Category dessert

These Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts with Pecans and Almonds are lightly sweetened, with just the right amount of spice. They make a great party appetizer or holiday gift!

*This post was originally published 12/2013. Updated 2017 and 2022*

Hi Friends!

When I originally made this recipe I was on a big almond kick so I made them with just almonds. Since then, I’ve tweaked and updated the recipe and found that making them with pecans is actually my favorite, followed by a mix of almonds and pecans, but if you’re a walnut lover you could definitely throw those in as well.

Sweet and Spicy Mixed Nuts

These nuts are actually inspired by the sweet and spicy pecans from Trader Joe’s that I absolutely love. When I first tried to recreate them, I just focused on the sweet and spicy. I tried using sriracha – don’t do that 🙂 Then I tried just cayenne pepper, which worked alright.

But after many attempts, the secret seems to be in the combination of spices. Mixing cinnamon, ginger and cinnamon on the sweet side with chili powder and cayenne pepper on the spicy side gives them a depth of flavor that I love!

Sweet and Spicy Pecans and Almonds

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Here’s the recipe I used:

Sweet and Spicy Nuts Recipe

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Sweet & Spicy Mixed Nuts

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★★★★

4 from 1 review

A lightened-up, healthier version of your favorite candied nuts- with a kick!

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

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• 4 cups raw nuts (I usually use almonds, walnuts & pecans or do all pecans)
• 1 egg white
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 2  tsp cayenne pepper (more if you want- I use 2.5 – 3 tsp!)
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Place the nuts in a large bowl.
2. In a bowl, whisk the egg white and water together until foamy.
3. Pour over nuts and stir to coat.
4. Add sugar and spices and stir to coat.
5. Pour nuts onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake at 300 degrees F for 15 minutes. Stir and bake 15 minutes more.
7. Remove from oven, let cool and break apart large clusters.

Notes

I’ve updated this recipe to improve it but here’s the original recipe – 3 cups raw nuts (I used almonds, walnuts & pecans, 1 egg white + 1 Tablespoon water + 1/4 cup sugar + 1.5 tsp cayenne pepper

These are addicting! I’d definitely recommend the parchment paper- makes cleanup a breeze!  Feel free to adjust the sugar and spice to your liking. These are not overly sweet but they’re perfect for me. The sweetness hits you first and the spice kicks in later! You could easily increase the sugar from 1/3 to 1/2 cup.

These make a great gift for the holidays! Make a double batch and split them up into cute holiday bags or mason jars and voila! Need more homemade gift ideas? Check out these Edible Christmas Gift Ideas.

Want more recipes using nuts?

Chipotle & Rosemary Spiced Nuts

The perfect savory nut blend with just a little bit of heat! Perfect for a party appetizer!

Grab the recipe!

Lemon Energy Balls

Bursting with citrus flavor, these Lemon Energy balls make the perfect snack. Made with just 5 ingredients, they’re gluten-free, paleo-friendly and perfect for stashing in the fridge or freezer!

Grab the recipe!

Puppy Chow Almonds

These Puppy Chow Almonds are a fun twist on a classic treat. The nuts add an extra boost of protein and healthy fats, making it perfect for a special snack or dessert!

Grab the recipe!

Sweet & Spicy Roasted Party Nuts

A delicious mix of nuts, pepitas, maple syrup and fresh rosemary that are absolutely irresistible.

Grab the recipe!

The Best Crispy Spiced Nuts

This Spiced Nuts Recipe with cinnamon and chili is a delicious fall or holiday snack, appetizer or they make a great gift. The maple and spice coating is made with egg whites which is a great way to give them the best crispy texture!

Grab the recipe!

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Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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This Graham Cracker Toffee Bars recipe is a Christmas cookie tray staple! Everyone will love this classic dessert and it’s the perfect quick, easy holiday treat!

*Originally published in 2017. Updated 12/2022*

Hi friends!

I’ve been making these Graham Cracker Toffee Squares for as long as I can remember. They are a staple on every tray of Christmas cookie tray I make and I have a tin of them in my fridge for most of the month of December as I can’t resist making a new batch as soon as I run out.

