From brunch boards and make-ahead casseroles to fresh salads, sweet treats, and simple decor, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate Mom in a relaxed and meaningful way.

Mother’s Day Brunch Boards

Brunch Charcuterie Boards are one of the easiest ways to create a beautiful spread without a lot of work. A mix of fresh fruit, breakfast favorites, and a few sweet treats makes everything feel special and inviting. Try a fruit board with dips, a breakfast board with pancakes and sausage, or even a fun donut board for a simple centerpiece.

• Fruit Board including Fruit Dip and Chocolate Dip
• Breakfast Charcuterie Board
• Brunch Board with Compound Butter Recipe
• Brunch Boards
• Fruit and Vegetable Board
• Donut Board with Homemade Glazes from Dessert Boards Cookbook

Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas: Pancakes, Casseroles and Eggs

If you’re looking for something a little more filling, these brunch favorites are always a hit. Pancakes, egg dishes, and casseroles are easy to prepare and perfect for serving a group. Make-ahead options like sausage or tater tot casseroles help keep the morning stress-free.

• Buttermilk Pancakes
• Make-Ahead Sausage Breakfast Casserole
• Tater Tot Casserole
• Mini Pancake Bar
• Poached Eggs from Food Folks and Fun Blog
• Ham and Cheese Quiche from Yummi Haus Blog

Mother’s Day Brunch Recipes: Light and Fresh Salads and Dips

Add something light and refreshing to your brunch table with simple salads and creamy dips. Fresh fruit salad, pineapple fluff, and classic favorites like Watergate Salad bring a little sweetness and balance to the menu. Serve with a fruit dip for an easy option everyone will love.

• Fruit Dip – Only 3 ingredients
• Pineapple Fluff
• Strawberry Fluff
• Fruit Platter
• Fruit Salad with Lime Honey Dressing
• Watergate Salad (aka Pistachio Fluff)

Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas: Baked Goods

Baked goods are a must for any brunch and can easily be made ahead of time. Muffins, coffee cake, banana bread, and scones add a cozy, homemade touch to your table. Pair with a simple granola for a little crunch and variety.

• Blueberry Muffins
• Coffee Cake
• Banana Bread
• Raspberry Scones from Tastes Better from Scratch
• Make-Ahead Coffee Cake
• Homemade Granola – perfect for topping yogurt

Mother’s Day Sweet Treat Recipes

Make your Mother’s Day brunch feel extra special with a few simple desserts. Mini cheesecakes, cupcakes, and angel food cake desserts are easy to serve and always a favorite. A small dessert board is a fun way to add a little variety without a lot of extra effort.

• Lemon Blueberry Angel Food Cake in a Jar
• Mini Cheesecakes
• Lemon Dessert Board from Dessert Boards Cookbook
• Gourmet Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
• Lemon Berry Cheesecakes
• Lemon Raspberry Mini Cupcakes

Drinks for Mother’s Day Brunch

Keep drinks simple and refreshing with a few easy options. Classic lemonade, flavored variations like strawberry or cucumber mint, and a light punch are perfect for brunch. Set everything out in pitchers so guests can help themselves.

• Fresh Squeezed Lemonade
• Grapefruit Sunrise from Mom 4 Real Blog
• Cucumber Mint Lemonade
• Strawberry Lemonade
• Breakfast Punch from The Carefree Kitchen
• Strawberry Fizz

Mother’s Day Brunch Decor

You don’t need a lot of decor to make your brunch feel beautiful and welcoming. A simple table setting, a few fresh flowers, or a small herb centerpiece in mason jars can make a big impact. Even a basic buffet setup can feel special with just a few thoughtful touches. And don’t forget the photos of Mom!

• How to Set a Buffet Table
• How to Add Flowers to your Table
• Simple Table Setting from The TomKat Studio
• Mason Jar Herb Garden – makes a great gift too!
• Mother’s Day Brunch Table from Celebrations at Home Blog
• Mother’s Day Table Setting from Julie Blanner

No matter how you choose to celebrate, a simple homemade brunch is a beautiful way to make Mother’s Day feel extra special. Choose a few favorites, keep it easy, and focus on spending time together.

