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30 Minutes or Less

Healthier Caramelized Apples

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Sweet, tart, and warm – my caramelized apples recipe is an easy-to-make healthy Fall dessert, perfect to eat with a scoop of ice cream. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and even vegan too!

How to Make Caramelized Apples

Yay, more apple-based recipes! I have so many I need to use after all that apple picking I did in September, so hopefully this simple recipe can come in handy for you this Fall, too.

For this recipe, the apples are sautéed in butter, sugar, and cinnamon until tender and caramelized. They can then be added to sweet or savory dishes from pancakes to roasted pork loin, or be eaten directly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

What Does Caramelization Mean?

One thing to keep in mind that often gets confused is that caramelized apples are not caramel apples! Caramelization is actually the browning of sugar used in cooking for the resulting sweet nutty flavor and brown color. 

healthier caramelized apples in a skillet with a spoon.

What You’ll Need to Make Caramelized Apples

  • Apples – Use 2-3 gala, granny smith, or any other firm cooking apple.
  • Butter – I used non-dairy.
  • Sugar – I used coconut sugar, but white sugar or brown sugar would also taste great!
  • Cinnamon

Tips and Tricks

What Are The Best Apples to Use For Caramelization?

The best apples to use for this recipe are a firm apples such as Granny Smith, Fuji, Gala or Honeycrisp. Most people prefer Granny Smith because they are tart, which pairs perfectly with the sweet buttery caramelized sauce. It’s not a good idea to use a softer apple because they will fall apart while cooking.

What to make with caramelized apples?

Caramelized apples can be used on top of ice cream, on your pancakes, or as a pie filling. You can also use caramelized apples in savory dishes like chicken or turkey if you enjoy a sweeter taste to your meals. But honestly, you can use caramelized apples on almost anything you want!

How to Store Caramelized Apples?

Once cooled, place it in a jar with a tight fitting lid and refrigerate. It should keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

5 from 4 votes

Healthier Caramelized Apples

Sweetly tart and thoroughly warming, my vegan and refined sugar free caramelized apples recipe is an easy-to-make healthy Fall dessert, perfect to eat with a scoop of icecream.
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • large saucepan

Ingredients

  • 2-3 whole apples
  • 1 tablespoon butter I used non-dairy butter
  • 2 tablespoons sugar I used coconut sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

  • Slice apples into even-sized pieces.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan before adding in the sugar, apples, and cinnamon.
  • Cook for 4-5 minutes, tossing apples every minute or so until tender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 84kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 2.9g | Sugar: 11g

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Dairy-Free

The BEST Almond Flour Brownies (gluten free & dairy-free!)

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close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.

Perfectly rich and chocolatey almond flour brownies! Super easy to make with just one bowl and 8 ingredients. These brownies are my all-time favorite grain-free, dairy-free, and healthy dessert recipe!

overhead image of almond flour brownies.

What You’ll Need to Make Almond Flour Brownies

Almond Flour – Duh! Almond flour is the star of this show. I highly recommend blanched super-fine almond flour for these gluten-free brownies. I use and love this Bob’s Red Mill Almond Flour in all of my almond flour recipes!

Sugar – I used coconut sugar in my almond flour brownies to make them refined sugar-free. Coconut sugar is just as sweet and tasty as regular sugar, but less processed! However, you can totally use whatever kind of sugar you have on-hand.

Chocolate Chips – Plenty of chocolate chips for these double chocolate brownies! You’ll melt one cup and beat them into the batter, then add 1/2 cup of whole chocolate chips in at the very end. The result is ultra rich and chocolatey brownies, YUM!

three almond flour brownies stacked on top of each other.

Tips and Tricks

  • Beat the eggs and sugar together until super light and fluffy. This is what gives us that crisp, crackly brownie top!
  • Serve these almond flour brownies warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream! I just LOVE turning this dessert into brownie sundaes, such a delicious and decadent treat.
  • Go ahead, add a handful of chopped walnuts to these brownies if you’d like! I personally don’t see anything wrong with walnuts in brownies, so have fun and make these your own.
close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: Simply swap the eggs for your favorite vegan egg substitute. I haven’t tested this option myself just yet, so if you do let me know how it works in the comments!

Make it Paleo: For paleo brownies, use coconut sugar in this recipe, and use either paleo chocolate chips or a chopped paleo chocolate bar. I recommend Hu Kitchen Chocolate Baking Gems!

