This Is Our Go-To Snacking Cake Recipe For Chill Summer Afternoons

snacking cake
When you think of a snacking cake, what comes to mind? If you think of nostalgic foods like Twinkies and other Hostess products, you're thinking of snack cakes, as a quick Wiki search will tell you. A snacking cake, meanwhile, is a laid-back cake with one layer and little to light frosting that can be easily consumed by hand alongside your afternoon tea or coffee, according to Food & Wine. We think you'll love our Nutella-inspired snacking cake recipe. This simple and flourless cake is the perfect grab-and-go treat for any occasion.

Nutella-Inspired Flourless Snacking Cake

Cake Ingredients:

  • 3/4 cup avocado oil
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup coconut milk beverage (not canned coconut milk!) almond or regular milk work as well
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups hazelnut meal
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon pink salt

Frosting:

  • 1 cup salted butter, room temperature
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2-3 tablespoons coconut milk beverage
  • Sprinkles, for decorating

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Prepare a 9x13 cake pan or a square 9x9 baking pan by lining with parchment paper across both the width and length of the pan. Spray the parchment paper with cooking spray or grease with butter and set aside.
  2. Take a large mixing bowl and add in avocado oil, coconut sugar, eggs, coconut milk or milk, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract. Whisk them together until well incorporated.
  3. Next, add in hazelnut meal. Measure out the cocoa powder over a mesh sieve or flour sifter, and sift into the mixture to ensure no lumps are in it.
  4. Sift the coconut flour into the bowl, then add in the baking soda and pink salt. Whisk everything together until it is well mixed and no lumps remain.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared cake pan and place in the oven. Bake the cake for 20 minutes if you are using a 9x13 cake pan. If you are using a 9x9 cake pan, increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes, checking the cake at 5 minute intervals after the 20 minute mark to check for doneness. Turn the cake once halfway through the baking time.
  6. While the cake is baking, you can make the frosting. Add in butter to a mixing bowl and whisk with a hand mixer or standing mixer for 1-2 minutes, until butter is light and fluffy.
  7. Add in powdered sugar and cocoa powder, using the mesh sieve or sifter if needed to remove any lumps from them.
  8. Keep mixing, adding in the vanilla extract and the coconut milk as needed. The frosting should be well mixed and fluffy.
  9. When the cake is done baking, let it cool for 5-10 minutes in the pan. Carefully remove it, lifting the parchment paper to get it out of the pan and place it on a wire rack. To speed up the cooling process, place the cake on the wire rack in the freezer for 15 minutes. It should be room temperature or cooler at that point.
  10. Frost the cake across the top and decorate with colorful sprinkles!
  11. The cake can remain on the counter for a day, then store in the refrigerator after that.

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Recipe and photos by Sarah Anderson.

When Entertaining with Charm, a new book by Sugar & Charm blogger Eden Passante, showed up in my mailbox, I was instantly smitten. The photography is gorgeous and the recipes are beautiful and creative without being too fussy or difficult to whip up. I'm inspired to host my own demure brunch with the pretty and delicious recipes from the book, which released October 1. Grab a copy of Entertaining with Charm for holiday hosting and gifts, or as a gift to yourself as you swoon through the pages of charming recipes, refreshing cocktails, and festive desserts. It's about bringing people together and enjoying the simple things in life. Yes, please!

Zan Passante/Weldon Owen

Ready to host your own demure brunch? Eden takes us through a few stunning recipes below, excerpted from Entertaining with Charm. Enjoy!

Zan Passante/Weldon Owen

ORANGE BUTTERMILK DIP with SEASONAL VEGETABLES

There’s nothing easier than mixing up than this vibrant, zesty, creamy dip and serving it alongside a platter of garden-fresh vegetables. Select three or four vegetables according to the season. Among my favorite choices are sugar snap peas, endive, cauliflower, radishes, and cucumbers.

SERVES 6

FOR THE DIP

  • ½ cup sour cream
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
  • Fresh vegetables, for serving

To make the dip, in a bowl, whisk together the sour cream, buttermilk, orange zest, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy. You should have a scant 1 cup. Garnish with the chives. Arrange the vegetables on a large platter or board, place the dip alongside, and serve.

