Once summer rolls around, strawberries take center stage, which means strawberry desserts are the highlight of the season. From classics like strawberry shortcake to innovative creations like strawberry s’mores, these 32 strawberry desserts push the boundaries of that fruity, juicy flavor we all know and love. Get ready to indulge!
Strawberry Freakshakes
Think of this recipe as your traditional strawberry milkshake, but leveled-up beyond compare. The "freak" label for these decadent shakes is entirely accurate, as they get loaded with sugar, ice cream, donuts, whipped cream, and of course, rainbow sprinkles. (via Brit + Co)
Strawberry Donuts
These strawberry donuts earn a healthy (or well, healthier) edge by using whole wheat flour, coconut oil, and Greek yogurt. Don't worry though – they're still as sweet as ever, and they'll be super tasty alongside some coffee for a nice morning treat! (via Brit + Co)
Strawberry Tart
This tart looks impressive, but it's not all that hard to execute. Get your hands on just 5 ingredients – store-bought pastry dough and custard help expedite the process – and you'll be well on your way to strawberry, dessert-y goodness. (via Brit + Co)
Strawberry Chia Oatmeal Cookies
Turns out, you can eat cookies for breakfast! These strawberry-filled lil' bites serve as a quick power-up with fruit, oats, and chia seeds. You can even pack a few in your lunchbox for a healthy mid-day snack sesh. (via Brit + Co)
Boozy Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
These skewered strawberry desserts would make a fun Friday night activity to share with your boo! Simply soak some fresh berries in pink champagne overnight, then assemble them onto skewers before dipping them right into a dark chocolate bath and garnishing with more chocolate and crushed pistachios! (via Brit + Co)
Strawberry Lemon Cookies
Strawberries and lemons are a match made in flavor heaven, and these easy cookies (they only take 20 minutes) deliver a strawberry lemonade-type taste. Summer, here we come! (via The Edgy Veg)
Chocolate Strawberry Cake
We are salivating for this chocolatey cake! The cakey layers are quite simple to make, then you'll use fresh strawberries for the mid-layer and as a beautiful garnish. Don't you dare forget to add that creamy chocolate ganache! (via Give Recipes)
Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is an absolute classic! This recipe makes a few simple swaps (like whole wheat flour instead of regular, and maple syrup instead of white sugar) to make each and every bite a tad bit lighter than your traditional take. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)
Dark Chocolate Strawberry S'mores
You haven't lived until you've tried putting fresh strawberries on your s'mores. Just look at that gooey goodness! (via Feel Good Foodie)
Peanut Butter Cake with Strawberry Frosting
Once you learn how to make this sweet strawberry frosting, you'll wanna put it on everything you make, from cupcakes to cookies. And yes, even this nutty peanut butter cake! Pile it on real high. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)
Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars
The crunchy coating on these strawberry shortcake-inspired ice cream bars is exactly why you need to make them this summer. It's comprised of brown Rice Krispie pieces and freeze-dried strawberries to add some variety in texture, and wow, is it delicious! (via Half Baked Harvest)
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Rhubarb makes an excellent partner to strawberries. Case in point: this no-frills, uber-fresh pie with an impressive lattice crust! (via Completely Delicious)
Strawberry Cocoa
This sip is like if you combined a strawberry shake and hot chocolate into one. It's so dreamy! (via Two Peas & Their Pod)
Chocolate Strawberry Hi-Hat Cupcakes
That cross-section, though! These rich chocolate cupcakes are piled high with strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream icing. Once they're iced, they're dipped in even more chocolate to form a satisfying outer shell. (via Butternut Bakery)
Strawberry Fudge with Marshmallow Fluff
These strawberry fudge bites are just perfect for a little Valentine's Day dessert. This recipe surely doesn't shy away from sugar! (via Where Is My Spoon?)
