Recipes Archive - Cooking with Cassandra

Pumpkin Pie Bars

A close-up of a pumpkin pie bar with a thick pumpkin filling on a shortbread crust, topped with whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

Pumpkin Pie Bars Recipe These Pumpkin Pie Bars have all the cozy flavor of classic pumpkin pie, baked on a buttery shortbread crust instead of pastry. The filling is creamy, spiced with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and my secret pinch of black pepper for extra depth. Slice them into neat pumpkin squares and top with whipped cream for the perfect fall dessert. Shortbread Crust1 ½ cups all-purpose flour⅓ cup granulated white sugar½ teaspoon salt¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) salted butter, (cold and sliced)1 teaspoon pure vanilla extractPumpkin Filling1 15-ounce can (1 ¾ cups) pure pumpkin purée ((not...

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins

Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe These pumpkin cream cheese muffins are soft, spiced, and filled with a rich cream cheese center, just like the Starbucks pumpkin cream cheese muffins—but even better homemade! Topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds, they bake up with tall, bakery-style domes and cozy fall flavour in every bite. Dry Ingredients1¾ cups all-purpose flour1 teaspoon of baking soda1 teaspoon baking powder½ teaspoon salt1½ teaspoons of cinnamon1 tablespoon of pumpkin pie spiceWet Ingredients3/4 cup granulated white sugar3/4 light brown sugar1½ cups pure pumpkin puree1 tablespoon...

Green Curry Chicken and Rice (Easy One-Pot Dinner)

One-pot green curry chicken and rice topped with lime wedges and fresh cilantro in a Dutch oven.

This green curry chicken and rice has everything I want in a weeknight dinner: it’s quick to prep, cozy, and packed with bold flavor. The best part? It all comes together in one pot. The jasmine rice simmers right in the coconut green curry sauce, making this one-pot green curry chicken and rice extra flavorful as it cooks. What you get is tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh veggies all wrapped in a creamy curry that tastes like takeout — only easier and healthier. What makes this recipe special is that the rice isn’t served on the side, it’s part of the curry itself. That means every...

Basil Pesto

Homemade pesto in a glass jar with a spoon, surrounded by basil, Parmesan, lemon, and bread.

One of my favorite parts of summer is all the fresh herbs—and this is the best basil pesto recipe to make when you’ve got a big bunch of basil ready to go. It’s bright, garlicky, and cheesy, with just enough richness to cling to pasta, grilled veggies, or a slice of crusty bread. The secret? Toasting the garlic cloves with the pine nuts—it mellows the bite and adds that buttery, savory flavor. Once you make this homemade pesto, you’ll never go back to store-bought. Whether you’ve got basil from the garden or just picked up a bunch at the market, this is my go-to all summer long. I swirl...

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

Zucchini chocolate chip muffins are everywhere on the internet—but this is the recipe I’ve tested over and over until I could confidently say: these are better than any bakery muffin I’ve ever had. They rise high, stay moist for days, and have the perfect balance of cozy spice, melty chocolate, and fluffy texture without being oily or too sweet. Plus, they’re super quick and easy to make! What makes this version different? No squeezing the zucchini, no watery batter, and no flat tops. The secret is the high-heat oven start (for a big rise) and just the right combo of brown sugar and oil...

Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas

I love a good quesadilla, but standing over a skillet flipping them one by one while everyone else is already eating? Not exactly my idea of a good time. That’s why these Sheet Pan Chicken Quesadillas are such a game-changer. They bake all at once, slice beautifully, and the best part? I get to sit down and enjoy them with everyone else. It might just be the easiest, most crowd-pleasing appetizer I’ve ever made. These chicken quesadillas are crispy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and made to feed a crowd—no stovetop required. This isn’t your average Tuesday-night quesadilla situation. It’s...

Baked Feta with Olives and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Baked feta appetizer topped with kalamata and green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, served in a white baking dish with golden edges and olive oil.

