Polka dots are so incredibly versatile. They can be retro, vintage, or totally modern, but however you choose to use them, polka dots are definitely a timeless trend. If you want to have fun with your wedding cake, or jazz up your child’s class treat, polka dots are sure to give you just the look you need. You can achieve a cute polka dot look with sprinkles, cupcake liners, fondant, and even meringues! Read on for some inspiring spotted desserts.

If you presented a treat as fabulous as this Polka Dotted Cake Roll at a Sunday Brunch, you might just be the talk of the town! (via Evan’s Kitchen Ramblings)

Talk about the perfect Polka Dot Cake! This is a mouthwatering, enticing chocolate cake that uses meringue kisses for dots! How clever is that? (via Ladies Home Journal)

Top your cakes, cupcakes, or even Cheesecake Pops with cute polka dot dessert pics. (via Sweetapolita)

This Lemon Curd Cake is so simple, yet so cute! Decorate your cake with simple buttercream polka dots for a splash of color. (via Hot Polka Dot)

Plan to add these Sweet Polka Dot Baking Cups to your next event. Pretty in pastel, these would be the perfect addition to any party. (via The TomKat Studio)

How about a simple treat perfectly decorated with royal icing? These Easy Polka Dot Cookies are adorable! (via The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle)

This pink, brown, and white Neapolitan Wedding Cake features polka dots and stripes in an alternating fashion. The minimalist design would go well with any wedding theme! (via Tessa Lindow Huff: cake design)

What’s your favorite way to decorate with polka dots?

Think activities for kids that don’t include video games and Angry Birds are stuck in the Stone Age? Think again! There are so many interactive (and non-virtual) things for your kiddos to do these days…All it takes is a little imagination and some resourcefulness! Help spread the love for crafting with these DIY ideas for kids to try.

Turn even the most ferocious predator (including your trotting toddler) into a lovebug (and DIY extraordinaire) with this Heart-holding Dinosaur. (via Lovely Indeed)

Make art fun for all ages with Cool Whip Paint. No Picasso-like skills necessary. (via Create, Play, Teach)

Let your kids claw it out with Dinosaur Feet Slippers — but prepare yourself for some loud ‘RAWRs’ ringing in the hallways. (via A Bird and a Bean)

Have your kids turn milk cartons into cityscapes with this DIY project that will do their bodies good. (via Mormorsglamour)

Add personality and flair to a child’s room with these Glittered Animal Canvases, which can be easily mounted for a 3-D wallpaper effect. Get kids in on the fun by having them decorate the canvases themselves! (via Papery & Cakery)

What was your favorite childhood art project?

Do you love to bake cupcakes but can’t figure out how to frost them like a pro? It’s not difficult if you have the right tools! In addition to an awesome batch of frosting, you will need to have at least two other things: a piping bag and a piping tip. Place your tip inside the piping bag. Fill the bag with frosting and twist the top to hold the frosting in. Hold the bag directly over the cupcake, and starting with the outside edge, applying light pressure, swirl the frosting in a circular motion, working your way in to the center of the cupcake. Give one last squeeze of the frosting before lifting the bag up to create the top of the swirl. That’s it! Click on the link below for more information and a video tutorial to learn more.

Read More: How To: Frost Cupcakes

We all know that kids can be picky eaters. Whether it’s that they won’t eat their vegetables or they don’t like what’s on the menu, dinner time can often turn into a struggle. Luckily, we’re here to help! We’ve rounded up some irresistible recipes that are sure to add a smile to your child’s face. These fun foods will have your kids begging for more!

Grilled cheese with tomato soup is such a classic comfort food. This quick 10-Minute Tomato Soup saves more time for meal time! (via Recipe Girl)

Try these Fail-Proof Cheesy Garlic Bread Sticks if you’re as addicted to pizza as the rest of us. You’ll never want take out pizza again. (via Lauren’s Latest)

Are you having a hard time getting the kids to eat their veggies? Try Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Vegetable Boats. Adding creamy macaroni and cheese to playful vegetable boats sounds like a win-win to us! (via Recipe Girl)

These English Muffin Pizzas are a quick, simple meal your kids will love to make with you! Let them have some fun by adding their own toppings to create their own unique masterpieces. (via Baked by Rachel)

