When I have time, I love to bake and cook. I usually make dinner once James is down for the night but baking is something I have to squeeze into my schedule during the day and it’s not always easy or possible. James loves to sit in his high chair and watch me add ingredients to the bowls and mix the batter, helping at various times throughout the process. I am excited for the day when he can stand on his little foot stool and help that much more! I love incorporating holiday baking into annual traditions and since spring is right around the corner and Easter is this upcoming weekend, I have chosen three recipes we are going to make and indulge in together.
Spring Funfetti Blondies
Photo by Elisabeth and Butter
I discovered Elisabeth and Butter via my favorite blogger Julia Engel of Gal Meets Glam and have had heart eyes for her recipes ever since. She made these Spring Funfetti Blondies that are so cute and look so delicious. I can’t wait to try them out!
INGREDIENTS
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar
12 tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled
2 large eggs
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup pastel colored M&M’s
1/2 cup pastel sprinkles (anything but nonpareils)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13 baking dish with parchment paper, all the way up the sides.
- Melt butter and let it come to room temperature.
- In a medium sized bowl, combine the flour, baking powder and salt together.
- In a mixing bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the melted butter, brown sugar and sugar. Then add the eggs and vanilla. Gently fold in the flour mixture, then fold in the M&M’s and sprinkles.
- Spread batter into the lined baking dish and smooth the top (it will be thick). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown, rotating pan halfway through baking. Remove from oven and let cool completely before cutting into squares.
Rice Krispie Treats
Photo by Seasonal Cravings
A simple go-to recipe that is always a hit are homemade rice krispie treats. They are easy, delicious, and there are a variety of ways to make them coordinate with any holiday! I am planning on making the traditional square treats with a spring twist but to make them extra Easter-y, you can take plastic eggs to create the oval shape by adding the rice krisipe mix to the inside, and once cooled, remove the mix and add candy to the center.
Ingredients
- 1 stick of unsalted high-quality butter
- 8 cups marshmallows
- 8 cups Rice Krispies
Instructions
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Melt butter and marshmallows over low heat, stirring often.
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Add the Rice Krispie treats and stir well.
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Add 1 1/2 cups of M&M’s and stir.
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Pour mixture into a 13 x 9-inch pan lined with foil and sprayed with cooking spray.
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Press into pan gently using wax paper. Don’t press too hard or you will crush the M&M’s.
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Let cool completely before cutting.
Spring Pancakes
Photo by Pink Peonies
I loved this idea from Pink Peonies. The easiest option yet and still packs on the spring punch. Use your regular pancake mix, add a drop or two of food coloring and voila! And how cute are the place settings?
simply lauren 