Tag

breakfast

Browsing
30 Minutes or Less

Healthy Apple Pie Protein Smoothie

By
Apple pie protein smoothie in a glass with whipped cream and cinnamon on top.

We brought our toddler apple picking last weekend and I currently swimming in apples over here! Just SO many apples. We of course made my healthy gluten-free apple crisp as soon as we got home. I’ve also been making caramelized apples to go over yogurt and oatmeal bowls (so good OMG!). But we still have more apples than we know what to do with! *Enter the apple pie smoothie.*

It’s true what they say… an apple a day keeps the doctor away! This smoothie starts with one whole apple, plain yogurt, and a scoop of protein powder for extra protein. The end results is a creamy and perfectly sweet high protein smoothie that tastes just like apple pie. It’s nutritious, deeply satisfying, and guaranteed to keep you full until your next meal!

apple pie smoothie in a glass with whipped cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This healthy apple pie protein smoothie is the perfect blend of flavors for a cozy, yet refreshing treat. It’s packed with protein, naturally sweetened, and full of fall flavors that make you feel like you’re enjoying a slice of apple pie. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and takes just a few minutes to whip up!

What You Need to Make This Healthy Apple Pie Smoothie

Apple: A fresh apple adds natural sweetness, fiber, and a classic apple pie flavor.

Plain Yogurt (Non-Dairy): This adds creaminess and a boost of protein while keeping the smoothie dairy-free. I recommend Cocojune organic plain unsweetened coconut yogurt, it’s perfectly thick and creamy! Though you can use regular yogurt if preferred.

Milk (Almond Milk): This helps to blend the smoothie and adds a touch of nuttiness from the almond milk. Any milk can work depending on your dietary needs.

Unflavored Protein Powder or Collagen Peptides: Boosts protein content to keep you full longer. Unflavored protein powder blends seamlessly with the apple pie flavors. I use and love the Garden of Live vegan protein powder in most of my protein smoothies!

Rolled Oats or Almond Butter: Adds creaminess and thickness to the smoothie. You can swap with almond butter for extra creaminess or keep it grain-free.

Cinnamon: The spice that gives this smoothie its signature apple pie flavor.

Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional): For a little extra sweetness if needed, especially if your apple isn’t very sweet.

apple pie smoothie with a straw.

Can I Prep This Apple Pie Smoothie Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prep the ingredients the night before by chopping the apple and measuring out the other ingredients. Store them in the fridge, then blend them together in the morning. If you want to make the smoothie ahead of time, blend it and store it in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just give it a good shake before drinking!

Tips and Tricks For the Best Smoothie

  • For a thicker, creamier smoothie either use a frozen apple instead of a fresh one, or add half of a frozen banana to the blender along with all of the other ingredients.
  • Blend your smoothie for longer to ensure a smooth texture without any lumps.
  • Add ice cubes if you like your smoothie extra cold, or freeze the almond milk into cubes for added creaminess!

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Make it Vegan: Use non-dairy yogurt and plant-based protein powder to make this smoothie 100% vegan.
  • Grain-Free: Skip the oats and use almond butter for added creaminess and healthy fats.
  • Make it Nut-Free: Substitute almond milk with oat milk, and use oats instead of almond butter. It’s that easy!
Apple pie protein smoothie in a glass with whipped cream and cinnamon on top.
5 from 1 vote

Apple Pie Protein Smoothie

This healthy apple pie protein smoothie is just what you need for a delicious, protein-packed, fall-inspired treat. It’s made with 7 simple ingredients, is gluten-free, dairy-free, high in protein, and can easily be adapted to fit any dietary needs!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • blender

Ingredients

  • 1 medium apple cored and cut
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt (I used non-dairy coconut yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup milk (I used almond milk)
  • 1 scoop unflavored protein powder or collagen peptides
  • 1 tablespoon rolled oats or 1/2 tablespoon almond butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 tablespoon honey or maple syrup optional

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, then enjoy immediately!

Nutrition

Serving: 1smoothie | Calories: 313kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 22.5g | Fat: 6g | Sugar: 28g
View Post
By
Breakfast

4-Ingredient Banana Bread (gluten-free!)

By
Stacked slices of 4 ingredient banana bread, with a hand lifting the top slice.

