desserts Archives – Sam Does Her Best

Desserts

Healthy and Delicious Protein Desserts

By Samantha Russo February 7, 2026

4-Ingredient Protein Brownies

These 4-ingredient protein brownies are fudgy, chocolatey, and packed with 10 grams of protein per serving! They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, added sugar-free, and super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients. Perfect for a healthy dessert or post-workout snack!

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close up image of protein cookie skillet with chocolate chips on top.

Single Serve Protein Cookie Skillet (30g protein!)

This protein cookie skillet is a warm, gooey single-serve dessert with over 30 grams of protein! It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and made with simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect when you want a healthy cookie that tastes indulgent, this protein cookie skillet comes together in just minutes!

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Frozen Chocolate Protein Peanut Butter S’mores Bars

These Frozen Chocolate Protein Peanut Butter S’mores Bars are a chocolate protein twist on the nostalgic campfire classic. With graham crackers, creamy peanut butter, chocolate protein whipped cream, and a chocolate chip coating, they’re indulgent and seriously delicious! This no bake recipe is easy to make, freezer-friendly, and the perfect treat when you want something sweet and satisfying.

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overhead image of 3 ingredient protein cookies with a bite taken out.

3-Ingredient Protein Cookies (20g protein each!)

These 3 ingredient protein cookies are soft, chewy, naturally sweet, and packed with protein for the perfect healthy snack or post-workout treat! Made with banana, peanut butter, and protein powder, they’re quick to make, totally customizable, and naturally gluten-free and dairy-free. If you’re looking for an easy high-protein cookie recipe that tastes amazing and comes together in minutes, this is it!

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overhead image of cottage cheese cookie dough in a small dish.

5-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

This cottage cheese cookie dough recipe is a high-protein, no-bake treat made with just six wholesome ingredients! Blending cottage cheese with maple syrup and vanilla creates a creamy base, which is then combined with almond flour, vanilla protein powder, and chocolate chips for a delicious, edible cookie dough. It's an easy, healthy snack that's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while keeping your health on track!

Check out this recipe

a gluten-free cookie being dipped into 4 ingredient protein dunkaroo dip in a bowl.

High-Protein Dunkaroo Dip

This 4-ingredient Protein Dunkaroo Dip is a high-protein snack that's both healthy and delicious. Made with Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, and rainbow sprinkles, it’s ready in minutes. Packed with protein, it's a fun, nostalgic dip you'll love!

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overhead image of protein hostess cupcakes.

Protein Hostess Cupcakes (gluten-free!)

These Protein Hostess Cupcakes are a healthier twist on the nostalgic classic – rich, chocolatey, and totally delicious! Made with almond flour, chocolate protein powder, and a silky chocolate ganache, each cupcake packs 10 grams of protein. It’s the perfect healthier dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth and packs in protein!

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Protein Banana Bread (gluten-free + dairy-free!)

This protein banana bread recipe is soft, fluffy, and naturally sweetened! Each slice packs 10 grams of protein, making it a healthier twist on a classic recipe. It's perfect for breakfast, meal prep, or post-workout fuel. It’s even gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and made in just one bowl for the ultimate easy and healthy treat!

Check out this recipe

protein rice crispy treats stacked on a plate with mini marshmallows.

4-Ingredient Protein Rice Crispy Treats

These Protein Rice Crispy Treats are a no-bake, 4-ingredient protein snack with 10 grams of protein per square! Easy to make, gluten-free, and totally delicious, they’re a healthy twist on the classic treat.

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High-Protein S’mores Dip

This high protein s’mores dip is a quick and easy 4-ingredient recipe with over 30 grams of protein per serving! Made with Greek yogurt, chocolate protein powder, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips – it’s a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Perfect as a post-workout snack, party dip, or high protein dessert!

Check out this recipe

protein muffins on a table with chocolate chips on top.

6-Ingredient Protein Muffins (no added sugar!)

These easy protein muffins are made with just 6 simple ingredients in one bowl – perfect for a healthy, high-protein snack or breakfast. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened with applesauce, making them a nutritious option the whole family will love. With added vanilla protein powder and optional chocolate chips, these muffins are as delicious as they are nourishing!

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5 ingredient edible protein chocolate chip cookie dough in a small cup with a spoon.

5-Ingredient Edible Protein Cookie Dough

This 5-ingredient protein cookie dough is a healthy, gluten-free, and dairy-free treat packed with protein and sweetened with maple syrup. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for a post-workout snack or healthier dessert. Customize with your favorite mix-ins for a quick, delicious, and indulgent treat!