For an easy meal with extraordinary results, try One Pot, Stove Top, Creamy Mac and Cheese. Just the name alone is enough to tell you that this recipe is a home run! (via White on Rice Couple)

Subs are a universal summer favorite! They’re the perfect lunch to pack for the beach or the pool, and they can easily be personalized to meet any child’s needs and wants. This Italian Sub is something that both you and your kids will love! (via Food Network)

A traditional snack with a modern twist, these Mini Corn Dog Muffins are perfect for even the pickiest of eaters! (via Iowa Girl Eats)

Snake Dogs offer up a twist to the classic hot dog. This tasty snack is one that the kiddies can help you prepare. They’ll love the fact that they were able to make their own lunch! (via Cooking with my Kid)

Most kids absolutely love chicken nuggets, but they aren’t exactly the healthiest. Fortunately, you can prepare a healthy, homemade version with these Baked Chicken Nuggets with Dilly Ranch Dip. (via A Farm Girl Dabble)

Are your kids always begging for canned SpaghettiOs for dinner? Satisfy their craving in a nutritious way with Homemade SpaghettiOs! (via Mother Thyme)

Do you have your own secret for pleasing a picky eater?

Sometimes, you just want something that’s easy and tastes great.  You don’t want fancy layers. You just want a simple sheet cake.  Sometimes, a family favorite like carrot cake fits the bill just perfectly.

We know what you’re thinking. What makes this carrot cake so special? Well, it’s a tried and true recipe. It’s been tested against other cakes multiple times to determine the ultimate version of a classic carrot cake. It’s a clear favorite, and today we’re sharing the recipe with you!

CLASSIC CARROT CAKE WITH CREAM CHEESE ICING

CARROT CAKE INGREDIENTS:

—3 cups grated carrots
—2 cups sugar
—4 eggs
—1 1/2 cups oil
—8 ounces cream cheese, softened
—2 teaspoons baking soda
—1 teaspoon salt
—1 teaspoon cinnamon
—1 teaspoon vanilla
—2 cups flour
—1 cup nuts, chopped

STEP BY STEP CARROT CAKE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a mixer, beat together carrots, sugar, eggs, oil, and cream cheese.

2. Add baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla to the mixture and mix well.

3. Mix in flour and chopped nuts, and stir until completely combined.

4. Pour batter into a 9×13 pan, and bake for approximately 50 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, until a toothpick comes out clean from the center of the cake.  Let cool and frost with cream cheese icing.

You can certainly make this into a layer cake, but there’s just something about a square of sheet cake that seems right with this recipe.

What’s your favorite classic cake?

Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, and the weather is getting warmer. Why not kick off the holiday weekend the right way with a backyard barbecue! But as you probably know by now, you can’t have a successful barbecue without a fantastic spread, and that’s where we come in. Luckily, we’ve got you covered. From barbecue classics to spruced up desserts, these flavorful dishes are guaranteed to please that party crowd!

After a long day in the sun, all you want to do is cool off and relax. What better way to do this than treating yourself to a Strawberry Mint Iced Tea. The strawberry, mint, and honey combination is perfect for a hot summer day! (via Joylicious)

This Watermelon and Berry Spinach Salad just screams Memorial Day! It’s a great way to start the party and snack on a healthy treat. (via Babble)

Let’s face it, as soon as the weather starts showing signs of summer, all we can think about is grilling! Why not start off the grilling season with Burrata Stuffed Burgers. This is not your average burger, but it sure does sound good! (via Foodness Gracious)

You can’t have a successful barbecue without a hot dog option. This year, spice it up a little and serve Beer Chili and Cheese Dogs. (via The Beeroness)

A simple pasta salad is always the perfect pairing for a cookout. Try this whole wheat Pasta Salad with Feta and Pea Shoots for a great combination of flavors! (via The Clever Carrot)

Spruce up a cookout classic! Try making this Spicy Corn on the Cob at your next barbecue to add a unique twist on a family favorite. (via Babble)

Dessert time! Dive into this light and fluffy Strawberry Trifle. This recipe is a summertime must! (via Deliciously Classified)

Cool off with these Paletas de Frutos Rojas (Wild Berry Popsicles). Serving a cool dessert at your backyard get-together is sure to please the crowd. (via Agoisfoto)

These Bacon Bourbon Baked Beans are a smokey side you won’t be able to resist. Talk about the perfect dish for your Memorial Day grilling celebration! (via How Sweet It Is)

This creative Red, White, and Blue Dessert Pizza combines all your favorite springtime flavors to create an eye-catching treat. (via Better Recipes)

Are you planning a barbecue for Memorial Day? Let us know what you’ll be serving!