We’ve been on a big banana bread kick in my house. But the problem was… every time I make a new loaf, it’s gone in a couple days! So I needed a quick, easy, and SIMPLE recipe to get in our banana bread fix without spending too much time in the kitchen. *enter 4 ingredient banana bread.*

And if you’ve been around here a while, you know I’m all about the easy sweet treats! This time last year I went through a huge 5-ingredient edible gluten-free cookie dough phase (major pregancy craving!) and over the summer, I couldn’t stop making my 6-ingredient healthy gluten-free mug cake. There’s just something about having a healthier sweet treat on-hand that leads to happier days and a happier life.

Something else I always have on-hand? Bananas. I pretty much buy a bunch of bananas every week because, again, we just love them in this house. However, we often find ourselves with a few overly ripe bananas by the end of the week. But thanks to this 4 ingredient banana bread recipe, I always have a way to put them to good use!

I made my banana bread gluten-free, but you totally don’t have to! This recipe is also naturally dairy-free which I LOVE. And I should mention, it’s easily made refined sugar-free as well. For all dietary swaps, check out the “adjust this recipe to your dietary needs” section below. Happy 4-ingredient baking, friends!

a slice of 4 ingredient banana bread with a bite taken out.

What You’ll Need to Make 4 Ingredient Banana Bread

Bananas: The star of the show! These bananas bring natural sweetness and moisture to the bread. The riper, the better – those speckles on the peel are a sign of maximum flavor.

Eggs: Eggs play a crucial role in binding the ingredients together, providing structure to the bread. They contribute to the moist and tender texture we all love.

Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich caramel flavor and sweetness to the banana bread. It complements the bananas perfectly, creating a delightful depth of taste.

Self-Rising Flour: The key to keeping it simple! Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, eliminating the need for additional leavening agents. It ensures your banana bread rises beautifully. But if you don’t have self-rising flour, feel free to use regular flour instead, then add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda to the recipe!

Tips and Tricks

  • The riper your bananas, the sweeter and more flavorful your banana bread will be. Don’t shy away from those brown speckles!
  • Mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can affect the texture, so keep it simple and stir until everything is blended.
  • Allow your banana bread to cool slightly in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack. This patience ensures a neater slice and preserves the bread’s texture.
sliced 4 ingredient banana bread with a knife on the side.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Gluten-Free: Swap out the self-rising flour for a gluten-free alternative to make this banana bread gluten-free. I used Beth Blends Grain-Free Flour Blend in my 4 ingredient banana bread and it worked great!

Make it Refined Sugar-Free: Opt for coconut sugar as a substitute for brown sugar for a refined sugar-free option.

Stacked slices of 4 ingredient banana bread, with a hand lifting the top slice.
4.25 from 20 votes

Incredible 4 Ingredient Banana Bread (gluten-free!)

Baking doesn’t have to be complicated, and this 4 ingredient banana bread proves just that! With one bowl and a handful of simple ingredients, you can whip up a loaf of incredibly moist and delicious banana bread. Best enjoyed as a breakfast, snack, or dessert!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 10 servings

Equipment

  • 1 large bowl
  • 1 9×4-inch loaf pan

Ingredients

  • 3 large and overripe bananas
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups self-rising flour see Notes

Optional Add-Ins

  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and grease or line a 9×4-inch loaf pan.
  • Place the bananas in a large bowl and mash well with a fork, until mostly smooth.
  • Add the eggs to the bowl and whisk to combine. Then, add the brown sugar and flour, then mix again until fully combined and no pockets of flour remain.
  • Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the bread comes out clean.
  • Remove the banana bread from the oven, then let it cool completely before slicing.

Notes

If you don’t have self-rising flour, you can use all purpose flour instead. But, if you use all purpose flour, make sure to add 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to this recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 135kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 3.5g | Fat: 1g | Sugar: 10g
View Post
By
30 Minutes or Less

Magic 3-Ingredient Gluten-Free Bagels

By

These 3-ingredient gluten-free bagels are truly magic! No yeast, kneading, rising, or boiling in water required. Just three simple ingredients, and these bagels are ready to eat in 30 minutes!

gluten-free bagels on a baking sheet with cream cheese on the side.

I like to think I know a thing or two about bagels. Not only were they my favorite food growing up, but I currently live in Brooklyn – home of the BEST BAGELS in the WORLD! So ya, I’ve had some really good bagels. A bagel should be toasty on the outside, fluffy on the inside, easy to slice through, and ready for toasting – and these gluten-free bagels are just that.