Check out this recipe

Protein Cookie Dough Bark

This 5-ingredient protein cookie dough bark recipe is a quick and healthy snack that’s gluten-free and high in protein! It's easy to customize with different flavors and can easily be made vegan or low-carb. Store this protein cookie dough bark in the freezer for a quick, guilt-free snack anytime!

Check out this recipe

single serve protein cookie with a bite taken out.

Single Serve Protein Cookie (30g protein!)

This single-serve protein cookie is the ultimate snack or post-workout treat, packed with over 25 grams of protein! It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and can easily be made vegan by using vegan protein powder. This cookie will soon become your go-to recipe when you need a quick and healthy sweet treat!

Check out this recipe

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Gluten-Free

Gluten-Free Thanksgiving Desserts Everyone Will Love

By Samantha Russo November 5, 2025

Thanksgiving dessert should be indulgent, cozy, and full of fall flavor – even when it’s gluten-free! Whether you’re hosting guests with dietary restrictions or just looking to lighten things up without sacrificing taste, these gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts are easy to make, totally delicious, and guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s face!

overhead image of a healthy gluten-free pecan pie bar.

6-Ingredient Healthy Gluten-Free Pecan Pie Bars

All the gooey, nutty sweetness of classic pecan pie — without the gluten, refined sugar, or complicated prep. These bars are rich, buttery, and perfectly chewy, made with just six wholesome ingredients.

gluten-free cornbread with milk on the side.

One-Bowl Gluten-Free Cornbread with Honey Butter

This cornbread is soft, slightly sweet, and made in one bowl for minimal cleanup. It’s the perfect side or dessert companion for Thanksgiving, especially when paired with a delicious honey butter!

Gluten-Free Cinnamon Sugar Apple Cake

Warm, spiced apples meet a soft, fluffy crumb in this gluten-free apple cake that tastes like fall in every bite. The cinnamon sugar topping gives it that irresistibly delicious finish.

healthy pumpkin muffins on a table with a small pumpkin.

Healthy One-Bowl Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins

Moist, fluffy, and perfectly spiced, these pumpkin muffins are a healthier twist on a seasonal favorite. They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup — perfect for breakfast or dessert.

gluten free apple crisp in a baking dish with a spoon and two scoops of ice cream on top.

Healthy Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Crispy, golden oat topping meets tender, cinnamon-coated apples in this better-for-you apple crisp. It’s cozy, comforting, and best served warm with a scoop of dairy-free ice cream.

Overhead image of gluten-free cinnamon rolls in a baking dish with cream cheese frosting on top.

The BEST Fluffy Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

Soft, gooey, and topped with a rich glaze, these gluten-free cinnamon rolls will fool even the biggest gluten lovers! They’re surprisingly easy to make and make the perfect Thanksgiving morning treat.

christmas crack pieces on a baking sheet with milk on the side

4-Ingredient Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Christmas Crack

This festive, crunchy, and perfectly sweet “Christmas Crack” is made with gluten-free crackers, dairy-free chocolate, and a caramel-like coconut sugar topping. It’s addictively delicious and makes a great make-ahead dessert or edible gift.

From gooey pecan pie bars to cozy apple crisp, these gluten-free Thanksgiving desserts prove that you don’t have to compromise flavor to enjoy your favorite holiday sweets. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, every recipe here is simple, wholesome, and absolutely irresistible – because everyone deserves a sweet ending to their Thanksgiving feast!

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Desserts

4-Ingredient Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cake

By Samantha Russo February 19, 2025

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This almond flour cake is light, moist, and easy to make. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and made with wholesome ingredients. You only need one bowl and a few pantry staples to create this delicious, crowd-pleasing dessert!

Can You Use Almond Flour For Cakes?

Yes, absolutely! Almond flour adds texture and flavor, and is loved by those following a paleo diet. Almond flour can be beneficial to someone looking to reduce their carbs, grains and sugar intake. Unlike wheat or rice flour blends, almond flour contains no grains so it won’t lead to a spike blood sugar. And after you make this cake, I highly recommend you use any leftover almond flour to make almond flour chocolate cookies and almond flour brownies – YUM!

gluten-free almond flour cake sliced on a plate.

What You’ll Need To Make Almond Flour Cake

Eggs – Bring your eggs to room temperature before using them in this recipe. Then, crack them into your bowl and beat them until super light and airy. The goal here is to introduce as much air to the eggs as possible, which will result in a lighter and fluffier cake!

Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb. Feel free to substitute with coconut sugar for a refined sugar-free option.

Almond Flour – I recommend the Bob’s Red Mill Super Fine Almond Flour for this grain-free recipe. The more finely ground the almond flour is, the lighter your cake will be. However, if you can’t find an almond flour labeled “super fine,” don’t worry – many are ground finely enough to work in this recipe. Also, avoid using almond meal, it’s heavier and will result in a more dense cake.

Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and adds fluffiness!

Lemon Zest – Let’s call is the secret ingredient! A pinch of lemon zest gives this almond flour cake a hint of tangy, citrus-y freshness. Without out, the cake tastes great, but with it, the cake tastes incredible. So if you’re looking to take this gluten-free dessert recipe up a notch, don’t forget the lemon zest.

overhead image of almond flour cake on a plate.

How to Make Almond Flour Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease an 8-inch cake pan.Beat eggs and sugar until pale and thick (about 5 minutes).
Add almond flour, baking powder, and lemon zest. Beat until just combined.
Pour batter into the pan and top with sliced almonds if using.
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool completely before serving.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

Beat the eggs for a full 5 minutes, no less! Beating the eggs until pale and thick is hands-down the most important part of this recipe. No matter how tempting it may be, don’t cut this step short!
For easy removal, I recommend baking this almond flour cake in a spring-form pan. Once done baking, gently run a butter knife along the inside edge of the pan to unstick it from the sides. Then, release the sides of the spring-form pan and list away the sides revealing your perfect cake!
Top this gluten-free cake however you’d like! I finished mine off with a generous dollop of coconut white cream and some fresh berries. This cake would also taste great with your favorite frosting, or a simple sprinkling of powdered sugar!
If you like cinnamon, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake for up to 3 months—just thaw it at room temperature before serving.

gluten-free almond flour cake sliced on a plate with powdered sugar on top.

4 from 6 votes

Perfect Almond Flour Cake

Perfectly light and fluffy almond flour cake! A totally irresistible dessert that’s grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free. This simple cake comes together in one bowl, with only a handful of simple ingredients.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 30

Cook Time: 40

Total Time: 1 10

Servings: servings

Ingredients

4 large eggs, at room temperature
1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 teaspoons lemon zest optional, but recommended
1/4 cup sliced almonds optional, for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and grease an 8-inch cake pan.
Beat together the eggs and sugar with either a hand or stand mixer on high speed until pale and thick, about 5 minutes.
Add in the almond flour, lemon zest (if using) and baking powder. Beat for another 30 seconds to one minute, until batter is just combined.
Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan and if you'd like, top with an even layer of sliced almonds (for extra crunch and decoration). Bake the cake 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the cake comes out clean.
Remove cake from the pan and let cool completely before garnishing and serving.

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30 Minutes or Less

High-Protein Cookie Dough Recipe

By Samantha Russo January 20, 2025

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Made with just 6 simple ingredients, it’s a healthier take on traditional cookie dough.
Packed with protein, making it perfect for a post-workout treat, quick snack, or fun dessert option.
Gluten-free and refined sugar-free, catering to various dietary preferences.
Quick and easy to make—no baking required, and ready in just minutes!

chocolate chip protein cookie dough on a spoon.

Toppings and Variations

Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate or nut butter on top for extra decadence.
Add-Ins: Mix in chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dried fruit for a fun twist.
Seasonal Flavors: Sprinkle in cinnamon, pumpkin spice, or a dash of peppermint extract to suit the season.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Dairy-Free: Use non-dairy greek yogurt, and ensure your protein powder and chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Make it Keto: Replace the maple syrup with a keto-friendly liquid sweetener like monk fruit syrup. Use sugar-free chocolate chips for a low-carb treat.

Storage Instructions

Store your protein cookie dough in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. If you prefer a firmer texture, chill it for an hour before serving. For longer storage, freeze individual portions and thaw as needed.

4.84 from 6 votes

5 Ingredient Edible Protein Cookie Dough

This 5-ingredient protein cookie dough is a healthy and gluten-free treat packed with protein and sweetened with maple syrup. Ready in minutes, it’s perfect for a post-workout snack or healthier dessert. Customize with your favorite mix-ins for a quick, delicious, and indulgent treat!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: servings

Equipment

1 small bowl

Ingredients

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/4 cup almond flour or oat flour
2 scoops (1 serving) vanilla protein powder
2 tablespoons peanut, almond, or cashew butter
1 tablespoon maple syrup
3 tablespoons chocolate chips

Instructions

Add all the ingredients except the chocolate chips to a large bowl and stir to combine.
Then, fold in the chocolate chips and enjoy!