Zan Passante/Weldon Owen

PINK HOT CHOCOLATE

Rich and creamy, this eye-catching hot chocolate is made with white chocolate chips and beet powder. You can use pure beet juice in place of the powder to get a light pink color. The freshly grated nutmeg is a must, so make sure you add it.

SERVES 6

  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 9 oz white chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons beet powder or 2 tablespoons pure beet juice
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • Large marshmallows, for garnish

In a saucepan over low heat, combine the milk, honey, and salt and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly to prevent scorching. Remove the pan from the heat and add the white chocolate chips and beet powder. Let sit for 20–30 seconds to allow the chips to soften, and then whisk until smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla and nutmeg and whisk to mix well. Divide the hot chocolate evenly among 6 mugs, garnish with marshmallows, and serve at once.

Zan Passante/Weldon Owen

BROCCOLI QUICHE with HOMEMADE BUTTERY CRUST

This quiche can be served for any meal. The filling has a light, fluffy texture, and the Jarlsberg cheese gives it a distinctive nutty flavor. The crust, flaky and buttery, is my go-to recipe for all pies and quiches. If pressed for time, use a good-quality store-bought crust.

SERVES 4-6

FOR THE CRUST

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • ¼ cup cold vegetable shortening, such as Crisco
  • 5 tablespoons ice water, plus more if needed

FOR THE FILLING

  • 1½ cups chopped broccoli
  • 1½ cups shredded Jarlsberg cheese
  • ½ cup shaved Parmesan cheese
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ small yellow onion, grated (use the small holes on a box grater)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten, for egg wash

To make the crust, in a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, and salt, mixing well. Scatter the butter over the top and, using a pastry blender or your fingers, work in the butter until it's the size of peas. Add the shortening and work it in with your fingers until the mixture is the consistency of coarse crumbs. Do not over mix. The mixture should be dry and powdery. Sprinkle with the ice water and mix it in with your fingers until the dough holds together when pinched and comes together in a loose, rough ball. If the dough crumbles, add a little more ice water.

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and pat it into a thick disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough into a 12-inch round about ½ inch thick. Roll the dough around the rolling pin and position the pin over a 10-inch deep-dish pie dish. Unroll the dough and center it in the dish, gently pressing it into the bottom and up the sides. Using a small knife or kitchen scissors, trim the dough, leaving a 1-inch overhang. Roll the overhang under itself to create a high edge, then pinch the dough to form a fluted edge. Freeze the crust for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

To make the filling, half-fill a skillet with water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the broccoli, reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook until tender-crisp, 3–5 minutes. Drain and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup of the Jarlsberg, the Parmesan, eggs, cream, onion, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, mixing well. Fold in the broccoli.

Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the filling into it. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup Jarlsberg over the top. Brush the edge of the crust with the egg wash. Bake the quiche until the filling is just set and the top is golden brown, 40–45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool before serving.

Zan Passante/Weldon Owen

WHIPPED RICOTTA CROSTINI, served three ways

Sometimes I feel like I can devour a batch of this creamy whipped ricotta all by myself! It’s perfect for making these beautiful crostini and for using as a dip with crackers, pita bread, or vegetables, and you can whip it up in just minutes.

SERVES 6

Sourdough Crostini (below)

FOR THE WHIPPED RICOTTA

  • 2 cups whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
  • ½ teaspoon salt

FOR THE STRAWBERRY-PEPPER CROSTINI

  • 6 strawberries, hulled and sliced lengthwise
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

FOR THE PISTACHIO-RAISIN CROSTINI

  • ¼ cup pistachios, shelled and lightly crushed
  • ¼ cup golden raisins

FOR THE HONEY–ORANGE ZEST CROSTINI

  • Honey, for drizzling
  • 3 teaspoons grated orange zest
  • Small edible fresh flowers, for garnish
  • Make the sourdough crostini as directed and set aside.

To make the whipped ricotta, in a bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the ricotta on medium speed until light and smooth. This can also be done in a high-powered blender. On low speed, add the cream cheese, oil, lemon zest, and salt and beat until fully incorporated. Raise the mixer speed to high and beat until creamy and smooth, about 1 minute If you can’t get a smooth texture with the mixer, scoop the ricotta mixture into a blender and blend on high speed for 2 minutes. This always works! You should have about 2½ cups.