Now I’m sure you’re wondering – Sam, why bother making your own bagels if you can just buy literally the world’s best bagels from that place down the street. Well, I’ll tell you exactly why – because I can’t find a single good gluten-free bagel! They’re near impossible to track down. And the ones I do find are either too dense or extremely overpriced (or both). So I quickly realized if I wanted a gluten-free bagel, I’d just have to make it myself. And that, friends, is how the magic 3-ingredient gluten-free bagel was born!

3 gluten-free bagels stacked on top of each other.

What You’ll Need to Make 3-Ingredient Gluten-Free Bagels

Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour – Your gluten-free flour must contain xanthan gum! If it doesn’t, add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to this recipe. Gluten-free all purpose flours I use and recommend are Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Baking Flour and King Arthur Gluten-Free Flour, both of which contain xanthan gum. I used the King Arthur flour in these bagels and they turned out perfect!

Baking Powder – We replace the yeast found in traditional bagel recipes with baking powder. Baking powder makes it so we don’t have to wait for our bagel dough to rise before baking. Instead, we can simply shape, then bake these bagels right away – super easy!

Greek Yogurt – Any plain and unsweetened Greek yogurt will work in this gluten-free bagels recipe! I even used Kite Hill’s non-dairy Greek yogurt to make my bagels dairy-free.

gluten-free bagels on a plate with cream cheese on the side.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: To make vegan and gluten-free bagels, use a vegan greek yogurt and leave off the egg wash.

gluten-free bagels on a baking sheet with cream cheese on the side.
4.03 from 77 votes

Magic 3-Ingredient Gluten-Free Bagels

These 3-ingredient gluten-free bagels are truly magic! No yeast, kneading, rising, or boiling in water required. Just three simple ingredients, and these bagels are ready to eat in 30 minutes!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 bagels

Ingredients

  • 2 cups gluten-free all purpose flour, see Noted
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • pinch of salt
  • 1-2 cups plain unsweetened Greek yogurt, dairy-free if necessary

For topping:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon water
  • pinch of salt
  • everything bagel seasoning, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, etc.

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400° Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free all purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, add in 1 cup of Greek yogurt and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
  • Using your hands, mix and form the dough into a smooth ball. If the dough seems too dry and won’t come together in a ball, add in more Greek yogurt – you may have to use an additional 1 cup of yogurt to reach the desired consistency.
  • Divide dough into 6 equal parts and shape each part into a ball. Use your thumbs to make a hole in the center of each ball, then gently pull to form a ring resembling a bagel.
  • Transfer bagels to the prepared baking sheet. Make the egg wash by whisking together the egg, water, and salt in a small bowl. Brush each bagel with egg wash and top with whatever toppings you’d like (or leave plain).
  • Bake bagels for 20-22 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking, until bagels are uniformly golden brown. Let cool slightly before slicing, topping, and eating.

Notes

  • Gluten-Free All Purpose Flour: Your gluten-free flour must contain xanthan gum, if it doesn’t add 1/2 teaspoon of xanthan gum to this recipe.
  • Gluten-free bagels will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Or, you can freeze them for up to 3 months! Because of the yogurt, these do not keep well at room temperature.

    • Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal
    View Post
    By
    Breakfast

    Almond Flour Banana Bread

    By
    sliced almond flour banana bread with chocolate chips

    Super healthy and delicious almond flour banana bread! Made with whole, good-for-you ingredients, perfectly sweet, and totally irresistible. Toast up a slice of this grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free banana bread as a comforting, yet nutritious breakfast, snack, or dessert.

    overhead image of almond flour banana bread

    What You’ll Need To Make Almond Flour Banana Bread

    Almond Flour – The one and only flour we use in this grain-free recipe is almond flour. Almond flour is a favorite among low-carb, gluten-free, and paleo recipes. It yields little-to-no flavor and, when done right, bakes up beautifully soft and tender. If you don’t already have a bag of almond flour in your pantry, I highly recommend you go pick some up. I’ve tried pretty much every brand of almond flour out there, and my favorite so far is this Anthony’s Almond Flour. Though whichever brand of almond flour you decide to use in this recipe, make sure it’s blanched almond flour, and not almond meal.

    Coconut Sugar – A quarter cup of coconut sugar is all you’ll need to sweeten up this healthy dessert recipe! The bananas yield some natural sweetness of their own, and a touch of coconut sugar helps bring that out. If you don’t have coconut sugar, you can use brown sugar in its place.

