Baking

These moist and ultra fudgy chocolate zucchini muffins are so good. You'll never believe they're full of vegetables!

Triple Chocolate Zucchini Muffins Recipe

These moist and ultra fudgy chocolate zucchini muffins are so good. You’ll never believe they’re full of vegetables!

These moist and ultra fudgy chocolate zucchini muffins are so good. You'll never believe they're full of vegetables!

My CJ is a muffin fiend. It is the only bread I can get him to eat. He won’t touch sandwich bread, buttery soft rolls, fluffy buttermilk pancakes… turns up his nose at all of it.

Don’t ask me how he knows the difference between a muffin and a cupcake, but he does. And apparently the appeal of the cupcake doesn’t even come close to how he feels about muffins. I guess I should feel pretty good about that… but really it just makes me wonder, is he really mine??

I suppose the 25 hours of grueling labor it took to bring him into the world should be enough proof, but his carb snobbery seriously has me questioning things.

These moist and ultra fudgy chocolate zucchini muffins are so good. You'll never believe they're full of vegetables!

These muffins take a big step toward bringing our two worlds together, because these chocolate zucchini muffins really are BETTER than cupcakes. They are ridiculously soft, so fudgy, and utterly indulgent.

You’d never believe that there’s a cup and a half of shredded veggies in there.

So sneaky! ????

My other secret ingredient? Pudding mix!

You know how it makes cakes crazy stupid soft and moist? It does the same thing in muffins.

These moist and ultra fudgy chocolate zucchini muffins are so good. You'll never believe they're full of vegetables!

Did I mention that these freeze really well? They do! So when you’re up to your eyeballs in zucchini this summer, make a double (or triple!) batch of these to stash in the freezer. And just set them out at room temp to thaw when you are ready to dig in.

Enjoy!

My mom's famous banana bread muffins made with peanut butter and swirled with Nutella. We didn't have a crumb left!

Peanut Butter Nutella Swirl Banana Muffins Recipe

My mom’s famous banana bread muffins made with peanut butter and swirled with Nutella. We didn’t have a crumb left!

My mom's famous banana bread muffins made with peanut butter and swirled with Nutella. We didn't have a crumb left!

If you need me to convince you that peanut butter and Nutella and banana muffins are a match made in heaven.. then you are possibly on the wrong site. ????

 

My mom's famous banana bread muffins made with peanut butter and swirled with Nutella. We didn't have a crumb left!

People ask me all the time what I do with all the treats I bake. All.the.time.

I guess I should be flattered that people don’t take one look at me and think that I eat every single thing that comes out of my kitchen. But, oh, if they only knew how many of my baked goods never quite make it out the door to all the places I intend to send them.

Well, I’d be horrified. So I’m glad that they don’t know. But what I’m confessing is: I eat a lot of it myself.

Case in point: these muffins.

My mom's famous banana bread muffins made with peanut butter and swirled with Nutella. We didn't have a crumb left!

I took one bite, and I was gone. Or rather… the muffins were gone! ????

Super soft, moist banana bread bursting with peanut butter flavor and swirled with Nutella. A LOT of Nutella. So, so, so, good.

And so comforting! I don’t if it’s just me, but these are all flavors that just make me feel good and cozy on the inside. My mom’s banana bread always makes me feel that way. But adding the peanut butter and the Nutella added to that even just a little bit more.

My mom's famous banana bread muffins made with peanut butter and swirled with Nutella. We didn't have a crumb left!

Of course, OF COURSE, the key to any great banana bread recipe is to use incredibly ripe bananas (how to quickly ripen bananas). Like, almost rotten ripe. I mean, if they’re moldy and leaking… then no. Gross.

But soft and squishy and super brown– YES. Those are exactly the bananas we want in this recipe. Overripe bananas will add a tremendous amount of natural sweetener and moisture to any recipe. So we definitely want them in these.

My mom’s recipe that I’m basing this variation on typically calls for a little additional oil. But we’re going to skip that this time, since we’re adding peanut butter which will take care of the fat needed to help keep the bread soft. Plus, it tastes good ????.

