Have fun and fool the whole family with this dinner. I have fond memories of my own mother making fun meals like this for us. And, I’ve made a video to go along with it! Be sure to check it out as it has extra tips and is a great visual for how to pull off this tricky meal. It’s easy to make, of course, but it sure will trick people!

Meatloaf Cupcakes

Nothing is quite as it seems with this cupcake! Make cupcakes out of meatloaf and top them off with mashed potato “frosting.” These cupcakes look sweet, but I’m telling you, if you can get past the prank, they’re pretty darn good! We used Momma’s Meatloaf recipe with this one, which gives you a deliciously moist and perfectly seasoned meatloaf.

Meatloaf "cupcakes" with mashed potato "frosting" look just like real the real thing!

Air Fryer Apple Fries

These fun little fries look like your typical diner potato wedges. Pair with a side of caramel sauce for dipping, which kind of looks like a side of fry sauce (also known as pink sauce, for those who aren’t from Utah). These fries taste just like an apple pie, but are way easier to whip up. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. As a bonus, your entire house will smell like you just baked an apple pie!

A basket filled with apple fries.

Cocoa Krispies Mock Meatloaf

This “meatloaf” is the star of the show! It really does look like a big loaf of meat, especially with the glaze. This one takes cocoa rice krispies (make sure to smash them up to look just like ground beef), which are then mixed into buttery, melted marshmallows with some cocoa powder for color. Then take your delicious chocolatey “meat” and form into a loaf with your hands on a lightly greased baking sheet. You’re going to want to watch the youtube video for a visual!

A fun and tasty April Fool's Day Dinner Idea where nothing is quite as it seems. Meatloaf cupcakes with mashed potato frosting, apple fries, and Cocoa Krispies mock meatloaf

Mock Meatloaf Recipe:

Ingredients:

Meatloaf:

• 7 cups Cocoa Krispies

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder

• 10 ounces mini-marshmallows

Glaze:

• 1/4 cup seedless raspberry jelly

• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Instructions:

  1. Place 6 cups of Cocoa Krispies in a gallon resealable bag. Pound with a mallet or rolling pin until crushed. Stir in remaining 1 cup Krispies. Set aside.
  2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Meanwhile, lightly grease a baking sheet.
  3. Stir cocoa powder into melted butter until smooth. Pour in mini-marshmallows and stir constantly over low heat until marshmallows are completely melted.
  4. Immediately pour melted marshmallow over Krispies and stir to combine.
  5. Using greased hands, shape the Krispies into a free-form meatloaf shape on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. In a small bowl, stir together raspberry jelly and cocoa powder until completely combined. Brush over the top of the “meatloaf” to glaze. Let loaf cool completely (about 30 minutes) before cutting into slices.

More fun recipes…