    Bananas – About two very ripe bananas should do the trick here! Or, however many mashed bananas you need to equal one cup. And while I feel like this goes without saying, make sure your bananas are super ripe for this recipe. You can tell a banana is ripe when it’s beginning to form large brown spots all around the outside peel.

    Chocolate Chips – While optional, chocolate chips make this almond flour banana bread extra indulgent and delicious! If you don’t have chocolate chips, you can easily use one cup of chopped chocolate instead. I recommend semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate for this recipe. And if you’re looking to keep your entire loaf paleo, use your favorite paleo chocolate chips, such as these Hu Kitchen Chocolate Gems.

    almond flour banana bread sliced

    Tips and Tricks

    • Instead of greasing your loaf pan, line it with parchment paper. Also, cut your parchment paper larger than the loaf pan, leaving its edges sticking out from the sides of your banana bread. This’ll make it easier to lift and remove your bread from its baking pan!
    • Leave the almond flour banana bread to cool completely (about an hour) before slicing. Then, once cool, I recommend slicing the bread all at once, before storing. Lastly, store the slices in an airtight container at either room temperature for 3 days, in the fridge for 7 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months!
    • For the ultimate slice of banana bread that’ll leave your tastebuds singing, toast it before eating! Then, once toasted, top that baby off with some vegan butter, ghee, peanut butter, and/or almond butter. Let me tell ya, toasted almond flour banana bread makes for the perfect afternoon snack or nightcap.
    the inside of almond flour banana bread

    Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Vegan: For a vegan grain-free banana bread, try replacing the eggs with three flax eggs. One flax egg equals one tablespoon of ground flax seed meal mixed into three tablespoons of water. While I haven’t tried this vegan option myself yet, I’m sure it’d work just fine!

    Make it Added Sugar-Free: Because the bananas are so naturally sweet, you can totally leave the coconut sugar out of this healthier dessert recipe.

    Almond Flour Banana Bread

    4 from 3 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: Snacks, Breakfast, DessertDifficulty: Easy
    Servings

    10

    slices
    Prep time

    10

    minutes
    Cooking time

    40

    minutes
    Total time

    50

    minutes

    Super healthy and delicious almond flour banana bread! Made with whole, good-for-you ingredients, perfectly sweet, and totally irresistible. Toast up a slice of this grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free banana bread as a comforting, yet nutritious breakfast, snack, or dessert.

    Ingredients

    • 2 1/2 cups almond flour

    • 1/4 cup coconut sugar

    • 1 teaspoon baking soda

    • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted

    • 1 cup mashed banana (about 2 very ripe bananas)

    • 3 eggs

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

    • 1 cup chocolate chips, optional

    Directions

    • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
    • Whisk together the almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and cinnamon in a large bowl.
    • Add in the melted coconut oil, mashed banana, eggs, and vanilla extract – mix until fully combined. Fold in chocolate chips if using, until evenly dispersed throughout batter.
    • Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the bread comes out clean. Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack, cool bread completely (about 1 hour) before slicing.

    Recipe Video

    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

    Ultimate Breakfast Bowl (a Maman Copycat!)

    By
    breakfast bowl with coffee and avocado on the side.

    Start your day off right with this fully loaded breakfast bowl! Crispy potatoes, homemade bourbon bacon ham, smoky chipotle aioli, and fresh avocado, all complete with a fried egg. This well-rounded meal is extra healthy, loaded with all the right nutrients to keep you feeling your BEST all morning long.

    breakfast bowl on a table with coffee and avocado on the side

    I stopped by the Maman in SoHo recently for breakfast with a friend. It was my first time eating an actual meal there (usually just stop by for coffee), and it took me exactly .02 seconds to decide what I wanted to order. The Papa’s Breakfast Bowl had my name written allllll over it. “roasted potatoes, bourbon bacon jam, a sunny egg & sliced avocado served with chipotle aioli,” sign me UP.

    fork cutting through egg yolk on a breakfast bowl

    What You’ll Need To Make The Ultimate Breakfast Bowl

    Potatoes – Either yellow potatoes or baby potatoes will work here! I love yellow potatoes for how beautifully they roast up. Perfectly crispy on the outside, while soft and creamy on the inside. I keep the roasted potatoes in this recipe as simple as possible, since we’ve got a few other things going on! Start by tossing them in salt and oil, then roast for 20 minutes. While the potatoes roast, you’ll have just enough time to make your bourbon bacon jam.

