Spike Your Sweets: Strawberry Cheesecake Jello Shots

As backyard BBQ season shifts into full swing, it's time to start planning the perfect menu for your Memorial Day parties. Burgers and hot dogs are a staple (see: A Dozen Innovative Grills & 13 Must-Have Grilling Gadgets), but so are sweet treats and boozy bites. So how about combining both into a creative party treat? We enlisted our jello shot expert, Jaymee Sire, to transform your favorite sweet summer fruit into our newest spiked sweet: Strawberry Cheesecake Jello Shots. That's right. Strawberry. Cheesecake. Jello. Shots.

Ingredients


– 2 large containers strawberries

– 1 small package of strawberry jello

– 1 cup water

– 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

– 1 cup vanilla or whipped cream vodka, chilled (or regular vodka plus 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

– crushed graham crackers

Carefully hull each strawberry using a strawberry huller, paring knife or grapefruit spoon.

Shave off the bottom of each strawberry with a knife so that they will stand upright. (Be careful not to cut off too much or your strawberries will leak!) Place strawberries upright in a small pan.

In a small saucepan, heat water and add jello. Stir until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and add cream cheese and whisk until well combined. (To make it even smoother, you could use an electric hand mixer). Add chilled vodka and stir.

Pour or spoon a little of the jello mixture into hollowed-out strawberries. Refrigerate several hours or overnight.

If you have extra jello leftover (which you likely will unless you hull 50 strawberries), you can mix some graham cracker crumbs and melted butter and press it into small cups. Top with remaining jello mixture and allow to set. Top with chopped strawberries and serve with demitasse spoons. Two desserts in one, and both are outrageously delicious.

When ready to serve, dip each strawberry in crushed graham crackers and place on a platter. (And get ready to watch them disappear!)

How do you sweeten things up for summer picnics and BBQs? Send recipe ideas our way in the comments below or on Twitter. And keep on spiking those sweets! ;)

Colorful cakes and other make-ahead Easter desserts are always welcome at the brunch table. And when it comes to sweet Easter treats like ones made with Easter candy — what's not to love? If you're looking for crafty concoctions that will satisfy your sweet tooth and double as festive Easter table decor, we've got your back. Here are 25 sweet Easter treats that will get everyone in the mood for *bunny* season, stat.

Cadbury Creme Egg Cheesecake Dip

Brit + Co

With this sweet Easter-themed dip, the whole table can get a taste of creamy, chocolatey goodness. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Trix Bars

Brit + Co

These Easter treats are like your classic Rice Krispies version, except crafted with Trix cereal. Using Trix will give each bite a colorful effect that speaks to the spring season! (via Brit + Co)

Easter Chick Sandwich Cookies

Brit + Co

You just can't pass up Easter treats as cute as these. Their adorable little Easter chick faces makes it hard to want to eat them, but trust us: once you do, you'll be craving at least 5 more. (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Oatmeal Caramel Creme Egg Cookies

Brit + Co

Earning some caramel-y flavor from actual creme eggs, these are great Easter treats for serving your pals that have a chocolate addiction. The creamy filling is ahh-mazing. (via Brit + Co)

Watercolor Cake Easter Eggs

Brit + Co

If this year is the year you've finally decided to fully commit your baking skills to Easter desserts, go with this recipe. You'll 'paint' the outside using food coloring and even edible gold foil for elegant effect! (via Brit + Co)

Bunny Donuts

Brit + Co

These lil' bunnies will look super cute for snapping Instagram pics of this year's Easter brunch spread. (via Brit + Co)

Crazy Strawberry Milkshakes

Brit + Co

These devilishly sweet Easter treats in milkshake form are gonna send you into a sugar coma, but it's so worth it. Now's the time to be extra with all the garnishes, countless donuts and marshmallows welcome. (via Brit + Co)

Limoncello Tart

Brit + Co

Still sweet but more on the zesty side, this limoncello-infused lemon tart will wake up your tastebuds just in time for spring. The lighter color and citrusy fruitiness of this treat are just perfect for Eastertime. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Egg Truffles

