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Quinoa Banana Bread Bites
Transform a classic favorite into a health-boosting treat with these Quinoa Banana Bread Bites. By integrating quinoa, a protein-packed grain, these bites are not only filling but also nutrient-dense. This recipe is perfect for those looking to indulge in a sweet treat while maintaining their calorie goals.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked quinoa
- 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce
- 1 cup of almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a mini muffin tray.
- Mix mashed bananas, quinoa, and applesauce in a bowl until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine the dry and wet ingredients, mixing until just incorporated. Add the vanilla extract and maple syrup.
- Spoon the batter evenly into the mini muffin cups.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow them to cool before serving.
Health Benefits: Quinoa is a great source of complete protein and fiber, supporting weight loss by keeping you full longer. The natural sweetness from bananas and maple syrup offers a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
Oatmeal Apple Cinnamon Cookies
Harness the natural sweetness and fiber-rich properties of apples with these Oatmeal Apple Cinnamon Cookies. The use of oats and apple ensures that these cookies provide long-lasting energy and fullness. They're deliciously soft and chewy, a sure hit at any school bake sale!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup honey or agave nectar
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix oats, almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk honey, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apple.
- Scoop tablespoon-sized amounts of dough onto the baking sheet, flattening them slightly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool the cookies on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Health Benefits: With oats and apples, these cookies are high in fiber, which can help control blood sugar levels and aid in digestion. The inclusion of almond flour reduces carbohydrate intake while increasing healthy fats.
Sweet Potato Brownie Squares
Reimagine traditional brownies with nutrient-dense Sweet Potato Brownie Squares. This recipe swaps out processed sugars and fats for sweet potatoes that provide natural sweetness and a moist texture, perfect for a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups mashed sweet potatoes
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mashed sweet potatoes, almond butter, cocoa powder, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, and salt. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, smoothing out the top.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan before slicing into squares.
Health Benefits: Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. They help foster a feeling of satiety, reducing the desire to snack on less healthy options throughout the day.
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Muffins
Chickpea Chocolate Chip Muffins are the perfect combination of savory and sweet, packed with protein and fiber without sacrificing flavor. These muffins are moist, fluffy, and sure to delight in any bake sale setting.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1/3 cup mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line a muffin tin.
- Place chickpeas, eggs, honey, vanilla extract, and peanut butter into a blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add baking powder and salt to the mixture, blending again until fully incorporated.
- Fold in the chocolate chips by hand.
- Pour the batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool before removing from the tin.
Health Benefits: Chickpeas are a fantastic source of plant-based protein and offer essential vitamins and minerals. Using them in baking increases the satiety of muffins, making them more nutritious and satisfying.
Carrot Raisin Energy Bites
These no-bake Carrot Raisin Energy Bites are packed with vitamins and minerals from carrots, oats, and nuts. They offer a naturally sweet, energizing option without added sugars, making them ideal for a healthy, quick snack at bake sales.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup grated carrot
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oats, grated carrot, raisins, cinnamon, and salt.
- Add almond butter, honey, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until everything is well blended and sticky.
- If using, fold in the chopped walnuts.
- Using your hands, roll the mixture into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon.
- Place the bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Health Benefits: Carrots provide a significant source of beta-carotene, which is excellent for vision and immune support. The combination of oats, raisins, and nuts offers energy-boosting carbohydrates, fibers, and healthy fats.
Zucchini Lemon Poppy Seed Squares
Zucchini Lemon Poppy Seed Squares offer a fresh, bright flavor with the added benefits of hidden vegetables. These squares are light, moist, and have a delightful citrus taste, perfect for school events. By using zucchini, these treats gain extra moisture and nutrients without impacting taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups grated zucchini
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, honey, coconut oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, poppy seeds, and salt.
- Fold the grated zucchini into the wet mixture, then gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Smooth the batter into the prepared baking pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the squares to cool before slicing.
Health Benefits: Zucchini is rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, helping to improve digestion. The use of Greek yogurt increases the protein content while maintaining a low-fat, low-calorie profile, supporting weight management.