To assemble the crostini, spoon the whipped ricotta into a piping bag fitted with a small plain tip or into a ziplock bag and cut off the bottom corner. Pipe a cloud-like shape onto each crostini and then top about one-third of the ricotta-topped crostini with each suggested topping: strawberry slices sprinkled with the pepper; pistachios and raisins; and a drizzle of honey, a dusting of orange zest, and a flower garnish. Arrange the crostini on 1 or 2 platters and serve.

SOURDOUGH CROSTINI

  • 1 sourdough baguette
  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

MAKES ABOUT 30

Preheat the oven to 425°F.

Cut the baguette on the diagonal into slices ¼ to ½ inch thick. You should have about 30 slices. Lightly brush both sides of each slice with the oil, arranging them in a single layer directly on a large sheet pan as you work. Pour the salt into your hand, then lightly and evenly sprinkle the salt over all the slices.

Bake the slices until light golden brown, about 6 minutes. Then, using tongs, flip them over and bake until golden brown and crispy on the edges, 2–3 minutes longer. Remove from the oven and let cool.

To give the crostini a savory flavor, rub a garlic clove over the oil-brushed bread slices before you slide them into the oven. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the crostini as they toast.

EDEN’S TIP: You can top the crostini with the whipped ricotta, place the ingredients for the three toppings in small bowls, and invite your guests to assemble their own crostini. You can also serve the whipped ricotta on its own.

Zan Passante/Weldon Owen

SPRINKLE CAKE with SWISS MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM

This is my classic go-to birthday cake. Everything about it screams party, and it’s a foolproof recipe I’ve been preparing for years. The frosting, which is a buttercream made with a light Swiss meringue and without confectioners’ sugar, is also a favorite.

SERVES 12-14

FOR THE CAKE

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, plus more for the pans
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup vegetable oil, such as canola oil
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 4 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • ½ cup colorful sprinkles

FOR THE MERINGUE BUTTERCREAM

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 4 large egg whites
  • 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup colorful sprinkles, for garnish

To make the cake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Butter the bottom and sides of two 8-inch round cake pans, then line the bottom of each pan with parchment paper.

Weldon Owen/Amazon

Entertaining with Charm makes a great coffee table book and gift. It's my new go-to for hosting my girlfriends and my daughter's birthday parties!

Recipes excerpted fromEntertaining with Charmby Eden Passante

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Ever dream of globetrotting the world while getting paid? That's not a rhetorical question. Now you can turn your wanderlust into real cash with Ramada by Wyndham. The global hotel brand is on the hunt for its next "CEO," AKA Chief Eats Officer, a dream role for anyone who loves food and travel and well, a paycheck. One lucky adventurer will be paid $15,000 to travel to Ramada’s most coveted destinations, curate a list of must-eats, and share their travel highlights on social media. Learn how to enter below!

Decameron Club Caribbean Runaway Bay, Ramada Jamaica

From Thailand to Turkey and Seoul to Santa Barbara, the CEO trip will include up to seven global destinations in a three-week itinerary next spring. With hotels in 75 countries around the world, Ramada by Wyndham is perfect for travelers looking for that bucket-list experience!

Hunan, China, Ramada by Wyndham Chenzhou Dongjiang Lake

For a chance to be the next “CEO,” travel and food enthusiasts can visit Ramada.com/CEO by October 22 and submit a short, 1-3 minute video through TikTok (tag @RamadabyWyndham, #RamadaCEO) or email makemeceo@ramada.com that shows your passion for travel and discovering amazing eats.

Prize Details:

  • $15,000 reward, including a $10,000 travel stipend to cover airfare and travel expenses, plus $5,000 cash
  • Paid hotel accommodations for up to 21 nights at Ramada properties around the world
  • A Wyndham Rewards® Diamond membership for one year

Ramada Resort by Wyndham, Bodrum, Türkiye

How to Apply

To apply, post a public video on TikTok explaining why you are the best candidate for the job, tagging @RamadabyWyndham, using the hashtag #RamadaCEO, and following @RamadabyWyndham on TikTok.