Cakes, Pies, Cupcakes, Dessert Ideas and No Bake Treats are all included in our Mother’s Day Desserts!

The post Mother’s Day Brunch Ideas appeared first on Hoosier Homemade.

Here you’ll find a collection of simple April ideas—from fresh recipes and desserts to easy entertaining, home and garden inspiration, printables, and fun ways to celebrate throughout the month. Pick a few ideas that feel doable and enjoy the season in a way that feels good to you.

Fresh and Light Spring Recipes

Fresh, light recipes that are perfect for this time of year—simple meals, colorful salads, and easy dishes your family will love. These are the kinds of recipes that make everyday cooking feel a little more special.

• Burrito Bowl
• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Favorite Fruit Salad
• Strawberry Pretzel Salad
• Fresh Lemonade + 5 Recipe Variations

Spring Desserts

Sweet, simple desserts filled with fresh flavors like berries, lemon, and light cakes. Perfect for gatherings, brunch, or just a little treat to celebrate the season.

• Cherry Poke Cake
• Lemon Drop Cookies
• Fruit Dip
• Mini Cheesecake Recipe
• Blueberry Slab Pie

Simple Entertaining Ideas

Easy ways to gather without the stress—think simple boards, casual setups, and ideas that help you create a beautiful table without overcomplicating things.

Shortcake Board from my Dessert Boards Cookbook

Included on the Board:

• Shortcakes – Recipe Here
• Angel Food Cake – store bought in mini bundt shapes and cut into pieces
• Strawberry Topping – Recipe Here
• Whipped Cream
• Berries = Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries and Blackberries

• How to Set a Buffet Table
• Fruit and Veggie Board
• Spring Table Centerpiece

Spring Garden and Home Refresh

Simple ways to refresh your home and outdoor spaces for Spring. From adding a few flowers to updating a small area, these ideas help your home feel lighter, brighter, and ready for the season.

• How to Choose and Apply Mulch
• Small Laundry Room Refresh
• Spring Wreath Ideas
• How to Build a Ground Level Deck (or grab the decorating ideas)
• Plants for Hanging Baskets

Gifting Ideas for April Moments

Thoughtful, easy gift ideas for the little moments in April—from holidays to everyday celebrations. Simple ways to make someone feel special without spending a lot of time or money.

• National Pet Day (April 11th): Homemade Dog Treats
• National Library Week (April 19-25, 2026): Personalized Bookmark for the Bookworm in your life
• Earth Day (April 22nd): Mason Jar Herb Garden
• National Superhero Day (April 28th): Make the Superhero in your life a special treat

FREE Spring Printables

Fun and useful printables for kids, home, and everyday life. Perfect for adding a little seasonal touch, staying organized, or creating easy activities for the family.

Each month new printables are added to the Library including ideas for holidays and seasons. Gift tags, cupcake toppers, party printables and more for you to use.

Sign up below for access to our Free Printable Library

• Four Seasons Activity Set for Kids including 7 pages with seasonal dress-up activities, games, coloring and word find.
• Spring Activities Sheet including 7 pages with games, coloring, scavenger hunt and more!
• Picnic Printables including napkin wraps, drink flags and snack bag toppers.
• Spring Cleaning Checklist Printable
• Mother’s Day Cupcake Toppers

Special Days to Celebrate in April

A few fun and meaningful days to celebrate throughout the month—simple ideas to add a little joy, create memories, and make April feel special.

