Archive for the ‘DESSERTS’ Category
Homemade White Cake
November 9, 2019 Lee
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Homemade White Cake

This uses the Homemade White Cake Mix recipe on this site. This will make two 8 inch rounds, one 9x13 pan, or 24 cupcakes. Link to the Shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 white cake mix recipe, (Shortcut)
  • 6 egg whites
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened, (1/2 block or 1 stick)
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • frosting, of your choice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C. Grease and flour a 9x13 baking dish or two 8 inch rounds.
  • Add the cake mix to mixing bowl, add the butter and work that into the flour. Add the egg whites into another bowl and mix in the vanilla into egg whites. Pour the eggs into the flour and mix to combine. Slowly add the milk and mix just until the cake batter comes together, do not over work the batter or the result will not be a light and fluffy cake.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before turning out to a platter before frosting.

Notes

Low cost.
Shortcut: Homemade White Cake Mix.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Cherry Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cake
November 8, 2019 Lee
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Cherry Vanilla Chocolate Chip Cake

Sounds like a tasty cake, on my to make and taste list and soon.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Cake

  • 1 box white cake mix
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 can cherry pie filling, (595 g / 21 oz)
  • 1 cup mini chocolate chips

For the Icing

  • 2 tablespoons warm water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 2/3 cups powdered sugar

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F), grease with butter a 9x13 baking pan or bundt pan.
  • Add all the Cake ingredients to a mixing bowl.
  • Mix together until just combined.
  • Pour the cake mix in the baking pan and spread out evenly.
  • Bake a 9x13 pan 30-35 minutes or a bundt cake 35-45 minutes. The cake should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove to a rack to cool completely.
  • If using a bundt pan, after the pan has set on a rack for 10 minutes, place a plate on the top, grab each side with oven pads, both the pan and plate, and turn the pan and plate over to turn the cake out onto a plate. Let the cake completely cool.
  • Prepare the icing when the cake is completely cooled. In a mixing bowl, stir together the first 4 ingredients, then use an electric mixer to mix in the powdered sugar.
  • Drizzle the icing over the cake. (I also sprinkled some candy sprinkles on it.)
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving in the US and in Thailand.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Homemade Spice Cake
November 8, 2019 Lee
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Homemade Spice Cake

This recipe uses the Homemade Spice Cake Mix on this site. This will make two 8 inch rounds, one 9x13 pan, or 24 cupcakes. Link to the Shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 spice cake mix, (Shortcut)
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened, (1/2 block or 1 stick)
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • frosting, of your choice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C. Grease and flour a 9x13 baking dish or two 8 inch rounds.
  • Add the cake mix to mixing bowl, add the butter and work that into the flour.
  • Crack the eggs into another bowl and whisk then whisk in the vanilla into the eggs. Pour the eggs into the flour and mix to combine.
  • Add the milk and mix just until the cake batter comes together, do not over work the batter or the result will not be a light and fluffy cake.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before turning out to a platter before frosting.
  • Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost.
Shortcut: Homemade Spice Cake Mix.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Quick & Easy Pumpkin Cupcakes
November 8, 2019 Lee
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Quick & Easy Pumpkin Cupcakes

Sounds like some tasty, and easy to make, cupcakes, on my to make and taste list. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cupcakes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box spice cake mix, Shortcut
  • 2 cups cooked pumpkin, (or one 15 oz can)
  • 3 eggs, chicken or duck
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1/3 cup water
  • frosting, of your choice, as desired

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F), Line a cupcake pan with papers
  • In a mixing bowl, add all ingredients except the frosting.
  • Mix until everything is moistened then with an electric mixer, beat on medium speed for 2 minutes.
  • Pour into the cupcake papers, filling each about 3/4 full.
  • Bake for 18-24 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
  • Remove the cupcakes to a rack to cool completely.
  • Frost the cupcakes with frosting of your choice. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcut: Homemade Spice Cake Mix.
Adapted from a recipe card from the 1970's.
* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake
November 6, 2019 Lee
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Chocolate Turtle Cheesecake

