Mom Spark

Easy Classic Banana Bread Recipe

2026-03-03T20:27:38Z

A very easy and dangerously delicious banana bread recipe. Only 8 ingredients needed for this no-fail loaf of goodness, and you’ll never waste those overripe bananas again!

If I’m going to be completely honest, I sometimes go a little “bananas” when I buy bananas. As in, I always buy more than my family can actually consume before they are overripe. Not always, but it does happen from time to time.

⇒ a quick tip: keep your bananas longer by covering the stems with plastic wrap and a rubber band (to hold in place)

I don’t like to waste bananas, even if they’re brown and too mushy for my liking, so banana bread is always the best solution! Just 2-3 over-ripe bananas can create a loaf of 12 servings that will provide many breakfast meals for my family, too.

I have been using this easy, and very classic, banana bread recipe from Allrecipes.com for years because it never fails me, it’s super simple, and only requires 7 ingredients: over-ripe mashed bananas, brown sugar, butter, salt, baking soda, flour, egg, and vanilla extract.

Of course, this bread would be even more fun and delicious with chocolate chips, nuts, dried fruit…or whatever you or your family would love best, but it certainly doesn’t require it. Especially when you put a pat of butter on each warm slice. The video below is for drooling purposes…

https://momspark.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Hot-Butter-Banana-Bread.mp4

But, for now, let’s get to the basics of banana bread, shall we?

⇒ quick tip: bread is done when a toothpick from the center comes out clean

You will need a 9×5-inch loaf pan for this banana bread, so if you don’t have one on hand, Amazon has many to choose from here.

The easy recipe is below. Save, print, pin, do as you like!

Easy Classic Banana Bread Recipe

A very easy and dangerously delicious banana bread recipe. Only 8 ingredients for this no-fail loaf and you'll never waste those overripe bananas again!

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword banana, bread, cake

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 1 5

Total Time 1 20

Servings loaf (12 servings)

Calories 2936kcal

Ingredients

2 1/3 cups overripe bananas mashed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 eggs beaten

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
Add a pad of butter to each slice while (best when still warm) before serving!

Nutrition

So, if you see yourself having a few overripe bananas and want to create some magic, this is the solution for you.

This banana bread also pairs beautifully with hot coffee or tea or smothered with our Pumpkin Butter recipe.

Please let me know how your banana bread turned out in the comments below!

More Mom Spark bread recipes to try:

*This post may contain affiliate links.

The post Easy Classic Banana Bread Recipe appeared first on Mom Spark.

10 Bullet Journal Layout Ideas!

2026-01-04T20:18:56Z

Check out these creative ways to organize and personalize your journal with these simple and playful bullet journal layout ideas!

What is a Bullet Journal?

A bullet journal is a versatile and personalized system for organization and note-taking created by Ryder Carroll. It typically consists of a blank notebook that you fill with a combination of bulleted lists, short notes, and symbols to represent tasks, events, and notes. The system is designed to be flexible, allowing you to organize your thoughts, track habits, set goals, and plan your schedule in a way that suits your individual needs and preferences. It’s a creative and efficient method to bring order to your life while providing a space for self-expression.

What Order Should My Bullet Journal Be In?

The order of your bullet journal is entirely up to you, but here’s a common structure to consider:

Index:
- Reserve the first few pages for an index. This helps you easily locate various sections and collections in your journal.
Key:
- Dedicate a page to your key, outlining the symbols you’ll use for tasks, events, and notes.
Future Log:
- Create a future log for events and tasks that aren’t in the current month. This can span a few pages, usually six months to a year.
Monthly Log:
- Followed by your monthly log, where you can record events, tasks, and goals for the current month.
Weekly/Daily Logs:
- Many people prefer weekly logs to break down tasks further, while others opt for daily logs for more detailed planning. Experiment to see which suits you best.

