Super Bowl Dessert Showdown: Winning Recipes to Sweeten Your Game Day
Super Bowl Sunday isn’t just about the touchdowns, the commercials, and the halftime show. It’s also about the food! And while savory snacks often take center stage, let’s not forget the grand finale: dessert. This year, elevate your Super Bowl party with these winning dessert recipes that are guaranteed to score big with your guests. We’ve compiled a diverse selection, from easy no-bake treats to show-stopping cakes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Get ready to sweeten your game day experience!
## I. Crowd-Pleasing No-Bake Delights
For those who prefer a quick and easy route to dessert nirvana, no-bake options are a lifesaver. These recipes require minimal effort and deliver maximum flavor, perfect for a stress-free Super Bowl celebration.
### 1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
These aren’t your average Rice Krispie Treats! The addition of chocolate and peanut butter takes them to a whole new level of deliciousness. They’re chewy, gooey, and utterly irresistible.
**Ingredients:**
* 6 cups Rice Krispies cereal
* 10 ounces marshmallows
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional, for smoother melting)
* Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Pan:** Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray. This prevents the treats from sticking.
2. **Melt Marshmallows and Butter:** In a large saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows and stir constantly until completely melted and smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the heat is low to prevent burning.
3. **Add Peanut Butter:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the peanut butter until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and uniform in color.
4. **Incorporate Rice Krispies:** Add the Rice Krispies cereal to the marshmallow mixture and gently fold until evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the cereal.
5. **Press into Pan:** Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and press down firmly and evenly using a greased spatula or your hands. This ensures the treats are compact and hold their shape.
6. **Melt Chocolate Chips:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Be cautious not to overheat the chocolate, as it can burn easily.
7. **Drizzle and Decorate:** Drizzle the melted chocolate over the Rice Krispie treats. Use a spoon or a piping bag to create a decorative pattern. If desired, sprinkle with colorful sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
8. **Chill and Cut:** Let the treats cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting into squares. This allows the chocolate to set and the treats to firm up, making them easier to cut.
**Tips and Variations:**
* For extra peanut butter flavor, use creamy peanut butter chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate chips.
* Add a pinch of salt to the marshmallow mixture to enhance the sweetness.
* Use different types of cereal, such as Cocoa Krispies or Fruity Pebbles, for a colorful twist.
* Cut the treats into football shapes using a cookie cutter for a festive touch.
### 2. Oreo Cookie Balls
These bite-sized treats are incredibly easy to make and require only three ingredients! They’re perfect for a quick and satisfying dessert fix.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package (14.3 ounces) Oreo cookies
* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 12 ounces chocolate candy coating or melting chocolate
**Instructions:**
1. **Crush the Oreos:** Place the Oreo cookies in a food processor and pulse until they are finely crushed. Alternatively, you can place them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin.
2. **Combine with Cream Cheese:** In a large bowl, combine the crushed Oreo cookies and softened cream cheese. Mix well until a smooth and dough-like mixture forms. The cream cheese should be fully incorporated into the Oreo crumbs.
3. **Roll into Balls:** Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or wax paper. This prevents them from sticking.
4. **Chill the Balls:** Place the baking sheet with the Oreo balls in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. This will help them firm up and make them easier to dip in chocolate. Don’t skip this step, as it’s crucial for a smooth dipping process.
5. **Melt the Chocolate:** Melt the chocolate candy coating or melting chocolate according to package directions. You can use a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the chocolate.
6. **Dip the Oreo Balls:** Dip each Oreo ball into the melted chocolate, ensuring it is fully coated. Use a fork or dipping tools to help you. Tap off any excess chocolate.
7. **Decorate (Optional):** Place the dipped Oreo balls back on the baking sheet and immediately decorate with sprinkles, crushed Oreos, or other toppings of your choice, before the chocolate sets.
8. **Chill Again:** Return the baking sheet to the refrigerator for another 15-20 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set. This ensures the chocolate hardens properly.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different flavors of Oreos, such as Golden Oreos or Mint Oreos, for a different flavor profile.
* Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the Oreo mixture for a peanut butter twist.
* Drizzle the dipped Oreo balls with white chocolate or caramel for added visual appeal and flavor.
* Insert a lollipop stick into each Oreo ball before dipping for easy handling.
### 3. Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies)
This addictive snack mix is a classic for a reason. It’s crunchy, sweet, and coated in a decadent chocolate-peanut butter mixture.
**Ingredients:**
* 9 cups Chex cereal (rice, corn, or wheat)
* 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
* 1/2 cup peanut butter
* 1/4 cup butter
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
**Instructions:**
1. **Measure Cereal:** Pour the Chex cereal into a large bowl. Set aside.
