Tag

almond butter

Browsing
Dairy-Free

Healthy Gluten Free Cosmic Brownies

By
healthy gluten free cosmic brownie with a bite taken out

I took a walk down memory lane recently during my healthy candy series, where I recreated some of my favorite childhood candy. I started with healthy snickers, then homemade crunch bars, 4 ingredient date caramels, and healthy butterfingers. These candy recreations reminded me of all the packaged treats I was obsessed with as a kid, and at the top of my list was always (& forever <3) cosmic brownies!

The quest to recreate a cosmic brownie seemed easy enough – make a gluten-free fudgy brownie base, top with dairy-free chocolate ganache, then rainbow coated chocolate chips! And I’m not going to lie, I managed to perfect the brownies on my second try, but the rainbow chips required some extra work. I scoured the internet for dayssss trying to find dye-free rainbow chips and OMG I finally did! On Amazon, too, of all places (linked here). So with that major score, my healthy gluten free cosmic brownies finally came together. And oh boy are they PERFECT!

two healthy gluten free cosmic brownies stacked on top of each other.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These gluten-free cosmic brownies are rich, fudgy, and incredibly easy to make with just 7 ingredients. The one-bowl recipe keeps things simple while still delivering a decadent brownie base topped with a smooth chocolate ganache. They’re also dairy-free, gluten-free, and can easily be adjusted to suit various dietary needs—perfect for anyone craving a healthier, nostalgic treat!

What You Need to Make Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies

  • Almond Butter: Acts as the base for the brownies, adding richness and a boost of healthy fats while keeping the brownies naturally gluten-free.
  • Maple Syrup: Sweetens the brownies with a natural touch, adding moisture and flavor without the need for refined sugars.
  • Egg & Egg Yolk: Help to bind the ingredients and add structure to the brownie base, giving it that fudgy, chewy texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavors of the brownies, adding a warm, comforting note to the overall taste.
  • Cocoa Powder: Provides the rich chocolate flavor, while also being gluten-free and dairy-free.
  • Chocolate Chips & Non-Dairy Milk: Create a smooth and creamy chocolate ganache topping that sets the brownies apart with its rich, melt-in-your-mouth finish.
  • Rainbow Sprinkles: For more authentic looking cosmic brownies, use rainbow coated chocolate chips on top. I found these dye-free rainbow chips on Amazon and they’re perfect!

How to Make Gluten-Free Cosmic Brownies

  1. Preheat: Heat your oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper.
  2. Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together almond butter, maple syrup, eggs, and vanilla. Add cocoa powder and mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
  3. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
  4. Prepare Ganache: While the brownies cool, melt chocolate chips and non-dairy milk to create a silky ganache.
  5. Assemble: Once the brownies have cooled, pour the ganache over the top, and sprinkle with your favorite sprinkles for that iconic cosmic brownie look. Let them set in the fridge before slicing and enjoying.
healthy gluten free cosmic brownies on parchment paper.

Storage Tips

Store these brownies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months—just defrost in the fridge or at room temperature before eating.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Make It Vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
  • Lower Sugar: Use sugar-free chocolate chips and reduce the maple syrup, replacing part of it with a sugar-free sweetener if desired.
  • Nut-Free: Substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative for a nut-free version of these brownies.
healthy gluten free cosmic brownie with a bite taken out
No ratings yet

Gluten Free Cosmic Brownies

This recipe is an easy, one-bowl, 7-ingredient solution for gluten-free cosmic brownies! They're healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made vegan or low-sugar. With its nostalgic appeal and rich chocolate flavor, it’s the perfect indulgent treat, still packed with better-for-you ingredients.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 16 servings

Equipment

  • 9×9-inch baking pan
  • large bowl
  • small bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond butter
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 whole egg and 1 egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

For the chocolate ganache frosting:

  • 1 1/4 cups chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
  • 1/2 cup rainbow sprinkles or rainbow coated chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
  • Whisk together the almond butter, maple syrup, egg and egg yolk, and vanilla extract in a large bowl.
  • Add in the cocoa powder, then whisk again to fully combine the brownie batter.
  • Transfer the batter to your prepared baking pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the brownies comes out mostly clean.
  • Remove the brownies from the oven and let them cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes.
  • Once brownies are slightly cool, make the chocolate ganache by melting together the chocolate chips and non-dairy milk in 30 second bursts in the microwave. Once the chocolate has melted, stir together the ganache until it’s smooth and combined.
  • Pour the ganache over the brownies and top with sprinkles. Then, transfer the brownies to the fridge for 1 hour, or until the ganache is firm.
  • Remove the brownies from the pan and cut into squares. Enjoy right away or store in the fridge for later on!