Brit + Co

We love Easter treats that don't require any baking, like this one! Just grab some creme eggs from the store, then doctor 'em up with more chocolate and Easter sprinkles! Done and done. (via Brit + Co)

Easter Emoji Cookies

Brit + Co

Everyone at your Easter get-together will be wildly impressed with your cookie decorating skills when you whip out these Easter treats! (via Brit + Co)

Ube Coconut Cake

Brit + Co

The light, sugary notes of ube and coconut work wonders together in this cake recipe that's a total fit for spring. The purple hue of the cake layers will look iconic amongst the rest of your Easter treats. (via Brit + Co)

Creme Egg Rocky Road Bars

Brit + Co

Decadence reigns supreme with these rocky road-inspired Easter treats. Any dessert that comes in bar form is gonna be a big hit among the fam, plus these are loaded up with chocolate eggs for the holiday! (via Brit + Co)

Carrot Cake Cookie Sandwiches

Brit + Co

Carrot cake is the cake for Easter, but why stress about making a whole cake?! If you're looking for an easier alternative, but still want all the carrot cake vibes in your life, opt for these sandwiched Easter treats that also feature a creamy filling. (via Brit + Co)

Piña Colada Cake

Brit + Co

When sweet fruit and sugary classic desserts merge, it's pure magic. This cake serves up the flavors of a piña colada in the tastiest way ever. If you wanna amp it up for Easter, pop a few Peeps on top! (via Brit + Co)

Chocolate Peanut Butter Peeps Skillet S’mores

How Sweet Eats

This recipe is everyone's fave campfire treat made with Peeps! Better make a big batch of this Easter treat, because you'll want to devour these rainbow Easter s'mores for days to come. (viaHow Sweet Eats)

Layered Peeps Rice Krispie Treats

Yellow Bliss Road

Any holiday dessert that calls for marshmallows can be dressed up in Easter pastels when you substitute Peeps! Serve these colorful Easter treats sliced up in rainbow squares, or insert sticks and hand them out as pops. (via Yellow Bliss Road)

DIY Easter Wildflower Macarons

Sugar & Cloth

These bright yellow macarons become festive flowers with a little bit of white icing paint and edible black ink. They make a delicate and beautiful addition to a spring-themed tablescape, and are an excellent excuse to get artsy this Easter! (via Sugar & Cloth)

Bunny Fairy Bread

Hello, Wonderful

Oh, em, gee — everyone's fave fairy bread is getting the full Easter treatment with rabbit shapes and cute little cottontails. You can't forget the sprinkles, either! (via Hello, Wonderful)

Toasted Marshmallow Easter Peeps Milkshakes

Shared Appetite

Even milkshakes take on an Easter theme when the colors are Peeps-inspired. Click through for an Easter dessert recipe that will take your presentation to the next level – and bonus points if your shake matches your Easter dress! (via Shared Appetite)

Bunny Tail Cupcakes

Lark & Linen

What could be cuter than a little ol' rabbit tail sticking out of your cupcakes? The pink “paws" are made of Jordan almonds — genius! (via Lark & Linen)

Cotton Candy Donuts

Studio DIY

These fairy-floss donut hybrids in bright pastel colors are perfect for Easter brunch, and they couldn't be easier to make. Just top some donuts with a small pinch of cotton candy, then add glitter sprinkles, and OMG! — dreamy Easter treats. (via Studio DIY)

Coconut Marshmallows with White Chocolate

The Gold Lining Girl

Kids young and old alike will get a kick out of cutting homemade marshmallows into bunny shapes! The coconut “tails" not only look cute, but they also taste divine. (via The Gold Lining Girl)

Colorful Ice Cream Sandwich Treats

The Sweet Escape

Before we dive head-first into all of the yummy ice cream sandwiches that spring and summer have to offer, give them a spring makeover with pastel hues! A tray of these will look Pantone-pretty on your Easter dessert table. (via The Sweet Escape)