• 1st: April Fool’s Day: Surprise the kids with a fun dinner, or add dessert to your regular dinner.
• 5th: Easter (2026): Make an easy Easter Dessert or find a unique Easter Basket Idea.
• 13th: Peach Cobbler Day: This Old Fashion Peach Cobbler is just like Mom used to make! Or maybe Peach Crisp is your favorite!
• 22nd: Earth Day: Celebrate the Earth with these fun activities with the kids! The Leaf Animals are super popular on Pinterest right now!
• 25th: Zucchini Bread Day: This recipe is one from my Great Aunt, and is one of our most popular recipes.

The post April Ideas: Recipes, Garden, Home, Gifts & Celebrations appeared first on Hoosier Homemade.

You can be as fancy as you like, or keep it really simple by adding store bought treats.

This Christmas Dessert Charcuterie Board is filled with a mix of classic holiday cookies, no-bake treats, and festive candies. It’s the perfect blend of homemade favorites and quick store-bought additions, which makes it easy to put together for parties, gifting, or a cozy night at home.

The Eggnog Dip goes together in minutes and is a holiday tradition. And the Jam Cake is a recipe from my Mother-in-Law, she made it every year.

Classic Christmas Cookies including Gingerbread, Peanut Butter Blossoms, Chocolate Chip, Chocolate Crinkles and No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal are always a hit!

Christmas wouldn’t be the same without candy. This Dessert Board has Homemade Peanut Butter Cups, Oreo Balls, Cream Cheese Mints and Pretzel Hugs. Plus store-bought favorite Christmas candies.

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Dessert Board

• Perfect for Entertaining – the treats can all be made ahead of time, and assembled before serving
• Easy to Customize – mix and match with your family favorite Christmas treats, or keep it super simple and use store-bought
• Everyone loves Christmas Cookies – baking and sharing during the holidays is a fun tradition that everyone loves
• Gift Idea – you can create this Christmas Dessert Board in any size you like, they also make great gifts for neighbors, co-workers and friends

How to Make a Christmas Dessert Charcuterie Board

1. Choose the Board – you can use just about any board, platter or tray you like. I like using boards or trays that have an edge around it to hold the treats in.
2. Baking – after your treats are all made, it’s time to start assembling.
3. Largest First – begin with the largest pieces first, then fill in by adding medium size and then the smallest. For this Christmas Board, I started by adding the bowls for the Eggnog Dip, Gingerbread Men Cookies and the slices of Jam Cake.
4. Small Filler Items – it’s always easy to have some small filler items like candy canes or Christmas candy.

Cookies on this Christmas Dessert Board

The Christmas Cookies are what gives a Christmas Dessert Board its warm, homemade feel. I used a mix of soft, chewy, and spiced cookies, most of them recipes already here on Hoosier Homemade.

By also adding the Jam Cake and Eggnog Dip, it gives a little variety.

You can use any combination of your family’s favorites. Here are the recipes that are on the Dessert Board:

• Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Gingerbread Men Cookies
• No Bake Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
• Eggnog Dip
• Chocolate Crinkles
• Jam Cake
• Chocolate Chip Cookies

Candy & No-Bake Treats for Extra Color and Crunch

Adding candy and bite-size treats fills in the board and brings those pops of red and green that make Christmas Dessert Boards so fun.

These are easy, quick recipes you can make ahead or you can swap with store-bought treats if you’re keeping it simple.

Here are the candy recipes that are on the Dessert Board:

• Pretzel Hugs
• Peanut Butter Cups
• Saltine Toffee
• Cream Cheese Mints
• Oreo Balls

Looking for more Charcuterie Board Ideas? Here are some favorites:

• Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board
• Breakfast Charcuterie Board
• Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board

From the Cookbook: Christmas Dessert Board

This Christmas Dessert Board is from our Dessert Board Cookbook that has 50 board ideas including all the main holidays plus fun ideas like Movie Night Board, Frosting Board or Sleepover Board.

Grab your copies every where books are sold!

The post Christmas Dessert Board appeared first on Hoosier Homemade.

There’s nothing quite like the flavors of fall – crisp apples, warm caramel, and cozy spices all coming together in one delicious, beautiful spread.