Camille Styles brings so much inspiration for creative living on her site, as well as her Pinterest Page. With over 40 boards, there’s certainly a board worth following for everyone. Camille breaks down holiday inspiration by offering different boards for each holiday from Halloween to Valentine’s Day to Mother’s Day. But with summer coming soon, we’re loving her Picnic board, her Cocktail board, and her board full of Scrumptious Salads. We can definitely see why this Pinterest Page has over 25,000 followers. There’s absolutely something for everyone!

Stay inspired with Camille Styles on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/camillestyles/

Today, we’re thrilled to have Nina of Niner Bakes sharing an easy, fun recipe with us! We absolutely love these pretty pastel cupcakes. They’re simple and perfect for spring! And the best part? You can use this fluffy marshmallow frosting to top any of your favorite cupcakes. Top your thick swirl of frosting with pink pearl sprinkles, and you have the perfect pastel inspired treat.

VANILLA CUPCAKES WITH FLUFFY MARSHMALLOW FROSTING

VANILLA CUPCAKE INGREDIENTS:

—2 1/2 cups flour
—1 tablespoon baking powder
—1 cup milk, room temperature
—1/2 teaspoon salt
—2 egg whites + 1 whole egg, room temperature
—2 teaspoons vanilla extract
—1 1/2 cups sugar
—4 ounces (1 stick) butter, room temperature
—1/2 cup heavy cream

NOTE: Take out your butter, milk, and eggs a couple of hours ahead of time so the ingredients reach room temperature.

 STEP BY STEP VANILLA CUPCAKE INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees / 180 Celsius and prepare your cupcake pan with the cupcake liners of your choice.
2. In a medium bowl, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a pitcher or medium bowl, add the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix everything with a wire whisk.
4. In another bowl, using your handmixer (or electric mixer if you have one), cream the butter first, then add the sugar. Mix on medium speed for about 3 minutes until the butter/sugar mixture is very fluffy and light in color.
5. On a lower speed, add the flour mixture and egg/milk mixture to your butter/sugar mixture. Start with the flour mixture, then beat. Then add the egg/milk mixture, and beat again. Continue those steps, beating after each addition, until the mixture is well incorporated.
6. When everything is well incorporated, continue beating for another minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
7. Take your whipped cream out of the fridge and beat it in a new bowl (preferably a stainless steel bowl that was put in the freezer for 10 minutes before).
8. Do not beat whipped cream until stiff, only until you see that the peaks are just starting hold. They should be soft.
9. With a spatula or spoon, fold your whipped cream into your cupcake batter.

10. Now scoop the batter into your cupcake pan using a measuring cup or an ice cream scoop. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full.

11. Bake cupcakes in your preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
12. Let the vanilla cupcakes cool completely on a plate or wire rack.
13. When completely cooled, top with Marshmallow Frosting.

MARSHMALLOW FROSTING INGREDIENTS:

—2 1/2 cups sugar
—6 large egg whites, room temperature
—1/2 cup water
—1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
—1 teaspoon vanilla extract

STEP BY STEP FROSTING INSTRUCTIONS:

1. To make the frosting, combine sugar, egg whites, water, and cream of tartar in a big bowl / bowl of an electric mixer.
2. Whisk until everything is extremely well incorporated and a little foamy. Then set your bowl over a pot or kettle of simmering water and whisk (5 minutes). The sugar needs to be dissolved.
3. To test if the sugar is dissolved, rub a little bit of the mixture between two fingers. You will notice undissolved sugar crystals. Stir a little longer until sugar is completely dissolved.
4. Now, transfer your bowl to a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. You can mix it with a hand mixer, but it will take ages, so I would not recommend it at all.
5. Mix on high speed until your marshmallow frosting forms stiff peaks. This will take about 11-15 minutes.
6. Add vanilla extract and beat again until combined.

