Are you a sweet lover? Do you have a weakness for decadent desserts and treats that satisfy your cravings? Look no further! We’re excited to share with you some of the most mouth-watering recipes from the talented pen of Joanne Fluke. Known for her cleverly titled books like “Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder” and “Cream Puff Murder Surprise”, Joanne’s baking skills are unmatched, and we can’t wait to dive into her sweet treats.
From classic cookies and pies to creative twists on old favorites, these recipes will have you swooning from the first bite. Whether you’re a fan of fruity flavors or rich chocolates, there’s something for everyone in this collection of 18 delicious desserts. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to indulge in some serious sweet bliss!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder Bars
These gooey, chocolatey bars are the perfect dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth and solve a mystery – or at least, that’s what the cookies’ victims would say.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream together butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix in flour mixture until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips and walnuts (if using).
5. Press dough into prepared baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
7. Let cool completely before cutting into bars.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Lemon Meringue Pie Delight
A classic dessert gets a delightful twist with this recipe, combining the brightness of lemon curd with the fluffiness of meringue on top. This treat is perfect for springtime gatherings or as a sweet surprise for friends and family.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large egg yolks
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 9-inch (23cm) pie crust
– 1 cup (200g) confectioners’ sugar
– 3 large egg whites
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Whisk together sugar, lemon juice, and melted butter in a bowl.
3. Add egg yolks and whisk until smooth.
4. Pour filling into pie crust and bake for 15 minutes.
5. In a separate bowl, beat confectioners’ sugar and egg whites until stiff peaks form.
6. Spread meringue over pie filling and return to oven for an additional 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Cream Puff Murder Surprise
Cream Puff Murder Surprise: A Sweet and Sinister Treat
This decadent dessert is sure to be the talk of any gathering. Creamy puff pastry, rich chocolate, and a hint of coffee come together to create a murderously good surprise.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of puff pastry, thawed
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
– 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– Fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry to desired thickness. Cut into squares, about 3 inches (7.5 cm) per side.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, butter, and coffee powder until smooth.
4. Place a spoonful of the cream mixture onto one half of each square. Fold the other half over to form a triangle, pressing edges to seal.
5. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle over cooled puffs.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Red Velvet Cupcake Mystery
Uncover the secrets of a moist and decadent red velvet cupcake that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, milk, eggs, red food coloring, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Blackberry Pie with a Twist
Elevate your classic blackberry pie game by adding the rich flavors of bourbon and a crumbly oat crust. This twist on the classic recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (optional)
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 tablespoon milk
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together blackberries, sugar, flour, and salt.
3. Roll out the oats mixture to fit your pie dish. Fill with the blackberry mixture.
4. If using bourbon, drizzle over the filling.
5. Roll out the remaining oats mixture to fit the top of the pie. Crimp edges to seal.
6. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with brown sugar.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Cherry Cheesecake Bliss
Savor the sweet union of cherry and cream in this decadent dessert. This Cherry Cheesecake Bliss recipe is a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup cherry preserves
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Fresh cherries for garnish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Mix crust ingredients and press into a 9-inch springform pan.
3. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk sour cream and cherry preserves until combined.
5. Pour cheesecake batter into prepared pan, then dollop sour cream mixture on top.
6. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Let cool completely before serving. Garnish with fresh cherries.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Double Fudge Brownie Perfection
Elevate your brownie game with this rich and decadent treat, packed with a double dose of fudgy goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
– 2 cups sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 and 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease an 8-inch square baking pan with butter.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine sugar, eggs, and cocoa powder. Whisk until smooth.
4. Melt chocolate chips in microwave or double boiler. Stir into sugar mixture until combined.
5. Fold in flour mixture, then stir in walnuts (if using).
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Cooling Time: Let cool completely before cutting into squares and serving.
Apple Crisp with Caramel Drizzle
This classic dessert gets a sweet twist with the addition of a rich caramel drizzle. A perfect blend of tender apples, crunchy oat topping, and gooey caramel will satisfy your cravings.
Ingredients:
– 6-8 medium-sized apples, peeled and sliced
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp nutmeg
– 1/2 cup rolled oats
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
– Caramel drizzle (recipe below)
– Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until apples are evenly coated.
3. Transfer apple mixture to a 9×9-inch baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together rolled oats, brown sugar, and cold butter until crumbly.
5. Top apple mixture with oat topping.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown.
Caramel Drizzle:
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tsp unsalted butter
Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5-7 minutes or until caramel turns golden brown. Drizzle over warm apple crisp.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Peanut Butter Chocolate Dream Bars
A rich and decadent treat that combines the creamy goodness of peanut butter with the deep flavor of chocolate, these dream bars are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. With a shortbread crust and a gooey peanut butter filling, topped with melted chocolate and crunchy peanuts, every bite is a delight.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Line an 8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Add softened butter and mix until a crumbly dough forms.
3. Press dough into prepared baking dish.
4. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
5. Pour peanut butter mixture over crust.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
7. Melt chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Spread over cooled bars.
8. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top of melted chocolate.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Strawberry Rhubarb Slab Pie
A sweet and tangy twist on the classic pie, this strawberry rhubarb slab pie is perfect for a summer gathering or potluck. With its simple assembly and minimal ingredients, it’s also an easy dessert to whip up.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 1 cup fresh rhubarb, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought), thawed
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large bowl, combine strawberries and rhubarb. Sprinkle with sugar, cornstarch, and salt; toss to coat.