My mom's famous banana bread muffins made with peanut butter and swirled with Nutella. We didn't have a crumb left!

When it comes time to swirl in the Nutella, I actually like to step a little outside of the box here. Instead of just adding the Nutella directly to the batter, I actually like to mix it INTO a portion of the batter, and then swirl the Nutella batter into the remaining batter.

Nutella batter = more Nutella taste = better.

These muffins are great warm out of the oven. But like all banana bread recipes, they’re even better at room temp. Something about cooling and sitting for a while really gives the flavors a chance to stand out!

 

Enjoy!

Chewy, fudgy brownie cookie bars with a marshmallow swirl, and graham cracker crust layer, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Nutella Brownie S’mores Cookie Bars Recipe

Chewy, fudgy brownie cookie bars with a marshmallow and Nutella swirl, graham cracker crust layer, and milk chocolate chips.

Chewy, fudgy brownie cookie bars with a marshmallow swirl, and graham cracker crust layer, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

If you’ve been hanging around Something Swanky for any amount of time at all really, you know my love of these brownie cookies. And if you’ve been stopping by for a little longer than that, then you also know that I’m obsessed with s’mores.

Bringing the two together was simply the natural progression of things.

Chewy, fudgy brownie cookie bars with a marshmallow swirl, and graham cracker crust layer, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Ok, so… Brownie Cookie Bars. You may be wondering why I took brownies and turned them into cookies and then took those cookies and turned them back into bars. Yeah?

And the answer is… I wanted something a little firmer than brownies, like a cookie, but still basically brownies. Ergo: my favorite brownie cookie recipe baked into bars.

So, yeah. They’re basically still brownies. A little firmer on the tops and bottoms than a brownie, but still just as rich and fudgy in the centers. I know it’s a little backwards, but just trust me on this. It works.

Chewy, fudgy brownie cookie bars with a marshmallow swirl, and graham cracker crust layer, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Speaking of centers… would you get a load of that?! ????

Sandwiched in between these rich and fudgy brownie cookie bars is a thick and gooey layer of marshmallow cream, Nutella, and a ridiculously perfect, buttery graham cracker crust.

YES. All that. ????

Chewy, fudgy brownie cookie bars with a marshmallow swirl, and graham cracker crust layer, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Chewy, fudgy brownie cookie bars with a marshmallow swirl, and graham cracker crust layer, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

These are so, so, SO easy to make. You’ll only need one bowl– and you can make the graham cracker crust layer in a ziplock bag like I did, so there aren’t even any extra dishes needed there!

Starting with the brownie cookie dough. It’s simply a variation on a box mix recipe. You will need an actual box mix, but don’t follow the recipe on there for brownie batter. I’m giving you a different set of ingredients and measurements that will create a different texture than what you’d get using the recipe on the box. More cookie-like, remember?

Next up, a dreamy graham cracker crust. I ALWAYS make graham crusts in a bag. It’s so much easier, less mess, less fuss, so it really just makes sense. Place the graham crackers in a gallon-sized zip bag and crush them up using a rolling pin until they are fine crumbs. Toss in the butter and sugar, and then nuke the whole bag for about 30-60 seconds, until the butter melts. After that, all you have to do is mush the mixture in the bag until the crust comes together! Dump it out over the brownie layer and press it down, easy peasy.

The marshmallow cream and Nutella layer is probably the hardest part, because they’re both so sticky. But if you have a release ice cream or cookie scoop, that pretty much solves all your problems. I just scoop on what I need and spread it just a little with an offset spatula.

Add some more brownie cookie to the top and your milk chocolate chips, and…

Bake.

Drool.

And then top with ice cream.

Chewy, fudgy brownie cookie bars with a marshmallow swirl, and graham cracker crust layer, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

Obviously.

Super rich and fudgy brownies stuffed with Oreos and smothered in vanilla buttercream.