Collections:
- Include specific collections like to-do lists, goal trackers, or any other thematic grouping you find helpful.
Reflection Pages:
- Set aside pages for reflections, gratitude lists, or any personal notes you want to capture.
Backs Matter:
- At the end, you might have additional pages for things like book lists, favorite quotes, or anything else you want to include.

Remember, the beauty of bullet journaling is its adaptability. Feel free to adjust the order to fit your preferences and needs.

10 Bullet Journal Layout Ideas

Bullet journals have become a hot hobby lately, and I am not mad about that even a little bit.

These nifty little things help keep you organized, focused, accountable, and, in many cases, for those of us with a mental illness, a wee bit saner. Need to back up a second? Learn how to start a bullet journal.

Here are ten bullet journal ideas to kickstart your new obsession:

1. Meal Planning

Meal planning tends to be the bane of most people’s existence. Especially when you’re feeding a family. This idea from Sublime Reflection is bright, colorful, and ingenious.

2. Habit Tracking

The perfect way to take stock of healthy habits is to track them. Doing so with neon pens as craftyenginerd did doesn’t hurt either.

3. Goal Setting

You can’t get there if you don’t know where you wanna go. I love this idea from emschwartzrdn about jotting down a few goals in different categories of your life to help keep your eyes on the prize.

4. Travel Logging

I am obsessed with The Travel Tester‘s idea of creating a map of where you tend to travel and coloring each location in once you explore that place. It could be a great way to track local adventures, too.

5. Show Marathons

It’s no secret we are a society of streaming marathon-watchers. I think this idea from bujo_planner is an adorable way to keep track of what season you’re in and which episode you left off on when you dozed off after nine straight hours of a Grey’s Anatomy marathon.

6. Song Listening

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes forget the name and artist of songs that make me feel really good. This idea to create a page about the emotion the songs on the page evoke as a central focus from pepperandtwine is so smart.

7. Home Projecting

Does anyone else have a laundry list the size of Texas of what things you want to improve around the house? No? Just me? Well, me and mebeleen, I suppose. This super cute representation of her house with all the little things she’d like to tackle in each room keeps things neat and underwhelming, which is exactly how home improvement projects should go.

8. Book Reading

Any avid reader out there loves keeping track of the treasure trove of stories they’ve been whisked into. maryj13 is certainly onto something with this design to keep a running list of just that.

9. Task Completing

The basis of all basic purposes for bullet journals: making your to-do lists. This layout from southerdaisybybh is so clever with the inclusion of the day’s weather as well.

10. Important Date Remembering

A quick overview of big, important birthdays and holidays is such a time saver when it’s time to send cards or gifts. This layout that covers the year’s events from my_blue_sky_design is so light and refreshing and colorful, yet simple. I love it so much.

Are you into bullet journals???

Make sure you check out…

How to Start a Bullet Journal

↳ 7 Summer Bullet Journal Layout Ideas

The post 10 Bullet Journal Layout Ideas! appeared first on Mom Spark.

New Year’s Good Luck Soup

2025-12-28T15:07:07Z

This New Year’s Good Luck soup includes smoked sausage, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and black-eyed peas.

Friends, this year was amazing. Thank you for reading our articles and supporting us. Here’s to a good new year, so let’s celebrate with a “good luck” soup. 🙂

What is Good Luck Soup?

Step into a world of hearty warmth and good fortune with Good Luck Soup, a comforting concoction that goes beyond its delicious taste. This soup is not just a medley of flavors; it’s a symphony of ingredients believed to usher in luck and positive vibes. Join me in uncovering the magic behind this delightful dish.

The Ingredients: Discover a harmonious blend of simple yet vibrant ingredients. From the smoky allure of the sausage to the zesty kick of fresh lemon juice, each component plays a crucial role in creating a bowl of goodness.

Symbolic Black-Eyed Peas: Delve into the tradition behind black-eyed peas, symbolizing prosperity and good luck. These little legumes add a nutty touch to the soup, making every spoonful a hopeful journey.