Snowball Cupcakes

Baking a Moment

These chocolate cupcakes are a riff on everyone's childhood fave Hostess Sno Balls, only waaaaay better — because homemade is always better! Pick a few different colors for these Easter treats to match all your dyed Easter eggs. (via Baking a Moment)

Easter Bunny Macarons

Tried & True

Making macarons can be a bit finicky, but they're totally worth the effort when the end result is as cute as these bunnies! Adding the adorable food-marker faces is more than half the fun, plus, they're bound to make everyone smile this Easter. (via Tried & True)

Coconut Eton Mess with Whipped Ricotta Cream

Half Baked Harvest

Some desserts almost look too pretty to eat and this cake is one of them! Still, we invite you to not break out your finest mixing bowls and baking pan to bring this easter recipe to life. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Chocolate Strawberry Mousse Cake

Vikalinka

This recipe had us at chocolate, but the strawberry mousse is the icing in the middle of the cake! It'll make you feel like a famous pastry chef who's known for making the best desserts, plus you'll even get to enjoy eating it! Our favorite part is garnishing it with a few sliced strawberries to make it look extra pretty. (via Vikalinka)

Easter Cake Pops

Kathryn's Kitchen Blog

How fun are these easter cake pops? They combine our two favorite sweet treats for a quick burst of flavor that makes it hard to only eat one. All you need is box cake mix, frosting, and white candy melts to recreate this recipe. (via Kathryn's Kitchen Blog)

Tag us with your Easter treats on Instagram @BritandCo and subscribe to our email newsletter for more sweet inspo!

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Piper Ratliff's outfits on The White Lotus are exactly what I'm looking to add to my spring and summer wardrobe for 2025. Piper's (Sarah Catherine Hook) style is the perfect mix of bohemian and classy that gives off a certain laidback elegance. And considering I'm a Carolina girl myself (not to mention I'm actually from the beach), I know exactly how to achieve that ultimate vacation vibe. Here are the best sundresses for a White Lotus look...without any of the drama.

Keep reading for the best sundresses to add some Piper Ratliff & White Lotus magic to your summer wardrobe.

How To Get Piper Ratliff's style from 'The White Lotus.'

Fabio Lovino/HBO

Like I mentioned earlier, all of Piper Ratliff's best outfits are a mix of three things: bohemian, classy, and fitted. While the aesthetic is giving girl off duty, her attention to detail means she always looks put together. Because if you ask me, that's the secret to always looking expensive! Her best outfits feature pieces that are fitted in a flattering way, her accessories are intentional, and everything in her outfit is working together. In this case, less is more.

8 Dresses For Summer 2025 Piper Ratliff Would Approve Of

Abercrombie & Fitch

Abercrombie & Fitch Emerson Poplin Wide Strap Midi Dress

This gorgeous dress is perfect for both spring and summer, and it's flirty while still offering plenty of coverage. Plus the blue and white color combo is so giving Carolina.

Madewell

Madewell Seamed Squareneck Midi Dress

To channel Piper's more minimalist outfits, this khaki dress is flattering, elevated, and it lets your accessories take center stage.

J. Crew

J. Crew Squareneck Midi Dress

If you prefer to keep your accessories, low-key, a printed dress will do all the heavy lifting for you. And this print is totally giving White Lotus!

Old Navy

Old Navy Fit & Flare Lightweight Smocked Gingham Midi Dress

You can never have too many fit and flair dresses if you ask me. Especially when they feature fluttery sleeves and a dreamy gingham print.

Anthropologie

Anthropologie LSPACE Calla Midi Dress

For the ultimate beachy look, opt for a lightweight, strappy dress. You can wear it over your bathing suit during the day or a colorful bodysuit at night.

J. Crew

J. Crew Fitted-Waist Shirtdress

If there's anything that makes sense for a preppy Carolina girl, it's a collar. Add some raffia sandals for a Piper Ratliff-approved boho edge.

