I’m not sure how I feel about the kids of today.
The kids of today have the moms of my generation, and the moms of my generation are whack as hell. Let me explain.
There’s so much emphasis on pleasing your kid these days and making sure that every little crumb in their life is perfectly placed. Nothing’s out of sort, nothing’s out of place. Everyone’s a winner. And the holidays? Chiiiiilllld, it’s out of control.
Parents nowadays come up with such elaborate schemes for those creepy-ass elves around Christmastime, making purposeful messes(!!) and going through all sorts of lengths for a stuffed elf. Why did I not think of a stuffed elf? I could be a millionaire now.
And St. Patrick’s Day? I cannot tell you how many leprechaun traps I spotted on Instagram. Some moms lamented the fact that they’re “bad moms” because they didn’t create a freakin’ obstacle course for an invisible, nonexistent creature. And to that I say, eff. that. crap.
We need to stop forking over $20 bills for lost teeth. We need to stop constantly comparing ourselves to our kid’s friend’s mom who makes fun-shaped sandwiches every day, shuttles the kid to every practice on time, manages to look like she walked from an Anthropologie catalog and always looks fresh-faced with a green juice in hand and a ton of Pinterest-worthy schemes for the Elf at the ready. Because honestly? That mom doesn’t sleep, is frazzled, just put the milk in the cupboard and the cereal in the fridge, and is probably thinking crack doesn’t sound half bad. Or, if you live near I do, she has a nanny who does all the dirty work. And we need to stop perusing Pinterest and thinking we’re lame or stupid or incompetent or lacking if we don’t automatically see a green beach pail and think it’d be a great bird feeder or whatever.
It’s totally cool to make holidays fun for kids, though we did… none of this stuff growing up. We didn’t have an elf. We didn’t have a leprechaun trap. And we certainly didn’t get $20 for a tooth – that was grocery money, y’all. We got a couple quarters if we were lucky, and that was damn lucky. But we did set cookies out for Santa, we did help decorate the house, decorate cookies or make crafts to hang. We did have imaginations and we did fun, creative things with our parents and grandparents. And it was good. I didn’t feel slighted when my parents handed me less than a Jackson for a chore. And I guarantee you my mom didn’t feel like an incompetent oaf when she didn’t coat the house in glitter in the name of a mythical elf.
I’m toooootally not saying you shouldn’t throw confetti everywhere and claim that a leprechaun did it and evaded your elaborate obstacle course. You should – if you want to. But if you don’t feel like paying $40 at Party City for plastic whistles and stale candy all for this creature, you certainly shouldn’t. There’s another mom out there who is doing it, and there’s a very good — not certain, but very good — chance she’s doing it to compensate for something else. Maybe for spending more money shopping at Anthropologie than actually talking to her kids, or maybe because she is insecure about being compared to other moms.
But I guarantee you ladies that your 8-year olds aren’t going to school and saying, “God, why is my mom such a freakin’ ne’er-do-well? I asked for coarse glitter at the store and she gets fine glitter. And last night, she forced me to bathe. I hate her!’ More like, they aren’t even talking about you, or they are probably defending you. ‘Oh yeah? Well my mom makes better spaghetti. Yes huh!!” Kids don’t do much with putting down their parents, unless you’re a total loser, then I can’t help you and you should probably stop being an a-hole to your kid.
So this Easter, when your kid’s friend’s pretentious mom with the $500 highlights claims over green juice at Whole Foods that she’s going to fill organic plastic Easter eggs with $50 bills for her kids Tippy and Chip, you can just roll your eyes and say you’ll be giving your kiddos dollar-store jelly beans and actually spending time with them, which is really all they could ever want. And then make your friend pay for your green juice, because juices at Whole Foods are pricey as hell and she definitely has money to waste.
ANYWAY. Enough ranting, right? I’m not even a mother. Talk about highly unqualified.
So these brownie bites — Cadbury Creme Egg Brownie Bites, to be precise. And they’re a doozy. Full of Cadbury Creme Egg goodness in every bite, thanks to the sweet stuff nestled deep in the middle of the chewy, fudgy brownie. The frosting is a thick, sky-high bite of vanilla buttercream — sweet, easy, and delicious, and swirled with white and yellow goodness to mimic the interior of that famed Easter candy.
These brownie bites are the bomb, and I guarantee your cutie kiddo will agree! You won’t even need to slip ’em a fiddy to agree.
*inspired by Jenn’s recipe at Deliciously Sprinkled
Cadbury Creme Egg Brownie Bites
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup oil
- 24 Cadbury Creme Mini Eggs unwrapped
- 3/4 cup butter softened to room temperature
- 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
- 2-3 cups powdered sugar
- Yellow food coloring
- Easter-themed sprinkles optional but recommended
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Liberally grease a 24-cavity miniature muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, egg and oil until a soft dough has formed.
