Participant-sourced recipes and practical ideas to help families make the most of what they bring home from Birch.
Rhubarb Custard Bars
These old-fashioned rhubarb custard bars are a lovely way to make the most of fresh or frozen rhubarb. A buttery crust is topped with a sweet, creamy fruit filling and baked until set. They’re delicious on their own, but the optional cream cheese topping makes them an extra-special treat.
Blackberry Breakfast Bars
These homemade blackberry bars combine juicy berries with a hearty oat crumble for a treat that works just as well at the breakfast table as it does for dessert. The berries are cooked into a simple filling, then layered between a buttery oat crust and crumbly topping. Fresh, frozen, or canned berries can all work, making this an especially handy recipe for using what you have on hand.
Fruit Cobbler
There’s something special about a simple, old-fashioned cobbler. This family recipe uses an easy pour-over batter and whatever berries or fruit you have on hand. As it bakes, the fruit and batter come together into a warm, golden dessert that’s especially good served with a scoop of ice cream.
Peach or Pear Dump Cake
Dump cake might be one of the easiest desserts around. Canned peaches or pears are topped with cake mix and butter, then baked until bubbling and golden. With just a handful of pantry ingredients and almost no prep, it’s a great recipe to keep around for an easy dessert.
Apple Crisp
Warm apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg make this classic crisp an easy, comforting dessert. The oat topping bakes up golden and crunchy while the apples underneath become tender and sweet. Serve it warm as-is or add a little cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Sweet Potato Apple Bowl
A cozy roasted sweet potato topped with warm maple caramel apples, creamy vanilla Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s naturally sweet, comforting, and tastes like apple pie and sweet potato casserole rolled into one.
Layered Cheesecake Yogurt Parfait
Fluffy cheesecake Greek yogurt layered with crunchy peanut butter granola, fresh banana, and a crackly chocolate shell. This easy, filling snack tastes like dessert and comes together in just minutes.
Potato Shortcake Doughnuts
Soft, lightly sweet potato doughnuts with warm spices and a cinnamon-sugar coating. They bake up tender with a shortcake/cake donut texture. They utilize russet potatoes which are cheap, filling, and most always found at birch.
Simple Buttercream Frosting
An easy, budget-friendly way to make a cake feel extra special! This simple buttercream frosting comes together in minutes and is perfect for transforming a cake into something fun and personalized. A creative way to use what you find at BCS and make it your own!