Easy cheats

No-Bake Cheesecake

Traditional cheesecakes take 90 minutes to make and 6 hours to cool. Satisfy the cheesecake craving much faster with this version.

Yield
6 Servings
Preparation time
10 minutes
Passive Time
2 hours
Total time
2 hours, 10 minutes
Ingredients
8 ounces block cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
1⁄4 cup sour cream
1⁄4 cup powdered sugar
1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon lemon juice
4 ounces whipped topping (thawed in fridge)
  9-inch prepared graham cracker crust
21 ounces can cherry pie filling
Instructions

In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Fold in whipped topping with a rubber spatula. Spread mixture into graham cracker crust, smoothing out the top. Loosely cover and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, cut into slices, plate, and liberally top with cherry pie filling. Cover and refrigerate leftovers. 

Notes

Per serving: 474 calories, 26 grams fat (12.5 grams saturated fat), 56 grams total carbohydrates, 57 milligrams cholesterol, 274 milligrams sodium, 1 gram fiber, 5 grams protein.

Ready in a fraction of the time it takes to make enchiladas, yet just as satisfying.

Yield
4 Servings
Cooking time
15 minutes
Ingredients
10 ounces can red enchilada sauce
15 ounces can black beans* (rinsed and drained)
6 6-inch tortillas (cut in half, then sliced into strips)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions (diced (greens only))
Instructions

In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, mix together black beans (or meat) and enchilada sauce. Stir and heat until sauce is bubbling. Mix in tortilla strips, stir well, and top with cheese. Reduce heat to low and cover with lid. Simmer 5 minutes. Remove lid, sprinkle diced green onion on top, and serve. 

*Cooked ground beef or shredded chicken can be substituted for the black beans. 

Notes

Per serving: 304 calories, 12 grams fat (5.5 grams saturated fat), 34 grams total carbohydrates, 28 milligrams cholesterol, 827 milligrams sodium, 6 grams fiber, 14 grams protein.

The easiest muffins you'll ever make!

Yield
12 Servings
Preparation time
10 minutes
Cooking time
25 minutes
Total time
35 minutes
Ingredients
15 1⁄4 ounces box spice cake mix
15 ounces can pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie filling)
2 tablespoons water
2⁄3 cup pecans or chocolate chips (optional, add more if desired)
Instructions

In a bowl, combine cake mix, pumpkin purée, and water with a spatula until well combined (it'll take a few minutes). Pecans or chocolate chips can all be mixed in now, with some reserved to sprinkle on top.

Preheat oven to 350 F and line a 12-cup muffin pan with cupcake liners. Spoon batter into liners, topping with more nuts or chips (if desired). Bake about 25 minutes. Cool at least 10 minutes before removing from pan. Optional icing: Whisk ½ cup powdered sugar with ½ tablespoon milk and drizzle over cooled muffins. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Notes

Per serving: 137 calories, 0.5 grams fat (0 grams saturated fat), 33 grams total carbohydrates, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 286 milligrams sodium, 3 grams fiber, 1 gram protein.

No preplanning required to fulfill your pizza craving in a flash. It's also a great way to use up leftover herbs or yogurt before they turn! Choose precooked toppings, as they'll be in the oven a very short time.

Yield
4 Servings
Preparation time
5 minutes
Cooking time
15 minutes
Total time
20 minutes
Ingredients
1 cup flour (plus extra for dusting)
1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
1⁄4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1⁄2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream (approximately)
Suggested Toppings
Additional Ingredients
  Sauces: pesto, white pizza sauce, or olive oil with garlic and crushed pepper
  Veggies: sun-dried tomatoes, peppers, olives, mushrooms, roasted onion
  Meats: cooked/cured meats - bacon, sausage, pepperoni
  Cheeses: shredded or fresh mozzarella, goat cheese, feta
Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and parsley. The moisture content of the Greek yogurt/sour cream will dictate how much is needed — low-fat versions have more moisture. Add ¼ cup yogurt at a time, mixing until dough forms into a ball. Knead 1 minute.

Preheat oven to 450 F. Transfer dough to a floured surface (this can be done on a flat metal baking sheet without edges to skip a step). Roll out to approximately the size of your baking sheet. Lift and flip to ensure it doesn't stick. Bake 7 minutes on middle rack of oven, then remove to add toppings. Spread sauce to the edges and evenly place chosen toppings. Bake another 7 minutes, keeping a close eye for when the cheese is melted. Serves four as an appetizer or two for dinner.

Toppings shown in picture: Pesto with sun-dried tomatoes, shredded mozzarella, and fresh mozzarella.

Notes

Per serving (dinner serving, without toppings): 280 calories, 3 grams fat (1 gram saturated fat), 51 grams total carbohydrates, 6 milligrams cholesterol, 677 milligrams sodium, 2 grams fiber, 11 grams protein.