Aromatic Herb Infusion: Explore the aromatic embrace of fresh thyme and garlic, infusing the soup with fragrant notes that elevate not just the flavor but the entire experience.

Crunchy Vegetables and Greens: Feel the crunch of sweet carrots and crisp celery, alongside a burst of color from kale or fresh collard greens. These veggies not only add texture but bring a vibrant, lively spirit to the dish.

Citrusy Twist with Lemon Juice: End your culinary adventure with a splash of fresh lemon juice – a zesty finale that balances the flavors and adds a playful twist to the soup.

Unravel the charm of Good Luck Soup as we explore the significance and flavors that make it a cherished tradition. Get ready to infuse your New Year’s table with not just good taste but also a sprinkle of good luck!

Ingredients for New Year’s Good Luck Soup

Whip up a bowl of flavorful New Year’s Good Luck Soup with these simple and tasty ingredients:

Smoked Sausage: Savory and smoky, adding depth to the broth.
Olive Oil: Smooth and rich, enhancing the overall flavor.
Onion: Sweet and aromatic, creating a hearty base.
Carrots: Crunchy and sweet, bringing a vibrant color to the soup.
Celery: Fresh and crisp, adding a delightful texture.
Garlic: Aromatic and pungent, infusing the soup with bold flavor.
Fresh Thyme: Fragrant and earthy, providing a subtle herbaceous note.
Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy and zesty, bringing a kick of heat.
Chicken Broth: Warm and comforting, forming the flavorful base.
Tomatoes: Juicy and tangy, adding brightness to the broth.
Kale or Fresh Collard Greens: Leafy and nutritious, contributing vibrant greens.
Black-Eyed Peas: Nutty and tender, symbolizing good luck.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Zesty and refreshing, balancing the flavors with a citrusy twist.

Combine these ingredients for a delicious and symbolic New Year’s soup that’s sure to bring good luck to your table!

Get and Print the Recipe

New Year's Good Luck Soup

This New Year’s Good Luck soup includes smoked sausage, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, tomatoes, and black-eyed peas.

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Keyword black-eyed peas, carrots, cocktail sausages, new year's eve, soup

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1 5

Servings servings

Calories 460kcal

Ingredients

12 oz smoked sausage sliced
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 small onion chopped
2 carrots peeled and chopped
2 celery stalks chopped
3 cloves garlic chipped
1 tbsp fresh thyme finely chopped
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes undrained
5 cups chopped kale or fresh collard greens
15.5 oz can black-eyed peas rinsed and drained
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

In a large Dutch oven sauté sausage in hot oil over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes or until browned; drain and return to stove.
Add onion, carrots, celery and garlic and sauté 5 to 7 minutes more, stirring occasionally until tender.
Stir in thyme and red pepper flakes; cook 1 minute more. Add broth and tomatoes and bring to a boil; let simmer over medium heat 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in kale; reduce heat to low and simmer 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add black-eyed peas and cook 5 minutes more.
Add lemon juice, salt and red pepper flakes if needed to taste right before serving. Serve with crusty bread.

Nutrition

The post New Year’s Good Luck Soup appeared first on Mom Spark.

DIY Holiday Gift Bow Wreath

2025-12-19T16:59:29Z

Learn how to make this easy DIY Christmas Holiday Gift Bow Wreath craft that can be displayed on a mirror, wall, or the front door!

FEATURED ON HGTV.com!

As a kid, I considered no gift completely wrapped without a matching bow. My Poppa would work so hard to stack presents under the tree so that no present would have a squashed adornment that I had handpicked myself. When the presents were opened, he’d put all of the bows from all of his presents in my hair.

DIY: Holiday Gift Bow Wreath

Isn’t it strange how such a little item can bring back such amazing memories? My Poppa isn’t with us anymore. This will be the second Christmas he hasn’t given me his bows. But when I saw their huge bags for sale, I knew I wanted to craft with them to remember my grandfather, so I grabbed three packages to take home.

