If you’re a coffee lover, it’s only natural to gravitate to desserts that offer a tasty jolt of caffeine. From hard candy to an oven full of espresso-laced cookies, consider the following suggestions when looking for sweet treats that please the coffee connoisseur in you.

Cookies

From Triple Chocolate Espresso Cookies to adding a bit of espresso powder to your favorite recipes, don’t be afraid to slip into your apron and put your oven to good use. The Internet is swarming with cookie recipes that incorporate coffee as one of the ingredients. Other ideas include Espresso Brownies and coffee-flavored biscotti.

Hard Candy

Hard candies come in many different forms and flavors. Some melt in your mouth, while others soften in your hand. Looking for a few ideas?  Bali’s Best Coffee Candy offers flavors such as espresso and latte. Also, don’t forget to take a walk on the wild side and explore international delights, such as the Kasugai Sumiyaki Roasted Coffee Candy, which is very popular in Japan. Other types of hard candy may include coffee-flavored chocolate discs (similar to plain M&Ms) – encased in colored sugary shells.

Chocolate Candy

Consider satisfying your sweet tooth with chocolate bars offering added coffee flavor or beans. For example, Charles Chocolates (at Chocolate.com) makes a Mocha Java Bar that combines mocha java pieces and 65% bittersweet chocolate. Other candy options include coffee-flavored truffles and coffee liqueur-filled chocolates.

Espresso Beans

Chocolate covered espresso beans are a popular sweet treat for coffee lovers, which come in many different varieties, including dark chocolate, milk chocolate, white chocolate, and even mint chocolate.

Coffee Spoons

Similar to the concept of honey spoons for tea drinkers, coffee spoons offer a little something extra for a regular cup of Joe. Butterscotch, mocha, chocolate, whiskey, and cocoa are just some of the flavors and ingredients a coffee spoon can add to your favorite beverage.

Dessert Coffees

Whether you add a hint of Irish Cream to your java or top with fresh whipped cream, it’s simple to enjoy a dessert coffee. Sometimes, it’s as easy as purchasing a bag of dessert-flavored coffee, such as Chocolate Fudge Brownie Coffee.

Cupcakes are one of the trendiest desserts around. From simple vanilla to more extravagant flavors like lemon and red velvet, cupcakes are always a fun and delicious treat. The pint sized dessert has only been around for about 200 years but they have always been popular. Once called 1-2-3-4 cakes for the simplicity of ingredients, this dessert was revolutionary for its portability and easiness to prepare. The original cupcake recipe was very similar to a butter cake, only baked in small tin cups, hence the name cupcake.

This recipe is much like the original cupcake recipe of the 19th century. It’s simple, it’s easy, and it is yummy. Homemade cupcakes have a certain something special about them. Maybe it’s the real butter and the vanilla bean flecks from the vanilla bean extract peppered throughout the light, airy cake that make them special or maybe it’s the simple, pure ingredients from a timeless recipe. Whatever it is, this is one dessert that you will be proud to serve. And eat. Top with homemade chocolate frosting or eat them warm from the oven with a glass of milk. Enjoy!

Ingredients:
1 c sugar
1/2 c butter, softened
2 eggs
2 tsps vanilla bean extract
1 1/2 c all purpose flour
1 3/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 c milk

Directions:

1. Beat butter and sugar until well combined.

2. Add eggs one at a time.

3. Stir in the vanilla bean extract.

4. Add flour and baking powder into the mix, then slowly incorporate the milk.

5. Spoon batter into paper cups or in a greased muffin pan and bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.

When you’re looking for a sugary treat, look no further than one that incorporates caramel – a beige to dark brown confection fashioned out of different types of sugars that have been slowly heated. Caramel goes a long way – such as filling the centers of candies, flavoring desserts, making cookies ooey and gooey, and serving as topping for ice cream and custards. If you’re looking for ways to use caramel in desserts, the following suggestions will help get you started.

Homemade Caramel Topping

Drizzling homemade caramel sauce or topping easily transforms vanilla ice cream into a heightened treat. For the most basic recipe, add about ½ cup of brown sugar to a small saucepan and around one tablespoon of butter (or margarine). Heat ingredients over medium heat, stirring constantly. The mixture will start to bubble. Continue to heat for at least one minute.

Depending on how thick or thin you want your caramel topping, adjust the amount of butter or brown sugar to this recipe. As the caramel topping cools, it will harden. Quickly drizzle on ice cream and popcorn for a quick treat.

Caramel Popcorn

You can use a homemade caramel topping to spice up a bowl of popcorn. For children, caramel is the glue that holds together popcorn balls – a popular treat often seen during the Halloween season. To enhance the gooiness of this caramel dessert, add marshmallow to your recipes.