2. **Melt Chocolate Mixture:** In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the mixture.
3. **Add Vanilla:** Stir in the vanilla extract into the melted chocolate mixture. This enhances the flavor and aroma of the puppy chow.
4. **Pour Over Cereal:** Pour the chocolate mixture over the Chex cereal and gently stir until the cereal is evenly coated. Make sure all the cereal is covered in the chocolate mixture.
5. **Coat with Powdered Sugar:** Place the powdered sugar in a large resealable bag. Add the chocolate-coated cereal to the bag. Seal the bag and shake vigorously until the cereal is completely coated in powdered sugar. This step is crucial for the signature puppy chow texture and sweetness.
6. **Spread and Cool:** Spread the puppy chow on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper to cool completely. This prevents the pieces from sticking together.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a pinch of salt to the chocolate mixture to balance the sweetness.
* Use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate or white chocolate.
* Mix in other ingredients, such as pretzels, M&Ms, or chopped nuts.
* For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate mixture.
## II. Baked Goodness for the Win
If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, these baked desserts will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
### 1. Football Brownies
These fudgy brownies are decorated to look like footballs, making them the perfect Super Bowl treat.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite brownie recipe (or a box mix)
* 1 can (16 ounces) chocolate frosting
* White decorating icing
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake Brownies:** Prepare and bake your favorite brownie recipe according to the instructions. Allow the brownies to cool completely before frosting.
2. **Cut into Football Shapes:** Use a football-shaped cookie cutter or a knife to cut the brownies into football shapes. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can create a template out of cardboard and use that to guide your cuts.
3. **Frost the Brownies:** Frost the top of each brownie with chocolate frosting. Use a smooth, even layer of frosting.
4. **Decorate with White Icing:** Use white decorating icing to pipe laces onto each football brownie. Use a small round tip for the best results. You can find decorating icing in most grocery stores.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different flavors of frosting, such as peanut butter frosting or cream cheese frosting.
* Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the brownie batter for extra flavor and texture.
* Dust the brownies with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
* Make mini football brownies using a smaller cookie cutter.
### 2. Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
These chewy cookie bars are a crowd-pleaser and are much easier to make than individual cookies.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 2 cups chocolate chips
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Cream Butter and Sugars:** In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer for best results.
3. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated before adding the vanilla.
4. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. **Add Dry Ingredients to Wet Ingredients:** Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Stir in Chocolate Chips:** Stir in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. **Press into Pan:** Press the dough evenly into the prepared baking pan. You can use your hands or a spatula to ensure a smooth and even surface.
8. **Bake:** Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake.
9. **Cool and Cut:** Let the cookie bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This prevents them from crumbling.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different types of chocolate chips, such as milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or white chocolate.
* Add chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the dough.
* Drizzle the cooled cookie bars with melted chocolate or caramel.
* Sprinkle the top of the cookie bars with sea salt for a sweet and salty treat.
### 3. Cupcakes with Team Colors
Show your team spirit with these colorful cupcakes. You can use food coloring to create cupcakes that match your favorite team’s colors.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite cupcake recipe (or a box mix)
* Your favorite frosting recipe (or a store-bought frosting)
* Food coloring (to match your team’s colors)
* Sprinkles (optional, for decoration)
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake Cupcakes:** Prepare and bake your favorite cupcake recipe according to the instructions. Allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting.
2. **Divide Frosting:** Divide the frosting into separate bowls, one for each team color you want to use. The number of bowls depends on how many colors your team has.
3. **Add Food Coloring:** Add food coloring to each bowl of frosting, stirring until you achieve the desired color. Start with a few drops of food coloring and add more as needed.
4. **Frost Cupcakes:** Frost the cupcakes with the colored frosting. You can use a piping bag for a more professional look, or simply spread the frosting on with a knife.
5. **Decorate with Sprinkles:** Decorate the cupcakes with sprinkles that match your team’s colors. This adds a festive touch to the cupcakes.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different flavors of cupcakes, such as chocolate, vanilla, or strawberry.
* Add a filling to the cupcakes, such as cream cheese filling or fruit filling.
* Use fondant to create edible decorations, such as team logos or footballs.
* Top the cupcakes with edible glitter for a sparkly effect.
## III. Decadent Desserts for the Ultimate Celebration
For those looking to make a statement, these decadent desserts are sure to impress.
### 1. Chocolate Lava Cakes
These individual molten chocolate cakes are rich, gooey, and incredibly satisfying.
**Ingredients:**
* 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
* 4 ounces unsalted butter, cut into pieces
* 2 large eggs
* 2 large egg yolks
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* Powdered sugar, for dusting
* Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and flour four ramekins. This ensures the cakes don’t stick to the ramekins.