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Strapless Drop-Waist Midi Dress

Y'all, I can't stop thinking about this dress. The silhouette! The color! The detail! It's the perfect thing to pack for any vacation...whether or not you're showing up to a White Lotus resort. ;)

Amazon

CUPSHE Beach Dress

Comfy, casual, and some eye-catching details? Sign me up.

Which Piper Ratliff-inspired look will you be rocking this summer? Don't forget to read up on Everything You Need To Know About The WhiteLotus Season Finale.

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

To no one’s surprise, Trader Joe’s is keeping all the good stuff coming this season. As Easter approaches and everyone’s dreaming about summer vibes (definitely us), TJ’s has been placing only the coolest finds on their shelves to embrace the season! From irresistible sweets to stunning charcuterie board additions, these are the 8 best new items from Trader Joe’s any and every TJ’s fan needs to try in April!

Scroll on to discover the most exciting Trader Joe’s finds you can’t miss in April!

Trader Joe's

1. Macaron Ice Cream Sandwiches

These ice cream sammies (limited-time item!) basically combine the two best desserts into one: macarons and ice cream! They're stacked with chocolate on chocolate, so any sweet tooth with an affinity for cocoa will go crazy for 'em. You can snag a box of 2 for $5 at a Trader Joe's near you.

Trader Joe's

2. Easter Joe-Joe's

Ah, yes! All the Easter goodies at TJ's are so cute and tasty. These new Easter-themed Joe-Joe's (Trader Joe's version of Oreos) are generously coated in milk chocolate and white chocolate before they're decorated with festive sprinkles. They're downright perfect for adding to any Easter basket or even topping Easter cakes or cupcakes! The box of 4 cookies goes for $4 – but it's a limited-time item, so make sure you grab it sooner than later.

Trader Joe's

3. Lemon Poppy Seed Buns

Lemon + poppy seed = a match made in heaven! These limited-time Danish pastry buns are sure to fly off Trader Joe's shelves, thanks to not only the tender baked bun, but the fact that it's filled with a delightfully lemony filling and topped with a crunchy mix of sugar and poppy seeds. The box of 2 pastries is on sale at TJ's right now for $4.

Trader Joe's

4. Chocolate Chip Energy Bar

All the walks, hikes, road trips, and picnics you're about to embark on this spring and summer are gonna get a whole lot tastier, thanks to this new energy bar from Trader Joe's! Made with a minimal ingredient list (oats, soy protein, brown rice and tapioca syrups, and chocolate chips), each $1 bar – yes, $1! – delivers 10 grams of protein and 260 calories to keep you fueled up for hours. Anyone that's constantly on the go will adore this convenient new TJ's item.

Trader Joe's

5. Blood Orange Mochi

These ice cream-filled mochi bites may have hit shelves earlier this month, but they're definitely still getting tons of love from Trader Joe's fans – us included! Boasting a unique, citrusy flavor profile derived from real blood oranges, these bite-size desserts are filled with refreshing springtime energy. Plus, they just look stunning once you take 'em out of the package. A set of 6 mochi bites is $5 for a limited time!

Reddit

6. Tom Yum Seasoned Snack Mix

Spotted by a Trader Joe's fanatic on Reddit, this brand-new savory snack mix is inspired by the insanely flavorful Thai dish known as Tom Yum soup, which is typically spicy, lemongrass-y, a little bit creamy, and sour-ish. So good! This snackin' medley is filled with cashews, fava beans, sticky rice bits, and peas for a nice bite. The product isn't yet listed on Trader Joe's site, so we can't verify its exact price.

Trader Joe's

7. Spanish Inspired Charcutería

Charcuterie fans, rise up! Trader joe's just dropped this yummy charcutería that contains three different kinds of cured meat to, well, cure your charcuterie cravings. In this new $6 product, you'll find thinly-sliced serrano ham, salchichon, and uncured chorizo, all of which bring on the salty, spicy, peppery, and smoky flavors needed to complement the other components of your snack spread, like cheeses and crackers.