In the end, this fun holiday bow wreath came together amazingly well. I hope you’ll make your own and love it as much as I love mine!

Supplies Needed for Gift Bow Wreath

14-inch foam wreath form
around 100 bows, allowing for some messed-up bows inside your packages
hot glue
wide ribbon

How to Make a Gift Bow Wreath

Take your ribbon and hot glue it to the back of your wreath form. There is no need to cut it; keep it on the roll.

Wrap around once completely to cover the foam…

and then hot glue the ribbon to the backside and trim the excess ribbon, winding it back onto your spool. (no waste, yay!) Be sure to glue the dickens out of that sucker.

Okay, so my first attempt was to use the sticky from the bows on the foam, and it worked for a while. But then they just started falling off all over the place. So don’t do that. Instead, peel away the back bit that reveals the adhesive, apply a nice strip of hot glue, and press onto the form.

Continue adding bows, pushing them up against one another to prevent seeing the white of the form beneath. Before gluing one down, play with it like a puzzle to see how you can get the best fit.

Go over the front side, the inside, and the outside. But leave the backside empty (it will rest on the wall, door, etc.).

To keep from burning yourself, use a wooden skewer in tight spots to help push the glued bits down until they take hold.

Eventually, you’ll find it more difficult to keep adding the bows. Be patient and take care when using hot glue to avoid burning yourself or accidentally sticking it to your work surface.

Before calling it a day and unplugging your hot glue gun, hang it where it will be and make sure that when viewed at an angle, there are no blank spots where you can very obviously see the foam beneath.

Isn’t it super pretty?! I went with the traditional bag of bows I remember from childhood, and they ran me $3 for 40. They also have more color scheme-oriented bows, so you could always go that way for something a bit chicer!

PIN IT!

The post DIY Holiday Gift Bow Wreath appeared first on Mom Spark.

20 FREE Printable Christmas Gift Tags

2025-12-18T16:03:29Z

Check out this cute collection of 20 free, festive, and charming printable Christmas gift tags to add a special touch to your presents!

‘Twas the week before Christmas and all through the house, not a present was wrapped, not even a blouse! The gifts were all waiting on tables and chairs, in hopes that somebody would wrap them with care!

With just a few more sleeps til the big day, I wonder… how many of you have finished up all of your wrapping?? Tonight I’ve decided to throw a tiny gift-wrapping party at my house, including eggnog and good company. In honor of the occasion, I’d like to share with you some of the fabulously designed printable gift tags that I’ve come across in the last few weeks. Some of these are just so cute, I can’t stop grinning!

20 FREE Printable Holiday Gift Tags

I hope you’ll find something to adorn some of your presents this year! I know you’re going to love these!

1. Gold Merry and Bright Gift Tags

via Unexpected Elegance

2. Vintage Christmas Truck Gift Tags

via Ruffles and Rain Boots

3. Modern Christmas Gift Tags

via Taryn Whiteaker

4. Simple Watercolor Gift Tags

via Craftberry Bush

5. Green and Blue Christmas Gift Tags

via Finding Home Farms

also check out: DIY Glitter Gift Tags

6. Simple Greenery Gift Tags

via The Merry Thought

7. Joy to the World Gift Tags

via Kiki & Company

8. Holly Watercolor Christmas Gift Tags

via Finding Silver Pennies

9. Merry and Bright Christmas Gift Tags

via Pretty Providence

10. Classy Black and White Gift Tags

via Life I Design

11. Cute, Simple Gift Tags

via Paisley and Sparrow

12. Merry Christmas Gift Tag

via PJs and Paint

13. Elegant Black and White Christmas Gift Tags

via Hello Melly Designs

14. Fun Christmas Gift Tags

via Live Laugh Rowe

15, Cute Black and White Tags

via Thirty Handmade Days

16. Pinecone Gift Tags

via Ella Claire & Co.