Don’t Forget to Try These Almond Flour Recipes!

close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.
4.72 from 14 votes

Almond Flour Brownies

Perfectly rich and chocolatey almond flour brownies! Super easy to make with just one bowl and 8 ingredients. These brownies are my all-time favorite grain-free, dairy-free, and healthy dessert recipe!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar, I used coconut sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs with either a hand or stand mixer. Continue beating for 3-5 minutes, until super light and fluffy.
  • Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is just combined, careful not to over-mix.
  • In a separate small bowl, add the olive oil and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate chips are fully melted.
  • Pour melted chocolate chips and olive oil into the brownie batter, and stir to combine. Then, fold in the remaining chocolate chips.
  • Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just barely set. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • These almond flour brownies will stay fresh in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 1 week. That is… if they last that long!

    • Nutrition

    Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 4.5g | Fat: 16g | Sugar: 20g
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    Dairy-Free

    Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt Bites

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    cookie dough frozen yogurt bites cut in half

    I’ve seen variations of these frozen yogurt bites all over social media. But I haven’t seen a cookie dough version yet! And because cookie dough is like kinda my thing (see: gluten-free edible cookie dough, healthy cookie dough bark, no-bake cookie dough bars) I figured I’d take it upon myself to develop one.

    cookie dough frozen yogurt bites on a plate.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    These Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt Bites are a perfect combination of creamy, rich coconut yogurt and crunchy chocolate chips, all wrapped in a smooth chocolate coating. They’re incredibly easy to make, gluten-free, dairy-free, and can even be made vegan! The perfect bite-sized treat to enjoy any time of day, whether you’re craving a sweet snack or a healthy dessert alternative.

    What You Need to Make These Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt Bites

    Coconut Yogurt: A dairy-free alternative that provides a creamy base for the frozen bites. Rich in probiotics and perfect for those looking for a non-dairy option. I use and love Cocojune plain unsweetened coconut yogurt!

    Cashew Butter: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and a creamy, thick texture to the yogurt mixture. You can substitute it with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

    Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the yogurt mixture without refined sugar, keeping the recipe healthy and low-glycemic.

    Mini Chocolate Chips: Provide the “cookie dough” flavor with their slight crunch and delicious chocolate flavor. I recommend Enjoy Life’s dairy-free mini chocolate chips in this recipe!

    Chocolate Chips & Coconut Oil: The melted chocolate forms the crunchy outer shell, with coconut oil helping to make it silky and smooth for easy dipping.

    holding a cookie dough frozen yogurt bite sliced in half.

    Tips and Tricks For the Best Frozen Yogurt Bites

    • Make sure to freeze the yogurt bites completely before dipping them in the melted chocolate to prevent them from melting.
    • Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized bites that are easy to dip and eat.
    • For a thicker chocolate coating, dip each bite twice, allowing the chocolate to harden between dips.

    Switch Up The Flavors

    • Try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to the yogurt mixture for a peanut butter cookie dough twist.
    • Substitute the mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different texture and flavor.
    • Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the dipped bites to balance the sweetness with a salty kick!

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    • Vegan Option: Ensure the yogurt and chocolate chips you use are dairy-free.
    • Nut-Free Option: Swap the cashew butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative.
    cookie dough frozen yogurt bites cut in half
    5 from 1 vote

    Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt Bites

    This cookie dough frozen yogurt bites recipe is made with just a few wholesome ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and free of refined sugars, making it a healthy, delicious snack option!
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Freezing Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings

    Equipment

    • small bowl
    • baking sheet

    Ingredients

    For the frozen yogurt:

    • 1 cup non-dairy yogurt plain and unsweetened
    • 2 tablespoons protein powder optional
    • 1/4 cup cashew butter or any nut/seed butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

    For the chocolate coating:

    • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

    Instructions

    • Add all frozen yogurt ingredients except the mini chocolate chips to a bowl and mix until smooth and combined. Then, stir in the mini chocolate chips.
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and use either a medium-large cookie scoop to scoop dollops of the frozen yogurt mixture onto the making sheet, slightly spacing each one apart.
    • Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until the yogurt is completely solid.
    • Melt together the chocolate chips and coconut oil in either the microwave or over a double boiler, until completely smooth. Remove the frozen yogurt bites from the freezer and dip each one into the melted chocolate to coat, then transfer back to the baking sheet.
    • Once all frozen yogurt bites have been dipped in chocolate, return to the freezer for at least another 30 minutes, or until chocolate has hardened. Either store in the freezer for enjoy later on, or take one out to enjoy right away!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Sugar: 11g
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    30 Minutes or Less

    Healthy Apple Pie Protein Smoothie

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    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
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    Dairy-Free

    Healthy Gluten Free Cosmic Brownies

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    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
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    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
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