This sounds really good, on my to make and taste list, and soon! The crust can be made with Oreo cookies and butter or you can use a store bought chocolate crumb crust. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 chocolate crumb pie crust, bought or homemade, Shortcut
  • 200 grams caramel candies, unwrapped, (7 oz)
  • 1/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 3/4 cup pecans, chopped, divided
  • 1 package Cream cheese, softened, (8 oz, 225 g)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 1/4 cups milk
  • 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix, (small size, 4 serving size box)
  • 1/2 cup fudge topping

Instructions
 

  • Remove packaging or prepare the cookie crumb crust.
  • Add the caramels and evaporated milk to a small sauce pan, place on low heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture is smooth, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove from heat, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped pecans.
  • Pour into the prepared pie crust and spread out evenly.
  • To a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk, mix with an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Add the pudding mix and mix for another 30 seconds.
  • Pour cream cheese mixture into the pie dish, covering the caramel and spread out evenly. Cover and chill for 15 minutes.
  • Drizzle the fudge topping over the cheesecake in a decorative pattern and sprinkle on the remaining 1/4 cup of chopped pecans. Cover and chill until you serve.
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving in the US, I will price this in Thailand when I return home.
Shortcut: Cookie Crusts.
Adapted from a 1970's recipe card.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Pear Pie
October 27, 2019 Lee
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Pear Pie

This pie can be made with fresh or canned pears. Link to the shortcuts are listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Filling

  • 2-3 pears, or 2 cans drained
  • 1 cup sour cream, Shortcut
  • 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 unbaked pie shell, Shortcut

For the Topping

  • 2/3 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup butter, room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180 C (350 F). Make and place a pie shell in a pie dish or if using refrigerated, place that in your pie dish. Poke the bottom of the crust 4-5 times with a fork.
  • For the pears, for fresh, peel and core, then slice 1/4 inch thick. Or use 2 cans, drained.
  • In a mixing bowl, add the Filling ingredients except the pears, mix together then pour into the prepared pie shell.
  • Arrange the pear slices evenly on the filing.
  • Place in the oven and bake 15 minutes. While the pie is baking, add the Topping ingredients to a mixing bowl, mix together with a fork.
  • Remove the pie at the 15 minute mark, sprinkle on the topping evenly on the pie, place back in the oven and bake for another 30-40 minutes or until the filling is set as indicated by inserting a toothpick and it comes out clean.
  • Remove pie to a rack and allow to cool completely.
  • Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Shortcuts: Sour Cream. Pie Crust, Olive Oil Pie Crust.
Adapted from Fresh Pear Pie on the Great Grub, Delicious Treats website.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Mandarin Orange Pudding
October 27, 2019 Lee
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Mandarin Orange Pudding

This is an excellent and easy recipe! When I return to Thailand, I will be taking pudding mixes back with me so I can make this there! There are two ways to make this, one with fresh whipped cream and the other with ready made Cool Whip. I used Cool Whip this time, in Thailand I will use fresh whipped cream.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box vanilla wafer cookies, you won't use all of them
  • 1 can Mandarin oranges, whole segments, drained, (29 oz / 822 g)
  • 250 grams Cream cheese, softened, (8 oz)
  • 1 can condensed milk, (14 oz)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon orange extract
  • 1 large box instant vanilla pudding mix, (6 serving size)
  • 3 cups whipping cream, or three 8 oz containers Cool Whip
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar, omit if using Cool Whip
  • 1 can Mandarin oranges, drained, for serving, optional, (11 oz / 312 g)