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Matcha Madeleines
Matcha, chocolate, and strawberries?! We are totally swooning over these tiny strawberry desserts. While the madeleine cookies are soft and airy, the dark chocolate layer on the outside provides a nice crunch, contrasting the textures and flavors in each bite. (via The Original Dish)
Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies
Strawberry cake mix makes these strawberry desserts so much quicker, but they don't skimp on flavor at all. If you want to take things up a notch, try adding some fresh strawberries on top! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)
Strawberry Rice Krispie Treats
These Rice Krispie treats would make our child selves go crazy. You'll only need four ingredients to make 'em: freeze-dried strawberries, cereal, marshmallows, and butter, so they're a good dessert to make if you don't have a lot of ingredients on-hand and don't feel up to baking! (via The Endless Meal)
Chocolate Strawberry Mock-tini
This non-alcoholic, dairy free martini is decadence at its finest. You'll create your very own chocolate coconut simple syrup before concocting a mix of cashew milk, strawberries, and swirls of melted chocolate. (via Chef Bai)
Chocolate Fudge Brownies with Strawberry Jam
We all need more brownie recipes in our life, right? These rich bars are instantly elevated by a homemade strawberry jam that you'll likely have leftovers of to put on toasts, sandwiches, and more strawberry desserts! (via Two Spoons)
Strawberry Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast
Although this recipe's a bit more breakfast-y, it still qualifies as dessert in our minds because it's loaded to the brim with a super-sweet cream cheese filling and sweetened strawberries worthy of the dessert table. Plus, there's plenty of syrup to go around! (via Live Eat Learn)
Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
These strawberry desserts are snack-worthy in the morning, afternoon, and as a late night snack, of course! If you thought store-bought Pop Tarts were good, just wait 'til you make them for yourself with fresh strawberries. (via Crowded Kitchen)
Strawberry Cheesecake Vatrushka Buns
The strawberry cheesecake filling stuffed into these airy buns is to die for! Prep a batch for a fun cafe-themed party, or keep the half-dozen all to yourself for morningtime bliss. (via Vikalinka)
Strawberry Banana Bread
Banana bread is a total lifesaver when it comes to using those overripe bananas sitting out on your counter, and it gets even better once strawberries enter the mix! This recipe is moist, sweet, and perfect as a little treat. (via Averie Cooks)
Vegan Strawberry Cupcakes
Looking for vegan strawberry desserts? Your search is over with these vegan strawberry cupcakes covered in vegan whipped cream. Add some more fresh berries for full effect! (via Earthly Provisions)
Strawberry Scones
Dare to make your local coffee shop jealous with these homemade scones using strawberries. Once you're done baking them, you'll cover each one with a delicious strawberry cream cheese frosting for maximum flavor. (via Most Hungry)
Strawberry Rhubarb Galette
Sweet galette recipes are our weakness. They're so sweet and shareable, plus this one in particular is a good way to start using all your farmer's market produce! (via Amanda Wilens)
2-Ingredient Strawberry Banana Ice Cream
Simply blend some frozen strawberries and bananas together, and you've got a sweet treat that can fulfill your cravings for creamy ice cream! For even more dessert vibes, top this recipe with sprinkles, Oreos, or chocolate syrup, Or all three. We'd do it, too. (via Rachel Mansfield)
Strawberry Chocolate Mint Smoothies
The addition of mint leaves takes this sweet sipper to a whole new level. (via A Spicy Perspective)
Strawberry Jelly No-Bake Cheesecake
Have you ever seen a cheesecake so beautiful?! Plus, this one requires zero baking, making it the perfect pick for hot summers. (via Takes Two Eggs)
Strawberry Macarons
If you're up to the challenge, making macarons yourself can be so rewarding. Each of these little sweet sandwiches is filled with strawberry jam and a cheesecake-inspired icing. (via Barley & Sage)
Vegan Fruity Pebble Cheesecake
Colorful, fruity, and sweet? Say no more. This Fruity Pebbles cheesecake just earned the top spot on our "to-bake" list!(via No Eggs or Ham)
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Picture it: you're waking up tired because of your partner's snoring so you're thinking about getting a "sleep divorce." You may have tried the Scandinavian Sleep Method or wearing earplugs to help you get cozier, but it's possible they didn't really help. Plus, if you've never slept separately from them, it can feel daunting to broach the topic let alone talk about the benefits of it. Take it from me, a conversation is necessary if you're dealing with sleep deprivation and find yourself being resentful towards your S.O.
There was a time I used to believe that it was cute to fall asleep holding my partner, but now I'm well aware that uninterrupted rest at night can lead to irritation that's not fair to anyone. Because there's several reasons why a "sleep divorce" may be necessary, I spoke with licensed clinical sleep psychologist Dr. Shelby Harris, the Director of Sleep Health at Sleepopolis, to explain what it is, why it's so popular, and how it may benefit couples long-term.
What is a sleep divorce and why do you feel it's gained traction recently?
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If you're wondering if a "sleep divorce" means you went to bed, woke up, and decided to get divorced, I'm here to let you know it's not as drastic. Dr. Harris says, "A sleep divorce is when couples decide to sleep in separate beds or rooms because of sleep disturbances from differing sleep schedules or comfort preferences." So if you're not a fan of your partner's snoring and you're been losing sleep over it, this could lead to a "sleep divorce."
According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, one-third of people report sleeping somewhere differently than their partner. This is "...fueled by a growing awareness of how important getting good sleep is for health and relationships, changing attitudes toward relationships that prioritize autonomy, and advancements in sleep technology that make separate sleeping arrangements possible and more comfortable," continues Dr. Harris.