Your TikTok account must be publicly viewable for the duration of the contest (through November 2024). Alternatively, you can email your video submission to makemeceo@ramada.com.

All video submissions must be between one and three minutes in length and should include your country of residence.

If applying via email, be sure to provide the handles for your active and public personal social media accounts.

All entries must be submitted and received by 11:59 p.m. ET on October 22, 2024.

Additional Qualifications Include:

  • Applicants must be a legal resident of the 50 United States or Canada (excluding Quebec).
  • Availability to travel for up to three weeks between April 1, 2025, and June 30, 2025.
  • Active and proficient on various social media platforms (TikTok and Instagram preferred).
  • At least 21 years old with a valid passport through December 2025.
  • Self-confessed travel lover and foodie.
  • Comfortable working remotely and on deadline.

Ramada by Wyndham will select the winning CEO on or around the week of November 14, 2024. No purchase is necessary to enter. For more details, including official rules, visit www.ramada.com/ceo. Good luck!

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Matzo (also spelled matzah or matza) is an unleavened flatbread made with just flour and water and can be used in everything from matzo ball soup to kugels, casseroles, and even desserts. It's an excellent swap for pizza dough, crackers, or as a binding agent in recipes. Whether you’re using matzo to avoid leavened bread or just because, these 20 matzo recipes definitely prove that the ingredient is equally scrumptious in and out of the soup bowl, whether we’re talking cakes, breakfast sammies or even fried chicken. Enjoy cooking your way through this collection of classic and refreshed culinary delights for your next feast.

Roasted Red Pepper and Arugula Matzo Pizza

These flatbead pizzas are elegant enough to add to your holiday menu, but easy enough to throw together for a quick meal on busy nights. (via Joy of Kosher)

Savory and Tender Matzo Meatballs

These meatballs feature a decidedly un-Kosher combo of meat and cheese, but it’s a delicious one if your dietary restrictions allow it. Roasted in the oven until golden brown on the outside, they’re practically hassle-free. (via Bake and Baste)

Matzo Farfel Stuffing

Dates add an unexpected sweetness to this comforting tray of matzo pieces, mushrooms, and aromatic veggies. (via Jamie Geller)

Northern Fried Chicken

A dip in honey is the perfect way to cut through the spiciness of this matzo-crusted fried chicken. (via Leite’s Culinaria)

Deep Fried Matzo Balls With Wasabi Cream Sauce

Turn up your next batch of matzo balls with a little fryer action in lieu of broth. Served with a spicy wasabi-based sauce instead of the expected horseradish, this combo is anything but bland. (via What Jew Wanna Eat)

Boomwelloh Breakfast Sammie

Using mini boomwellohs (AKA matzo brei) in place of bread is a genius way to serve up these breakfast sandwiches filled with eggs, garlicky kale and cheese. (via I Will Not Eat Oysters)

Matzo Brei

A cross between French toast and pancakes, it’s no wonder matzo brei is such a comfort food classic. (via Kosher Camembert)

5-Ingredient Matzo Chocolate Bars

Have the kids in the family make these crunchy-chewy chocolate bars. The recipe is a simple matter of layering, sprinkling, and drizzling, so it can't go too awry. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Mamouras (Matzo Lasagna)

Swap your lasagna pasta for matzo with onions, tomatoes and your favorite vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or eggplant. (via Manischewitz/Kosher.com)

Matzo Apple Tea Cakes

Enjoy these petite cakes with your morning cup of coffee or as an afternoon snack. (via Food Network)

Matzo Chocolate-Mint Ice Cream Cake

Mint and chocolate are a solid flavor duo for this ganache and matzo no-bake cake, but feel free to swap in a couple of your favorites instead. (via Martha Stewart)

Matzah Kugel

This traditional dish is similar to a casserole, but uses matzah instead of noodles or potatoes as the base. Make it savory with potatoes or sweet with apples like shown here. (via B+C Guides)

Matzo Toffee With Fleur de Sel

Salted chocolate plus toffee makes this crunchy bark a total delight. Just add a (Kosher) ‘mallow to transform them into irresistible s’mores. (via Whisks and Whimsy)