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30 Minutes or Less

Healthy Edible Brownie Batter

By Samantha Russo October 8, 2024

If we’re being completely honest, I’m not sure the last day I went without eating any chocolate. I always manage to have at least a little chocolate throughout my day, and then of course, to end my day. My chocolate of choice is usually something I can quick and easy, that I can just grab-and-go. Recently I’ve had a batch of my 3-ingredient healthy crunch bars stored in my freezer which have been fabulous! And next to those, are my last batch of healthy homemade date caramels – SO GOOD.

To keep my daily chocolate streak going, I decided to add yet another chocolatey treat to the mix. *Enter healthy edible brownie batter, made with just 5 ingredients!* This edible brownie checks all of my boxes. One, it’s chocolate. Two, it’s super easy to make. Three, there’s no baking require. And four, it’s entirely gluten-free, dairy-free, and low sugar! SO if you’re anything like me and just can’t live without at least a bite of chocolate to get you through the day, then you’re going to love this edible brownie batter. Enjoy, friends! And if you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and review. I always appreciate your support so so much!

healthy edible brownie batter in a jar on a tea towel.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy to make and comes together in just minutes! It’s perfect for when you want a quick, indulgent treat that’s also healthier than traditional brownie batter. Plus, it’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be adjusted for vegan or low-carb diets.

What You Need to Make Edible Brownie Batter

Butter or Coconut Oil: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the batter. Coconut oil keeps the recipe dairy-free and adds a subtle tropical flavor, while butter offers a more classic taste.
Milk (Non-Dairy or Dairy): Helps create a smooth, spreadable consistency. You can use any milk, but non-dairy versions like almond or oat milk work great for a plant-based option.
Coconut Sugar or Brown Sugar: Sweetens the batter naturally, with coconut sugar providing a lower-glycemic option than regular sugar, while brown sugar brings a caramel-like sweetness.
Almond Flour or All-Purpose Flour: Almond flour keeps this recipe gluten-free and adds a slightly nutty flavor. If you plan on doing a lot of healthy, gluten-free baking, I recommend buying your almond flour in bulk on Amazon to save money! But If you’re not gluten-sensitive, regular all-purpose flour works too. But if you’re going to use all-purpose flour, make sure you heat-treat it first to ensure it’s safe to eat in this brownie batter.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Adds that rich, deep chocolate flavor to give the batter its brownie taste.
Chocolate Chips: The final touch for a bit of texture and extra chocolatey goodness. I use and love the Guittard extra dark chocolate chips in all of my chocolate recipes (they’re dairy-free btw!).

Is it Safe to Eat?

Yes, this recipe is completely safe to eat! There are no raw eggs involved, and if you use almond flour, you avoid any potential issues with uncooked all-purpose flour. If using regular flour, be sure to heat-treat it first by microwaving or baking it to ensure it’s safe to consume.

healthy edible brownie batter in a small jar with a spoon.

How to Make Edible Brownie Batter

Making this brownie batter couldn’t be easier! Simply mix together all the ingredients, fold in your chocolate chips, and enjoy right away. There’s no need for baking or any fancy equipment.

Storage Tips

Store your edible brownie batter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it come to room temperature for a few minutes for a softer texture. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Switch Up The Flavors of This Edible Brownie Batter

This edible brownie batter is delicious as-is, but you can easily switch up the flavors to keep things exciting! Try adding a pinch of sea salt, a splash of vanilla extract, or even some crushed nuts for extra crunch. For a minty twist, mix in a drop of peppermint extract!

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Vegan: Use coconut oil and non-dairy milk, and opt for dairy-free chocolate chips.
Low Carb: Swap out the coconut sugar for a low-carb sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener.
Nut-Free: Use all-purpose flour instead of almond flour and replace any nut-based ingredients with allergy-friendly alternatives.

Healthy, Gluten-Free, and Low-Sugar!

This edible brownie batter is a healthier alternative to traditional recipes, with just 5 ingredients and no refined sugar. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made vegan, making it a great guilt-free treat you can whip up anytime.

4.20 from 5 votes

Healthy Edible Brownie Batter

This simple and healthy edible brownie batter recipe is made with just 5 ingredients, is gluten-free, and can easily be adjusted to fit various dietary needs. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your brownie cravings without any baking required!

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: servings