Since I think dessert is the best part of any meal, and we are diving into cook-out season, I will take a break from dinner recipes and share a few of my favorite party desserts. These travel well, share well, are fairly easy, and won’t break the bank. Check them out!
Salted Caramel Chocolate Tarts
This recipe is a combination of a few different desserts I have made. Salted caramel. Chocolate mousse. All mixed into one.
- 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream (heated until warm)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 1/2 unsalted butter (softened, cubed)
- 8 ounces bittersweet chocolate (chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 large eggs, separated
- 4 packages mini-phyllo cups (60 total)
*Combine sugar and 2 tablespoons water in saucepan over medium heat. Do not stir. Cook to a dark caramel, swirling to distribute evenly
*Take off heat and add butter. Whisk until well mixed. Add the warm cream and continue to whisk. Add chopped chocolate, allow to melt and whisk again. Add salt and continue to whisk until smooth.
*Add a small amount (1 to 2 Tbsp) of the chocolate mixture to the egg yolks (to warm) and combine with the remaining chocolate mixture.
*Whisk (I used my stand mixer) the egg whites until they form firm peaks. Gently combine with the chocolate mixture.
*Spoon into the mini phyllo cups and refrigerate for an hour. Top with whipped cream and shaved chocolate, refrigerate for an additional 30 minutes
You can also pour into ramekins or pie crust as well. I find the mini cups work for social events. great dessert, no plate or utensil required
Blueberry Dream Pie
My grandmother has been making this pie for years. According to her, it was on the back of the Dream Whip box in the 60’s. This recipe makes a nice, fluffy, whipped cheesecake. It is my dad’s absolute favorite dessert, he asks for one every year for his birthday. *Just a precaution, you cannot halve this recipe. I have tried. My stepmom has tried. My grandma has tried. For some strange reason is just doesn’t set. Oh darn, so you have two pies.
- 2 fresh or frozen pie shells
- 1 large block cream cheese
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 packages Dream Whip (1 cup milk & 1 tsp vanilla)
- 1 can blueberry pie filling (or cherry, fresh fruit can also be used)
*Bake pie shells according to package instructions and let pie shells cool completely. Yes, you can make your own but that makes the recipe a little more complicated and I said this was going to be easy. If you are short on time, you can use graham cracker crust but I prefer the flaky pastry crust.
*Mix cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
*Prepare Dream Whip as directed, using both envelopes. (For those that are not familiar with Dream Whip)
*Add vanilla and fold the Dream Whip into the cream cheese mixture.
*Place half the mixture in each pie shell, top with the blueberry pie filling and let chill overnight.
Hamburger Cupcakes
We went to cookout a few months after Aryssa was born. I wanted to make a cute dessert but really didn’t have the time to invest in something complicated. I found this recipe. I used box mixes and added food coloring to canned frosting too. It was so easy. They were a hit. And so cute.
Apple Dewplings
My best guy friend, Ken, makes these on occasion. He follows this recipe. I will say that they are in no way healthy except for maybe the apples. I mean 2 sticks of butter and a Mountain Dew but they are oh so tasty. Definitely top with ice cream. If you have leftovers, and that is a big if, they do reheat really well. We “accidentally” made a double batch last time.
Strawberry Shortcake
I make these at least once a month when strawberries are in season. Tons of compliments and no one believes me when I say I got the recipe off the back of the Bisquick box. But I did. I usually make a double batch (12 cakes). I prefer homemade whipped cream but store bought works just as well.
- 4 ⅔ cup Bisquick Mix
- 1 cup milk
- 6 Tbsp sugar
- 6 Tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 large or 2 small containers of strawberries
- 1 cup sugar
- Whipped Cream (store bought or homemade)
*Preheat oven to 425
* Slice strawberries and mix with 1 cup sugar in a glass bowl. Refrigerate. I usually do this a few hours before I need them.
*Mix remaining ingredients until a soft dough forms.
*Drop onto cookie sheet, should be 12 spoonfuls. I use two pans and cook all at once. (I prefer parchment paper over greased)
*Cook for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown
* Split and top with strawberries and whipped cream.
Hope you enjoy these desserts as much as I do!!!!!!