Apple Matzo Cake

You’ll love the light texture that matzo meal gives this fabulous fruit cake. Don’t be surprised if there are fights over the final slice. (via Martha Stewart)

Dark Chocolate Coconut Banana Matzo Brei

Wanna know a secret? The matzo is soaked in wine before it’s mixed with mashed bananas, coconut oil, cinnamon and vanilla. A final drizzle of melted chocolate after cooking takes things to a whole ‘nother indulgent level. (via What Jew Wanna Eat)

Matzo Almond Fruit Crumble

You don’t need to wait for summer berries or fall apples to make this crumble. It puts frozen fruit to good use, so it’s delicious all year long. (via The Little Ferraro Kitchen)

Peanut Butter and Jelly Matzo Bark

If you are looking for something delicious to make for Passover, you’ll love this homemade matzo bark. It has a peanut butter and jelly twist to it with a delicious chocolate topping. And it is incredibly hard to resist. (via RachL Mansfield)

Easy No-Bake Chocolate Matzo Cake

It really doesn’t get any easier than this three-ingredient, no-bake cake. (via Tori Avey)

Passover Chocolate Pecan Thumbprint Cookies

Trust us; the gem of chocolate in the center isn’t the only good thing these nutty shortbread cookies have going for them. (via The Nerdy Chef)

Matzo Ball Potato Chowder

While we love matzo ball soup, this creamy, cheesy vegetarian chowder is comforting on a cold day. Every slurp is sure to take the chill out of your bones and put a smile on your face at the same time. (via What Jew Wanna Eat)

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While 2024 gave us some incredible movies like Challengers and Dune 2, it also provided some pretty disappointing flicks. Despite the fact my memories surrounding Dakota Johnson's Madame Web were incredibly fun, the movie in and of itself felt like nothing but meme after meme. (I think about "I just wanna go home and watch Idol" all the time). But it's not just the movies' content that's struggling — it's movies in general.

Oppenheimer was one of 2023's biggest titles, and yet it was only in theaters for around 18 weeks, while the $1 billion-earning, "cinema saving" Barbie had a theatrical run and IMAX re-release that culminated in 10 weeks in theaters. Compared to 2012's Avatar, which earned almost $3 billion at the time and ran for 34 weeks, I'm wondering what a "good movie" even means anymore. Is the best movie the one that earns the most money? Is it whichever film has the biggest internet presence? Or is it the one that makes you feel like a better version of yourself when the credits roll? No matter what your definition of a good movie is, an analysis from McLuck shows viewers agree these flicks ain't it.

Borderlands

Lionsgate

This video game adaptation follows treasure hunter Lilith, who returns to her home planet of Pandora. Together with a rag-tag team of misfits, Lilith sets off to find a missing girl who's said to have endless power. Even though this has so many of the tropes movie-goers love — like found family and adventure — it only got a score of 10 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and a 4.3 out of 10 on IMDb.

Madame Web

Sony Pictures Releasing

In this superhero movie, Dakota Johnson stars as the titular clairvoyant, who steps in to protect Sydney Sweeney, Isabela Merced, Celeste O'Connor when she starts seeing the future — and their untimely ends. Despite the insane popularity of the other Spider-Man movies, this one only has an 11 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes and 4 on IMDb. However, its 2.3 billion TikTok mentions prove it's got serious cult classic potential.

Lift

Christopher Barr/Netflix

This heist movie revolves around an impossible mission to infiltrate a 777 passenger flight from London to Zurich, and apparently viewers really leaned into the impossibility of it all because its Rotten Tomatoes score is only 20 percent while its IMDb score is 5.5.

Mean Girls

Paramount Pictures

Mean Girls was highly anticipated by theatre kids and Renee Rap fans alike. The movie is a retelling of the Lindsay Lohan classic — Cady moves from homeschooling to public school, and falls in with The Plastics clique. But instead of bringing them down, she becomes the worst Plastic yet. Renee's "It's Not My Fault" might have over 107 million streams on Spotify, but the film only ranks 69 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 5.6 on IMDb. We had a blast on the red carpet, though!