Trader Joe's

8. Seville Orange Marmalade Fruit Spread

Ooh, how summery! This new $3 Trader Joe's marmalade (limited-time item!) embraces the spirit of summertime by employing Seville oranges, which bring a "sweet, citric, and properly proportioned" flavor to the forefront. They're naturally a bit more bitter than your average orange, but TJ's has totally perfected the ratio of fruit:sugar in this jar. Use it for toasts, bagels, yogurts, cakes, and more!

Subscribe to our newsletter to uncover more hidden gems from Trader Joe's!

The World Happiness Report for 2025 is officially here, and there's a LOT to take away from it — including the happiest countries around the world that you can visit and live in this year. Whether there's better healthcare, more community, and everything in between, some places really are just happier than others. So, without further ado, these are officially the most happy countries in the world for 2025!

Scroll to see what the happiest countries in the world are for 2025!

When did the 2025 World Happiness Report come out?

Yan Krukau

The 2025 World Happiness Report was aptly released on March 20, the International Day of Happiness!

What does the World Happiness Report measure?

FbyF Studio

Published by the Wellbeing Research Centre at the University of Oxford, the report is based on data from the Gallup World Poll, which surveys individuals in over 140 countries. It ranks nations by happiness using the average life evaluations over the past three years, specifically from 2022 to 2024.

Participants in the survey rate their overall life satisfaction, and these self-assessments determine the rankings. To better understand the factors influencing happiness, the report examines six key indicators: GDP per capita, healthy life expectancy, social support, generosity, personal freedom, and perceptions of corruption.

What rank is USA in World Happiness Report?

Samson Katt

This year, the United States isn't faring so well. This year, our nation dropped to its lowest ranking ever: number 24.

According to Illana Ron-Levey, Gallup's managing director, some of the United States' decline in happiness was "at least partly attributable to Americans younger than age 30 feeling worse about their lives."

Why would some people be less happy in 2025?

Vlada Karpovich

"Today's young people report feeling less supported by friends and family, less free to make life choices, and less optimistic about their living standards," she added.

The good news is that the research shows people are generally kinder than we assume, and recognizing this could boost our happiness and transform how we perceive those around us.

Moreover, there are plenty of extremely happy countries that make desirable travel destinations. Here are some that topped the list in satisfaction.

Paul Theodor Oja

2025's Happiest Countries In The World

It may not come as a shock that Finland has taken first place for the eighth year in a row. The nation boasts many beneficial policies and initiatives, such as universal health care, as well as a strong social support and education infrastructure. It also has a very low crime rate.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, too, from soaking up the northern lights under the Arctic sky to hiking in one of Finland's 41 national parks, seeing breathtaking architecture, experiencing Midsummer, a celebration of the summer solstice, and, of course, trying Finnish food.

The runners-up to Finland include Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden in second, third, and fourth place, respectively. Just like Finland, these three countries held onto their global happiness ranking from 2024.

Damir K

Those hoping to visit Denmark can explore its capital city, Copenhagen, which is rich in museums and other cultural experiences, learn about the fascinating history of Vikings, and dine at Michelin award-winning restaurants.

Rudy Kirchner

Over in Iceland, experience unbelievable 24-hour daylight from mid-May to late July, go whale watching, take a diving tour or guided snorkeling trip at Thingvellir National Park, traverse glaciers, relax in geothermal spas, and walk along beautiful black sand beaches.

Shvets Anna

Finally, in Sweden, there are various vibrant cities to check out, like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. Pop fans must visit the ABBA museum, while culinary connoisseurs need to try authentic Swedish meatballs, and nature lovers can take in all the natural beauty that Sweden is renowned for.

Aside from the Nordic countries, which are dominating the globe in terms of happiness, two Latin American countries also made it into the top 10 for the very first time. Costa Rica ranked at number six, and Mexico at number 10.

Diego Madrigal

If you travel to Costa Rica, you can embark on all kinds of adventures, from hiking and zip-lining to surfing and river rafting.

Bryan Martinez

Or, in Mexico, see the archaeological site Chichen Itza, take a delicious food tour, and sit back on the sand of some stunning beaches.

