Sophie's Recipes, Chicago, IL (2026)

08/09/2025

🍏 Swedish Apple Cake 🍰

Spiced Swedish Apple Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Topping

Ingredients:

- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8-inch round or square cake pan.
2. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
4. Mix in sour cream. Gradually add dry ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan. Arrange apple slices on top in a fan pattern.
6. Mix brown sugar and cinnamon, then sprinkle over apples.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Kcal: 275 kcal | Servings: 8 slices

08/07/2025

🍫 Chocolate Coffee Cream Cupcakes ☕

Mocha Swirl Chocolate Cream Cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup brewed coffee (cooled)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the coffee cream frosting:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee dissolved in 1 tablespoon hot water
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
2. In a bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In another bowl, mix sugars, oil, eggs, coffee, buttermilk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture and mix until just combined.
5. Fill each cupcake liner ⅔ full with batter. Bake for 18-20 minutes. Let cool.
6. For the frosting, whip heavy cream, dissolved coffee, and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
7. Frost cooled cupcakes and dust with cocoa or sprinkle with mini chocolate chips.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes

Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 12 cupcakes

08/07/2025

🥐 Chicken Paté and Cheese Puff Pastry Pinwheels 🧀

Flaky Chicken Paté and Creamy Cheese Puff Swirls

Ingredients:

- 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
- ½ cup chicken paté (smooth or chunky)
- ½ cup cream cheese or shredded mozzarella
- 1 egg, beaten (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out the puff pastry into a rectangle. Spread chicken paté evenly over the surface.
3. Sprinkle cream cheese or shredded cheese over the paté.
4. Roll the pastry tightly into a log. Slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
5. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg and sprinkle herbs.
6. Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden and puffed.
7. Cool slightly before serving. Serve warm or room temperature.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Kcal: 180 kcal | Servings: 10 pinwheels

08/03/2025

🥢 Chinese Beef and Onion Stir Fry 🥩

Savory Beef and Onion Stir Fry with Garlic Soy Sauce

Ingredients:

- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup water

Directions:

1. In a bowl, toss sliced beef with cornstarch and soy sauce. Let marinate for 15 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Add beef and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add garlic, ginger, and sliced onions. Stir fry for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and tender.
4. Return beef to the pan. Add oyster sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and water. Stir well to combine.
5. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef.
6. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes

Kcal: 310 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

08/02/2025

🍍 Pineapple Strawberry Swirled Slushies 🍓

Tropical Pineapple & Strawberry Swirl Slushies

Ingredients:

For the pineapple layer:
- 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

For the strawberry layer:
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- ½ cup water or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)

Directions:

1. In a blender, combine the frozen pineapple, juice, and sweetener. Blend until smooth. Pour into a pitcher and set aside.
2. Rinse the blender, then add frozen strawberries, water (or juice), and sweetener. Blend until smooth.
3. In tall glasses, alternate spooning pineapple and strawberry mixtures to create swirls. Use a spoon or straw to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect.
4. Serve immediately with a garnish of fresh fruit or mint.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes

Kcal: 130 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

07/31/2025

🍓 Berrylicious Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake 🍓

No-Bake Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake Delight

Ingredients:

For the crust:
- 2 cups golden Oreos, crushed
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups whipped topping or heavy cream, whipped to stiff peaks
- 1 cup strawberries, chopped

For the strawberry crunch topping:
- ½ cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- ½ cup golden Oreos, crushed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Directions:

1. Mix crushed Oreos and melted butter in a bowl. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of a springform pan. Chill in the refrigerator while preparing the filling.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and mix well.
3. Fold in the whipped topping and gently stir in chopped strawberries.
4. Spread the filling over the crust evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula.
5. Combine crushed freeze-dried strawberries, golden Oreos, and melted butter for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the cheesecake.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight.
7. Slice and serve chilled for a fruity, creamy treat.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Chill Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes

Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 10 slices

07/27/2025

🍫 Cheesecake Brownies 🍫

Creamy Swirl Cheesecake Fudge Brownies

Ingredients:

For the Brownie Layer:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

For the Cheesecake Layer:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter and 1 cup sugar until smooth.
3. Add in the eggs and vanilla extract and mix until fully combined.
4. Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir until a thick batter forms.
5. Reserve about 1/3 cup of the brownie batter and pour the rest into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
6. In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with 1/4 cup sugar until smooth and creamy.
7. Add the egg yolk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese and mix until fully incorporated.
8. Spread the cheesecake mixture gently over the brownie batter in the pan.
9. Drop spoonfuls of the reserved brownie batter over the cheesecake layer.
10. Use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the two batters together gently for a marbled effect.
11. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean.
12. Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes

Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 9 squares

07/22/2025

🍠 Grandma’s Famous Sweet Potato Butter Cake 🍠

Moist Sweet Potato Butter Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze

Ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups mashed cooked sweet potatoes (from about 2 medium sweet potatoes)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup buttermilk

For the Brown Sugar Glaze:

- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan or a 9x13-inch baking pan.
2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Mix in the mashed sweet potatoes and vanilla extract until well combined.
6. Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the buttermilk, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

To make the glaze:

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Stir in the brown sugar and milk. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 2 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla.
4. Drizzle the warm glaze over the cooled cake and allow it to set before slicing.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Kcal: 425 kcal | Servings: 12 slices

07/21/2025

🍬 Salted Caramel Pretzel Blondies 🍬

Sweet & Salty Caramel Pretzel Blondie Bars

Ingredients:

- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ¼ cups crushed pretzels (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup caramel chips or soft caramel candies, chopped
- Flaky sea salt for sprinkling
- Optional: ½ cup white chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and brown sugar until smooth and glossy.
3. Add in the eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.
4. Gently fold in the flour until no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix.
5. Fold in the crushed pretzels and caramel chips (and white or mini chocolate chips if using).
6. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top.
7. Lightly press a few whole or broken pretzels onto the surface of the batter.
8. Bake for 25-28 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
9. While the blondies are still warm, sprinkle lightly with flaky sea salt.
10. Allow to cool completely in the pan before lifting out and slicing into bars.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 28 minutes | Total Time: 38 minutes

Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 16 blondies

07/20/2025

🍝 Crockpot Ravioli Lasagna 🍝

Slow-Cooked Cheese Ravioli Lasagna

Ingredients:

- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for leaner option)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 (25 oz) bag frozen cheese ravioli
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
2. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute, until fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned and cooked through. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir in the marinara sauce and drained diced tomatoes. Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
5. Lightly grease the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
6. Spread about 1/2 cup of the meat sauce on the bottom.
7. Add a layer of frozen cheese ravioli over the sauce.
8. Spoon more meat sauce over the ravioli layer, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
9. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of meat sauce and the remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
10. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the ravioli is tender and heated through.
11. Turn off the slow cooker and let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours (LOW) or 2.5 hours (HIGH) | Total Time: approx. 4.5 hours

Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Sophie's Recipes

08/09/2025

08/07/2025

08/07/2025

08/03/2025

08/02/2025

07/31/2025

07/27/2025

07/22/2025

07/21/2025

07/20/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category