Caramel Rice Krispie Treats

You may also substitute popcorn for Rice Krispies to enjoy more crunch. A quick recipe combines one stick of margarine, 15 pieces of caramels, and one can of condensed milk that is melted in a pan over a stove. Roll in the Rice Krispies once all ingredients have melted together. Refrigerate to harden.

Caramel Candies

Pralines, nougat, and crunchy brittle all rely on caramel for its flavor and texture. Most often, nuts are used to complete a recipe. The typical caramel candy is soft and chewy. A simple recipe may call for boiling milk or cream, sugar, butter, and vanilla extract together.

Bananas Foster

Made with bananas and vanilla ice cream, Bananas Foster is topped with a caramel sauce made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, dark rum, and banana liqueur. At some restaurants, the butter, sugar and bananas are cooked, followed by the addition of alcohol, which is then set afire tableside. The alcohol evaporates, leaving behind the flavor of rum. The bananas and caramel sauce are then served over the ice cream. Don’t worry – there are less intense variations for preparing Bananas Foster at home.

Caramel Apple

An easy caramel dessert to make is the caramel apple. Gather six apples, one 14-ounce package of individually wrapped caramels, and two tablespoons of milk. You will need Popsicle sticks or wooden craft sticks on hand to create the “holders.” Butter a baking sheet. Remove the stem from each apple and press a “stick” into the top. Place caramels and milk in a microwavable bowl and cook for two minutes – making sure to stir once. Allow the mixture to briefly cool. Roll each apple in the caramel sauce until it is coated. This step should be completed quickly. Place finished apples on wax paper or buttered baking sheet so that the caramel can set.

Crème Brulee

It’s not uncommon to come across crème brulee on the menu of a fancy restaurant. The dessert is comprised of a rich vanilla-flavored custard topped with a layer of hard caramel. While other parts of the world typically eat crème brulee cold, the United States has a habit of warming up the sweet treat. Depending on the recipe, the custard base could be flavored with lemon or orange zest, coffee, chocolate, fruits, and even liqueurs.

When warm weather brings the juiciness of ripe berries bursting with flavor, it’s time to put those tasty treats to good use. Fruit pies are not only wildly popular during the holidays, but also throughout the summertime when berry picking can take place in your own backyard. To enjoy a few ideas for pies made with berries, consider the following suggestions:

1. Three Berry Pie

Why settle for one kind of berry when you can have three? With a host of variations, Three Berry Pie usually consists of blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries (or blackberries). One recipe for a 9-inch double crust pie calls for 1 cup of strawberries, 2 cups of raspberries and 1 ½ cups of blueberries. Other ingredients may include cornstarch and sugar.

2. Apple-Berry Pie

Use blackberries and apples to bake a pie that takes the typical apple pie recipe to new heights. Flavored with cinnamon, this berry pie tastes exceptional with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

3. Berry Custard Pie

Combine raspberries and blackberries in a light custard sauce and you’ll enjoy an irresistible dessert that is surprisingly low in fat. Using fat free sour cream helps to cut down on the calories. Cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract help add flavor to the pie. When choosing the right recipe, one serving of Berry Custard Pie can be as low as 165 calories.

4. Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Blend the sweetness of freshly sliced strawberries with the tartiness of rhubarb to create a delicious summer pie. Some recipes use quick-cooking tapioca to achieve their consistency, while others create creamy custard filling. For added crunch and texture, opt for a crumb topping by combining 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon salt. Cut in ½ cup butter or margarine until the mixture becomes crumbly. Spoon the topping mix over the filling and bake according to your recipe.

5. Huckleberry Cream Cheese Pie

Looking to try out a new berry? Huckleberries are small round berries that resemble blueberries. Growing wild in August throughout the Northwest (United States), some grocery stores carry the frozen berry. You can use fresh or frozen huckleberries to create a topping for your favorite cream cheese pie recipe. After cooling your pie, spread the huckleberry mixture over the cream cheese layer and refrigerate until you’ll ready to dig in.

Whether you’re looking to feed your stomach or fuel your brain, there are many foods and ingredients that come with benefits. From loads of antioxidants to natural energy boosters, plenty of items allow you to indulge in Mother Nature’s deliciousness. Below you will find a collection of desserts and beverages that let you to tap into the healing and healthy power of food.

Nuts: Overall, nuts are loaded with essential fatty acids like Omega-3s, and depending on the kinds you eat, there are other advantages to gain. Nuts also make delicious toppings for any of your favorite dessert recipes.

Cashews are high in magnesium, which provide an increase of oxygen-rich blood to your brain. Your brain function becomes enhanced when you eat foods that contain choline, and pecans can provide you with this essential nutrient. Almonds not only provide brainpower, but also help to stabilize your mood. You can think more clearly and stay focused when eating walnuts packed with Omega-3s.