Argylle

Universal Pictures

Anyone who loves spy movies, campy rom-coms, and Taylor Swift was incredibly excited for this movie, which follows reclusive writer Elly Conway, who finds herself in the middle of a real-life spy mission when her books catch the attention of some really bad guys. I loved this movie, but considering it got a 33 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and a 5.7 on IMDb, I was one of the only ones.

Garfield

Product G Productions/Sony Pictures

Garfield loves living with Odie and Jon, and all the luxury that comes with it. But when he reunites with his dad, he winds up on the wildest outdoor adventure of his life. This flick is rated a 36 percent out of 100 on Rotten Tomatoes and a 5.7 out of 10 on IMDb.

Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire

Warner Bros. Pictures

Godzilla and King Kong team up against a new threat in this crazy, mind-bending film. The movie got a 54 percent Rotten Tomatoes score and 6.1 IMDb score, and as much as I love this new cast, I will admit I miss seeing Elizabeth Olsen and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.

Despicable Me 4

Illumination/Universal Pictures

Gru and his family — Margot, Lucy, Margo, Edith, Agnes, and Gru Jr. — have to go on the run when a brand new villain rises up. Despite the fact everyone loves Gru (and the Minions), Despicable Me 4 was rated 56 percent on Rotten Tomatoes and 6.2 on IMDb.

What did you think about these movies? Let us know in the comments and check out The Most-Anticipated Fall Movies For 2024.

Women like Kristin Cavallariare giving a middle finger to outdated rules like who's allowed to have an age gap relationship or not, and it's refreshing to see. As much as we remember her for her time on The Hills, she's branched out as an author, entrepreneur, and host of the podcast Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari. Speaking of her podcast, Kristin Cavallari didn't hold back in her when she dished about her ex-boyfriend Mark Estes.

At first listen, her giddy tone is evident and immediately captivated listeners for the 45 minutes she gushed about the key details that led her to a new relationship. Since then, the two had quite a public relationship even if was short-lived!

How did Kristin Cavallari meet her ex-boyfriend Mark Estes?

Mike Coppola/Getty Images

We're truly living in a digital age because TikTok is the reason Kristin Cavallari was introduced to her ex-boyfriend Mark Estes. She told her best friend Justin Anderson that she was scrolling down her timeline when she came across what she called a "boy group" called The Montana Boyz and they both agreed one of them specifically is her type. She said, "He's gorgeous. Like, everything about him is perfect. But, he's also outdoorsy and manly."

Three weeks later, she got a DM from The Montana Boyz that said "I love you" and she immediately let them know she wanted to have them on her podcast. Although the podcast didn't happen, Kristin Cavallari appeared in one of their TikTok videos. Once Kristin Cavallari learned from her assistant that they were planning to move to Nashville, she arranged for a line dancing meet-up with The Montana Boyz and her staff. After they met, Kristin decided to call the guy who would become her ex-boyfriend "Montana." (Cavallari used Montana as a stand in for her boyfriend's real name during the podcast recording as she never names anyone explicitly on her show.)

Shortly after that, Kristin Cavallari hard launched her new relationship with ex-boyfriend Mark Estes on Instagram in February, and the rest is history!

How did she feel about their age gap?

Presley Ann/Getty Images for MTV

Kristin Cavallari didn't know how young The Montana Boyz were, but she wasn't interested in pursuing a relationship with Mark Estes at first. She did admit she had a brief issue with their age gap, but decided that Mark being 24 while she's 37 didn’t really bother her. Justin pointed out that she actually used to say she wouldn't date guys who were only 30 because she thought they were too young. However, she was more interested in who Mark was as a person and notes that life experiences and how you were raised is more indicative of one's maturity level than age alone.

Did Kristin Cavallari's kids like Mark Estes?

Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Kristin Cavallari said her boys were so excited to meet Mark for the first time and she felt like they really wanted her to be happy. "I've been really good about separating my dating life from their [life]," she said. Her oldest son especially approved of Mark and it was shocking to Kristin because he's usually the toughest judge of whoever she's dating.

How did her career prepare her for public opinions about their relationship?

Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Kristin Cavallari didn’t care what anyone thought about her ex-boyfriend. She's lived life in the public eye and is comfortable enough with herself to make decisions that make her happy. Kristin said, "...when this news came out, it's the first time in my entire life I 100% haven't given a sh-t what anyone thinks... My own mother is noticing a difference in me."

Did she mention anything about her divorce from Jay Cutler?

Timothy Hiatt/Getty Images

Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler were married for seven years before announcing their divorce in 2020. She didn't go into detail about it during the podcast episode, but she did talk about the magnitude of her former relationship with her ex-boyfriend. "It's the first time I've gone public since my divorce," she said.

How did Mark Estes adjust to being in the public eye with Kristin Cavallari?

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Montana Boyz's Mark Estes Says He's a "TRUE ROMANTIC" With Girlfriend Kristin Cavallari | E! News

Mark Estes may be in the spotlight because he dated Kristin Cavallari, but that didn’t mean he was enthusiastic about it. E! News caught up with him at the CMT Awards and he said, "It comes with the territory, I guess...It is what it is." One thing his friend Kade Wilcox — another one of The Montana Boyz — mentioned is that Mark was quite the romanticist when it came to Kristin Cavallari. He told the outlet, "He's pretty good at date nights."

How did Kristin Cavallari feel about dating a younger man?

Uncommon James

Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes may have been in bliss for a short while, but the former knows having an age gap in a relationship isn't always applauded by others. " I understand what it looks like from the outside world of, like, yeah, I’m dating a 24-year-old, but no one in my life has been like, ‘This is weird.’ Everyone’s like, ’I get it. It makes sense,'" she said (via Bustle).

She also said, "...Emotionally, he’s able to step up to the plate, and he’s shown up for me more than anyone else I’ve ever dated," (via Bustle). And according to her, Mark's all in when it comes to her kids and they love him for it. "He loves my kids. He actually took my kids to school, and it's just—he fits in very well. And I'm really thankful for that," (via E! News).

It's not easy balancing being an attentive mom who has a full-fledged career and relationship, but Kristin seemed grateful for the way Mark stepped up to the plate. She said he made things feel "so easy" which is something all moms crave!

Watch The Full Campaign Video For Hard Feelings Eau De Parfum 

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Hard Feelings The Debut Eau De Parfum From Uncommon James

Since talking about everything from her time on Laguna Beach to her relationship, Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes appeared together in an ad campaign for her brand's new fragrance, Hard Feelings. It's described as an "alluring" scent that's meant to invigorate one's senses. With notes like pink pepper, hibiscus, and sandalwood, we don't doubt it's sensuality!

What's the steamy thing  Kristin revealed about her former relationship?

Uncommon James

During the "Truth or Drink with Mark Estes" episode on Let's Be Honest with Kristin Cavallari, Kristin and Mark delved into steamy secrets about their relationship. The latter even dropped a bombshell when he admitted he enjoyed being intimate with Kristin. He said, "Yeah, you’re the best sex I've ever had for sure," which shocked her.

Though she liked his confession, she said she "didn't know that" before letting him know she felt the same. But, she attributed their hot sex to things like being "more present physically during sex" and being "wildly attracted" to Mark.

But, their relationship isn't all about their amazing romps in bed. Mark was “obviously so in love" with Kristin so that added to the spiciness factor!

Why did Kristin Cavallari And Mark Estes break up?

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Sadly, all of the passion Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes had fizzled out because they broke up after 7 months of being in a relationship (via Us Weekly). She initially told Alex Cooper, host of the Call Her Daddy podcast, the breakup was “fresh,” (via PEOPLE ).

Opening up on her Let's Be Honest podcast, Kristin talked about why she and Mark broke up. "It's hard because I broke up with Mark because I just know long-term it's not right, and it's not because of love lost or something bad happened," she said. Insisting their relationship didn't end on a sour note, she swore "he's been the best boyfriend."

But, the issue seems to boil down to their age gap. She'd prefer for him not to jump into a serious long-term relationship in his mid-twenties because she thinks they're "formative years" and "when you find yourself." She also said she doesn't "regret anything" because they had a "good, happy relationship."

We're sad to see this couple go their separate ways, but it's for the best!

What do you think about Kristin Cavallari and Mark Estes breaking up?

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This post has been updated.