Spring Archives - Cooking with Cassandra

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...

The Best Au Gratin Potatoes (Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes Recipe)

Golden baked au gratin potatoes made with Yukon Gold potatoes and melted Gruyère cheese in a white casserole dish.

When it comes to cheesy comfort food, Au Gratin Potatoes (or as some call them, Scalloped Potatoes) are always a winner. This recipe layers tender Yukon Golds with a creamy spiced sauce and perfectly melted Gruyère cheese for a side dish that’s rich, cozy, and just a little fancy. It’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you want something that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. What are Au Gratin Potatoes? Au Gratin Potatoes are thinly sliced potatoes baked in a rich, creamy sauce with layers of melted cheese until golden and bubbly. While traditional scalloped potatoes...

Easy Creamy Lemon Chicken

Overhead view of creamy lemon chicken breasts in a skillet, garnished with lemon slices and fresh parsley, with a gold spoon resting in the sauce.

If you’re craving a quick and easy one-pan meal that’s bursting with flavor, this creamy lemon chicken is just what you need! In just 25 minutes, you’ll have tender, pan-seared chicken breasts covered in a rich, tangy lemon garlic butter cream sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry—think butter, garlic, and a splash of heavy cream. The best part? This family-friendly dinner is incredibly versatile and can be served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, making it a guaranteed favorite every...

Strawberry Lemon Blondies

If you're looking for the perfect spring and summer treat, these strawberry lemon blondies are it. With fresh strawberries and bright lemon, this easy dessert is full of flavor and so simple to make. My family loves to remind me that as a baby, they called me "Strawberry Lips" because I was so obsessed with strawberries that I’d leave a red mess all over my mouth. That love has never faded—and it’s exactly what inspired this recipe. These blondies are soft, chewy, and buttery—not dry or crumbly—just the way a good blondie should be. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing a sweet snack...

Quick & Easy Blueberry Pancakes (The Fluffiest!)

Pancakes with blueberry toppings | cookingwithcassandra.com

I made a trip to the farmer’s market last weekend, ready to welcome a warm Summer's day. I was greeted by the prettiest vegetables there, but the thing that really caught my eyes was the blueberries. Sitting proudly in a pile were cute tiny blueberries, all proudly handpicked by these independent farmers. Of course, I thought to myself. Blueberries are in season, and that can only mean one thing: HELLO, blueberry pancakes! I love this recipe for pancakes loaded with blueberries. Every bite promises a burst of sweet and sour blueberries accompanied by a buttery pancake and...

Easy Homemade Pico De Gallo

Homemade Pico De Gallo Recipe | cookingwithcassandra.com

What’s a tangy, fresh dip that goes super well with chips? You guessed it – salsa! No more buying bottled salsa, my friends. Today, I’m showing you exactly how to make authentic pico de gallo. It isn’t exactly salsa, though it is just one step shy. The only difference is that salsa is a puréed form of the same ingredients, whereas pico de gallo (or salsa fresca) keeps its vegetables in solid form. In Mexican restaurants and fast food joints, pico de gallo is found in fish tacos and meat burritos, acting as a sweet and spicy relish. Plus, it’s the perfect dip for tortilla...

Warm Potato Salad (Earls Restaurant Copycat)

Earls Copycat Warm Potato Salad | cookingwithcassandra.com

This potato salad is the MOST delicious potato salad from Earls Kitchen + Bar, a Canadian casual dining restaurant. I managed to recreate a version of it here! Every time I go with Walt or my girlfriends, I always make sure I get the Blackened Chicken, as the potato salad comes as a side with it. I took the opportunity to go to Earls for a few dinners and extra wine nights with the girls so that I could do some very important research on recreating this potato salad recipe at home. Fun was had! Walt now only wants this version. The secret? The bacon grease. SO GOOD!...

Strawberry Baked Brie

Strawberry Baked Brie This strawberry baked brie is a delicious twist on an old favorite. Instead of sugar laden store bought jellies to top your brie, whip up this fresh strawberry topping for the perfect sweet and savory combination. 1 Large brie round (approx 600 gram / 21 oz )1 ½ cups Strawberries (hulled and quartered)3 tbsp Balsamic vinegar3 tbsp Liquid honey2 tbsp Sliced almonds for topping6 Basil leaves (chiffonade / torn) Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit with rack in the center of the oven.In a medium bowl, mix the balsamic vinegar and honey until well combined. Add in...