17. Kraft Paper Christmas Gift Tags

via Clean and Scentsible

18. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas Gift Tags

via The Birch Cottage

19. Rustic Watercolor Gift Tags

via Creative Cain Cabin

20. Whimsical Christmas Gift Tags

via Wild Olive

Happy wrapping!

The post 20 FREE Printable Christmas Gift Tags appeared first on Mom Spark.

Overnight Cheesy Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

2025-12-23T21:02:02Z

Cheesy sausage hash brown breakfast casserole! It’s so easy to prep. Stick it in the refrigerator, and pop it into the oven the following day.

When the holiday season rolls around, I go through a cycle of emotions.

CYCLE 1.

The first cycle is pure excitement because OH MY GOODNESS IT’S THE HOLIDAYS! Twinkling lights are hung downtown, holiday music is on the radio, and the weather may even produce a snowflake. It feels like a real-life fantasy.

CYCLE 2.

Then the second cycle hits: the panic, the fear, the I-HAVEN’T-STARTED-MY-SHOPPING-AND-THERE-IS-NO-TIME-LEFT freak out, which has me in a tizzy until I reach the last and final cycle.

CYCLE 3.

The last cycle is the breath. I take a deep breath and remind myself that the holidays are meant to be enjoyed positively. There are no strict rules on how my family spends time together, only that we do.

After that, everything seems to flow along swimmingly and naturally.

In this zen-like calm, I remember that it’s wise to keep holiday tasks like food preparation simple and easy.

Overnight Cheesy Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

One holiday tradition my family and I have tried to stick to each year is a yummy breakfast on Christmas Day. This breakfast need not be complicated because I’m devoted to keeping my “deep breath” mantra! So, to keep things simple, I often prepare our Christmas breakfast the night before.

This deliciously cheesy sausage and hash brown breakfast casserole is one of our favorite recipes. It’s super simple to prep: store it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it the following day.

Less time in the kitchen equals more time for opening those presents!

recommended: Overnight French Toast Recipe

Print the Recipe

Overnight Cheesy Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Deliciously cheesy sausage and hash brown breakfast casserole! It's so easy to prep, stick in the refrigerator, then pop into the oven the next morning.

Course Breakfast, Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword casserole, cheese, hashbrown, sausage

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Servings -15

Calories 374kcal

Ingredients

2 cups shredded mild cheddar
1 30 oz bag frozen or refridgerated shredded hash browns for crispier hash browns: thaw and pat with paper towel before browing
2 lb breakfast sausage hot if you want a more kick
2 cups milk
8 medium eggs
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Instructions

OVERNIGHT PREP & BAKE:

In a large frying pan, cook sausage until brown. Drain and set aside.
note: for crispier hash browns, thaw and pat with a paper towel before browning in this step.
In same frying pan, lightly brown hash browns (if your skillet is on the smaller side, you may want to do this in two separate batches).
Pace hash browns into a greased 9x13 casserole dish. Top with sausage and cheese.
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, milk, and all spices until combined. Pour over casserole mixture.
Cover casserole dish with aluminum foil and place in the refrigerator overnight.
The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40 minutes or until cheese starts to bubble and brown and top.

SAME DAY MAKE & BAKE:

Follow STEPS 1-4 & STEPS 6-7 listed above.

Video

Notes

note: for crispier hash browns, thaw and pat with a paper towel before browning.

Nutrition

Check out this great Biscuit and Gravy Casserole recipe for another delicious breakfast recipe!

The post Overnight Cheesy Sausage and Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole appeared first on Mom Spark.

Hot Chocolate Dump Cake

2025-11-25T19:38:00Z

Enjoy an easy Hot Chocolate Dump Cake filled with gooey chocolate, melted marshmallows, and warm winter flavor.