This Dessert Board features a mix of homemade favorites like Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies, Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes, and Homemade Caramel Sauce – beautifully arranged with crisp apple slices, chewy caramel candies, and other fall treats.

Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Board

• Perfect for Entertaining – Beautiful, simple, and a total crowd-pleaser.
• Easy to Customize – Mix homemade treats with store-bought favorites.
• Delicious Variety – Sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy all in one bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Prep the components ahead and assemble right before serving.

What’s on This Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board

The beauty of a Dessert Board is flexibility. You can use what you have, mix in store-bought items, or go all out with homemade recipes.

Here’s what’s included on mine:

Apples

A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the board balance and color. Try Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji, the combination of bright green, red, and gold makes it extra eye-catching.

I added some of the apples plain and some have a drizzle of chocolate on them. For the chocolate, I like using Almond Bark the most, it melts really easily. You can melt the chocolate in the microwave and drizzle with a spoon or use a plastic squeeze bottle (that is what I use).

Homemade Caramel Sauce

Warm, rich, and buttery – the star of the show. This Homemade Caramel Sauce Recipe takes only 5 ingredients, 10 minutes and NO candy thermometer. Serve the Caramel Sauce in a small ramekin right on the board for easy dipping.

Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies

These Fall Cookies are topped with a creamy peanut butter filling, crisp green apple slices, a drizzle of easy-to-make Caramel Sauce and chopped peanuts.

Mini Caramel Apple Cheesecakes

These bite-sized cheesecakes are the perfect balance of creamy and sweet. They look beautiful on the board and add a fun variety of texture.

For these Fall Cheesecakes, I used one of my favorite Cheesecake Recipe, and added a simple Caramel Apple Topping that takes them to the next level.

To make the topping:
In a small skillet, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 1 large apple, peeled and finely chopped, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir to combine and cook for 7–10 minutes, until the apples are soft and the sugar is caramelized. Allow the mixture to cool, then spoon the apples over each cheesecake and drizzle with warm caramel sauce before serving.

Caramel Candies

A nostalgic touch and an easy filler between larger desserts. Individually wrapped caramels or Rolos both work great.

The Best Apples for Dipping and Snacking

When building a caramel apple board, the apples matter. You want a crisp, firm apple that won’t brown too quickly or get mushy.

My favorites:

• Granny Smith: Tart, crisp, and classic with caramel.
• Honeycrisp: Sweet and juicy with great crunch.
• Fuji or Gala: Mildly sweet, perfect for kids and guests who prefer a softer bite.

Tip: Slice apples evenly (about ¼ inch thick) so they’re easy to dip and layer.

How to Keep Apples from Browning

If you’re preparing your board ahead, here’s how to keep those apple slices fresh and pretty:

• Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice per cup of cold water and soak slices for 3–5 minutes.
• Pat dry before adding them to the board so the caramel sticks better.
• The apples should stay for a few hours using this method.

How to Assemble a Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board

1. Start with the board
   Use a large wooden board or serving tray.
2. Add the caramel dip first
   Place the bowl or ramekin off-center for a natural look.
3. Add your main desserts
   Arrange the cookies and cheesecakes in small groups, I like to add the largest items first.
4. Layer in apple slices
   Fan them out for color and easy grabbing.
5. Fill the gaps with your smallest pieces
   Add caramel candies, and extra apple slices to fill space. You can also add nuts, pretzels, or other candy.

Pro tip: Assemble just before serving for the freshest look. If you’re serving outdoors, keep the caramel warm in a small insulated container or mini crock.

Entertaining Tips

• Serve within 30–60 minutes of assembling for best freshness.
• Offer mini forks or skewers so guests can build their own bites.
• Turn this idea into a DIY Caramel Apple Bar — set out toppings and let everyone create their own.
• Pair with hot apple cider, coffee, or hot chocolate for the perfect cozy touch.