- Spoon rounded Tablespoonfuls of dough into each greased muffin cup; gently press down with your fingers. Bake for approx. 10-14 minutes or until the tops appear set and the edges are light golden brown. Allow the cups to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then using the handle of a wooden spoon, make an indentation in the center of the brownie cup. Place a Cadbury Creme Mini Egg inside. Allow the brownie cups to cool before gently popping them out of the muffin cups. If needed, run the tip of a butter knife around the edges to help ease them out.
- Once brownie cups have cooled, make your frosting. In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the butter and vanilla on medium speed for about 2 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add in the powdered sugar, about a cup at a time, until frosting is light and fluffy. If needed, add in the cream/milk to help thin it out if it's too thick. Spoon about half of the mixture into a separate bowl and add the yellow food coloring, tinting to your desired shade.
- Spoon the yellow frosting on one side and the white on the opposite side of a large, disposable piping bag attached with a large, open-star tip. Pipe high onto cooled brownie bites. Garnish with sprinkles. Serve immediately, or store leftovers airtight at room temperature for a couple days.
These are way sweet, but totally awesome. If you don’t like Cadbury Creme Eggs, feel free to substitute with Cadbury Caramel Eggs or Cadbury Chocolate Eggs for a different flavor! 🙂
xo, Hayley
Erin @ Miss Scrambled Egg says
Can I get an amen? I’m not a mother, but I know that the meaningful moments growing up weren’t in the gifts, toys, and excessive celebrations. The moments that I remember were crafts and baking together or going for hikes or to ride the carousel at the mall. My mom definitely didn’t have a lot and I turned out just fine. I work with teenagers and a lot of them do not have a grasp on the fact that they are extremely lucky to have what they do. Yes, I had an iPod and a cellphone at the age of 16, but I worked all summer to buy the iPod and the cellphone wasn’t used for anything but phone calls. Let’s get back to basics. Except for these brownie bites, which are anything but basic. 🙂
thedomesticrebel says
Erin – I couldn’t agree with your comment more. My parents worked very hard to get us almost everything we asked for for Christmas, and we cherished everything we had since we knew our finances weren’t the best – even as kids we knew that. And you’re so right; I remember the fun times we had more than the toys! And while I also had an iPod (a gift from a boyfriend actually!) and a cell phone, I didn’t feel like I was entitled to have them, and that’s another problem. Let’s totally go back to basics… except brownie basics, that is 🙂
Tiffany says
Girrrrl! Heard that! I’m a nanny for a well-to-do family and I sincerely thought my head might explode this month when 1. They got gifts for st Patrick’s day (what the what!?) 2. The little girl turned 4, and her twin brothers (ages 5.5) each got presents (whhhhhhhy?!) 3. I’ve been telling one of the boys he needs new pants because his are getting too short and his mother had the audacity to tell him “well if Tiffy has the money for new clothes SHE can buy you new pants.” But every week they get new crappy toys. Lady, go to good will if you’re so “poor”. Sorry, vent over.
thedomesticrebel says
Ugh, Tiffany, I couldn’t do that! I would be so over everything, lol. And St. Patty’s Day presents? Um, no.
Sophia @ NY Foodgasm says
I cannot get over how damn adorable these are! GREAT job!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Sophia! xoxo.
Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel says
YES YES YES! these are so awesome
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Kelsey!
Tara says
I am a mom (hubs & I have one little unplanned blessing ;)) & I really enjoyed reading this. Life is so much more free & full of joy when you aren’t trying to live up to other people who seem to be able to do everything. Now, I do something for every Holiday…..but not crafts. Baking. The more fattening / sugary the better. And every time I visit your site, your dreamy, fantasy sugar delights make my very soul happy. This excellent read was a great bonus!
thedomesticrebel says
Tara, thank you so much for your sweet comment! I’m so glad my post could be enjoyable for you! Life is too short to shove tons of objects in your life or your kiddo’s lives. I remember the times I spent with my family doing fun things, or laughing with them – not playing video games or having the latest doll. I am so glad you engage with your family through baking – it can be such a connecting activity! Enjoy! xoxo.
Jessica @ Sweet Menu says
Oooh wow, these look magical! Just love all things creme egg!!!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Jessica! Me too 🙂 It’s the perfect Easter candy!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes says
These are so amazing! I wouldn’t be able to control myself around them.
thedomesticrebel says
Ashley – well since they’re mini, I think that means they’re lower-calorie 🙂
Shelby @ Go Eat and Repeat says
Cadbury eggs are by far my favorite Easter candy. This is like heaven =)
thedomesticrebel says
Thank you Shelby! They are pretty irresistible!
[email protected] says
I remember my mom sending us outside every day in the summer to play with the directions, “don’t come back until lunch.” We just played, rode bikes, and didn’t need anything fancy to have a blast. Good times!