Instructions
 

  • Line the bottom of a 9x13 baking dish with the vanilla wafer cookies.
  • Add a layer of mandarin orange segments.
  • Add the cream cheese, condensed milk to a mixing bowl, beat with an electric mixer until smooth.
  • Add the dry pudding mix, vanilla, and milk. Beat until fully combined then set aside. Wash and dry the mixer blades if you are using fresh cream.
  • In another mixing bowl, add the whipping cream and beat until soft peaks form, then add the powdered sugar and beat until stiff peaks form, then set aside 1 1/2 cups.
  • Take the remaining whipped cream and fold that into the pudding mixture. OR fold in two containers of Cool Whip. I used Cool Whip.
  • Spread the pudding mixture evenly over the oranges.
  • Top the pudding with the reserved whipped cream OR another container of Cool Whip. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
  • To serve, slice into serving size pieces, top each serving with a mandarin orange segment if desired.
  • Enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Variant: 1. Use Cool Whip in place of the whipping cream and powdered sugar. Fold in two 8 oz containers of Cool Whip into the pudding mixture, then top with one 8 oz container before placing in the fridge.
Inspired by Spend With Pennies and the link to this recipe is here.
United States.
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Applesauce Cookies
October 23, 2019 Lee
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Applesauce Cookies

Easy to make and delicious cookies. Link to the shortcut is listed in the Recipe Notes section.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 18 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup applesauce, Shortcut
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chocolate, chips

Instructions
 

  • Prep the dry ingredients by adding the flour to a small mixing bowl then add the baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt. Mix together. Also measure out the chocolate chips, applesauce, and crack the eggs into a bowl and mix those with a fork.
  • Preheat your oven to 200 C (400 F), line a baking sheet with foil.
  • Add the sugar to the softened butter and mix together. Then mix in the applesauce, then mix in the eggs.
  • Dump in the dry ingredients you mixed together and mix with the wet ingredients.
  • Add the chocolate chips and stir those in.
  • Drop by tablespoonfuls on to the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until the cookies are starting to brown around the edge. Remove to a wire rack to cool.

Notes

Low cost.
Shortcut: Basic Applesauce (Slow Cooker).
Adapted from an internet recipe.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS
Yogurt Pie
October 18, 2019 Lee
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Yogurt Pie

This is surprisingly good, and easy. I have this written to use a store bought crust to make this very easy to put together, and you can also make from scratch if you desire.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 5 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 graham cracker crust, store bought
  • 3 containers flavored yogurt, all same flavor, (6 oz each)
  • 1 container Cool Whip, thawed
  • fresh fruit, same as yogurt choice, as garnish, if desired

Instructions
 

  • Add the cool whip and yogurt to a mixing bowl.
  • Fold the yogurt into the cool whip.
  • Spread the cool whip mixture into the graham cracker crust.
  • Place in the freezer and allow the pie to firm up. Remove from the freezer about 30 minutes before serving.
  • Slice and place on plates, top with some fresh fruit that is the same as the yogurt. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Low cost in the US, this would be costly in Thailand as I have only seen cool whip one time and that was pricey to say the least.
Adapted from a recipe on a cool whip container.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,5 Ingredients or Less,DESSERTS
Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie
October 18, 2019 Lee
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Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie

This is a very tasty pie, more of a cheesecake. I used a springform pan for this and that worked out really well.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 day 30 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups gingersnap cookies, 32 cookies, finely crushed
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 125 grams Cream cheese, softened, (4 oz / 1/2 package)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups whipped topping
  • 1 cup cold milk
  • 2 boxes instant butterscotch pudding mix, (use the smaller, 3.4 oz boxes)
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
  • 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin spice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • whipped topping, optional, for serving

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 190 C (375 F).
  • In a small bowl, mix together the cookie crumbs and melted butter, press into the bottom and sides of a 9 inch pie dish or into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.
  • Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
  • When the crust has cooled completely, in a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and sugar. Use an electric mixer and beat until smooth. Fold in the whipped topping. Spread the filling evenly in the crust.
  • In another mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes. Let stand for 2 minutes or until soft set.
  • Stir in the pumpkin, pie spice, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
  • Spread evenly over the cream cheese filling. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
  • When ready to serve, garnish each slice with whipped cream as desired. Enjoy.

Notes

Low cost per serving.
Adapted from an internet recipe.
# Buster Approved,#1 Go-To Recipes,* Best Value $1 or Less per Serving,DESSERTS