More Fall Treat Recipes You’ll Love

Keep the Fall theme going with these Hoosier Homemade favorites:

• Caramel Apple Bar: Apples, Homemade Caramel Sauce and fun toppings make up this Caramel Apple Dipping Bar.
• Pumpkin Fluff: Only 4 ingredients needed for this cravable Fall dip! Add your favorite dippers to a board for a fun Fall treat!
• Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip: Add this dip to small jars for easy serving. Or give them as gifts!

More Charcuterie & Dessert Boards

If you love this idea, don’t miss these other themed boards:

• Fall Board with Pumpkin Dip: This Pumpkin Pie Dip goes together in minutes and is rich and creamy!
• S’mores Dip: This dip is perfect any time of year! Who doesn’t love S’mores? Change out the dippers for fit Fall, if you like.
• Cookie Board: It doesn’t get much easier than store bought cookies. This Fall Board is perfect for your Friendsgiving Celebration!

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board is everything I love about fall — simple, sweet, and made to share.
Whether you’re entertaining friends or creating a cozy family night at home, it’s the perfect mix of nostalgic and new.

If you make this board, I’d love to see it! Tag @HoosierHomemade on Instagram or share it on Pinterest — I can’t wait to see your creations.

From The Cookbook: The Caramel Apple Dessert Board

If you love to entertain, or serve up memories for your family, you will love my Dessert Boards cookbook!

It has over 100 boards and recipes to choose from including all the main holidays like Christmas, Easter, Valentine’s Day and New Year’s Eve. Plus fun ideas like Movie Night Board, Frosting Board or for the Harry Potter fans – a cool Harry Potter Dessert Board.

Grab your copies every where books are sold!

The post Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board appeared first on Hoosier Homemade.

There’s something about Fall that makes caramel apples irresistible, the crisp apples, gooey caramel, and sweet-salty crunch of peanuts. These Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies capture all those flavors in an adorable no-bake mini dessert that’s perfect for any occasion and super easy to make.

This recipe was added to one of my favorite dessert boards from my cookbook: Dessert Boards: 100+ Decandent Recipes for any Occasion, the cookies are simple to assemble, crowd-pleasing, and a show-stopper on any Fall Dessert Table.

What Are Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies?

Think of these as mini dessert pizzas made with soft sugar cookies instead of crust!
Each cookie is topped with a creamy peanut butter filling, crisp green apple slices, a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce and chopped peanuts.

The Cookie Pizzas are:

• Easy to make
• Perfect for parties or gifting
• A creative twist on a caramel apple dessert

If you love Fall flavors, you’ll also enjoy these popular recipes:

• Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip: A creamy layer of cream cheese mixed with caramel, brown sugar and cinnamon, topped with more caramel and sprinkled with crushed candy bars. 
• Pumpkin Bread: is moist, full of flavor with spices and nuts, and super easy to put together. The mini loaves make great gifts too!
• Apple Crisp: topped with a combination of oats, brown sugar, flour and spices and combined with butter to make the crumble topping. Don’t forget the Vanilla Ice Cream and a drizzle of Caramel Sauce!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a few simple ingredients:

• Sugar Cookies – store-bought or homemade (these sugar cookies are a favorite in our family, they have a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg that would taste amazing on these cookie pizzas)
• Cream Cheese – softened for a smooth filling
• Peanut Butter – creamy is best
• Brown Sugar – for more rich flavor
• Vanilla Extract – for sweetness and depth
• Granny Smith Apples – crisp and tart
• Caramel Sauce – homemade or store-bought (this Caramel Sauce Recipe takes only 5 ingredients, 10 minutes and NO candy thermometer)
• Peanuts – chopped for texture

Pro Tip: Dip your apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning!

How to Make Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies

If you are making sugar cookies, bake them and allow to cool.

Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese cheese until fluffy, 2-3 minutes
2. Add brown sugar, peanut butter and vanilla and beat until smooth

Topping

1. Slice apples and place in lemon juice
2. Chop peanuts

Assembly

1. Add 1-2 tablespoons of filling to each cookie. The amount of filling will depend on the size of the cookie
2. Top with apple slices, drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with peanuts
3. Serve immediately or store in a single layer in a container in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 24 hours
4. Store leftovers in refrigerator

Make Ahead & Storage Tips

• You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate.
• Slice apples right before serving.
• Assembled cookies are best eaten the same day.
• Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

From The Cookbook: The Caramel Apple Dessert Board

These cookies were originally featured on my Caramel Apple Dessert Board from The Dessert Boards Cookbook.

That board is a mix of warm, cozy Fall flavors including Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes, Apples with Chocolate Drizzle, Caramel Candy and these Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies quickly became one of my favorites to include. They add a delicious treat, an inviting texture, and a sweet-salty crunch that ties the whole board together.

If you love hosting, check out the cookbook for over creative ideas to build your own dessert or snack boards for every season. Each of the boards features simple recipes and step-by-step instructions on putting together the Dessert Boards.

Grab a copy of our Dessert Boards Cookbook! It has over 100 recipes and boards to make your holidays and entertaining super easy!

Variations & Substitutions

• Nut-Free: Skip the peanuts or use Almond or Sunflower Butter instead of peanut butter.
• Apple Options: Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples for a sweeter twist.
• Cookie Base: Try shortbread, snickerdoodles, or graham crackers.
• Party Bar: Turn this recipe into a “Build-Your-Own Cookie Pizza Bar” – perfect for fall gatherings!

When to Serve These Cookies

These bite-size desserts fit beautifully into fall entertaining:

• Autumn bake sales or classroom treats
• Game Day Dessert Platters
• Thanksgiving Dessert tables
• Hostess or teacher gifts (wrapped individually)
• Family movie nights or cozy weekends

Pair with hot cider, coffee, or caramel lattes for a full fall experience!

These Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies combine everything you love about Fall; crisp apples, creamy caramel, and a soft cookie base into one irresistible dessert.

They’re proof that you don’t need complicated ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make something special. Try them for your next party or include them on your fall dessert board!

Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies

Yield: 12-15

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

These Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies capture all the Fall flavors in an adorable mini dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

Print

Ingredients

• Sugar cookies, store bought or homemade
• Filling
• 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• Topping
• 1-2 granny smith apples, depending on size
• Lemon juice, to prevent browning of apples
• Caramel topping, homemade or store bought
• ½ cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped

Instructions

If you are making sugar cookies, bake them and allow to cool

Filling

1. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese cheese until fluffy, 2-3 minutes
2. Add brown sugar, peanut butter and vanilla and beat until smooth

Topping

1. Slice apples and place in lemon juice
2. Chop peanuts

Assembly

1. Add 1-2 tablespoons of filling to each cookie. The amount of filling will depend on the size of the cookie
2. Top with apple slices, drizzle with caramel and sprinkle with peanuts
3. Serve immediately or store in a single layer in a container in the refrigerator until ready to serve, up to 24 hours
4. Store leftovers in refrigerator

Notes

Dip your apple slices in lemon juice to prevent browning

The filling can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator

Assemble right before serving

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 128Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 57mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 1gSugar: 12gProtein: 3g

The post Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies appeared first on Hoosier Homemade.

Caramel Sauce is my favorite topping, whether I’m adding on top of Ice Cream, or adding it to recipes like Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip and Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Trifles.

Often times when you are making sauce which involves sugar, you need a candy thermometer. It’s always a good thing to have, and I use it when I make my Homemade Candy Corn and a few other recipes, but this Easy Caramel Sauce Recipe is easy enough, there is no special equipment needed.

Taking the family apple picking is a tradition every fall, so why not celebrate with this Caramel Apple Board featuring a quick homemade caramel sauce, Taffy Apple Cookie Pizzas and Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes. Apples for dipping in the caramel sauce and some that have a chocolate drizzle are added along with caramel candies.

