cream cheese Archives - Cooking Classy with a sprinkle of fancy Sun, 08 Dec 2024 21:03:35 +0000 en-US hourly 1 44235149 Oatmeal Cream Pies https://www.cookingclassy.com/oatmeal-cream-pies/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/oatmeal-cream-pies/#comments Sun, 08 Dec 2024 21:03:35 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=73276 Nostalgic Oatmeal Cream Pies - made up of two chewy, buttery oatmeal cookies sandwiching a sweet, rich and creamy filling. A childhood favorite that's a hundred times better than store bought!

Stack of oatmeal cream pies on a blue plate with a blue cloth do the side and a glass of milk.

An oatmeal cream pie (also spelled oatmeal "creme" pies) are an old fashioned cookie that's been around for decades and for good reason. We know of the iconic Little Debbie version (I ate far too many as a kid) but now I much prefer them without all the self stabilizing additives, artificial flavors and added color. And of course made with fresh butter instead of various oils is better.

These homemade oatmeal cream pies are a family favorite which makes sense because they are basically an upgraded oatmeal cookie with a frosting filling. They are easy to make and the flavors never disappoint!

With each cookie you get a welcome blend of chewy textures, crisp golden brown edges a soft center (as it should be), with oat-y flavors and highlights warm winter spices and hints of deep molasses. Then for the filling it's a buttery, creamy, frosting type filling, with its sweetness balanced by a small addition of cream cheese (I preferred this option to using cream with the butter and sugar when taste testing).

It's a memorable treat that will always satisfy those homemade cookie cravings. Enjoy them together with family or friends, and serve them with a chilled glass of milk, or warm apple cider during the colder months.

Close up photo of homemade oatmeal cream pies.

]]>
https://www.cookingclassy.com/oatmeal-cream-pies/feed/ 6 73276
Lemon Icebox Pie https://www.cookingclassy.com/lemon-icebox-pie/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/lemon-icebox-pie/#comments Mon, 26 Aug 2024 03:27:03 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=71771 Lemon Icebox Pie - is a silky smooth, light and fluffy, rich and creamy pie overflowing with vibrant lemon flavor. A chilled dessert that's such a tempting treat on a warm day!

Cut slice of lemon icebox pie being lifted from pie dish.

Decadent lemon pie made with a crisp graham cracker crust, a sweet and tangy, cream cheese infused, fresh lemon filling, and it's garnished with dollops of fluffy and clouds whipped cream atop.

It is similar to a key lime pie but no eggs required. This pie is truly a lemon lovers delight!

Why You'll Love This Lemon Pie

No bake option: This simple to make pie can also become a no-bake treat if you opt to go the route of a no-bake crust.

Versatility: You can also swap the crust out for various other cookie bases such as using vanilla wafers, biscotti cookies or gingersnaps. You could also make and almond flour type crust.

Then for the filling you may also opt to use lime juice and zest in place of lemon.

Storage life: It keeps well in the fridge for several days and this lemon icebox pie can even be frozen.

Lemon icebox pie shown from above. Two slices are cut from whole pie.

]]>
https://www.cookingclassy.com/lemon-icebox-pie/feed/ 4 71771
Christmas Tree Cheese Ball https://www.cookingclassy.com/christmas-tree-cheese-ball/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/christmas-tree-cheese-ball/#comments Wed, 20 Dec 2023 16:15:05 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=69761 A festive and delicious Christmas Tree Cheese Ball! A Christmas appetizer made with rich cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, flavorful herbs and fresh vegetables. It's a holiday party favorite and a tasty twist on the classic cheese ball.

Christmas Tree Cheese Ball made with white cheddar, cream cheese, and covered in parsley, tomatoes, pine nuts and bell peppers.

A Fun Christmas Appetizer Recipe

This eye catching Christmas tree cheese ball is decorated with plenty of earthy green minced fresh parsley, dotted with tiny red tomatoes and yellow bell pepper pieces, its swirled with a ribbon of pine nuts, then finished with a vibrant golden bell pepper star practically shining atop.

It's a holiday classic with a sophisticated upgrade thanks to its enhancements of herby flavors and fresh vegetables (or technically fruits), the welcomed bold white cheddar goodness, a pine nut finish, and its impressive unique appearance. No boring typical rounded shape plus pecan coating here.

And even though it's quite large this savory treat will be devoured in no time. This charming centerpiece will be a highlight of your gathering and a new striking way you'll want to make the holiday cheese ball every year!

Christmas tree cheese ball with lights in the background and crackers around the tree.