Nutrition

Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 230kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 5.2g | Fat: 15g | Sugar: 16.5g
View Post
By
Dairy-Free

4 Ingredient Date Caramels

By
date caramels on a plate with flaky sea salt on top.

I LOVE dates. I almost always have a bag on-hand. They’re perfect for stuffing with peanut butter, like in my 4-ingredient healthy snickers, or blending with oats to make healthy cookie dough date bites. Or… if you’re like my husband, dates are delicious all on their own!

Dates are the main ingredient in these 4 ingredient date caramels. They’re softened with a little hot water, then blended with almond butter and coconut oil to make a lusciousssss healthy date caramel. And because everything tastes better dipped in chocolate (ok ok, MOST things taste better dipped in chocolate), each date caramel is dunked in melted chocolate, then placed in the freezer until firm. The end result is a perfectly sweet and healthier chocolate-covered caramel candy. YUM!

overhead image of date caramels lined up with flaky sea salt on top.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

  • Medjool Dates: The star ingredient! Medjool dates are naturally sweet and sticky, making them the perfect base for these caramels. If your dates are a bit dry, soaking them in hot water helps soften them up for easy blending. Here’s a link to the medjool dates I purchase on Amazon!
  • Creamy Almond Butter: Adds creaminess and a subtle nutty flavor to the caramels. You can substitute with any nut or seed butter like peanut butter or sunflower seed butter to make the recipe nut-free.
  • Coconut Oil: This helps bind the ingredients together and adds a touch of richness. Use refined coconut oil to avoid any coconut flavor, especially if you want the dates’ natural sweetness to shine through.
  • Chocolate Chips or Bar: Choose a high-quality dark chocolate for a rich coating. If you’re keeping this treat refined sugar-free, look for a chocolate that’s sweetened with coconut sugar or another natural sweetener. The coconut oil added to the chocolate helps it melt smoothly and gives the caramels a beautiful glossy finish.

How to Make Date Caramels

  1. Soak the Dates: Start by soaking the dates in hot water for about 10 minutes to soften them, making them easier to blend.
  2. Blend: After soaking, drain the dates and add them to a food processor along with the almond butter and melted coconut oil. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Shape & Freeze: Spread the date mixture into a parchment-lined loaf pan and freeze for 2-3 hours until firm.
  4. Cut into Squares: Once firm, remove from the freezer and cut into 12 small squares.
  5. Dip in Chocolate: Melt the chocolate with a bit of coconut oil, then dip each caramel square into the chocolate until fully coated. Place the coated caramels on a parchment-lined plate and refrigerate until the chocolate is set.
close up image of a date caramel candy with a bite taken out.

Make Them Nut-Free

If you’re catering to a nut-free crowd, simply swap out the almond butter for sunflower seed butter. The consistency and flavor are just as delicious, making this treat accessible for those with nut allergies!

Tips and Tricks

  • Use Fresh Dates: Fresh, soft dates blend more easily and give you a smoother caramel. If your dates are dry, don’t skip the soaking step.
  • Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: When melting the chocolate, keep the heat low to prevent burning. A double boiler works well, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
  • Storage: These caramels keep best in the fridge or freezer, so you can always have a batch on hand for when the craving hits. They taste great straight from the freezer too!