Caramel Apple Charcuterie Board

• Homemade Caramel Sauce (recipe below)
• Caramel Apple Pizza Cookies
• Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes 
• Apples with Chocolate Drizzle
• Apple slices
• Caramel candy

Grab a copy of our Dessert Boards Cookbook! It has over 100 recipes and boards to make your holidays and entertaining super easy!

How to Make Caramel Sauce

With only 5 ingredients you can make this Homemade Caramel Sauce.

You will need:

• Heavy Whipping Cream
• Brown Sugar
• Butter
• Salt (pinch)
• Vanilla Extract

How to Make Caramel Sauce

Begin making the Homemade Caramel by adding the heavy whipping cream, brown sugar, butter and salt to a heavy saucepan.

Heat caramel sauce over medium-high heat, stirring to completely combine the ingredients.

Bring the caramel sauce to boil, and continue to boil 5-7 minutes until mixture thickens.

Then remove the pan from the heat and add the vanilla. Stir well.

Tips for Easy Caramel Sauce Recipe

1. The single recipe listed below makes 1 cup, I doubled the recipe so that we had plenty for the Caramel Apple Fondue and Ice Cream.
2. Storing the caramel sauce in a mason jar works really well.
3. Store caramel sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
4. Reheat caramel before serving
5. This recipe has a pinch of regular salt, but you can easily make this recipe into Salted Caramel Sauce by adding sea salt flakes.
6. This Homemade Caramel also makes great gifts!

This Caramel Sauce will quickly become a favorite Fall treat! It’s easy to make and can be used in many different desserts or simply dip with apples!

Here are a few recipes that you can use this Easy Caramel Sauce Recipe on –

Caramel Apple Fondue

Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip

Recipe for Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Trifles

Follow along as we share Fall Inspiration 

Homemade Caramel Sauce

Yield: about 1 cup

Prep Time: 2 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 7 minutes

Easy Caramel Sauce Recipe with only 5 ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes

Print

Ingredients

• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 tablespoons butter
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, salt and heavy whipping cream
2. Bring to a boil and cook for 5-7 minutes or until thickened
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla
4. Serve warm or store in container in fridge
5. Reheat, stir until smooth

Notes

Caramel Sauce will keep in refrigerator up to 2 weeks in sealed container.

Be sure to reheat before serving.

The post Homemade Caramel Sauce appeared first on Hoosier Homemade.

Check back each day as there will be a new theme revealed!

Click on the button where it says “click here for ideas” or you can follow the links below each image.

These Christmas Gift Ideas are sure to please anyone on your list!

There are over 30 Gift Basket Ideas to choose from including Gift Basket Ideas for Christmas, Gift Baskets for Men and Women, and for the Foodies in your life. Plus there are tips on how to create a gorgeous looking gift basket yourself. 

If you are short on time, these Christmas Gift Ideas can all be made in under 30 minutes. There are food gifts, hostess gift ideas, classroom gifts and more to choose from.

We have lots of Christmas Crafts to choose from!

Here are a few of the most popular:

• DIY Decorated Candles
• Santa Cups
• Snowy Mason Jars
• Gumdrop Trees
• Christmas Table Centerpieces

The hustle and bustle of the Holidays can leave us feeling overwhelmed. One of the ways I overcome that is by decorating our home with simple ideas. Here are 10 of my favorite Simple Christmas Decorating Ideas!

You can also use many of these ideas for gifts!

My Dessert Boards Cookbook that launched in April has 100+ Recipes and Boards for any occasion!

Of course, I’m partial to the Christmas Boards! And as always, I LOVE to keep whatever I’m sharing with you simple to create!