2. **Melt Chocolate and Butter:** In a heatproof bowl set over a simmering pot of water (double boiler), melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Be careful not to let the bottom of the bowl touch the water. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate and butter in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
3. **Whisk Eggs and Sugar:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt until light and pale. The mixture should be slightly thickened.
4. **Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:** Gradually whisk the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until well combined. Then, gently fold in the flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
5. **Pour into Ramekins:** Pour the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is still slightly soft. The baking time may vary depending on your oven.
7. **Invert and Serve:** Let the lava cakes cool in the ramekins for a minute or two, then invert them onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with vanilla ice cream, if desired. The warmth of the cake will melt the ice cream perfectly.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur to the batter for a mocha flavor.
* Serve with fresh berries or whipped cream.
* Use different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
* Make a white chocolate lava cake by using white chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate.
### 2. Cheesecake Bars with Game Day Decorations
These creamy cheesecake bars are a blank canvas for your Super Bowl decorations. You can use melted chocolate or fruit to create football-themed designs.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
* 1/4 cup granulated sugar
* 1/3 cup melted butter
* 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
* 3/4 cup granulated sugar
* 2 large eggs
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Melted chocolate or fruit, for decoration
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to remove the cheesecake bars later.
2. **Make Graham Cracker Crust:** In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the prepared pan to create a crust.
3. **Bake Crust:** Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
4. **Make Cheesecake Filling:** In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. Use an electric mixer for best results.
5. **Add Eggs and Vanilla:** Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure the eggs are fully incorporated before adding the vanilla.
6. **Pour Filling Over Crust:** Pour the cheesecake filling over the cooled crust and spread evenly.
7. **Bake:** Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheesecake is set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. Be careful not to overbake.
8. **Cool and Chill:** Let the cheesecake cool completely in the oven with the door ajar. Then, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours before cutting into bars. Chilling the cheesecake allows it to set properly and makes it easier to cut.
9. **Decorate:** Once the cheesecake bars are chilled, decorate them with melted chocolate or fruit to create game day-themed designs. You can pipe chocolate laces onto the bars to make them look like footballs, or use fruit to create team logos.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Add a layer of fruit filling, such as strawberry or blueberry, between the crust and the cheesecake filling.
* Swirl melted chocolate or caramel into the cheesecake filling for added flavor.
* Top the cheesecake bars with whipped cream and fresh berries.
* Use different types of cookies for the crust, such as Oreo cookies or chocolate chip cookies.
### 3. A Showstopping Cake (Team Colors and Logo)
This impressive cake will be the centerpiece of your Super Bowl dessert spread. Decorate it with your favorite team’s colors and logo for a truly unforgettable treat.
**Ingredients:**
* Your favorite cake recipe (or a box mix)
* Your favorite frosting recipe (or a store-bought frosting)
* Food coloring (to match your team’s colors)
* Fondant (to create team logo)
* Edible glitter (optional, for added sparkle)
**Instructions:**
1. **Bake the Cake:** Prepare and bake your favorite cake recipe according to the instructions. You can bake the cake in round, square, or rectangular pans, depending on the shape you want. Let the cake cool completely before frosting.
2. **Level the Cake:** Use a serrated knife to level the top of the cake, removing any doming. This will create a flat surface for frosting.
3. **Frost the Cake:** Frost the cake with your favorite frosting. You can use a single color or create a layered effect with different colors. Smooth the frosting with a spatula or icing smoother.
4. **Color Fondant:** Knead the fondant until it is pliable. Divide the fondant into smaller portions and add food coloring to each portion, stirring until you achieve the desired colors for your team’s logo. Be sure to use gel food coloring for the best results and to avoid making the fondant too sticky.
5. **Create Team Logo:** Roll out the colored fondant and use cookie cutters or a knife to create the shapes for your team’s logo. You can also use a template to guide your cuts. Attach the fondant pieces to the cake using a small amount of water or edible glue.
6. **Add Final Touches:** If desired, sprinkle the cake with edible glitter for added sparkle. You can also add other decorations, such as edible pearls or sprinkles.
**Tips and Variations:**
* Use different flavors of cake, such as chocolate, vanilla, or red velvet.
* Add a filling to the cake, such as cream cheese filling or fruit filling.
* Create a multi-tiered cake for a truly impressive dessert.
* Use edible markers to draw details on the fondant logo.
## Conclusion: Sweeten Your Super Bowl Celebration
With these delicious and festive dessert recipes, you’re sure to score big with your guests this Super Bowl Sunday. Whether you choose a quick and easy no-bake treat or a show-stopping cake, these desserts will add a sweet touch to your game day celebration. So, gather your ingredients, put on your team colors, and get ready to bake some unforgettable memories!