These caramels are a healthier take on the classic candy, with no need for a candy thermometer or complicated techniques. Perfect for sharing—or keeping all to yourself!

date caramels on a plate with flaky sea salt on top.
3.50 from 2 votes

4 Ingredient Date Caramels

If you’re looking for a vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free treat that’s perfect for gifting or snacking, these 4-ingredient date caramels are your answer! They’re rich, chewy, and coated in decadent chocolate—ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth while sticking to your dietary needs. Plus, they’re easy to make and great for parties!
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients

For the date caramel:

  • 1 cup packed medjool dates, pitted
  • 2 tablespoons creamy almond butter, or any nut/seed butter
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil, melted

For the chocolate coating:

  • 1 cup chocolate chips, or an 8-ounce chocolate bar
  • 2 teaspoons coconut oil, melted

Instructions

  • Soak the dates in a bowl of very hot water for 10 minutes.
  • Once dates are very soft, drain them from the water and transfer the soaked dates to a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the almond butter and coconut oil to the dates, and pulse until completely smooth.
  • Transfer the date caramel to a 9×5-inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper, then place the pan in the freezer for 2-3 hours, or until date caramel is firm to the touch.
  • Remove the loaf pan from the freezer, and lift the date caramel out of the pan. Place the date caramel on a cutting board and slice into 12 small squares.
  • Melt the chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl in either the microwave or over a double boiler on the stove. Once chocolate is completely smooth and melted, dip each caramel square in the chocolate to fully coat. Carefully lift the caramel out of the chocolate and transfer to a parchment-lined plate.
  • Repeat the dipping process with all caramels, then transfer to the fridge for 1 hour or until chocolate has hardened and is completely set. Once set, enjoy your chocolate covered date caramels, or keep stored in the fridge to enjoy later on!

Notes

  • These date caramels are best stored in the fridge or freezer! If left at room temperature, the chocolate will melt.
    • View Post
    By
    30 Minutes or Less

    Nourishing Green Lactation Smoothie

    By
    close-up image of a nourishing green lactation smoothie with a metal straw.

    Looking for a way to boost your milk supply? Try this nourishing green lactation smoothie! Loaded with fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and plenty of protein.

    lactation smoothie being poured into a glass.

    As a first-time breastfeeding mom, I’m always looking for ways to increase my milk supply. And after lots and lots of research, I found the best way to increase my supply was through food. Aside from simply making sure I’m eating enough foods, there are certain foods that can actually boost milk production! So I took as many of those foods as possible (oats, greens, flaxseeds, brewer’s yeast) and added them to this lactation smoothie in a way that actually tastes good.

    Nourishing green lactation smoothie with a metal straw.

    What You’ll Need to Make a Nourishing Green Lactation Smoothie

    Banana – A whole frozen banana makes this smoothie ultra-creamy, and gives it just a hint of natural sweetness. If you don’t like banana, you can use 1 cup of frozen mango instead!

    Spinach – Dark leafy greens, such as spinach, are a great source of iron and calcium, which are essential for boosting your milk supply. Fresh spinach will have the most nutrients, but if you don’t have any, frozen spinach will also do the trick.

    Oats – Look up any lactation recipe, and it’ll likely have oats in it. Oats are a go-to ingredient for increasing breast milk production. This is because oats are high in iron, and act as a complex carbohydrate – two vital components to a lactating mama’s diet!

    Almond Butter – I add a healthy fat to all my smoothie recipes, which helps slow down the body’s digestion rate of the fruit, allowing us to absorb as many nutrients and hold onto as much protein as possible. Almond butter is a delicious healthy fat option in this lactation smoothie! Though feel free to use any nut butter you’d like – peanut, cashew, pecan, etc.

    Brewer’s Yeast – Another lactation essential is brewer’s yeast! Brewer’s yeast is a known glactagogue, and thought by many to help increase milk supply. It’s totally flavorless, and a great addition to this smoothie recipe. Here’s a link to the brewer’s yeast I’ve been using and loving!

    Overhead image of a nourishing green lactation smoothie with oats and spinach on the side.

    Optional Add-Ins

    Give your nourishing green lactation smoothie a boost with any of the following…

    • Chia Seeds – more healthy fats, omega-3s, and fiber.
    • Hemp Seeds – extra protein, healthy fats, omega-3s, and omega-6s.
    • Protein Powder – I love this Aloha Vanilla Protein Powder!
    • Honey – for an extra bit of sweetness.
    • Frozen Cauliflower – because why not?! more veggies!
    Nourishing Green Lactation Smoothie
    Pin
    Print

    Nourishing Green Lactation Smoothie

    0 from 0 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: Breakfast, SnacksDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    1

    serving
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    0

    minutes
    Total time

    5

    minutes

    Looking for a way to boost your milk supply? Try this nourishing green lactation smoothie! Loaded with fruits, veggies, healthy fats, and plenty of protein.

