Recipes Archives - Sunup to Sundown

Fresh Milled Flour Pizza Rolls: A New Family Favorite

June 12, 2026June 12, 2026Sunup to Sundown

Why I Decided to Try Fresh Milled Flour

There’s something so satisfying about taking a classic family favorite and giving it a homemade twist. That’s exactly what happened when I decided to make pizza rolls using fresh milled flour. I already knew we loved pizza night, but these pizza rolls turned out even better than I imagined!

Fresh milled flour brings such a wonderful flavor to baked goods. It has a richer taste and a heartier texture that makes homemade breads feel extra special. I wasn’t sure how these pizza rolls would compare to traditional ones, but after the first bite, I knew they were a winner.

DIY Chocolate Milk Powder: An Easy Pantry Staple for Busy Families

June 10, 2026June 10, 2026Sunup to Sundown

If your kids love chocolate milk, you may be surprised to learn just how easy it is to make your own chocolate milk powder at home. With just a few simple pantry ingredients, you can create a delicious mix that stirs right into milk whenever the craving strikes. It’s quick, affordable, and a fun way to skip some of the extra ingredients found in store-bought versions.

Why Make Your Own Chocolate Milk Powder?

One of the best things about DIY chocolate milk powder is that you probably already have everything you need sitting in your pantry. Basic ingredients like cocoa powder and sugar come together to create a rich chocolate flavor that kids love.

Instead of making a special trip to the grocery store or spending money on pre-made mixes, you can whip up a batch in just a few minutes. Store it in an airtight container, and you’ll always have homemade chocolate milk ready to go.

A Kid-Friendly Kitchen Project

This is also a wonderful recipe for kids to help make. Younger children can help measure ingredients, while older kids can mix everything together. Giving children a simple kitchen task helps build confidence and teaches basic cooking skills.

Once the powder is mixed, they can even make their own chocolate milk whenever they want a glass. It’s a small way to encourage independence while making snack time easier for everyone.

Save Time and Money

Homemade chocolate milk powder is a great budget-friendly option for families. Buying ingredients in larger quantities often costs less than purchasing multiple containers of pre-made chocolate drink mixes throughout the year.

It can also save time on busy mornings and afternoons. Instead of preparing a special drink from scratch each time, simply scoop some powder into a glass of milk, stir, and enjoy.

A Healthier Choice for Your Family

Another benefit of making your own mix is that you control exactly what goes into it. You can adjust the sweetness to your family’s taste and avoid unnecessary additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients often found in commercial products.

Many families appreciate knowing exactly what they’re serving their children, and homemade chocolate milk powder is an easy step toward a more wholesome pantry.

A Simple Homemade Favorite

DIY chocolate milk powder is one of those simple homemade staples that makes life a little easier. It’s quick to make, easy to store, kid-approved, and budget-friendly. Once you try making your own, you may never go back to the store-bought version again!

Have you ever made homemade chocolate milk powder? Let us know your favorite way to enjoy it in the comments below!

DIY Chocolate Milk Powder: An Easy Pantry Staple for Busy Families

This DIY Chocolate Milk Powder is quick, easy, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Keep a jar on hand for a delicious homemade chocolate milk that's budget-friendly, kid-approved, and ready in seconds.

Course Drinks

Cuisine American

Keyword chocolate milk, chocolate milk mix, chocolate milk powder

Author Sunup to Sundown

Ingredients

2 cups powdered sugar sifted
1 cup cocoa powder sifted
a pinch of salt

Instructions

Sift the powdered sugar and cocoa powder into a large mixing bowl to remove any lumps.
Add a pinch of salt and whisk everything together until well combined.
Transfer the chocolate milk powder to an airtight jar or storage container.
Store in a cool, dry place.

To Make Chocolate Milk:

Add your desired amount of chocolate milk powder to a glass of milk and stir until dissolved. Adjust the amount to suit your preferred level of sweetness and chocolate flavor.

Recipe Notes

For a richer chocolate flavor, add a little extra cocoa powder.
This mix makes a wonderful homemade pantry staple and is perfect for kids to prepare their own chocolate milk.
Store tightly sealed for best freshness.

