cake Archives - Simply Happenstance

Pumpkin Ice Box Cake

November 24, 2014

:: Pumpkin Ice Box Cake ::

I love traditional pumpkin pie… but I also really like variations of it to indulge in on Thanksgiving Day! Just like me.. my kids all adore foods made with pumpkin, so I decided to whip up this ice box version and try it out on them! {I seriously had a hard time photographing the cake… as they were attempting to dive right in!}

Although the recipe may look daunting, with day before preparations, I promise you it isn’t hard! In fact, many of you probably prefer make-ahead recipes… am I right? If you are trying to spread out your cooking/baking… this may be the dessert for you! You can easily prepare this the day before and then piece it all together just prior to serving.

What I like most about this lightly sweetened pumpkin cake is that it isn’t heavy. After eating loads and loads of appetizers, the full Thanksgiving meal, and indulging in drinks… who wants a heavy dessert?! Not me! Something light, yet boasting with flavor, is what I crave! [Read more…]

Peach and Blueberry Trifle

August 21, 2014

:: Peach and Blueberry Trifle ::

Summer fruit is truly my favorite! It’s hard to beat the taste of ripe peaches and sweet blueberries — nature’s candy! This simple dessert is a delicious way to incorporate seasonal fruit. The trifle comes together easily… in a few steps, and the result is not only delectable, but beautiful as well! The best part is that it isn’t a heavy dessert. Oh no! It quite the opposite — completely light and airy!

Since I’m still getting settled in our new house, I’ve been creating dishes that are semi-homemade {I still haven’t unpacked all of my kitchen boxes — must get on that}! A store bought angel food cake is perfectly acceptable for this recipe… unless of course you love making your own from scratch {kudos to you}! [Read more…]

Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes

July 1, 2014

:: Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes ::

Well hello, friends! Happy 4th of July week! We have another heavenly cupcake recipe for you today… simply perfect for a celebration or date night at home! The cupcakes have a baked graham cracker crust, decadent vanilla cake with chunks of fresh strawberries, and an incredibly rich cream cheese frosting! Together, it creates the most divine Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcakes! Enjoy!

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Weekend Lovelies {favorite things}

March 8, 2014

:: Weekend Lovelies {favorite things} ::

Hey, friends! Nicole and I hope that you all have had a fantastic week! Any signs of spring in your part of the world? How was your week… do anything fun? My husby has been at the fire station… literally all week long. The kids and I have been carrying on at home… soaking up the sunshine when we can, doing lots of art, attempting to focus on their studies, and doing the runaround with their extra curricular activities. My two littlest ones have birthdays in the next two weeks. Such a bittersweet time…. watching them grow up, another year older. I wish I could slow it all down and keep them little longer. We spent one evening this week looking through old photos on the computer {because I’ve yet to print them… no joke}. We had so much fun reminiscing of special moments in their early childhood years! I really can’t get a grasp on how quickly the time has gone by. It’s been a good reminder to soak up this two-year mountain holiday we are on. That’s kind of how I think of it in my mind. In just shy of a year and a half, we will most likely move back down the mountain and join the real world again… going back to school, possibly work, and buying a house. For now, I’m trying to fully enjoy this time in the mountains with my handsome husby and sweet four… homeschooling, staying in our pj’s until late in the morning, and doing family movie nights and dance parties whenever we feel the desire! It’s been blissful…

So… how about that lovely quote from Henry David Thoreau pictured above? It truly speaks volumes, doesn’t it?! {I spotted it on Pinterest and followed the link, which took me to the delightful blog… One Beautiful Life. Not only a fabulous quote, but a wonderful post about facing the fear of uncertainty. Such a good read… I think you’ll enjoy it!} Nicole and I hope that you like our other finds this week! Please feel free to link-up with your favorite blog post, or your Etsy Shop! {A BIG thank you to our dear friends Jenny from Be… and Keep Being, and Megan from Yumology, for always linking-up! We love you girls so much! You have no idea how much your support means to us!} Have a wonderful weekend! {xo} [Read more…]

S’mores Ice Cream Cake

September 12, 2013

:: S’mores Ice Cream Cake ::

I whole-heartedly have had every intention of posting healthier recipes up on the blog {and I promise… I will!}; however, we did have a special birthday in our family last week. Ryan, my oldest son, turned nine. I’m still sort of in shock at how quickly my time with him has gone. In just nine more years… I’ll be sending this handsome boy off to college {sigh}. I’m literally holding onto him for as long as he lets me…

One of our traditions {dating back to when I was a child} is having the birthday person pick their favorite dinner and dessert. When I was growing up… I always picked savory crepes for dinner and deliciously sweet crepes for dessert. {Not your traditional birthday cake, but still to this day, my absolute favorite!} For Ry… it was his favorite restaurant for Chinese food and homemade S’mores Ice Cream Cake for dessert. In my opinion, there’s just no reason to purchase ice cream cakes. You can so easily make one yourself…. and I guarantee it will be so much more decadent and flavorful!

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