STEP BY STEP STYLING INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Transfer the frosting to a large pastry bag fitted with a 1/2-inch round tip or any other size/shape you like.

2. Pipe Marshmallow Frosting on cooled cupcakes. Note: You can also frost them higher so you get Hi-Hat Cupcakes. As long as the frosting is stiff and solid enough, it’ll hold its shape on the cupcake.

What flavor of cupcakes would you pair with Marshmallow Frosting?

Flatbread is all the rage these days. From pizzas to sandwiches, flatbread is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. So when we heard that FlatOut released a new line of Thin Crust Flatbread at Walmart, we could hardly wait to go play in the kitchen.

One of my favorite things to do with flatbread is to make pizza. You can throw marshmallows, chocolate, and sprinkle graham cracker crumbs on top to make a s’more dessert pizza, or you can take a “dinner” approach and incorporate your favorite ingredients to create a pizza like I did here. If you love Thai food as much as I do, then you will love this Thai Flatbread Pizza.

If you’re not sure where the closest location to score flatbread is, check out this nifty store locator that will guide you to the right place.

THAI FLATBREAD PIZZA

THAI FLATBREAD PIZZA INGREDIENTS:

—FlatOut thin crust flatbread
—1 and 1/2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (find in the Asian foods aisle at your grocery store)
—Cooked chicken breast (cut into cubes)
—3/4 cup mozzarella cheese
—Handful chopped green onion
—1 small julienned carrot
—1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
—Handful bean sprouts
—Handful chopped cilantro
—Handful chopped Thai basil

STEP BY STEP THAI FLATBREAD PIZZA INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Lay your FlatOut flatbread on a flat surface, and spread sweet chili sauce over the top. (Be sure not to use too much, as sweet chili sauce can be overpowering.)
3. Sprinkle chicken, mozzarella cheese, green onion, carrots, and bell pepper over the flatbread.
4. Bake pizza in preheated oven for 7-10 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
5. Sprinkle pizza with bean sprouts, cilantro, and basil before serving.

Have fun with this recipe? Check out FlatOut Flatbread’s Facebook page for a whole goldmine of delicious recipes. For the next 30 days, they’re releasing a new recipe each day that incorporates the leading ingredient–Flatbread.

That’s not all, FlatOut  Flatbread is hosting a fantastic giveaway exclusively for BFFF readers.  Enter through the Rafflecopter Widgit below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: Best Friends For Frosting was sponsored to create this post.

We love to go against the grain. You know, shake things up. And while it may just be interesting for us to try a gluten free dessert once in a while, for some people, gluten free is a diet necessity. We hate the idea that not everyone can enjoy the same desserts as we do, but we’re doing our best to help change that! For those gluten free eaters out there, this one is for you.

Let Vanilla Passion Proughnuts be your own personal light, fruity, and guilt-free donuts. (via Chocolate Chilli Mango)

These Low Carb Gluten Free Peanut Butter Bites are a delicious twist on a classic candy. (via All Day I Dream About Food)

A throwback to your childhood, these four-ingredient gluten free Peanut Butter Marshmallow Sandwich Cookies are the perfect snack. (via Beard + Bonnet)

Classic jam-filled shortbread cookies get a gluten free twist in this recipe. Dusted with powdered sugar, these Gluten Free Vegan Linzer Cookies are almost too pretty to eat! (via Cafe Johnsonia)

This Black Forest Pavlova with Espresso Cream is gluten free? You’re kidding! We might never go back. (via The Cook Who Knew Nothing)

Get back to the basics with this Dark Chocolate Brownie recipe. It’s a decadent treat for anyone to enjoy. (via Gluten Free Goddess)

Use gluten free cereal to make chewy, gooey, and oh so sweet Hippy Crispy Treats. (via Fave Gluten Free Recipes)

We dare you to eat only one slice of this rich and creamy Gluten Free Dark Chocolate Strawberry Mascarpone Gateau.  (via Passionate about Baking)

Do you have a favorite gluten free recipe?