If you’re looking for a warm, bold-flavored appetizer that comes together in one dish and makes everyone gather around, this is it. This baked feta with olives and sun-dried tomatoes is rich, savory, and so easy to prep. It’s everything I love in an appetizer—minimal effort, maximum flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast. It’s also endlessly versatile. Whether you’re putting together a holiday spread, hosting wine night, or just craving something Mediterranean-inspired, this dish checks all the boxes. You simply bake a block of feta until soft and golden, then spoon it onto toasted...

Lemon Bars Recipe

Close-up of a thick lemon bar with a buttery shortbread crust and vibrant lemon filling, dusted with powdered sugar and surrounded by lemon wedges.

Who else LOVES lemon bars?! For me, they’re one of my all-time favorite desserts—bright, tangy, buttery perfection. This lemon bars recipe is one I’ve tested to perfection, made with an easy, melt-in-your-mouth shortbread crust and a smooth lemon filling that strikes just the right balance of sweet and tart. I love a generous bite, which is why I created this recipe in a 9x9-inch pan, giving you that perfect ratio of thick lemon filling to buttery crust. If life gives you lemons, this is the recipe to make. Whether you’re bringing dessert to a spring brunch, prepping for a holiday tray,...

Best Banana Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting

Moist banana cake slice topped with cream cheese frosting being lifted from the pan, showing fluffy texture and creamy topping

If you’re looking for a cake that’s perfectly moist, full of banana flavor, and topped with a delicious cream cheese frosting, this Banana Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is exactly what you need! With its soft texture and sweet, subtle notes of maple syrup, this cake is the perfect balance of comfort and indulgence. Whether you're baking for friends, family, or just yourself, this one will have everyone asking for your recipe! It’s always a hit at my gatherings. This easy banana cake is made in a 9×9-inch pan, keeping things much simpler than a traditional layer cake, making it a go-to...

Asparagus Puff Pastry Bundles

So, here is my recipe for fresh asparagus with puff pastry, a lovely side dish for any dinner party. I’ll be honest: it doesn’t look like much at first, and it’s definitely not as tantalizing as a colorful berry salad. But don’t be fooled, one bite into this asparagus with puff pastry and you’ll be amazed: glazed with honey, oozing with the best cheese mixture, and simply robust asparagus, this is definitely going to be one of the most memorable dishes you’ll ever have. It is very similar to cheesy asparagus tarts, except this one has already been apportioned and is shaped...

Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Ham

Fully glazed brown sugar ham sliced and served with orange slices and rosemary on a white platter.

Looking for the perfect holiday ham that’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and guaranteed to impress your guests? This Easy Brown Sugar Glazed Ham recipe is everything you need and more. It’s sweet, savory, juicy, and has the yummiest sticky glaze with hints of garlic, orange, and warm spices. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this ham will be the star of the table. And yes—it's so much better than the store-bought glaze packets. Once you try this homemade brown sugar glaze, you’ll never go back! And if you're feeling a little intimidated by cooking a whole...

Easter Sugar Cookies

Introducing the best Easter sugar cookies recipe! These soft, buttery cookies are perfect for spring baking and couldn’t be easier to make. My simple cut-out cookies come together quickly and are ideal for decorating with pastel icing and sprinkles. One of the best parts? No chill time is needed! This dough rolls out smoothly, holds its shape in the oven, and has that melt-in-your-mouth texture everyone loves. Paired with my easy icing, they’re perfect for stacking, gifting, or setting out at your Easter brunch. Don’t be intimidated by the decorating—this icing is not royal icing and is...

30-Minute Meals

Appetizers

Breakfasts

Chicken

Cocktails

Desserts

Lunch & Dinner

One Pan Meals

Pasta & Pizzas

Salads & Dressings

Seafood

Sides

Spring

Summer

Fall

Winter

Holidays

Roundups

All Recipes