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Chunky Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chunky Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

  Aloha Dreams

   Fabulous Recipes, Cooking for a Crowd & Dream Home Design      

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Chunky Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

Chunky Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

These crinkle cookies stand out from the pack with chocolate goodness throughout.   Coated with lots of powered sugar and baked until perfectly chewy, what’s not to love?  Don’t these look great!

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

One of the secrets I’ve found to making cookies that cook up uniform and look great is to use a cookie scoop.

Cookie Scooper

This one is the scooper I use to make uniform size cookies.  It produces cookies that are uniform in size and will bake evenly, creating a consistently perfect batch every time!

Like it?  Please tell your friends....

I'm hoping this site will really help them.   If you think so too, please take a minute and send them a link.

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Mini M&M Cookies

Or Make Now.

 

 

Chunky Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
32 mins
 
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 40 Cookies
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups (8.5 ounces or 240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar)
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, mix together cocoa, white sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.  In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.  Stir the flour mixture into the cocoa mixture. Cover dough, and chill for at least 4 hours or freeze for about 45 minutes.

  2. Line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).  Put 3/4 cup powdered sugar in a small saucer and set aside.

  3. Form cookies by rolling dough into one inch balls or use a number 50-size scoop.  You can also use spoons to scoop the dough up.  Drop dough balls DIRECTLY into the powdered sugar.  Roll to coat each ball thoroughly in the powdered sugar to ensure good crinkling.  Place balls on prepared cookie sheets.

  4. Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Let stand on the cookie sheet for a minute before transferring to wire racks to cool.

MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
  1. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, and frozen for up to 1 month.  After baking, freeze cookies on a baking sheet lined with wax or parchment paper first until firmly frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag or another airtight container.  Otherwise, you'll end up with a mess.

    When thawing frozen baked cookies, take them out of the containers and let sit at room temperature so that condensation doesn't form and make them soggy.

 

Want more great desserts?

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

This is an amazingly easy dessert for a large group. You can assign it out to volunteers to make ahead if you want and it’s easily portable. Besides which, they’re VERY addictive. You can use any luscious fruit in season.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

Mini M&M Cookies with Toffee Bits

Mini M&M Cookies with Toffee Bits

  Aloha Dreams

   Fabulous Recipes, Cooking for a Crowd & Dream Home Design      

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M&M Mini Cookies with Toffee Bits

M 'n' M Cookies

These are a great all-purpose cookie.  I wanted a recipe that would hold up well in a sack lunch and be crispy and chewy all at the same time.  These nail it.

I like to line my baking sheets with parchment paper for easy release and clean up!

Mini M&M Cookies

Like it?  Please tell your friends....

I'm hoping this site will really help them.   If you think so too, please take a minute and send them a link.

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Mini M&M Cookies

Or Make Now.

 

 

Mini M & M & Toffee Cookies
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 
Makes 38 - 40 cookies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 40 cookies
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 3 cups (12.75 ounces or 360 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter - at room temperature (2 sticks)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 (10.10 ounce) package m&m's minis (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1 cup toffee bits
Instructions
  1. Adjust oven racks to the 2 middle positions and preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).  Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper.  Set aside.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cream of tartar and salt.  Spoon your flour into your measuring cup, don’t scoop.  Better yet, invest in a scale.  Set aside.

  3. Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth, a couple minutes.  Add vanilla and water then beat in the eggs one at a time. Drop by large spoon-fulls onto parchment paper.

  4. Bake for about 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until edges are nicely browned. Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.
MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
  1. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, and frozen for up to 1 month.  Freeze your baked cookies on the baking sheets lined with the parchment paper first, until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag or another airtight container.  

  2. When ready to serve take frozen baked cookies out of their containers and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to thaw at room temperature.

Recipe Notes

Spoon your flour into your cup, don’t scoop. Better yet, invest in a scale.

 

Want more great desserts?

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

This is an amazingly easy dessert for a large group. You can assign it out to volunteers to make ahead if you want and it’s easily portable. Besides which, they’re VERY addictive. You can use any luscious fruit in season.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

Marshmallow Cookies ‘N’ Cream Cookies

Marshmallow Cookies ‘N’ Cream Cookies

  Aloha Dreams

   Fabulous Recipes, Cooking for a Crowd & Dream Home Design      

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Marshmallow Cookies ‘N’ Cream

Cookies 'N' Cream Cookies

I knew we had a winner when Brandon, the young Hy-Vee sacker, picked up the Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Cream bag and stood there mesmerized.