Oreo Brownies with Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

Super rich and fudgy brownies stuffed with Oreos and smothered in vanilla buttercream.

Super rich and fudgy brownies stuffed with Oreos and smothered in vanilla buttercream.

Ultra fudgy brownies. Buttercream piled sky high. Stuffed with Oreos. And topped with an obscene amount of sprinkles and more Oreos.

This is a brownie lover’s dream.

Super rich and fudgy brownies stuffed with Oreos and smothered in vanilla buttercream.

I used my mom’s from-scratch brownie recipe and my favorite homemade buttercream for today’s recipe. And they go together better than peanut butter and jelly ????.

This recipe is so, so easy! But if you really wanted to make it fool proof, you could even use a box brownie mix and store bought frosting. Seriously. Go ahead, I won’t tell. You’ll still end up with outrageously decadent, gorgeous, swoon-worthy brownies.

Super rich and fudgy brownies stuffed with Oreos and smothered in vanilla buttercream.

Super rich and fudgy brownies stuffed with Oreos and smothered in vanilla buttercream.

Once you have the brownie batter mixed up, these come together pretty quickly. Spread about 1/3 of the batter on the bottom of the dish, and then layer the Oreos over that. Pour the rest of the brownie batter on top and spread it out so that all the Oreos are covered. Having brownie batter on both the bottom and top of the Oreos ensures that fudgy goodness will soften up the Oreos a little bit, so that they sort of “melt” into the brownie making it even richer.

I baked my brownies in a 9×13, but you could also bake them a little thicker and use an 8×8 baking dish instead. Just be sure to alter the baking time, they’ll need a little bit longer in the oven. And you’ll probably want to half the buttercream recipe as well.

Or not.

In my house, we all agree that the frosting is the best part…

PicMonkey Collage

 

This Southern classic is banana bread and cupcake all rolled into one! A super moist banana cupcake with crushed pineapple, coconut, and pecans folded into the batter topped with an irresistibly dreamy cream cheese frosting.

Hummingbird Cupcakes Recipe

This Southern classic is banana bread and cupcake all rolled into one! A super moist banana cupcake with crushed pineapple, coconut, and pecans folded into the batter topped with an irresistibly dreamy cream cheese frosting.

This Southern classic is banana bread and cupcake all rolled into one! A super moist banana cupcake with crushed pineapple, coconut, and pecans folded into the batter topped with an irresistibly dreamy cream cheese frosting.

You already know that I’m obsessed with Southern food, thanks to my Carolina roots. And these Hummingbird Cupcakes are nothing if not good and Southern ????.

…because the fried chicken leg is the obvious official emoji of the South, right? ????

Anyway. The point is, if you are looking for a sweet Southern treat that is perfect for spring and summer, look no further! Banana bread and cupcake rolled into one, these pretty cups are packed with sweet summer flavors and topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.

This Southern classic is banana bread and cupcake all rolled into one! A super moist banana cupcake with crushed pineapple, coconut, and pecans folded into the batter topped with an irresistibly dreamy cream cheese frosting.

Step one. You’ll need two overripe bananas, so that you get the maximum sweet banana flavor in your cupcakes. I’ve seen a lot of recipes that call for chopped bananas, but I can’t stand the texture of banana chunks in a cupcake. So in my recipe, we’re mashing the bananas and mixing them into a smooth batter.

Some other ingredients you’ll need:

  • crushed pineapple, with the juice
  • coconut
  • pecans

And, of course, make sure you have cream cheese for the frosting. It’s heavenly. ????

This Southern classic is banana bread and cupcake all rolled into one! A super moist banana cupcake with crushed pineapple, coconut, and pecans folded into the batter topped with an irresistibly dreamy cream cheese frosting.

This Southern classic is banana bread and cupcake all rolled into one! A super moist banana cupcake with crushed pineapple, coconut, and pecans folded into the batter topped with an irresistibly dreamy cream cheese frosting.

