.
These festive little treats come together in minutes and are so pretty on a holiday cookie tray! Here's how to make them:
One of the best things about M&M Pretzel Hugs is how easy they are to customize. You can switch up the flavors or colors for different holidays or add sprinkles and different flavors!
Holiday M&Ms (red and green) for Christmas
Pink, red & white for Valentine's Day
Pastels for Easter or spring parties
Red, white & blue for the 4th of July
Orange & brown for Halloween or Thanksgiving
Try Peanut Butter M&Ms, Peanut, Crispy, or Caramel (just be sure they're not too big for the chocolate base)
These little treats are perfect for customizing based on your favorite flavors or the holiday you're celebrating. Once you make one version, you'll want to try them all!
These are a great make-ahead Christmas cookie. You can prep them weeks in advance and either store them at room temp or freeze until needed.
Definitely! Rolos, Mini Reese's Cups, Dove Promises, and Brach's Chocolate Stars all work well. Just make sure the chocolate will soften (not melt completely) when heated.
Peanut, peanut butter, caramel, and even crispy M&Ms work great. Just make sure the M&M size isn't too large to press into the softened chocolate.
Waffle (square) pretzels are easiest to work with, but mini twists or holiday-shaped pretzels also work. Just try to use flat pretzels so the chocolate sits evenly.
As long as your kitchen is cool and dry, room temperature storage is just fine. If your home is warm or you want the chocolate to set quickly, pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes after assembling.
Yes, these freeze really well. Store them in an airtight container, layered with wax paper, for up to 3 months. Let them thaw at room temperature before serving.
These are perfect for making ahead! They stay fresh for 2-3 weeks at room temperature and can be frozen for up to 3 months. They're great for gifting or prepping cookie trays in advance.
Check your local stores around the holidays. If you're not able to find them, you can order in bulk through the UTZ brand's website. I've also seen them at Trader Joe's.
I don't know about you, but I love no-bake holiday recipes (anything to make the season as stress-free as possible)! Here are a few of my favorite no-bake holiday treats:
These homemade chocolate truffles are rich, creamy, and perfect for gifting, while dipped strawberries in chocolate add a touch of elegance to any dessert tray. For something else that's festive and fun to make with the kids, dipped pretzel sticks are always a hit, and meringue Christmas trees are light, sweet, and so cute on a cookie platter. If you're into peppermint flavor, don't miss my classic holiday bark, and for the grown-ups, these easy rum truffles are a boozy, bite-sized treat that disappears fast!
These really are the easiest Christmas cookies you can make! They're always a hit and will fly off of your cookie tray. Give some as homemade gifts, too!
Most of the sprinkles will fall into the pan, and that's okay! Just cover the kisses as much as possible (they adhere easily), then pour any sprinkles that didn't adhere back into the jar after you remove the pretzel hugs from the pan.
Make sure to use M&M's or another candy and not just sprinkles, as pushing down into the chocolate is what makes it "stick" to the pretzel.
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
If you love pasta but are watching your carbs, calories, or sugar intake, you've probably heard about Miracle Noodles (also known as shirataki noodles). These zero-calorie noodles are made from the konjac root and have been getting a lot of attention for being keto-friendly, gluten-free, and low-carb. But are they actually worth trying? I finally gave them a shot and here's my honest, no-fluff Miracle Noodles review.
Miracle Noodles are shirataki noodles made from the Japanese konjac plant, a starchy root vegetable. Unlike regular noodles, they're:
In other words, they're marketed as a healthy noodle alternative for just about every eating plan out there: Keto, Paleo, gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, kosher, and blood sugar-friendly.
The fiber in these noodles helps slow down digestion, which can help you feel fuller longer and even improve nutrient absorption. That's a big bonus for anyone looking to lose weight, manage blood sugar, or reduce their carb intake without giving up noodles entirely.
Okay, let's talk first impressions. The noodles arrive pre-cooked and packaged in water, and yes, they come with a warning: the liquid may smell a little fishy. Don't let that scare you. It's the packaging water, not the noodles themselves, and the smell disappears after rinsing.
The prep couldn't be easier:
I was immediately impressed by how simple they were to prepare. For busy weeknights or low-effort lunches, that's a major win! I can't tell you how many nights I get home and I just want something easy and fast. But when I'm eating low-carb, fast and easy isn't always possible. Then I'm tempted to order takeout, which will tempt me to order something full of carbs because it just looks so good, and then I'm off the rails. But I think if I keep some miracle noodles around, that could do the trick!
Let's be real: Miracle Noodles aren't meant to replace Italian-style pasta exactly, especially not plain with marinara. I tried them with a quick tomato and garlic sauce (like I'd use on spaghetti), and honestly, it didn't quite work. The texture is more like rice noodles or soft vermicelli, and they don't absorb Italian-style sauces in the same way.
But when I tossed them with a bold Asian-inspired sauce - specifically the one from my Crispy Asian Chicken Drumsticks - they were fantastic. The strong flavors coated the noodles well, and they paired perfectly with the chicken. I think that's the key: use Miracle Noodles in recipes where the sauce has a lot of flavor and a little thickness to cling to the noodles.
Here's how to get the most out of shirataki noodles:
Yes, with the right expectations.
If you're looking for a one-to-one replacement for pasta night, Miracle Noodles probably aren't it. But if you treat them like a healthy, versatile noodle alternative for Asian dishes, flavorful sauces, or low-carb meals, they're absolutely worth keeping in your pantry.
You can find Miracle Noodles online or at your local Asian market. If you're following a special diet or just want a lighter noodle option that won't spike your blood sugar, I'd definitely recommend giving them a try.
These easy Chocolate Caramel Bars are DANGEROUSLY delicious. A layer of chocolate and caramel is nestled between sweet and crisp oats. A must try!
These Chocolate Caramel Bars are one of the first recipes I ever posted.
I'm often asked why I started a food blog and my answer is always the same: "I was bored". I needed an outlet and something that was mine alone. I never dreamed it could and would become my career! I was simply having a good time creating recipes like these Chocolate Caramel Bars and posting them for friends and family. I hope you enjoy!
Quick & Easy - Chocolate caramel bars are super delicious and don't take much time at all to make.
Balanced - They're sweet but they have a slightly salty finish that balances the flavor. My favorite part is the outside where it's a little more crisp but the gooey center is a treat all on its own!
Freeze Them - They freeze well, too, so I'll keep a few tucked away for times when I have a craving.
Great Gifts - These square shaped bars are perfect for packing in a tin can and handing out during the holidays or any special occasion.
You can see from this list that these oatmeal caramel bars don't have many ingredients - just 8 including salt! They're all common, shelf-stable ingredients (except for the butter, of course, which should be refrigerated), too.
I've also made these with a pinch of salt added to the caramel sauce since I love salted caramel. They don't really need it, but give it a try if salted caramel is your thing.
These chocolate caramel bars can be kept on the counter or fridge for up to a week in an airtight container. They can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap prior to storing them in the freezer. To thaw, just let them rest on the counter overnight.
Have you made these Chocolate Caramel Bars? If you share on social media, be sure to tag me @thewickednoodle on all social channels. I'd love to see your creation!
A layer of chocolate and caramel is nestled between sweet and crispy oats. A must try!
The bars for the number of servings are cut generously. You can get more bars by cutting them smaller.
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
This recipe was adapted from Recipezaar.