Everyone knows the best part of winter is getting cozy, and the best way to get cozy is with hot chocolate. I’ve always loved hot chocolate as a great winter indulgence, which doesn’t leave me feeling like I’ve over-indulged.

It’s been chilly here, and I’ve been loving having my moments of peace when I wake up in the morning before everyone else, watch the snow sprinkle down, and enjoy a mug for myself. This little amount of time where I get to pause everything and look around – sometimes 10 minutes, sometimes a full hour – makes me appreciate having all four seasons here, something I sometimes take for granted during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

Hot Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe

So, I created this easy-peasy Hot Chocolate Dump Cake recipe that I recently put together for my family. It’s so easy, yet so tasty.

1. Decadent Delight: Experience the ultimate indulgence as this dump cake effortlessly combines the richness of hot chocolate with minimal effort.

2. Easy as Pouring: Embrace simplicity with the ease of preparation, making this hot chocolate-infused dessert a stress-free delight for any occasion.

3. Cozy Comfort in Every Bite: Enjoy the warm and comforting flavors reminiscent of hot chocolate, creating a cozy experience with each delicious mouthful.

4. Melty Perfection: Witness perfection as the ingredients meld together during baking, resulting in a gooey and delightful texture that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

5. Time-Saving Treat: Save time without compromising on taste with this dump cake, a quick and delicious solution for those craving a homemade dessert without the fuss.

6. Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Serve up a crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or moments when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to a delightful hot chocolate-infused dessert.

Equipment Needed for Hot Chocolate Dump Cake

9 x 13-inch baking pan
large mixing bowl

Ingredients for Hot Chocolate Dump Cake

Chocolate Pudding Mix:

Creamy Magic: This chocolate pudding mix is like a pouch of creamy magic, ready to turn our dump cake into a velvety delight. It’s the secret behind that luscious texture!

Milk:

Liquid Hug: Pour in the milk, our liquid hug for the ingredients. It’s the unsung hero that binds everything together, making our cake extra cozy.

Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix:

Fudgy Fantasy: Enter the chocolate fudge cake mix – our ticket to a fudgy fantasyland. It’s like opening a box of chocolate dreams ready to come true in every bite.

Mini Marshmallows:

Pillow Puffs: Toss in the small marshmallows, our pillow puffs of joy. They’ll be the surprise bites that turn this cake into a marshmallow wonderland.

Mini Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:

Tiny Delights: Sprinkle in the mini semi-sweet chocolate chips – tiny delights that promise pockets of chocolate goodness, making each forkful a mini celebration.

Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa Mix:

Cocoa Bliss: And last but not least, the Swiss Miss hot chocolate mix – our cocoa bliss in a packet. It’s like inviting a cozy cup of hot chocolate to the cake party, adding that extra layer of warmth and flavor.

How to Make Hot Chocolate Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk. Stir in the cake mix and 2 cups of marshmallows and chocolate chips.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out nearly clean.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining marshmallows and the hot chocolate mix and allow to cool completely in the pan for 1 hour before serving.

Get and Print the Recipe

Hot Chocolate Dump Cake Recipe

Enjoy an easy Hot Chocolate Dump Cake filled with gooey chocolate, melted marshmallows, and warm winter flavor.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword cake, chocolate, dump cake, hot chocolate, hot cocoa, marshmallow

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 35

Total Time 45

Servings

Calories 380kcal

Ingredients

1 box chocolate pudding mix
1 1/2 cups whole milk you can use 2%, 1% or even milk substitute, but whole milk makes it richer
1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
4 cups mini marshmallows divided
1 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 tbsp Swiss Miss hot chocolate mix any flavor

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13-inch pan and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the pudding mix and milk. Stir in the cake mix and 2 cups of marshmallows and chocolate chips.
Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out nearly clean.
Remove from oven and sprinkle with remaining marshmallows and the hot chocolate mix and allow to cool in the pan for 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition

The post Hot Chocolate Dump Cake appeared first on Mom Spark.