Each tender bite is bursting with the sunny flavors of banana, pineapple, and coconut. Cinnamon adds a bit of warmth to the mix, and the pecans add a perfect touch of crunch.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll feel like these ingredients shout SPRING ☀️ and SUMMER ???? and the arrival of beautiful warm days filled with blue skies.

This Southern classic is banana bread and cupcake all rolled into one! A super moist banana cupcake with crushed pineapple, coconut, and pecans folded into the batter topped with an irresistibly dreamy cream cheese frosting.

The thick layer of cream cheese frosting is what elevates these from glorified muffins to glorious cupcakes! It’s my very favorite frosting recipe, because even though it’s rich and creamy, it’s somehow light and fluffy too. And it’s so easy to whip up, which is always a plus.

And if WHEN you make a batch for yourself, don’t forget to tag me on Intagram! I can’t wait to see what you bake up ????!

My twist on the traditional lemon poppyseed muffin! Sweet, soft muffins with subtle notes of vanilla and almond topped with a creamy lemon glaze.

Vanilla Almond Poppy Seed Muffins with Lemon Glaze Recipe

My twist on the traditional lemon poppyseed muffin! Sweet, soft muffins with subtle notes of vanilla and almond topped with a creamy lemon glaze.

My twist on the traditional lemon poppyseed muffin! Sweet, soft muffins with subtle notes of vanilla and almond topped with a creamy lemon glaze.

When life hands you lemons…

Make a yummy icing to drizzle over these vanilla almond poppyseed muffins! Or make Lemon Blueberry Scones, Lemon Blueberry Sweet Rolls, Lemon Poppyseed Banana Bread, or Lemon Chess Bread Pudding. Or this Lemon Marshmallow Meringue Pie.

Just to suggest a few ????????.

My twist on the traditional lemon poppyseed muffin! Sweet, soft muffins with subtle notes of vanilla and almond topped with a creamy lemon glaze.

—>You guys… that pudgy little hand ????! I couldn’t even be mad about him ruining every shot, because his little fingers make my heart explode.

A-hem. Back to the muffins.

Originally, I was going to make regular lemon poppyseed muffins. But the thought of a sweet vanilla and almond muffin filled my brain and so I settled for lemon icing instead. I don’t know what it is about spring time, but it brings out the almond extract lover in me. Constructing a muffin that involves both almond extract and lemon just felt so right.

My twist on the traditional lemon poppyseed muffin! Sweet, soft muffins with subtle notes of vanilla and almond topped with a creamy lemon glaze.

And a muffin with a glaze? That felt right too. Mostly because I like cupcakes any time of day. And since we’re calling it a “glaze” and a “muffin,” it’s now acceptable to eat this very NON-cupcake for breakfast!

You’re so welcome.

My twist on the traditional lemon poppyseed muffin! Sweet, soft muffins with subtle notes of vanilla and almond topped with a creamy lemon glaze.

These muffins are super soft on the inside with a little hint of crunch from the poppy seeds. The lemony glaze on top compliments the almond flavor in the muffins and creates a spring time muffin nirvana that you will adore.

And you’ll keep coming back for more.

Because… it rhymed.

???? #nerd #mombrain #imsotired #stoptalkingnow  #maybesendhelp

Rich and fudgy homemade brownies completely from scratch topped with a decadent chocolate frosting. You'll never reach for a box mix again!

Fudgy Frosted Brownies Recipe

Rich and fudgy homemade brownies completely from scratch topped with a decadent chocolate frosting. You’ll never reach for a box mix again!

Rich and fudgy homemade brownies completely from scratch topped with a decadent chocolate frosting. You'll never reach for a box mix again!

 

I found this recipe from my mom in our family cookbook a few years ago when she was compiling it. I was helping her sort the pages into binders for everyone and this particular brownie recipe caught my eye. Related: Here’s an article on brownies. It’s called everything you need to know about brownies.. In the description, my mom had said that it was our family’s favorite recipe that we made every Sunday night.

It stood out to me particularly because I distinctly remember all of our Sunday night brownies– and they came from a box mix…….. (sorry Mom ????).