Cookies 'N' Cream Cookies

The groceries begin piling up on the counter as the still efficient checker was ringing them up at lightning speed. Still Brandon kept staring at the bag.   I thought ‘let’s just see what happens’.   So as the groceries kept piling up, Brandon continued standing there staring longingly at the picture on the package.   Being an instigator, I figured it might be fun to add a little fuel to the fire, so I said brightly “that’s for a batch of cookies I’m going to be making.”

Cookies 'N' Cream Cookies

Brandon, still mesmerized, could only reply with “Yeaaah. Oh, yeaaah!”

Cookies 'N' Cream Cookies

I hope you like them as much as Brandon!

 

For consistent success, spoon your flour into your cup, don’t scoop. Better yet, invest in a scale.

For all the (other) science nerds in the crowd – what is baking soda and why is it in my cookie recipes and what if my might be expired?? (It’s really probably still fine.) If you’re a ‘how do things work’ nerd like me, here’s a great article by one of my favorite bakers, STELLA PARKS

Like it?  Please tell your friends....

I'm hoping this site will really help them.   If you think so too, please take a minute and send them a link.

Pin for Later

Megs Breakfast Casserole

Or Make Now.

 

 

Cookies 'N' Cream Crunchers
Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 

A fantastic, easy crunchy chewy cookie!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 40 cookies
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 2 (6.5 ounce) packages Hershey’s Cookies ‘N’ Cream Crunchers
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour (360 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup mini marshmallows
Instructions
  1. Set butter out to come to room temperature.

  2. Adjust oven racks to the 2 middle positions and preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).  Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.

  3. Put Cookies ‘N’ Cream pieces in a plastic bag, seal well, and smack with rolling pin until the pieces are pea-size.  Set aside.

  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour (spoon into measuring cup, don’t scoop), baking soda, cream of tartar and salt. Set aside.

  5. In a different bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar until smooth, a couple minutes. Add 2 teaspoons vanilla and 1 teaspoon water then beat in the eggs one at a time.  Gently stir in flour mixture, and Cookies ‘N’ Cream Crunchers pieces.

  6. Drop by large spoon-fulls onto parchment paper.
  7. Bake for 10 - 13 minutes, or until edges are nicely browned.  Transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
  1. Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, and frozen for up to 1 month.   Freeze your baked cookies on baking sheets lined with wax or parchment paper first until firmly frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag or another airtight container.  Otherwise, you'll end up with a mess.  

  2. When thawing frozen baked cookies, take them out of the containers and let sit at room temperature so that condensation doesn't form and make them soggy.

 

Want more great desserts?

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

This is an amazingly easy dessert for a large group. You can assign it out to volunteers to make ahead if you want and it’s easily portable. Besides which, they’re VERY addictive. You can use any luscious fruit in season.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

  Aloha Dreams

   Fabulous Recipes, Cooking for a Crowd & Dream Home Design      

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Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
We have a WONDERFUL group of friends in the neighborhood who get together regularly for dinner parties.  There are 3 couples total.  Meet Dawn, Bill, Dianne and Dick.
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

They are every bit as nice as they look.

 

There was a severe storm several years ago when we were in Hawaii on vacation.  The strong winds blew down a large tree across our drive way, smashing a nearby Sweet Bay Magnolia and completely blocking our driveway.  When we arrived home at 10:30 pm, after a 23 hour long series of tiring flights (another story for another time), the fallen tree was cut into logs, the logs were hauled to the log pile (about 250 feet away), the drive way was swept clean and the Sweet Bay Magnolia had been trimmed back with the damaged sections removed.

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

This, my friends, is what it’s all about and the kind of neighbor we should all try to be.

 

We have been having these dinner parties with these neighbors monthly for the past 13!! years.  We’ve enjoyed everything from pizza on the front lawn to 6 course gourmet dinners.  Most of the best meals I’ve ever eaten have been at one of our tables.  I’ll be sharing these recipes with you in the months to come.

In the meantime, our most recent dinner party was on Cinco de Mayo.  It was Bill and Dawn’s turn to host and here is Dawn’s menu

Planning on starting outside Friday at 7 p.m., so dress accordingly!  Pool will be open, but not heated….

Cinco de Mayo Menu

Chicken Tortilla Soup
White Cheese Queso and Chips
Baja Fish Tacos
Tequila Lime Chicken Tacos
Mexican Street Corn Nachos
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

See why we LOVE these meals!  (This is only the tip of the iceberg.)   So today I’m going to share Dawn’s Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars.  They are a quick, easy and fun dessert.  The kids can help make them!