What are some signs that a couple should consider getting a sleep divorce?
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No matter who you and your S.O. are, it's likely you have differing needs. I'm not telling you to prioritize your autonomy over your partner's, but it does help to have a conversation about losing sleep if that poses an issue. And as it turns out, you're not the only person who may be experiencing sleep issues.
Experts at eachnight discovered the top three states where couples have sleep struggles are New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland. They also discovered that 'insomnia' and 'sleep apnea' are the top two highest searched queries on Google.
Dr. Harris says, "If you're constantly waking up because of your partner's snoring or tossing and turning, feeling frustrated or exhausted from lack of sleep, or if you both have different sleep preferences, like mattress firmness or room temperature, it might be worth considering separate sleeping arrangements. It could help ease tensions and improve both of your sleep quality, benefiting your relationship in the long run."
How can couples benefit from a sleep divorce if they choose to pursue it?
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Admittedly, this is a question I've had for a while. Though I've made the decision to sleep in a separate room than my S.O., some people may feel uneasy taking that route. The good news is that Dr. Harris lists reasons why this can be beneficial for couples in the long run.
"A sleep divorce can benefit couples by giving each partner better sleep without disruptions, reducing any resentment that might arise from sleep issues, and improving intimacy since both partners are more rested and happier overall," she says. I know I wasn't a fan of how cranky I was in the morning so I personally swear by getting a "sleep divorce." It's been nice to actually get 8 hours of sleep without feeling sluggish by a certain time.
In Dr. Harris' opinion, "It's like hitting the reset button on sleep and relationships, helping them to understand and respect each other's needs while getting the best rest possible."
Do you believe couples are starting to find nontraditional avenues for successful relationships?
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Seeing how popular getting a "sleep divorce" has become, I wondered if couples sought creative solutions more today than they have previously.
Dr. Harris says, "Couples are discovering new ways to make their relationships work, even if they don't follow the traditional scripts we've seen in media and society. Whether it's through sleep divorces, open relationships, or challenging gender roles, people are realizing that what matters most is their own happiness and fulfillment."
Do you think a "sleep divorce" is right for your relationship? Share your thoughts on Facebook!
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Paleodesserts typically avoid processed ingredients, grains, dairy products, and refined sugars – but that doesn’t mean they have to be bad. Sure, they primarily focus on using whole foods, but there are tons of paleo desserts out there that don’t feel like you’re eating on a diet at all.
Common ingredients in paleo desserts include almond flour, coconut flour, coconut oil, dates, and various fruits like berries or bananas. You can feel really good about eating these 11 paleo desserts. They’re nutrient-dense and perfectly sweet! From snack-sized bites to fully-fledged cakes, we’ve got you covered.
Paleo Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Cookies are superior when it comes to paleo desserts, or any desserts for that matter. These addictive bites take on the flavors of pumpkin and chocolate, all without leaning on process ingredients! (via Brit + Co)
Cherry-Cranberry Almond Paleo Scones
These paleo scones are just as good as the ones you'd snag from your local coffee shop. Cherries and cranberries dot the sweet dough for a fresh touch, plus there's a delicious cranberry glaze to top it all off! These paleo desserts would work so well for serving a large party crowd – or, you could save the leftovers all for yourself. (via Brit + Co)
Fudgy Paleo Brownies
Though you might assume paleo desserts say 'no' to chocolate, this brownie recipe will instantly prove you wrong. The batter, made primarily from almond flour, coconut flour, and cocoa powder, gets balanced out in terms of moisture with coconut oil, eggs, and maple syrup. Dark chocolate is the key to this dessert's success! (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Paleo Gummy Bears
Our list of paleo desserts wouldn't be complete without the more fruity snacks! These paleo-friendly gummy bears only require three ingredients and a gummy bear mold with a dropper. You can make any flavor you want depending on the type of fruit juice you use – just make sure it's labeled “not from concentrate” and is organic to abide by the paleo guidelines. (via Clean Cuisine)
Berry Paleo Banana Bread with Lemon Glaze
Banana bread is the ultimate treat you can snack on in the morning, afternoon, and at night. This paleo version is doctored up with even more healthy stuff like three types of berries and an addictively tart lemon glaze. Swoon! (via The Endless Meal)
Coconut-Coated No-Bake Energy Bites
For paleo desserts that you *don't* have to actually bake, energy bites are the sweetest solution. These can be crafted within minutes using a short list of ingredients: prunes (healthy fiber FTW!), almonds, chia seeds, and surprisingly, orange juice! Pop one in your mouth for a workday snack, or wait for bedtime to indulge in this daily sweet treat. (via Live Eat Learn)
Raw Chocolate Avocado Pudding