BTW, you’ve just given me something to do w/ my mini eggs rather than just wolf down the entire bag. I’ll try to set some aside for brownie topping 🙂
thedomesticrebel says
Erin – good idea about the eggs & brownie topping. YUM! And omg, my parents were the same! Especially in the summer, we practically were forbidden from staying inside, except for lunchtime. Otherwise we were riding bikes, swimming, playing Freeze Tag with the neighbor kids, or hauling our Legos and Barbies outside to play with. I loved it!
Angie says
Thank you for the post! As a mommy of 2 (19-months and 3.5 yrs) I don’t participate in all that junk as it takes quality time away from my kiddos. We focus on the true meaning of the holidays and thank you for enlightening me to the leprechaun trap as I never heard of it before. These brownies will be enjoyed at Easter dinner!
thedomesticrebel says
Angie – hear, hear! It’s one thing if you WANT to set up traps and participate in those activities. It’s another if you’re feeling forced or coerced to do it from other moms. Do what you feel best doing. That goes for anything in life 🙂 (But I guarantee your kids are more interested in spending time with YOU than with a mythical creature) 😉
Jen @ Baked by an Introvert says
I played outside every day in the summer. I didn’t need to be told to do so. I was happy to go out and ride my bike, take barbie for a swim in the creek, or try to catch june bugs in the field by our house. Those are some of the best memories.
These brownie bites look awesome. Cadbury eggs are my favorite this time of year.
thedomesticrebel says
Jen – right? I loved being outside. I bet little me would have loved trying to catch bugs! We used to try to catch minnows in the local park creek, or crawdads!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
HEAR HEAR!!Why Why are leprechaun traps even a thing??? I’m not doing any of that crap and I’m certainly not giving each of my kids $20 each time they lose a tooth! Sheesh.
These brownie bites look super fudgy and delicious and happy and pretty and amazing! The Cadbury Creme Egg inside is a wonderous surprise 😛
thedomesticrebel says
Right!? I can’t imagine having a kid at a tooth-losing age and constantly forking over $20. I WISH I was that rich! Haha.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
AMEN. And love the brownies!!
thedomesticrebel says
Thanks Dot! xoxo.
Sandra @ A Dash of Sanity says
I think it’s so important to do the things that WE think are fun and magical. The moment we start doing it because some other mom is or because “Pinterest” said so, it’s not worth it. These brownie bites also look amazing, though I have never met a brownie I didn’t like. 😉 Pinning, Stumbling and Yumming!
thedomesticrebel says
I completely agree, Sandra! Thanks for your sweet comment! xo!!
Catherine says
Dear Hayley, These brownie bites are the best! I’ll be dreaming of these tonight. Cadbury eggs are one of my favorites…what a creative idea. xo, Catherine
thedomesticrebel says
Catherine, you’re so kind! Thank you for your sweet comment. xo!
Laura @ Laura's Culinary Adventures says
Some moms are pretty hard core! These look yummy!
Stephanie @ Macaroni and Cheesecake says
LOVE LOVE LOVE this post!! So easy to get caught up in having to have perfectly pinable holiday crafts with the kids when they will remember and appreciate that you took time to play with them. Nothing wrong to do those fun things but as long as we do them because we want to and not just to measure up to some standard. And these brownie bombs are the things dreams are made of!!
thedomesticrebel says
Exactly Stephanie! Do ’em if you want but don’t do it if you feel pressured or like you’re comparing yourself to some other mom. You’re the perfect mom for your kid and that’s all she can ask for! 🙂
Jocelyn @BruCrew Life says
You are getting a hearty AMEN from me!!! I may make a few cutesy treats, but that is the extent of how much I do. Our kids got $1 a tooth…and I though that was crazy! It’s disgusting teeth…why do I have to pay for them? And that elf on the shelf…nope, never been invited to play with us at the holidays!! And his friend the leprechaun…not here either 🙂 I don’t understand the parents that bend over backwards to do all those things and try to make life perfect for their kids. Life isn’t perfect and those kids are going to get a big adjustment when they get in the real world. Ok, rant over 🙂 Now these little brownie bites…holy cow! I am loving everything about them. That hidden egg with the fluffy frosting is the perfect treat for this time of year!!!
thedomesticrebel says
Jocelyn, I’m so with you! It’s fine to do celebrating if you want to, but to feel pressured to from other moms or to feel like you have to compare yourself to what other moms are doing means you’re doing things for the wrong reasons. Kids will love that you put in any effort; it doesn’t have to be a huge, grand thing. And I bet they’re stoked about a dollar – that could be a number of cool things from the Dollar Store! 🙂
Lisa Henderson says
You hit the nail on the head! All children really want is for you to love them and pay attention to them. Spend time with them – that means more than anything that you could buy for them. For someone with no children, you are very wise and insightful about raising them. I will be making these treats this afternoon to share with some very lucky children!
thedomesticrebel says
Lisa, your children sound very lucky, especially since you sound so wise and you’re making them brownie bites 🙂 Thanks for your sweet comment! xo.