Rich and fudgy homemade brownies completely from scratch topped with a decadent chocolate frosting. You'll never reach for a box mix again!

Here’s the thing. I’m the oldest of six kids. And a lot of things changed when I left the house that I was never a part of.

For instance.. everyone in my family became a dog person my freshman year of college. I came home from my first semester and all of a sudden there was a dog inside the house. On the couches. On the beds. Under the kitchen table. Everywhere we went, the dog went.

To me, it was bizarre. That just wasn’t the way we did pets when I was a kid.

Another boat I missed– my family got all healthy while I was away at school. They may say different (like that they’ve been health conscious all along), but I don’t remember health being a big priority when I was living at home. And now they’re all like runners and conscientious eaters and stuff, and here I am…. with a dessert blog.

Womp womp womp.

I totally got left in the dust on that one.

And the brownies from scratch thing? Yeah, that didn’t happen back in my day. Which brings us full circle back to these apparently famous-in-my-family brownies that we’ve been making for years. And the dessert freak in the bunch, me, didn’t have a clue. ????

I finally sank my teeth into these for the first time about a month ago. The clouds parted and the heavens sang, and I asked my mom, “where can I get this recipe????“

And she said, “it’s the one we always make,” (like it’s the most obvious thing in the world) “it’s the one in the family cookbook.” ????

Rich and fudgy homemade brownies completely from scratch topped with a decadent chocolate frosting. You'll never reach for a box mix again!

I may have been the last one in my family in the loop here, but now I can finally share with you my family’s favorite brownie recipe and say with 100% certainty that it is THEE BEST. It’s rich and fudgy, and *omg* that creamy frosting!

Please, please, please– do me a favor and don’t do what I did: don’t sit on this recipe forever and not make it. There’s no reason for you to live one more day without the best brownies you will ever eat. Ever.

From my family cookbook to yours ❤️.

3-Ingredient Nutella Brownies

3-Ingredient Nutella Brownies Recipe

A rich and fudgy brownie that trumps all other brownies! And the best part is that you only need three ingredients for this quick and easy recipe. You’ll never be tempted by a box mix again!

3-Ingredient Nutella Brownies

If you’ve been in the food blog world at all today, then you know that many of us are paying  a chocolate tribute to a very loved member of our community who unexpectedly passed away last week, Joan Hayes– or as you may better know her: Chocolate, Chocolate, and More.

Joan and I met via an online blog conference a few years ago, had a few phone chats, and many, many Facebook conversations. Joan was a social media guru and was always willing to have a helpful chat with anyone about improving their Facebook page or Google Plus reach.

She had the sweetest Southern accent you’ve ever heard, such a big heart, and a major love of all things chocolate.

I think she would have LOVED these Nutella Brownies.

3-Ingredient Nutella Brownies

Is there anything better in the world than homemade, fudgy, chocolate brownies? Hm. Maybe brownies made with Nutella with a tall glass of cold milk on the side. Yes?

Well, it just so happens that’s exactly what we have here. A brownie in it’s fudgiest form, made up almost entirely of NUTELLA. This is my favorite brownie recipe as of late. And the best part? You don’t even need a mixer, it’s that easy. Nutella, eggs, and a little flour. Mix it all up together in a small bowl, bake, and voila! Best brownies ever.

If you really want to get a little crazy and add even MORE CHOCOLATE, you could mix up a batch of this Nutella frosting to spread on top (excuse the poor photography in that post, it’s super old).

 

3-Ingredient Nutella Brownies

3-Ingredient Nutella Brownies

Really though… these brownies don’t even need the frosting. They are rich and fudgy and decadent all on their own.

Exactly the way Joan would have liked them ❤️.

Don’t forget to visit Joan’s site Chocolate, Chocolate, and More. Continued support of her blog from readers like you will allow her family to continue receiving the financial support she worked so hard for her site to provide.

Follow the hashtag #ChocolateForJoan on Instagram and Twitter to see all of the chocolate recipes we’re posting in honor of Joan today.