Christmas Crack Graham Cracker Toffee Bars

This dessert is really nothing new. I’m sure a lot of you have made your own versions but over the years I feel like I’ve perfected mine and it seemed like it was worth sharing! While I definitely wouldn’t call this healthy, it does use significantly less butter and sugar than most similar recipes and tastes just as good (in my opinion!

What toffee for graham cracker toffee bars?

I get a lot of questions about what toffee I use in this recipe and here’s what I buy: Heath Bits O’Brickle English Toffee Bits. They have them in the baking aisle at most grocery stores. You can pretty much use the whole bag for this recipe. Use one heaping cup on top of the graham crackers and sprinkle the rest on top once you add the chocolate.

Graham Cracker Toffee Crack

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I love topping mine with Christmas m&ms to make it festive but really you could top it with whatever you want. When my mom used to make it she would top it with slivered almonds and extra chocolate chips.

If my kids had their way, ours would also have Christmas sprinkles on it. Speaking of kids….this recipe is so easy even toddlers can make it! So you’ve got no excuse not to try!

Graham Cracker Toffee Recipe

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Graham Cracker Toffee Bars

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★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

This Graham Cracker Toffee Bars recipe is a Christmas cookie tray staple! Everyone will love this classic dessert and it’s the perfect quick, easy holiday treat!

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 15
• Cook Time: 10
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 squares 1x

Ingredients

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• 12 – 14 graham cracker squares
• 8 Tbsp butter
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 cup toffee pieces + extra for topping (I use the Heath Bits O’ Brickle Toffee Pieces in the baking aisle)
• 2 cups dark chocolate chips
• m&ms for topping

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Instructions

1. Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Add sugar and mix well.
3. Line a foil-lined large rimmed baking sheet with squares of graham crackers.
4. Top with butter & sugar mixture and use a brush to coat all of the crackers.
5. Sprinkle with toffee piece and bake at 350 degrees F for 8 mins.
6. Remove from oven, sprinkle chocolate chips all over the top and eturn to oven for 2 minutes.
7. Remove from oven and spread melted chocolate chips into an even layer over top of crackers.
8. Sprinkle with extra toffee pieces and chopped m&ms.
9. Let cool completely and break or cut into pieces and store in the fridge.

Notes

Try using different colors of candy to make this a treat for other holidays, too!

See what I mean? So easy!

I hope you guys enjoy these as much as I do. I’ve been doing a lot of baking this week and I sent a lot of the treats into the office with my hubby…But not these. These I kept all for myself 🙂

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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These Chickpea Buckeyes are a healthier buckeye recipe – a twist on a classic dessert! They’re full of flavor with an extra boost of fiber as well. 

*Originally published 2014. Updated 2017 & 2022*

Hi Friends!

Let’s talk dessert today, shall we? If you’re from Ohio, or even if you’re not, you’ve probably heard of the classic dessert called Buckeyes. They’re basically sweet balls of peanut butter mixed with butter and powdered sugar, dipped in chocolate to resemble the buckeye nut.

A few years ago, I shared a twist on this classic and this year I remade the recipe and decided to give it a little photo upgrade! Have you tried the healthier peanut butter cookie dough dip made with chickpeas? That’s the basic premise of these Buckeyes.

Chickpea Buckeye Recipe

Instead of peanut butter, butter and powdered sugar, we’re replacing the butter with chickpeas! I originally made these using oat flour which is what you see in the photos. I’ve updated and improved the recipe as noted below and it no longer requires oats.

Please note I have nothing against regular Buckeyes. If you’re looking for a treat, go enjoy a few. This recipe is designed for people who are specifically looking for a version with a few more nutrients.

I even gave one to my daughter the other night as part of her dinner! Healthy fats and fiber for the win!

Here’s how you make them:

Easy Chickpea Buckeye Recipe

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Chickpea Buckeyes

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★5 Stars☆★4 Stars☆★3 Stars☆★2 Stars☆★1 Star☆

No reviews

A healthy twist on traditional Buckeyes.