Orange Summer Dream Cake: The Perfect Refreshing Dessert for Warm Days

June 5, 2026June 5, 2026Sunup to Sundown

Every once in a while, you make a dessert that instantly becomes a family favorite, and this Orange Summer Dream Cake is definitely one of those recipes. It’s bright, refreshing, easy to make, and tastes like sunshine on a plate.

A Simple Cake with Big Flavor

One of the things I love most about this cake is that it starts with a simple yellow cake mix, making it a great semi-homemade dessert. The magic happens when orange gelatin is mixed into the batter, giving the cake a beautiful citrus flavor that’s sweet, light, and perfect for summer. As the cake bakes, the kitchen fills with the most wonderful orange aroma that immediately makes you think of warm afternoons and family gatherings.

The Dreamy Pineapple Topping

But the real star of this dessert is the topping.

After the cake has cooled completely, it gets covered with a creamy, dreamy layer made from vanilla pudding mix, crushed pineapple, cream cheese, and Cool Whip. The combination creates a fluffy, tropical-inspired topping that pairs perfectly with the orange cake underneath. The pineapple adds a burst of fruity sweetness while the cream cheese gives it a rich, tangy flavor that balances everything beautifully.

Why This Cake Is Perfect for Summer

What makes this cake so special is how refreshing it tastes. Unlike heavy desserts that can feel too rich during the summer months, this cake is light, cool, and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of dessert that disappears quickly at potlucks, family reunions, church dinners, and backyard cookouts.

I also love that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, after spending a few hours in the refrigerator, the flavors blend together even more, making each bite absolutely delicious. Served cold, it’s the perfect treat on a hot day.

Orange Summer Dream Cake

This refreshing Orange Summer Dream Cake starts with a simple orange-flavored cake and is topped with a creamy pineapple topping that's perfect for warm summer days. It's easy to make, stores well in the refrigerator, and tastes even better served cold!

Course Dessert

Keyword Orange Cake, Orange Dream Cake, Summer Dessert

Author Sunup to Sundown

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 small box orange gelatin Jello
1/2 cup melted butter or oil
1 1/2 cups milk or water
3 eggs

For the Topping:

1 small box instant vanilla pudding mix
4 oz cream cheese softened
1 tbsp sugar
1 small can crushed pineapple undrained
3/4 cup orange juice
1 small tub Cool Whip

Instructions

Make the Cake

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, orange gelatin, butter (or oil), milk, and eggs.
Mix until smooth and well combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the topping.

Make the Topping

In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Add the vanilla pudding mix, crushed pineapple, and orange juice. Mix until well combined.
Fold in the Cool Whip until the mixture is light and creamy.

Assemble

Spread the topping evenly over the cooled cake.
Refrigerate until chilled.

Recipe Notes

Store covered in the refrigerator.
Serve cold for the best flavor and texture.
This cake is perfect for potlucks, picnics, family gatherings, and summer celebrations.

Enjoy this light, creamy, citrusy dessert all summer long!

A Dessert Worth Sharing

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple to make but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, this Orange Summer Dream Cake is worth adding to your summer baking list. With its bright orange flavor, creamy pineapple topping, and refreshing texture, it truly lives up to its dreamy name. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, a summer picnic, or simply as a sweet treat after dinner, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Vanilla Brown Sugar Iced Latte on a Budget

June 3, 2026June 3, 2026Sunup to Sundown

There’s something so satisfying about making a coffeehouse-style drink at home for a fraction of the price. This Vanilla Brown Sugar Iced Latte is rich, cozy, lightly sweet, and incredibly easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. Instead of spending $6–$8 at a café, you can whip up this homemade version in just a few minutes for around $1.25–$1.75 per drink, depending on the milk and espresso you use.

Fresh Milled Pullman Loaf Recipe (Perfect for High Humidity Baking)

May 29, 2026May 29, 2026Sunup to Sundown

There is something deeply satisfying about finally pulling the perfect loaf of fresh milled sandwich bread from the oven — especially after several batches of tweaking, testing, and wondering why the dough behaved differently every single time. This fresh milled Pullman loaf became exactly that kind of recipe for me: a journey of learning how whole grain flour, humidity, hydration, and patience all work together.