]]>
https://www.cookingclassy.com/christmas-tree-cheese-ball/feed/ 6 69761
Cinnamon Roll Cookies https://www.cookingclassy.com/cinnamon-roll-cookies/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/cinnamon-roll-cookies/#comments Mon, 11 Dec 2023 19:52:47 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=69645 Cinnamon Roll Cookies - A deliciously buttery, super soft cream cheese sugar cookie, swirled with mesmerizing cinnamon sugar and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. These delectable cookies taste just like a cinnamon roll!

Sliced soft cream cheese cinnamon roll cookies showing pretty cinnamon sugar swirl.

Soft Cake-Like Cinnamon Roll Cookies

I made many batches of these cookies until I finally perfected them and achieved that true cinnamon roll flavor and a similar soft texture to what you get from a real cinnamon roll. The secret was to add a whole brick of cream cheese into the cookie dough (rather than making a thick sticky frosting that only covers the pretty design of the cookies). It added great flavor and improved overall texture.

These super tender, melt-in-your-mouth cookies have a fluffy Lofthouse cookie style softness. And their flavor is light tangy, deeply cinnamony, richly buttery, and highlighted with vanilla.

The cookie dough itself isn't very sweet but once you layer it with brown sugar and cinnamon and finish them with a sweet icing it has just the right level of sweetness you hope to get from a cookie.

Just plan ahead with these cookies. You'll need some time for the dough to chill so it's not overly sticky to work with and time to allow the icing to set. They'll make a great weekend baking project.

And fortunate tasters will be smitten with their reminiscent cinnamon roll flavor!

Cinnamon roll cookies piled on a blue plate on a wooden surface.

]]>
https://www.cookingclassy.com/cinnamon-roll-cookies/feed/ 6 69645
Zucchini Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting https://www.cookingclassy.com/zucchini-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/zucchini-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/#comments Mon, 25 Sep 2023 14:15:29 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=7258 The best homemade Zucchini Cake recipe! It's a a deliciously spiced, soft and tender cake studded with fine shreds of fresh zucchini. and it's covered with a rich cream cheese frosting. I'd say it's easily the best way to enjoy zucchini!

Two slices of homemade zucchini cake with cream cheese frosting with sunflowers decorating plates.

Homemade Spiced Zucchini Cake

Vegetables are delicious...when they are blended into a cake right? Plain sautéed zucchini is good but zucchini is taken to a whole knew level when it's blended into an old fashioned, perfectly spiced, sweetly delicious cake and covered in a decadent cream cheese frosting!

This homestyle zucchini cake tastes very similar to carrot cake, which is why I love it so much (carrot cake is one of my favorites)! Plus it's got to be one of the moistest cakes you'll ever make. Not a dry crumb in site.

It's easy breezy to make (you don't even use a mixer for the cake portion), and it's sure to satisfy those cake cravings.

I highly recommend finishing it with pecans or walnuts for some textural contrast. I haven't ever been a big fan of nuts swirled into cake but I love them as a finishing touch on a spiced cake like this. They complement it beautifully.

Store the cake in the fridge and from there you can even enjoy it cold.

]]>
https://www.cookingclassy.com/zucchini-cake-with-cream-cheese-frosting/feed/ 65 7258
Cucumber Sandwiches https://www.cookingclassy.com/cucumber-sandwiches/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/cucumber-sandwiches/#comments Wed, 19 Jul 2023 04:11:22 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=67945 Classic Cucumber Sandwiches! Light, refreshing, and unbelievably easy to make, they’re a staple finger food for afternoon tea, baby showers, bridal showers, picnics, and every occasion in between! 

Close up photo of stack of cucumber sandwiches on a cake stand.

Where Did Cucumber Sandwiches Originate? 

Cucumber sandwiches are often thought of as an English tradition. So, you might be surprised to learn that they were originally created in India. From there, they spread to China, the Middle East, and Europe. 

It is said that the sandwiches were created by British colonists in India who were trying to find foods that would fill their bellies and relieve them from the intense heat. The sandwiches then made their way back to England and became a staple component of Victorian-era high teas. 

Today, they remain a popular recipe and are enjoyed all over the world. Quick, easy, and delicious, it’s not hard to see why they have been enjoyed for thousands of years. I’ll show you how to make them in minutes for the perfect snack, appetizer, or light lunch! 

]]>
https://www.cookingclassy.com/cucumber-sandwiches/feed/ 6 67945
Lemon Blueberry Cake https://www.cookingclassy.com/lemon-blueberry-cake/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/lemon-blueberry-cake/#comments Sat, 08 Jul 2023 21:17:23 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=12180 Dreamy Lemon Blueberry Cake! It's melt-in-your-mouth tender, rich and buttery, deliciously sweet and tangy, and it's brimming with fresh blueberries and bright lemon flavor. It's utterly irresistible and the ultimate summer cake recipe!