3. Roll out the pie crust to fit an 8×12-inch baking dish. Place the strawberry-rhubarb mixture in the center of the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
4. Fold the crust over the filling, pressing gently to seal. Brush with melted butter.
5. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Banana Cream Pie Extravaganza
This decadent pie combines the sweetness of ripe bananas with a rich and creamy custard, all wrapped up in a flaky pastry crust. Perfect for special occasions or just because.
Ingredients:
– 1 9-inch pie crust
– 4 large ripe bananas, sliced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Arrange banana slices in the pie crust.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, sugar, egg yolks, and salt until well combined.
5. Pour the custard mixture over the bananas.
6. Dot the top of the pie with melted butter.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the filling is set.
Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
Pecan Pie with Maple Glaze
Elevate your classic pecan pie game with a drizzle of sweet and sticky maple glaze. This decadent dessert is perfect for special occasions or just because.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup pecan halves
– 1/2 cup light corn syrup
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– Maple glaze ingredients (see below)
Maple Glaze:
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook pecans over medium heat until fragrant and lightly toasted, stirring frequently.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together corn syrup, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt.
4. Add melted butter and cooked pecans to the wet ingredients; stir until combined.
5. Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie dish and bake for 45-50 minutes or until set.
6. Allow pie to cool completely before drizzling with maple glaze.
Maple Glaze:
1. Whisk together maple syrup and heavy cream in a small bowl.
2. Drizzle over cooled pecan pie.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Blueberry Muffin Murder Treats
Solve the mystery of these scrumptious blueberry muffins, perfect for a murder-themed party or just a sweet treat any time. These moist and flavorful bites are packed with fresh blueberries and topped with a crumbly streusel topping.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
– Streusel topping (see below)
Streusel Topping:
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients; stir until just combined. Gently fold in blueberries.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Top each with streusel topping (see below).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Streusel Topping:
1. Mix together flour, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Add cold butter; use fingers or pastry blender to work into a crumbly mixture.
Key Lime Tart with Coconut Crust
This refreshing tart combines the citrusy zing of key lime with the rich flavor of coconut. The result is a unique and delightful dessert perfect for warm weather or anytime you need a burst of sunshine.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 3 large egg yolks
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed key lime juice
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Whipped cream or coconut whipped cream (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together coconut, granulated sugar, and confectioners’ sugar. Add melted butter and stir until combined.
3. Press mixture into a 9-inch tart pan with a removable bottom.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until lightly golden.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, key lime juice, and vanilla extract.
6. Pour filling into baked coconut crust and bake for an additional 15-18 minutes or until set.
7. Allow to cool completely before serving. Top with whipped cream or coconut whipped cream, if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 40-45 minutes
Pumpkin Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
A moist and flavorful cake infused with the warm spices of pumpkin pie, paired with a tangy cream cheese frosting – perfect for fall celebrations or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/4 tsp ground ginger
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Cream cheese frosting (see below)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
3. In a large bowl, cream sugar and butter until light and fluffy. Beat in pumpkin puree and eggs.
4. Add flour mixture to wet ingredients; mix until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Cream Cheese Frosting:
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 2 cups powdered sugar
Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add vanilla and powdered sugar; mix until combined.
Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies
These buttery cookies are infused with the sweetness of raspberries and the crunch of almonds, making them a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
– 1/2 cup chopped fresh raspberries
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds
– 1 egg, beaten
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in egg.
4. Stir in flour mixture, then raspberries and almonds.
5. Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto prepared baking sheet, leaving 2 inches between each cookie.
6. Use your thumb or a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are lightly golden.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns
Sweet and sticky, these Caramel Pecan Sticky Buns are a delightful treat. Perfect for breakfast or brunch, they’re sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 package active dry yeast (2 1/4 teaspoons)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup warm water
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 egg
– 1/2 cup caramel sauce
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– Confectioners’ sugar (for dusting)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast, flour, and salt. Gradually add warm water, sugar, melted butter, and egg, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
4. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch (6 mm).
5. Spread caramel sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch (2.5 cm) border on all sides. Sprinkle with chopped pecans.
6. Roll the dough into a log shape, starting from one long edge. Cut into 12 equal pieces.
7. Place the sticky buns onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each bun.
8. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.
Cooking Time: 18-20 minutes
Orange Poppy Seed Bundt Cake
Brighten up your day with this moist and flavorful Orange Poppy Seed Bundt Cake, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons orange juice
– 1 tablespoon grated orange zest
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup poppy seeds
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9-inch bundt pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter, eggs, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
5. Fold in poppy seeds.
6. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth top.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Summary
Sweet tooths, rejoice! Joanne Fluke’s recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. This collection of 18 mouth-watering treats includes Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder Bars and Cream Puff Murder Surprise, perfect for whodunit fans. For lemon lovers, Lemon Meringue Pie Delight is a must-try. Indulge in Double Fudge Brownie Perfection or Apple Crisp with Caramel Drizzle. Other sweet surprises include Peanut Butter Chocolate Dream Bars, Strawberry Rhubarb Slab Pie, and many more. Whether you’re in the mood for classic desserts like Pecan Pie with Maple Glaze or adventurous treats like Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies, there’s something for everyone.
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