Suggested Desserts: Cashew Coconut Pudding, Almond Bars, Walnut Balls, Maple Pecan Pie

Raw Carrots: We’ve all heard that carrots are beneficial to the eyes, but the raw vegetable also delivers a steady level of blood sugar that caters to the brain. A couple of ways to incorporate raw carrots into your sweet treats is to shave the vegetable as a fresh topping for Carrot Cake, Carrot Bars, and Carrot Muffins.

Berries: Fueling your brain with energy, berries are high in complex carbohydrates and possess their own health factors depending on the variety. Blackberries are packed with stress-preventing anthocyanins that work towards calming your brain during tension-filled situations. The antioxidants found in strawberries can boost your cognitive functioning. Cranberries have a high concentration of antioxidants that contributes to preventing brain cell damage associated with free radicals. The antioxidants in blueberries have been proven to lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Suggested Desserts: Blackberry Pie, Strawberry Tarts, Cranberry Squares, Blueberry Muffins, Raspberry Trifle, Berry Cobbler, Berries and Cream, Berry Crumb Cake

Yogurt: You can improve your neurotransmitters with yogurt, as well as gain calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin and iodine. Get your fill of this low-calorie ingredient by making Berry Parfaits, Yogurt Cake, Yogurt Pops, and Frozen Greek Yogurt.

Oatmeal: Apple Crisp topped with oatmeal or a batch of oatmeal raisin cookies delivers a boost in energy, as well as promotes better memory. The low-calorie raisins in the cookies also serve as a high-energy ingredient packed with antioxidants.

Bananas: Banana cream pie sounds even better when you learn that bananas possess a decent source of antioxidants and potassium. Other dessert ideas include Banana Bread and Banana Pudding.

Dark Chocolate: The possibilities are endless when you think of all the desserts that include dark chocolate. Not only can you actually stop cravings with a small bar, but also receive a burst of healthy antioxidants. Consider dipping pretzels and frozen bananas and into melted dark chocolate for a tasty sweet treat.

Watermelon: Watermelon is a low-calorie treat that increases energy levels and provides the body with nutrients. Perfect for warm weather days, consider transforming your watermelon slices into a Watermelon Cooler – often made with fresh lime juice.

Hot Cocoa: An intense surge of antioxidants comes when you drink a steaming cup of hot chocolate made with pure cocoa powder.

Peppermint Tea: Enhance your productivity with peppermint tea, which increases your focus and performance.

Green Tea: To relax your mind and jumpstart mental alertness, consume green tea with honey or drink an ice-cold glass with a sprig of mint.

Coffee: The caffeine found in a cup of coffee is known to encourage improved short-term memory when consumed in moderation.

Chocolate covered pretzels offer a delicious marriage between sweet and salty sensations. When you’re not purchasing the decadent selections at Chocolate.com, you can create homemade pretzels dipped in chocolate with your own creative decorations. From simple embellishments to elaborate treats gift-wrapped for loved ones, consider the following ways to decorate chocolate-covered pretzels.

Chocolate Covered Pretzel Recipe

Before you get started on decorating your sweet treats, you may need an easy recipe to follow. Gather 1 package chocolate chips, 1 tablespoon shortening, and pretzels (mini, regular, or rods). Melt the chocolate chips and shortening in a double boiler over medium heat. Stir the mixture until smooth. Some people prefer to use a microwave to melt the chips – just make sure not to overheat and stir every 30 seconds. Allow the chocolate to slightly cool. Dip pretzels in chocolate and place on trays covered with waxed paper. Chill if needed.

Decorating Ideas

Spice up your chocolate covered pretzels with the following suggestions:

1. Chocolate Variety: Alternate the kinds of chocolate on your pretzels by drizzling white chocolate, milk chocolate, and dark chocolate. Not only does this make an inviting display of sweetness, but also offers a variety of flavors for your taste buds.

2. Nuts: Try plunging your chocolate covered pretzels in a bowl of crushed nuts or sprinkle on after a dip. A couple of suggestions include almonds, walnuts, pecans, and peanuts.

3. Coconut: Add a bit of extra crunch by rolling dipped pretzels in toasted, shredded coconut.

4. Peanut Butter: Chocolate and peanut butter go together well. Before dipping your pretzels in chocolate, spread on a thin layer of peanut butter.

5. Sprinkles: Before the chocolate sets on your pretzels, get colorful with a rainbow of sprinkles. Use red, white and blue sprinkles to celebrate Fourth of July in style. Red and green make fabulous Christmas treats. Pastel-colored sprinkles make delightful Easter pretzels.

After decorating your chocolate covered pretzels, store them in an airtight container. Place layers of waxed paper between the pretzels to keep from sticking to one another.