    Bacon – Any kind of bacon gets the job done. I used a standard no sugar-added bacon, since we’ll add some maple syrup to the jam later on. Though thick-cut or thin-cut makes no difference in this recipe.

    Bourbon – Don’t worry, the bourbon in this recipe is totally safe for people of all ages to consume! Once added to the caramelized onions, the alcohol is completely cooked off, leaving behind only the smoky, slightly sweet taste of bourbon. I personally love the little bit of oomph a touch of bourbon gives our savory jam, but if you’d like, you can definitely make this recipe without it.

    Mayonnaise – A few tablespoons of good quality mayo is the base to our chipotle aioli. When making aiolis, I always emphasize the importance of starting with a good quality, mild tasting mayo. I used Primal Kitchen’s Avocado Oil Mayo, which not only tastes delicious, but is much healthier than most other mayos on the market.

    Eggs – Maman’s version of this breakfast bowl comes with just one fried egg on top. However, you can certainly add as many eggs as you’d like! You even have the freedom to cook your eggs however you prefer them. Over easy, over hard, scrambled, poached, or boiled, your breakfast bowl will taste delicious no matter what!

    Microgreens – While cute and tasty, you don’t have to use microgreens in this recipe. You can certainly use any kind of green you’d like. Or, feel free to leave the greens out altogether.

    close-up image of a runny egg yolk on a breakfast bowl

    Adjust This Recipe To Your Dietary Needs

    Make it Vegetarian: The only meat in these breakfast bowls is the bacon. So, simply remove the bacon from the jam, and cook the onions in one tablespoon of avocado oil instead.

    Make it Paleo: Swap the yellow potatoes for white sweet potatoes for a paleo breakfast bowl! You’ll also want to omit the bourbon from the jam, and use a paleo-compliant mayonnaise in the chipotle aioli.

    Ultimate Breakfast Bowl (a Maman Copycat!)

    0 from 0 votes
    Recipe by Samantha Course: BreakfastDifficulty: Intermediate
    Servings

    2

    servings
    Prep time

    5

    minutes
    Cooking time

    25

    minutes
    Total time

    30

    minutes

    Start your day off right with this fully loaded breakfast bowl! Crispy potatoes, homemade bourbon bacon ham, smoky chipotle aioli, and fresh avocado, all complete with a fried egg. This well-rounded meal is extra healthy, loaded with all the right nutrients to keep you feeling your BEST all morning long.

    Ingredients

    • For the potatoes:

    • 3-4 yellow potatoes, cut into 2-inch pieces

    • 1 tablespoon avocado oil

    • salt, to taste

    • For the bourbon bacon jam:

    • 1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

    • 1 yellow onion, sliced

    • 1/4 cup bourbon

    • 1/4 cup maple syrup

    • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

    • small pinch cayenne pepper, optional

    • For the chipotle aioli:

    • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise

    • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

    • 1/8 teaspoon chipotle powder or 1/2 teaspoon adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers

    • 1/8 teaspoon salt

    • For the bowl:

    • 2 eggs, fried to your liking

    • 1/2 avocado, sliced

    • small handful microgreens, optional

    Directions

    • For the potatoes:
    • Preheat oven to 450° Fahrenheit and place all potato ingredients on a sheet pan, then toss potatoes to coat in oil and salt.
    • Roast potatoes for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
    • For the bourbon bacon jam:
    • Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat, until crispy. Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, then remove all but 1 tablespoon of bacon fat from skillet.
    • Add sliced onion to skillet and cook for 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until dark and beginning to caramelize.
    • Pour in bourbon and scrape up any brown bits from bottom of skillet, then add in maple syrup and balsamic vinegar. Cook 3-5 minutes or until thick and syrupy.
    • Add cooked bacon back into skillet along with pinch of cayenne pepper, cook for an additional 5 minutes then let cool slightly.
    • For the chipotle aioli:
    • Add all chipotle aioli ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
    • For the bowls:
    • Arrange bowls diving roasted potatoes between two bowls. Top each bowl with a fried egg, bourbon bacon jam, sliced avocado, small handful of microgreens, and a drizzle of chipotle aioli.

    Recipe Video

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share it and tag @samdoesherbest on Instagram!

    Like this recipe?

    Follow us @samdoesherbest on Pinterest

    View Post
    By