Slice of lemon blueberry cake with cream cheese frosting on a blue plate set over a wooden platter.

Refreshing Blueberry Lemon Cake

This zest blueberry lemon cake is queen of cakes. It's one of our families favorite cakes and such an excellent way to use up those flavor concentrated, sweet summer blueberries.

With it's abundance of citrus, it's combination of exceptional flavors and it's naturally colorful, showstopping presentation it's practically certain to set a new standard for homemade cakes.

And of course it's one thousand times better than any store-bought lemon cake mix, don't just attempt to mix blueberries into one of those if you really want to impress.

Everyone will be savoring each delectable bite of this infinitely delicious homemade dessert!

Quick tip, I'd recommend that you plan on a generous slice per person because something this good is worthy of indulgence and celebration.

Whole cake with sliced removed. Garnished with fresh blueberries and lemon slices.

]]>
https://www.cookingclassy.com/lemon-blueberry-cake/feed/ 352 12180
Creamed Spinach https://www.cookingclassy.com/creamed-spinach/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/creamed-spinach/#comments Fri, 07 Apr 2023 01:30:38 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=67239 The ultimate Creamed Spinach recipe! It's made over-the-top delicious with fresh spinach, vibrant shallot and garlic, rich heavy cream, cream cheese and parmesan cheese. It's supremely creamy and perfectly flavorful!

Homemade creamed spinach in a white oval serving dish.

What is Creamed Spinach?

Creamed spinach is a popular recipe in the Unite states that's commonly served at steakhouses. It is made with an abundance of cooked wilted spinach that's coated in a cream based béchamel sauce and often includes flavorings such as onions and cheese.

It is served as a side dish and can be made with fresh or frozen spinach.

Here we went with all the best upgrades including sticking to fresh spinach for the freshest flavor, and using two kinds of cheese along with a fair dose of cream and butter.

It's very easy to make and one of the best ways to use up an abundance of spinach! It's elegant enough for a holiday gathering yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Who knew spinach could be this good?

]]>
https://www.cookingclassy.com/creamed-spinach/feed/ 4 67239
Pumpkin Whoopie Pies https://www.cookingclassy.com/pumpkin-whoopie-pies/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/pumpkin-whoopie-pies/#comments Mon, 19 Sep 2022 03:18:47 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=65421 Pumpkin Whoopie Pies - a delicious seasonal cookie made with plenty of pumpkin, warm spices, and a sweet cream cheese frosting. These tender, cake-like, decadent sandwich cookies are a tasty highlight of fall!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies stacked on a large plate. They are filled with cream cheese frosting and some are covered with chopped pecans.

Perfect Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

We all love pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, but have you tried pumpkin whoopie pies yet?

They are very similar but rather than being dotted with dark chocolate chips two cookies are layered and meld together with a rich cream cheese frosting in the center. So it's like an irresistible cake but in single serve cookie form, and they're easier to make!

These soft and fluffy cookies are delicious rolled in chopped pecans or walnuts which also adds a light crunch. Or you could try adding some chocolate chips to the cookie dough for an extra decadence.

Try them at least once this fall, you won't regret it!

Close up photo of pumpkin whoopie pies with cream cheese frosting filling.

]]>
https://www.cookingclassy.com/pumpkin-whoopie-pies/feed/ 6 65421
Berry Trifle https://www.cookingclassy.com/berry-trifle/ https://www.cookingclassy.com/berry-trifle/#comments Sun, 19 Jun 2022 04:16:32 +0000 https://www.cookingclassy.com/?p=64598 The easiest Berry Trifle recipe - it's layered with lemony angel food cake, a rich and billowy cream cheese whipped cream topping, and an abundance of vibrant fresh fruit. It's a decadent and heavenly dessert! 

Layered trifle in a glass trifle dish. It includes cubes of angel food cake, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and a cream cheese whipped cream topping.

The Fruitiest Trifle Recipe

This multicolor trifle is a quintessential summery treat, the crowning finish of any meal. It's loaded with all the best things including cake, berries and lots of cream (that's flavored with cream cheese as well).

And don't be deceived by it's fancy good looks, you'll actually find it really a breeze to prepare. That is thanks to the use of a store-bought cake to save plenty of prep time and no cool time required.

Did I mention it's a no-bake, no-cook dessert as well?

There's just a few simple steps here of chopping, whipping and layering.

And while it's true that many of us may not be big fans of store-bought cakes, this recipe is one of the best ways to doctor up an otherwise boring and slightly dry angel food cake. The secret is in the fresh lemon and honey glaze that's brushed over it.

I think you'll love the flavor in this dessert! Everything here pairs beautifully together and it's sure to be a highlight of any summer gathering!

]]>
https://www.cookingclassy.com/berry-trifle/feed/ 15 64598