• Author: Lindsay L
• Yield: 20 buckeyes 1x

Ingredients

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• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinse
• 3/4 cup peanut butter
• 1– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 Tbsp milk, if needed
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips, melted

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Instructions

1. In a food processor, blend the chickpeas.
2. Add peanut butter and vanilla and blend again.
3. Add powdered sugar and blend. If it looks too dry, you can add 1 Tbsp milk.
4. Roll into balls. The dough may be a little sticky so using damp hands can help.
5. Put the balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to overnight. You can also freeze them for 30 minutes.
6. Place chocolate chips in a bowl and microwave until melted. (If you want you can mix in a little coconut oil for a thinner and harder shell but it also adds some coconut flavor which not everyone likes.
7. Stick a toothpick into center of balls and dip in chocolate.
8. Place back onto cookie sheet, remove the toothpick and pat hole closed.
9. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

This recipe has been updated and improved. The original recipe is as follows in case you’re interested -2 cups chickpeas, 1 cup natural peanut butter, 3 tablespoons agave nectar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract & ⅓ cup oat flour. Mix in a bowl and dip in melted chocolate.

Super simple! Do they taste exactly like the original? No. But they’re a pretty darn good substitute if you’re looking for one!

Chickpea Buckeye Balls Recipe

Want more ways to eat chickpeas?

• Peanut Butter Chickpea Bars
• How To Roast Chickpeas
• Easy Recipes Using Chickpeas

And if you want an original buckeye recipe without chickpeas, try:

• Buckeye Recipe
• Easy Buckeye Recipe

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Looking for pumpkin puree dessert recipes that are not pumpkin pie? Here are 20+ desserts from pumpkin cake to pumpkin bars to no-bake pumpkin desserts to choose from!

*Originally published November 2021. Updated Sept 2022*

Hi friends!

When you think of pumpkin recipes easy dessert is probably the first thing that comes to mind, right? Obviously, pumpkin pie is a classic dessert recipe. However, if you’re like me, you may not get all that excited about pumpkin pie. I think it’s just average.

Easy Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

The good news is, there are a lot of other dessert options out there that can give you the pumpkin flavor you love, just not in pumpkin pie form. That’s right- easy pumpkin dessert recipes come in all forms, from cookies to cheesecake to bars to no-bake desserts!

By choosing one of these pumpkin recipes, dessert is taken care of!

Canned Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Bars

An easy pumpkin dessert recipe with canned pumpking, these Dairy-free Pumpkin Bars are so easy to whip up for a snack or dessert! They require just one bowl and one measuring cup! 

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies are soft and fluffy and topped with an easy cream cheese frosting. One of the best easy pumpkin dessert recipes with canned pumpkin!

Grab the recipe!

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

If you’re looking for canned pumpkin recipes to make dessert you should try these! Bake them in muffin tins with Biscoff cookies for the crust!

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Skillet Cake

No mixing bowl is required for this Pumpkin Skillet Cake! You can make the whole thing right in the skillet. Light, fluffy and easy to make, it’s the perfect fall dessert recipe!

Read more

3 Layer Pumpkin Brownies

Add this to your arsenel of pumpkin puree dessert recipes. These 3 layer brownies are sure to impress! A rich chocolate brownie, a layer of pumpkin and topped off with chocolate frosting.

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Gingerbread

Of the pumpkin dessert recipes easy enough for anyone to make, yet still a crowd-pleaser, this pumpkin gingerbread tops the list. Delicious gingerbread topped with maple pecan icing.

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Spice Cracker Toffee

An easy Fall dessert with a graham cracker base. It comes together quickly and is guaranteed to please a crowd.

Grab the recipe!

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No Bake Easy Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

When you need something quick and easy with no oven required, no bake easy pumpkin dessert recipes are the answer! You can whip any of these recipes up in no time and they’re guaranteed to please a crowd!

Pumpkin Lasagna

With layers of graham crackers, cream cheese, jello pudding and cool whip, this dessert lasagna is hard to resist!

Grab the recipe!

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Ice Box Cake

A pumpkin pie dessert recipe that’s easier than pumpkin pie? Try this No Bake Pumpkin Pie Ice Box Cake!