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

2025-11-24T01:03:47Z

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for when you aren’t in the mood to make a traditional pecan pie crust from scratch—chewy and chocolatey.

Indulgence Alert: Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars!

It is hard to go wrong when you are dealing with pecans and chocolate. Many of the ingredients in this recipe are ones that most of us always have on hand, making it a great option for a spur-of-the-moment sweet treat.

The Magic Method

Mix, bake, and let the enchantment happen! It’s a simple dance of ingredients that transforms into a symphony of flavors and textures. Your kitchen is about to become the stage for a pie masterpiece!

Why You’ll Love It

🤤 Gooey meets crunchy in every bite.
🍫 Chocolate pockets that are basically bliss bombs.
🌈 A flavor journey that’s like a dessert vacation for your taste buds.

So, are you ready to embark on this chocolatey, nutty adventure? Grab your apron, turn up the music, and let’s bake up some joy! Don’t forget to share your creation – I can’t wait to see your bars stealing the spotlight!

Equipment for Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Ingredients for Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Unsalted Butter
Light Brown Sugar
All-Purpose Flour
Salt
Eggs
Light Corn Syrup
Granulated Sugar
Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Pecans

How to Make Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars

Preheat oven to 350. Line bottom and sides of a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat 1 stick room-temp butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt until coarse crumbs form. Pour mixture into prepared pan; press firmly into bottom.
Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Let cool, 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in same large bowl, mix eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and 2 TBS melted butter until well combined. Add chocolate chips and pecans; spread over crust.
Bake until set, 25-30 minutes. Cool completely in pan before lifting out (use foil to lift). Cut into 32 bars. (I cut them into 16 bars)

Get and Print the Full Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars Recipe

Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars are perfect for when you aren't in the mood to make a traditional pecan pie crust from scratch—chewy and chocolatey.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword bars, chocolate, pecans

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 50

Cooling 35

Total Time 1 45

Servings

Calories 172kcal

Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature
2 tbsp unsalted butter melted
1/4 cup light brown sugar packed
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
3 large eggs
3/4 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips original recipe calls for 2 cups
2 cups pecans coarsely chopped

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350. Line bottom and sides of a 9×13 inch baking pan with aluminum foil.
In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat 1 stick room-temp butter, brown sugar, flour, and salt until coarse crumbs form. Pour mixture into prepared pan; press firmly into bottom.
Bake until lightly browned, 25-30 minutes. Let cool, 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, in same large bowl, mix eggs, corn syrup, granulated sugar, and 2 TBS melted butter until well combined. Add chocolate chips and pecans; spread over crust.
Bake until set, 25-30 minutes. Cool completely in pan before lifting out (use foil to lift). Cut into 32 bars. (I cut them into 16 bars)

Notes

source: Food.com

Nutrition

The post Chocolate Pecan Pie Bars appeared first on Mom Spark.

Muddy Buddies “Puppy Chow” Chex Mix

2025-11-11T01:52:09Z

Whether it’s called muddy buddies or puppy chow, this peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar Chex mix is a must-have holiday snack!

What Do You Call This Chex Mix?

Muddy Buddies. Monkey Mix. Puppy Chow.

You know it. You love it. It is a childhood classic. Granted, it may not be gourmet, but it is a delicious treat that the kids can help you make.

Whether you call it muddy buddies, monkey mix, or puppy chow, this classic peanut butter chocolate Chex mix is a must-have recipe! But why?

Chocolate + Peanut Butter + Powdered Sugar + Chex Cereal = HEAVEN.

Equipment Needed for Puppy Chow

Ingredients Needed for Muddy Buddies

Chex Cereal: Light, crunchy, and bite-sized—Chex is the perfect base. It gives every handful that irresistible crunch we all love.

Semisweet Chocolate Chips: These melt down into a rich, silky chocolate coating that wraps around the cereal and makes everything taste extra cozy and sweet.

Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter brings that nutty, salty-sweet balance that makes this mix so addictive. It blends beautifully with the chocolate.

Butter or Margarine: A little butter helps everything melt together smoothly, giving the mixture a velvety texture that coats the cereal just right.

Vanilla Extract: Just a splash of vanilla adds warmth and a hint of sweetness that ties all the flavors together.

Powdered Sugar: And finally, powdered sugar gives the whole batch that classic snowy finish—sweet, soft, and impossible to stop snacking on.

tip: Store in a large Ziploc bag or an air-tight container to retain freshness.

☞ also check out our Sugar Cookie Chex Mix and White Chocolate Cranberry Chex Mix

How to Make Muddy Buddies

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:

Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.

In 1-quart microwavable bowl, stir together chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla.

Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.

Add powdered sugar. Seal ziploc bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

STOVE TOP DIRECTIONS:

Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
In 1-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into a 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
Add powdered sugar. Seal ziploc bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.

Get the Puppy Chow Recipe

Muddy Buddy "Puppy Chow" Chex Mix

Whether it's called muddy buddies or puppy chow, this peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar Chex mix is a must-have holiday snack!

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword cereal, chex, chocolate, christmas, christmas snack, holiday, holiday snack, peanut butter, powdered sugar

Prep Time 25

Cook Time 10

Total Time 35

Servings or more

Calories 243kcal

Ingredients

9 cups Chex cereal any variety
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:

Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
In 1-quart microwavable bowl, stir together chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter. Microwave uncovered on High 1 minute; stir. Microwave about 30 seconds longer or until mixture can be stirred smooth. Stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
Add powdered sugar. Seal ziploc bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in airtight container in refrigerator.

STOVE TOP DIRECTIONS:

Into large bowl, measure cereal; set aside.
In 1-quart saucepan, heat chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter over low heat, stirring frequently, until melted. Remove from heat; stir in vanilla. Pour mixture over cereal, stirring until evenly coated. Pour into a 2-gallon resealable food-storage plastic bag.
Add powdered sugar. Seal ziploc bag; shake until well coated. Spread on waxed paper to cool. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator.

Nutrition

The post Muddy Buddies “Puppy Chow” Chex Mix appeared first on Mom Spark.

Sweet & Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe

2025-11-09T00:51:32Z

Looking for an appetizer that your guests will eat up in seconds? Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies will do the trick!

Brown sugar and cayenne pepper transform these Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies into a party appetizer that vanishes in seconds.

Bacon Adds Flavor to Simple Recipes

As you already know, I love to cook, which explains the countless recipes I have here on Mom Spark.

One of my favorite ingredients to work with is bacon, because, well, IT’S BACON. As they say, everything goes with bacon. It’s true.

Sweet & Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Cocktail Sausages

For today’s post, I’ve got a TO DIE FOR appetizer for your next football gathering or potluck. Or to just eat at home because IT’S BACON-WRAPPED LITTLE SMOKIES (cocktail sausages).

Read and Print the Recipe

Sweet Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe

Brown sugar and cayenne pepper transform these Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies into a party appetizer that vanishes in seconds.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword bacon, cocktail sausages, football snack, hot dogs, kid snack, little smokies, pork, spicy, sweet potato

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings

Calories 458kcal

Ingredients

1 package pork little smokies/cocktail sausages 40-45 smokies
1 lb package regular cut bacon around 16 slices
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper depending on how spicy you like it

Instructions

Preheat over to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and baking rack.
In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar with cayenne pepper. Cut bacon into three equal thirds, then wrap each smokie with bacon and cover with sugar mixture. Place on baking sheet (it may take a couple of batches to go through all of the bacon and smokies).
Bake for 20 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes, then serve!

Video

Nutrition

The post Sweet & Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Little Smokies Appetizer Recipe appeared first on Mom Spark.