This spoonable paleo dessert is also plant-based, gluten-free, and made with 5 ingredients. The creamy base is made with 2 ripe avocados, which get masked with the flavors of cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and the natural sweetener of your choice. (via Veggie Society)
Paleo Coconut Cream Pie
You may be a bit skeptical at just how good a keto, paleo, vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free pie could really taste, but we promise this one is ahh-mazing. The coconut flour, coconut milk, coconut whipping cream, and *actual* shredded coconut form the signature flavor without taking over too strongly. You'll wanna eat slice after slice! (via No Eggs or Ham)
Paleo Thin Mints
Wanna enjoy your fave Girl Scout cookies year-round? Look no further than these paleo thin mints that incorporate the minty, chocolatey flavors you love, without any harmful additives. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)
Paleo + Vegan Caramel Apple Slices
Us any apple variety you love alongside some melted dark chocolate and caramel to create these mouthwatering apple slice pops. You can go crazy with with topping 'em with nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and the like, but it's really up to you on how to best enjoy them. (via Rachel Mansfield)
4-Ingredient Chocolate Chia Pudding
This chocolatey chia pudding is too tasty. With an ample serving of chia seeds, cocoa powder, almond milk, and maple syrup, this is a certifiably healthy paleo dessert. (via Two Spoons)
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July 1 — the officially mid-year point for 2024 — is fast-approaching, and it's a good checkpoint for how you’re doing when it comes to reaching your 2024 goals. Most of us rolled into the new year feeling hopeful that we could meet a list of resolutions by years-end. How are those going? If you’re not where you’d like to be by now, here’s a little help to get you back on track.
Image via Dream Inn
I recently spent a weekend at the Dream Inn in Santa Cruz, CA with meditation master Sarah Vie, author of I Wish I'd Known, and about 35 other women to uncover emotions that might be holding us back. A beachside hotel called the Dream Inn couldn’t have been a more perfect location to ponder life’s biggest questions – without kids, dogs, partners, work, and a house to pull us out of our “me” zone.
I started the weekend off a little bit of a mess: stressed from traffic, organizing a dog sitter, and making sure I could log off from work for the weekend. Any talk of meditation and manifesting my dreams was not on my radar when there was a house to clean! Bills to pay! Kid to care for! I realize now how close I was to burnout.
My weekend with Sarah manifesting my dreams at the Dream Inn pulled me back, set me straight, and transformed my mood and energy in ways I never expected.
Here’s what I learned about manifesting your dreams right now.
Photo by Arina Krasnikova
1.Write down your dreams: And don’t just write them down – be specific about what they look like and how they feel when you’ve finally reached them. Close your eyes and imagine yourself in that moment. Where are you? What does it feel, smell, sound like? What are you doing when you reach them? Use visualization tools like a vision board placed front and center; start a daily meditation routine that keeps you focused on your purpose; and try saying your goals aloud to yourself (if that’s not too weird). These practices can help keep you driven and focused.
2. Write down the “show-me’s”: According to Sarah, this is the how. Write down the small steps for achieving bigger goals. Be consistent. It’s a lot easier to give up on your dreams, when the steps for getting there are not already part of your routine. “We can't just do something one time and expect to change a habit,” said Sarah. Reframe how you think about reaching your goals – a mindset of will do vs. maybe will – and create a routine around the steps.
Photo by Olia Danilevich
3. Practice gratitude. Practice gratitude for what you already have – this has a lot to do with shifting your energy and what you attract because what we feel inside attracts the same energy outside. Start a gratitude journal or try these gratitude prompts.
4. Set a daily intention. Sarah suggests using LSD: listen to yourself, stop negative thinking, and declare your goals. Every morning find a quiet space to listen to yourself and your needs – this may be actual meditation, or sitting with a cup of tea, or taking a walk or hike. Set an intention for the day that will help you reach your goals.
Photo by Dziana Hasanbekava/PEXELS
5. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations. We talked a lot about energies and magnets – what we put out there, we attract so if you're feeling stressed and chaotic guess what's coming right back at you? Underneath that stress though is usually fear – fear of not seeming perfect or saying no or not doing what your true inner self wants to do. Replace those negative beliefs with positive ones; treat yourself with kindness and understanding; and allow yourself to heal slowly to reach a healthier way of living. "Replace those old stories you tell yourself and redefine them into something positive, so your conscious mind starts to believe you can," says Sarah.
6. Focus on what brings you joy. Spend more time doing the things that bring you joy and your energy will shift to a more positive mindset. A positive mindset is key to achieving your goals, attracting positive experiences, and living the life that you want.
7. Stay accountable. Whether it's a friend or partner or a journal that you check in with on a daily or weekly basis, find ways to hold yourself accountable for your goals and check off those small steps you decide are the best way to get there. You got this!
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