A sopapilla is a kind of fried pastry generally made using a quick bread recipe.  It’s traditionally served in areas with Spanish heritage in the Americas.  Popular throughout Mexico, it’s a great treat for Cinco de Mayo.  Dawn’s version is much easier and every bit as delicious.   Made in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish it can be sliced into 3 x 6 squares for 18 servings.  It will keep marvelously, covered in the refrigerator for 1 day.

You can serve it as is or with a slight drizzle of honey.  I think it’s perfect without the honey, but then I’d choose potato chips over chocolate.  How about you?

Pin for Later

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars

Or Make Now

 

Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
35 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 

Made in a 9 x 13 inch baking dish it can be sliced into 3 rows x 6 rows for 18 servings. It will keep marvelously, covered in the refrigerator for 1 day.  It tastes good on day 1, it's OUTSTANDING on day 2.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 18 servings
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
  • 2 (8 ounce) cartons cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 (8 ounce) tubes crescent rolls (sheets work best, you'll use 1 as base and 1 on top of the cheesecake mixture)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ cup butter softened
Equipment
  • 1 9” X 13” baking dish
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 9” X 13” baking dish. Beat cream cheese with 1 cup sugar and vanilla until smooth. Unroll crescent dough and shape into 9” X 13” rectangles. Press one into bottom of dish.
  2. Bake the dough for 5 minutes. Remove dough from oven and evenly spread on cream cheese mixture, then cover with remaining dough. Stir together ½ cup sugar, cinnamon, and butter.  Dot the mixture over top sheet of dough.

  3. Bake until dough is puffed and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely before cutting into 3 rows by 6 rows for 18 squares.

MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
  1. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 1 day.

 

Want more Desserts?

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

This is an amazingly easy dessert for a large group. You can assign it out to volunteers to make ahead if you want and it’s easily portable. Besides which, they’re VERY addictive. You can use any luscious fruit in season.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Explore Aloha Dreams

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii
Dream Home Bathroom

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

Best of the Best Texas Sheet Cake

Best of the Best Texas Sheet Cake

  Aloha Dreams

   Fabulous Recipes, Cooking for a Crowd & Dream Home Design      

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Best of the Best Texas Sheet Cake

Southern Style Green Beans

This Best of the Best Texas Sheet Cake is amazingly fudgy and creamy.

And guess what?   It’s even better the next day.  You can make and frost two within an hour.  This recipe is a real keeper.

I’ve made this recipe for years. It’s moist and incredibly delicious, and very easy.  It cooks quickly and you frost it while it’s still warm, so you don’t have to stay up late waiting for it to cool.

Texas Sheet Cake

You’ll want to make sure you have the frosting ready to go when this comes out of the oven, then you’ll spread it on on the cake while it’s still warm.

Texas Sheet Cake

Like it?  Please tell your friends....

I'm hoping this site will really help them.   If you think so too, please take a minute and send them a link.

Pin for Later

Texas Sheet Cake

Or Make Now

Hungry Yet??

Me too.  Let’s get started!

 

Best of the Best Texas Sheet Cake for a Crowd

 

This is a wonderful recipe for a crowd.  It comes together quickly, can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day.

If you bake it in a half sheet pan (13 x 18 inches) and cut it in 5 rows by 8 rows you can yield 40 servings. I would not plan to cut it any smaller than that.  If you would like slightly larger pieces (who wouldn’t??), then you can cut it in 6 rows by 6 rows for 36 servings.  The half sheet pan is the standard size sheet pan in our church kitchen.  In fact, our kitchen has 16 of them!!  (Hm, somehow I’m wondering if I should be very afraid…)

Here’s all you need to serve 36 – 40.  (A great family-size version follows this Large Group recipe.)

Best of the Best Texas Sheet Cake for a Large Group
Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 

This version of the recipe will serve up to 40 people, can be made in advance and tastes even better the next day. Perfect.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 40 servings
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
For the Cake
  • 3 sticks (24 tablespoons) butter
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • ¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups (12.75 ounces or 360 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups white sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • 3 eggs
  • 3/4 cups sour cream
For the Frosting
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 ½ sticks (12 tablespoons) butter
  • 4 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups chopped walnuts
Special Equipment
  • 1 Half Sheet Pan (13 x 18 inch)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 13 x 18 inch sheet pan with butter then dust lightly with flour.

  2. In a large sauce pan, over low heat, melt 3 sticks butter. When the butter is melted add 1 ½ cups water and whisk in 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a boil then remove from heat. Allow the cocoa mixture to cool slightly.

  3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 3 cups all purpose flour, 3 cups sugar, 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda and ¾ teaspoon salt.  Stir to mix. 