Christmas Dessert Boards – Click HERE for more Christmas Dessert Board Ideas

This Christmas Dessert Board Wreath includes:

• Spiced Nuts
• Peanut Clusters
• Cool Whip Candy
• Homemade Turtle Candy
• Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
• Cookie Dough Truffles
• No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
• Pretzel Hugs
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Cream Cheese Mints
• Assorted Candy
• Candy Canes and Peppermint Sticks

Also Used

• Wire Edged Ribbon for the Bow
• Bakers Twine

The Christmas Dessert Board includes:

• Eggnog Dip
• Saltine Toffee
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
• Oreo Balls
• Gingerbread Men Cookies
• Peanut Butter Blossoms
• Jam Cake
• No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
• Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
• Pretzel Hugs
• Assorted Christmas candy
• Candy Canes

Christmas Cookie Recipes

There are over 50 Christmas Cookies Recipes including Sugar Christmas Cookies, Easy Christmas Cookies, Decorated Christmas Cookies, and Healthy Christmas Cookies. There is also Traditional, Chocolate, No Bake Christmas Cookies, Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Peppermint Cookies.

The most popular are:

• Peanut Butter Blossoms: although I’m not quite sure why we don’t bake these year round
• Ricotta Cookies
• Gingerbread Men Cookies

Christmas Candy Recipes

Christmas just wouldn’t be the same with Christmas Candy Recipes! Here you will find Christmas Fudge, Truffles, Easy Christmas Candy, Bark and Old Fashioned Christmas Candy as well.

The most popular are:

• Crockpot Candy: this is my mother-in-law’s recipe
• Gumdrops Recipe
• Oreo Balls: Our #1 most visited recipe

Candy also makes a great gift!

Christmas Cupcakes

Cupcakes are always a hit! Especially when they are fun Christmas Cupcakes!

The most popular are:

• Easy Santa Hat Cupcakes
• Red Velvet Cupcakes
• Gingerbread House Cupcakes

Holiday Entertaining

Holiday entertaining doesn’t need to be stressful! These Easy Entertaining Tips will save you time and money!

Short on Time? I have you covered!

• Learn how to decorate a store bought cake with these easy to follow steps. Turn an ordinary store bought cake into a gorgeous cake to serve to guests or take to a party.
• This Cheese Ball is a family favorite! I make it for EVERY get together we have!
• Spinach Dip is super easy and can be made ahead of time!
• And of course, you know that I LOVE creating Charcuterie Boards!

Christmas Printables

Whether you are looking for Gift Tags, Cupcake Toppers or a fun way to create memories with your family – I have you covered! Today we are sharing our most popular Christmas Printables with you!

Holiday Recipes

Today we are diving into Appetizers, Snacks and Drinks!

These recipes are easy enough to serve at a party, and also great for family get togethers!

Everyone loves appetizers! Whether you are hosting a holiday party, serving appetizers before Christmas dinner, or heading out to a get-together – these Holiday Appetizers should be on your list! They are quick, easy, take few ingredients and easy to prepare and serve.

Whether you and family like the classic Christmas movies like Miracle on 34th Street or Rudolph, or the newer movies like The Polar Express, movie night is always a fun way to make memories during the holiday season!

Christmas Movie Nights

Creating this Movie Night with Polar Express is fun for all ages! There is a Hot Chocolate Charcuterie Board filled with goodies to add to hot cocoa, an edible craft with trains, tickets to print out for the train ride and more!

Gifts from the Kitchen

There is something really special about giving and receiving homemade treats and snacks. Whether you whip up a batch of candy for the neighbor, put together a breakfast casserole for a hostess gift, or make a fun gift with Homemade Gumdrops and Peanut Butter Cups for teachers – all that and more in our Gifts from the Kitchen!

Christmas Dessert Recipes

It’s holiday time – bring on the desserts! These Christmas Dessert Recipes are perfect for your dessert table, after dinner, parties, potlucks at work, and you can even make them as gifts.

Family Traditions

Every family has their own Christmas Family Traditions, today I’m sharing a few of ours.

Christmas Breakfast

Over 35 recipes for your Christmas Breakfast including Christmas Breakfast Casserole, Coffee Cake, Cinnamon Rolls, Muffins, Drinks and more.

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