Glazed Donut Bread: The Easy Sweet Treat Your Family Will Love

May 18, 2026May 18, 2026Sunup to Sundown

There’s something so comforting about having an easy homemade treat ready for breakfast, snack time, or a quick dessert. This Glazed Donut Bread is one of those simple recipes that feels extra special without taking hours to make. It has all the sweet, cozy flavors of a classic glazed donut but in the form of a soft and tender quick bread. Even better, it comes together fast with basic pantry ingredients, making it perfect for busy summer days ahead.

Key Lime Pie Bars (The Perfect Summer Treat!)

May 4, 2026May 4, 2026Sunup to Sundown

If you love the bright, tangy flavor of key lime pie, these Key Lime Pie Bars are about to become your new favorite dessert. They take everything you adore about the classic pie—the creamy, dreamy filling, the buttery graham cracker crust, and that refreshing citrus punch—and turn it into an easy-to-make bar that’s perfect for sharing.

Cozy Oat & Jam Bars (The Easy Cookie Bar Everyone Loves)

April 20, 2026April 20, 2026Sunup to Sundown

There’s something so comforting about a simple, homemade treat that brings everyone running to the kitchen—and oat and jam bars do exactly that. If you’ve never had them before, imagine a soft, buttery oatmeal cookie wrapped around a sweet, fruity layer of jam right in the middle. It’s the kind of dessert that feels nostalgic, cozy, and just a little bit indulgent, all at once.

All about Cozy Oat & Jam Bars

What makes these bars especially lovable is how easy and versatile they are. You don’t need anything fancy—just a basic oatmeal cookie dough and whatever jam, jelly, or even pie filling you already have on hand. Strawberry, raspberry, apricot… it all works beautifully. The dough gets pressed into a 9×13 pan, forming a sturdy base. Then comes that generous layer of jam, spread right across the middle like a hidden treasure. Finally, the remaining dough is gently pressed or crumbled over the top, creating that signature “hug” around the filling.

As they bake, your kitchen fills with the warm, sweet smell of oats and fruit bubbling together. It’s the kind of aroma that makes it very hard to wait until they cool before cutting into them. And honestly? They’re incredible warm, when the jam is still soft and slightly gooey. But they’re just as good later, once everything sets into neat, sliceable squares.

One of the best things about oat and jam bars is how practical they are for everyday life. They keep well for several days right in the pan—just cover them and leave them at room temperature. That makes them perfect for busy families, quick snacks, or something sweet to grab without any fuss. Cut them into squares and they’re ready whenever you are.

Cozy Oat & Jam Bars (The Easy Cookie Bar Everyone Loves)

Soft & Buttery Oat and Jam Cookie Bars

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Keyword Cookie Bar Recipe, Oat and Jam Bars, Oat Bars, Oat Cookie Bars

Author Sunup to Sundown

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups butter or margarine (we use 1 cup butter, 1/2 cup coconut oil)
2 cups brown sugar
2 1/2 cups rolled oats
2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp salt
strawberry jam or raspberry jam any fruit jam or jelly

Instructions

Mix the first five ingredients until crumbly.
Place half of the dough in a greased 9 x 13 pan and press into a firm layer.
Cover with a thin layer of jam or jelly of your choice.
Top with remaining dough mixture and press lightly with your hands.
Bake in a 350 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes.

And while they’re definitely a treat, they also have that wholesome, hearty feel from the oats. That’s probably why so many people (myself included) end up enjoying them at all hours of the day. Breakfast? Sure. Afternoon snack? Absolutely. Late-night bite? You already know.

These bars are simple, reliable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Once you make them, they tend to become one of those go-to recipes you keep coming back to—because everyone loves them, and they never last long.

Poor Man’s Carbonara Pasta

November 15, 2025November 15, 2025Sunup to Sundown

If you’re craving a taste of Italy without spending a fortune, this Poor Man’s Carbonara Pasta is your new go-to dinner! It’s so creamy, comforting, and full of flavor — yet made with only four simple ingredients. This dish proves that you don’t need expensive ingredients or fancy techniques to make something that tastes like it came from a five-star restaurant.

Instant Pot Refried Beans (No Soaking Required!)

October 27, 2025October 27, 2025Sunup to Sundown

There’s something so satisfying about making homemade refried beans from scratch — especially when it’s this easy! With the help of your Instant Pot, you can turn a bag of dried pinto beans into creamy, flavorful refried beans in under an hour. There is no soaking required. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, meal prep days, or anytime you want a hearty, budget-friendly side dish ready to go.