  4. Add the cocoa mixture to the dry mixture, stirring continuously, until blended.

  5. In a small bowl, beat together 3 eggs and ¾ cup sour cream until combined.   Slowly add the egg mixture to the large bowl containing the cocoa and flour mixture.

  6. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes.  At 20 minutes check and continuing baking until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Make the frosting
  1. When there is 10 minutes baking time left on the cake, make the frosting. In a large saucepan, over low heat, add ½ cup milk and 1 1/2 sticks butter. When melted, remove from heat and slowly whisk in ¼ cup plus 3 tablespoons cocoa until combined.  Stir in 4 cups confectioners' sugar and 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla, then fold in the nuts, mixing until blended. When the cake comes out of the oven, spread frosting over hot or warm cake.

MAKE AHEAD NOTE:
  1. Can be made and frosted and kept at room temperature for up to 3 days. Cover it lightly with plastic wrap to protect it from dust, etc. Cakes both frosted and unfrosted, cut and un-cut, are perfectly fine at room temperature for several days. Refrigeration is only necessary if your kitchen gets very hot during the day (think bacteria feeding frenzy) or if you're making a cake that won't be served for more than three days.

    To refrigerate, wrap unfrosted cakes in plastic to protect it from absorbing any weird fridge smells and to protect it from drying out, and then unwrap it to warm up on the counter before serving. For frosted cakes, chill the cake uncovered for fifteen minutes to harden the icing, then wrap it in plastic wrap.

 

 

Family Size Best of the Best Texas Sheet Cake

 

 

Best of the Best Texas Sheet Cake - Family Size
Prep Time
40 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 

This Best of the Best Texas Sheet Cake is amazingly fudgy and creamy and it’s even better the next day. It comes together quickly and everyone will LOVE it.  It's designed to be made in a standard 10" x 15" or an 11" x 15"  sheet pan. so don't substitute a different pan size.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 25 servings
Author: Betsy Edwards
Ingredients
For the Cake
  • 2 sticks butter (16 tablespoons)
  • 1 cup water
  • 5 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
For the Frosting
  • ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
  • ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 stick butter (8 tablespoons)
  • 2 2/3 cups confectioners' sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans optional
Special Equipment
  • 1 (10 or 11 x 15 inch) Sheet Pan
Instructions
  1. Directions
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 10" x 15" or 11" x 15" inch sheet pan with butter then dust lightly with flour.

  3. In a large sauce pan, over low heat, melt 2 sticks butter. When the butter is melted add 1 cup water and whisk in 5 tablespoons cocoa powder. Bring the mixture to a boil then remove from heat. Allow the cocoa mixture to cool slightly.

  4. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine 2 cups all purpose flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir to mix.

  5. Add the cocoa mixture to the dry mixture, stirring continuously, until blended.

  6. In a small bowl, beat together 2 eggs and 1/2 cup sour cream until combined. Slowly add the egg mixture to the large bowl containing the cocoa and flour mixture.

  7. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20 minutes. At 20 minutes check and continuing baking until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  8. When there is 10 minutes baking time left on the cake, make the frosting. In a large saucepan, over low heat, add 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk and 1 stick butter.  When melted, remove from heat and slowly whisk in ¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon cocoa until combined. Stir in 4 cups confectioners' sugar and 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla, then fold in the nuts, mixing until blended. When the cake comes out of the oven, spread frosting over hot or warm cake.

 

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Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

This is an amazingly easy dessert for a large group. You can assign it out to volunteers to make ahead if you want and it’s easily portable. Besides which, they’re VERY addictive. You can use any luscious fruit in season.

Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Explore Aloha Dreams

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Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

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Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

You couldn’t pick an easier dessert.

Strawberry Short Cake Kabobs

Not only is this a fun, easy family dessert, it’s also perfect for a party or pot luck dinner.  It’s amazingly easy, looks great and everyone loves it.  It’s easily portable or you can make it at the event.  It comes together very quickly.

You can use any firm luscious fruit in season.  These strawberries caught my eye.

 

Strawberry Kabobs

Nice, huh?

You can use pound cake, like I’m doing here, or angel food cake or even brownies if you like chocolate.  I strongly prefer pound cake over angel food cake because it holds together better when cut into cubes.  Have fun with the drizzle – use white chocolate (my favorite) or try milk or dark chocolate.  (Sprinkles could even make an appearance!)  This is a great recipe to recruit kids or teens to make.  They have a ball with it!

It doesn’t get any easier.

This recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd. You can assemble it in the morning, and refrigerate until ready to eat.  If you want a small amount, use 1 pound cake and 1 pound of strawberries for 18 kebabs.

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Pin for Later

Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs

Or Make Now.

Family Size

4.8 from 5 votes
Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
Strawberry Kabobs
Prep Time
45 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 

This lovely light dessert is quick and easy - and delicious!  It can be made 8 hours in advance

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 18 Kabobs
Ingredients
  • 1 Pound Cake
  • 1 pound strawberries ~18 strawberries
  • 18 wooden skewers
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips (about 6 ounces)
Instructions
  1. Cut stems off the strawberries and cut the strawberries around the middle into 3 sections of uniform size.
  2. Cut pound cake in half the long way. Slice into thirds also running the long way. Cut each section into 6 cubes. This will produce 36 cubes.

  3. Line up a strawberry section, cake cube, strawberry section, cake cube and strawberry section on the cutting board.
  4. Run a skewer through the center of the strawberry/cake cube line-up.

  5. In a medium glass bowl melt the chocolate in the microwave for about two minutes stirring every 30 seconds.
  6. Once fully melted, spoon it into a large plastic bag and cut off a small tip of the corner.

  7. Drizzle the white chocolate over kabobs and refrigerate at least 10 minutes to set.

Large Group

 

4.8 from 5 votes
Strawberry Shortcake Kabobs
Strawberry Kabobs
Prep Time
45 mins
Total Time
45 mins
 

This lovely light dessert is quick and easy - and delicious!  It can be made ahead too!

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 54 Kabobs
Ingredients
  • 3 pound cakes (48 ounces total)
  • 3 pounds strawberries ~18 strawberries per pound
  • 54 wooden skewers
  • 1 (11 ounce) bag white chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Cut stems off the strawberries and cut the strawberries around the middle into 3 sections of uniform size.
  2. Cut each pound cake in half the long way. Slice each into thirds also running the long way. Cut each section into 6 cubes. This will produce 36 cubes per cake.
  3. Line up a strawberry section, cake cube, strawberry section, cake cube and strawberry section on the cutting board.
  4. Run a skewer through the center of the strawberry/cake cube line-up.

  5. In a medium glass bowl melt the chocolate in the microwave for about two minutes stirring every 30 seconds.
  6. Once fully melted, spoon it into a large plastic bag and cut off a small tip of the corner.

  7. Drizzle the white chocolate over kabobs and refrigerate at least 10 minutes to set.
Recipe Notes

NOTE: Basically you need 1 pound of strawberries for each pound cake. 1 pound cake cuts into 36 pieces of cake (18 kabobs). There are typically 18 strawberries per pound, cut into thirds for 54 pieces. 3 strawberry slices and 2 cake cubes per kabob.  You can also use Angel Food Cake.

 

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Aloha Dreams

Welcome to Aloha Dreams!

I'm so glad you dropped by.  I'm Betsy.  Here you'll find my favorite fabulous, trusted recipes - everything from delicious, quick meals for your family to wonderful classics made easy.

I'm also here to help you with large group recipes from 20 to 200.  So next opportunity you get to cook for a large group - Say 'Yes!'  Then relax. I've got your back.

Ever wished you could build your dream home? How about building your dream home in a tropical paradise?  Join me, room by room, as we design and build a fabulous dream home in Hawaii!

Explore Aloha Dreams

 

 

 

PARTY

Would you like to throw a Luau, but not sure where to start?   Want to know how to build a tiki bar and roast a pig?  Here's everything you need to have a luau.  How about a Christmas Feast or even a fabulous dinner for your neighborhood supper club?  You've come to the right place.    Let's party!

 

Dream Home Bathroom

 

AHONUI

Ever wished you could build your dream home?  Like amazing house design and home building ideas?  Me too!  Join me as I design and build a home on the Big Island of Hawaii. Follow along while I design each room. Enjoy a front row seat for the entire amazing construction process.  Let's play!

 

Things to do Big Island of Hawaii

 

EXPLORE

If you're planning a vacation to Hawaii, I've got you covered on the very best places to go!   From many amazing restaurants to incredible adventures in the surf and on land, this is your go-to source for unique and exciting things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii.  Or just take a Virtual Vacation!!    Let's go!

 

 

SAY YES!

If you've been asked to cook for a large group activity, be it a Girl's Camp or a Graduation Party, say Yes!  I'm here to help.  From Menus to Game Plans to Recipes, I'll help you keep on schedule and turn out amazingly delicious food if you're cooking for a crowd!  My recipes are tested and trusted.    Let's cook! 

 

Tropical Salad

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