What's the full list of the happiest countries in the world for 2025?

Kristoffer Brink Jonsson

  1. Finland
  2. Denmark
  3. Iceland
  4. Sweden
  5. Netherlands
  6. Costa Rica
  7. Norway
  8. Israel
  9. Luxembourg
  10. Mexico
  11. Australia
  12. New Zealand
  13. Switzerland
  14. Belgium
  15. Ireland
  16. Lithuania
  17. Austria
  18. Canada
  19. Slovenia
  20. Czechia
  21. United Arab Emirates
  22. Germany
  23. United Kingdom
  24. United States
  25. Belize

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While I love seeing BookTok-viral novels get turned into movies (hello It Ends With Us!), it's just as fun to see them get turned into TV shows, like Fourth Wing — which is why I had such high hopes for A Court of Thorns and Roses at Hulu...before it got canceled. But believe it or not, the fantasy series cancellation could actually a good thing.

Here's the latest update on the A Court of Thorns and Roses show.

Is the ACOTAR TV show still happening?

KoolShooters/Pexels

A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show has officially be scrapped at Disney’s 20th Television, according to Variety. But ACOTAR fans, don't give up hope! Sarah J. Maas was working with Outlander creator Ronald D. Moore, but now Variety's sources say that after the rights expire at Disney, SJM will be shopping the rights to an ACOTAR show to a different studio and platform.

Honestly, I'm totally here for this because a platform like Prime or Max would provide a different kind of edge and aesthetic to the series that would serve it in a different way. And if we have to wait a little longer for a platform SJM feels most aligned with, I'm willing to stick it out!

On February 27, 2024, Sarah J. Maas reportedly went out to coffee with Margot Robbie. Margot's production company (LuckyChap) has backed projects like I, Tonya, Promising Young Woman, Saltburn. Everything Margot touches turns to gold so I really hope she eventually ends up on the creative team for A Court of Thorns and Roses!

Who plays Rhysand in ACOTAR?

Jared Subia/Unsplash

We never got an official cast announcement, but there are plenty of ACOTAR fancasts.

Hannah Dodd, who plays Francesca in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton, would be the PERFECT addition to the cast, whether she plays Elain or Feyre. And now, I honestly don't know if I'll be satisfied with anyone else ;). "She is ELAIN," one TikTok user comments. "Literally copy paste from my brain Elain."

Deuxmoi (via Marie Claire Australia) revealed some potential actors who could be in the running, like Thomas Doherty, Theo James, and Katherine Langford. Actress Brec Bassigner expressed that she'd love to be considered for a role. "I emailed my team, and I was like, ‘Listen, I don’t care if I have one line. I have to be a part of this,'" she says in an interview with TV Line.

Is ACOTAR getting a 6th book?

Amazon

Yes, ACOTAR book 6 is on the way! We don't know who the new book will focus on, but Sarah J. Maas did say she's excited to bring it to us.

"The next book in that series, I have the ideas and general, vague thoughts. But the nitty gritty of writing and the emotional journeys with the characters — I usually love to go on those journeys with them," she said during an appearance on TODAY.

What is A Court of Thorns and Roses about?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses follows Feyre, a huntress who's forced to live with the immortal faeries after killing a wolf in the woods. The longer she stays in the Fae's world, the more she begins to love it — and the passionate, alluring faerie Tamlin. But as a dark shadow grows, both their world and Tamlin are put in danger, and it's up to Feyre to save them all.

When did the Court of Thorns and Roses series come out?

Amazon

A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first novel in the series of the same name, and was published in 2015. Sarah J. Maas continued the series with A Court of Mist and Fury in 2016, A Court of Wings and Ruin in 2017, A Court of Frost and Starlight in 2018, and A Court of Silver Flames in 2021.

Are you excited for the A Court of Thorns and Roses TV show? Let us know your dream cast in the comments and on TikTok! And read up on The Only ACOTAR Character Breakdown You Need Before Book 6 Comes Out.

This post has been updated.