    Ingredients

    • 1 frozen banana

    • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries

    • small handful fresh spinach

    • 2 tablespoons oats

    • 1 tablespoon almond butter

    • 1 tablespoon brewer’s yeast

    • 1 teaspoon ground flaxseed

    • 1 scoop vanilla protein powder, optional

    • 1 cup water or milk, I used unsweetened almond milk

    Directions

    • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share it and tag @samdoesherbest on Instagram!

    Like this recipe?

    Follow us @samdoesherbest on Pinterest

    View Post
    By
    Dairy-Free

    Healthy Gluten-Free Donuts (One-Bowl!)

    By
    gluten-free donuts coated in powdered sugar

    Perfectly soft, sweet, and delicious gluten-free donuts! Finish em’ off with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a simple glaze for a healthier version of a classic dessert. Made entirely with whole ingredients, these perfect gluten-free donuts are also vegan and refined sugar-free!

    a stack of gluten-free donuts covered in powdered sugar.

    What You’ll Need To Make Gluten-Free Donuts

    Oat Flour – Oat flour bakes up beautifully in this gluten-free recipe. It’s also super cheap and easy to get your hands on! You can either buy oat flour, or make it yourself. To make it yourself, simply pulse rolled oats in a blender until very fine. Once the oats resemble the texture of flour, they’re ready to use in this recipe!

    Flax Eggs – This vegan egg substitute is also very quick and easy to make yourself. To make one flax egg, combined one tablespoon of flax meal with three tablespoons of water. Whisk that mixture up and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before adding to your donuts batter. As the flax egg sits, it’ll thicken into a gel-like consistency.

    Almond or Peanut Butter – Really any nut or seed butter will work here! I used peanut butter because I personally love the taste. Though almond butter will add little to no nutty flavor. And for a nut-free version, simply use sunflower seed butter instead.

    Coconut Sugar – While still sugar, coconut sugar is an unrefined, slightly healthier version of white sugar. It offers up the same amount of sweetness as regular sugar, but less of a blood sugar spike. Also unlike white sugar, coconut sugar contains fiber which helps to slow down the rate at which it metabolizes in our body. If you’ve got a sweet tooth like me, you’re all too familiar with that famous energy spike, then crash from eating processed white sugar. Well, with coconut sugar, you can expect much less of that!

    a gluten-free donut in a bowl of powdered sugar.

    Tips and Tricks

    • Use a large cookie scoop to transfer your gluten-free donut batter to your donut pan! A cookie scoop allows for a more precise transfer of batter. Also, while I’ve never tried it myself, I’ve heard people have a lot of success with piping batter into the donut pan from a large zip-top bag (similar to how you’d pipe frosting on a cupcake)!
    • No donut pan? No problem! Simply bake these donuts into muffins instead.
    • Finish these gluten-free donuts off any way you’d like! I went this classic powdered sugar route. Though for a krispy kreme copycat, dunk them in a simple glaze.

    Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Nut-Free: For a nut-free donut recipe, replace the peanut butter with sunflower seed butter!

    Healthy Gluten-Free Donuts (One-Bowl!)

    0 from 0 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: DessertDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    24

    donuts
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    20

    minutes
    Total time

    25

    minutes

    Perfectly soft, sweet, and delicious gluten-free donuts! Finish em’ off with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar, or a simple glaze for a healthier version of a classic dessert. Made entirely with whole ingredients, these perfect gluten-free donuts are also vegan and refined sugar-free!

    Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 cups oat flour

    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

    • 1/4 teaspoon salt

    • 2 flax eggs, see Notes

    • 1 cup milk, I used non-dairy milk

    • 1/2 cup almond or peanut butter

    • 1/2 cup coconut sugar

    • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • Topping options:

    • 1 cup powdered sugar

    • 1 cup coconut sugar + 1 tablespoon cinnamon

    • 1 cup confectioners sugar + 2 tablespoons milk

    Directions

    • Preheat your oven to 350F and grease a donut pan.
    • In a large bowl, mix together the oat flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
    • Form a well in the center of your flour mixture and add in flax eggs, non-dairy milk, almond butter, coconut sugar, apple cider vinegar, and vanilla extract.
    • Slowly whisk the batter starting at the center, slowly moving outward until both wet and dry ingredients are incorporated.
    • Carefully fill your donut molds with the batter, then bake for 20-22 minutes. Once done, pop donuts out of the mold and onto a cooling rack.
    • Once cool, dip in either powdered sugar or cinnamon sugar to coat.

    Recipe Video

    Notes

    • Flax Eggs: To make on flax egg, combine 1 tablespoon of ground flax meal with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit on the counter for 10 minutes to thicken.
    • Store these gluten-free donuts in an airtight container at room temperature where they’ll stay fresh for up to 5 days!

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share it and tag @samdoesherbest on Instagram!

    Like this recipe?

    Follow us @samdoesherbest on Pinterest

    View Post
    By
    30 Minutes or Less

    3-Ingredient Healthy Vegan Caramel Sauce

    By
    3 ingredient vegan caramel sauce in a small jar with a spoon

    This homemade vegan caramel sauce is perfectly sweet and super easy to make! It comes together in one saucepan, with just 3 ingredients, and in under 5 minutes. This vegan caramel is delicious drizzled over ice cream, apples, cake, or cookies! Try it over my no-churn vegan vanilla ice cream recipe, or even on top of my healthy apple crisp. YUM!

    3 ingredient vegan caramel sauce being poured over a green apple.

    What You’ll Need

    Coconut Cream – Coconut cream is the thick, white cream found at the top of a can of full-fat coconut milk. It’s important to note that coconut cream can only be obtained by a can of full-fat coconut milk, not low-fat or boxed coconut milk. Native Organics also sells a great canned coconut cream, which is what I used in this recipe. Also, remember to only use the coconut cream and not any of the liquid found at the bottom of the can. To do this, open your can of full-fat coconut milk or cream, then scrape and remove the cream from the top. Fill a one-cup measurer with this coconut cream, then save the liquid for use in smoothies later on!

    Maple Syrup – This natural sweetener is the only sweetener in this vegan dessert recipe! Our vegan caramel is so much healthier than your standard caramel because it contains only natural ingredients, and has a lot less sugar. However, healthier doesn’t mean any less delicious. Maple syrup gives this sauce an irresistibly rich flavor.

    Peanut Butter – Peanut butter is the finishing touch to this recipe, adding the perfect texture and flavor. Though if you’re not a fan of peanut butter, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, pecan butter, or sunflower seed butter in its place!

    vegan caramel sauce being whisked in a saucepan

    This Vegan Caramel Is….

    • Healthy
    • Plant-Based
    • Gluten-Free
    • Refined Sugar-Free
    • Paleo
    • & Delicious!

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Nut-Free: Replace the peanut butter in this recipe with 1/4 cup of sunflower seed butter!

    Make it Paleo: Use almond butter instead of peanut butter for a delicious paleo caramel recipe.

    3 ingredient vegan caramel sauce in a small jar with a spoon
    5 from 1 vote

    3-Ingredient Vegan Caramel Sauce

    This homemade vegan caramel sauce is perfectly sweet and super easy to make! It comes together in one saucepan, with just 3 ingredients, and in under 5 minutes. This vegan caramel is delicious drizzled over ice cream, apples, cake, or cookies!
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 3 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup coconut cream, see Notes
    • 1/2 cup maple syrup
    • 1/4 cup almond butter or peanut butter

    Instructions

    • Add coconut cream and maple syrup to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir constantly until bubbling, then reduce to low heat and continue stirring for 3 minutes.
    • Remove pan from heat and stir in almond or peanut butter. Let cool, it’ll continue to thicken as it cools.

    Notes

  • Coconut Cream: Coconut cream is the thick, white creamy part at the top of a can of full-fat coconut milk. You can only obtain coconut cream from either a can of full-fat coconut milk, or a can of coconut cream.
    • View Post
    By