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle

When it comes to super easy pumpkin dessert recipes, no bake recipes are a must try! This trifle has a delicious, no-bake pumpkin cheesecake filling, plus layers of a crunchy crumble and is topped with fresh whipped cream!

Grab the recipe!

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Pumpkin Puree Dessert Recipes

Grab a can of 100% pumpkin and get to work making one of these delicious pumpkin puree dessert recipes! They’re great for Fall but honestly, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy them year round.

Pumpkin Pecan Bars

Canned pumpkin dessert recipes are endless! These Pumpkin Pecan Bars are made with a gingersnap crust, creamy pumpkin filling and a toffee topping!

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Pie Bars

One of the pumpkin bar dessert recipes you’ll want to try this year. It starts by using yellow cake mix so you know it’s simple!

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Cake with Yellow Cake Mix

Easy pumpkin recipes for dessert can start with cake mix! Bake it in your favorite pan and add some cream cheese icing for a no-fail dessert!

Grab the recipe!

Easy Pumpkin Pudding Cake

Some easy canned pumpkin dessert recipes take just 10 minutes to put together! This pudding cake makes its own caramel sauce as it cooks and is guaranteed to be a favorite!

Grab the recipe!

Pecan Magic Pumpkin Bars

One of the best canned pumpkin dessert recipes you’ll find. This one uses pumpkin pie filling with the spices already mixed in a for a quick and easy dessert everyone will love.

Grab the recipe!

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Gluten-Free Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

If you’re looking for gluten-free pumpkin dessert recipes, here are a few options! Great for those following a gluten-free diet but tasty enough to be enjoyed by all!

Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

Looking for gluten free pumpkin dessert recipes? This cheesecake dip fits the bill! Serve it with your favorite gluten-free crackers or waffles for a fun treat!

Grab the recipe!

Pumpkin Pie Peanut Butter Cups

These homemade Pumpkin Pie Peanut Butter Cups are better than Reese’s for dessert and have a fun fall flavor twist! Make a batch today and keep them in the freezer to enjoy in the weeks ahead.

Grab the recipe!

Paleo Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Gluten-free pumpkin dessert recipes are never lacking in flavor! These snickerdoodle cookie bars are grain-free, dairy-free and full of pumpkin flavor!

Grab the recipe!

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Vegan Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

It’s always good to have some vegan pumpkin dessert recipes in your repetoire so that you can provide options to friends and family who may follow a vegan diet. And these recipes are so delicious, they can be enjoyed by anyone!

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars

Need more vegan pumpkin dessert recipes? Try these Vegan Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars! They have an oatmeal crust, a creamy pumpkin filling and an oat crumble on top!

Grab the recipe!

20 Minute No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake

This cheesecake is one of the best vegan pumpkin dessert recipes. Ready in 20 minutes, it doesn’t get much easier!

Grab a recipe!

Vegan Layered Pumpkin Dessert

This vegan pumpkin dessert recipe can easily be made in individual servings or in a large pan!

Grab the recipe!

If you’re looking to go beyond pumpkin pie this year, I hope this roundup of pumpkin dessert recipes gives you some good options!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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These Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are easy to make and you’d never guess they’re gluten-free!

Hi friends!

These Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies have quickly become my new go-to cookie recipe. Since going gluten-free last summer, I’ve been on a quest to find a new cookie recipe that is both easy to make and enjoyable to eat. After much internet research and trying a few duds, I found this recipe from Meaningful Eats. It was delicious. But it was just a little too much work for me. It involves browning butter which, while delicious, is rarely something I’m in the mood to do.

After several rounds of tweaks, I’ve come up with my own recipe inspired by Erin’s and I’m so happy with it. 

Chewy Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s what you need:

• Butter – I cut back on the butter by replacing half with almond butter because I think it adds a little depth of flavor. I tried replacing all the butter with almond butter and didn’t love the outcome so I wouldn’t recommend it!
• Almond butter – you could also substitute peanut butter
• Egg 
• Vanilla – for flavor!
• Almond flour – I’m not personally a fan of gluten-free cookies made solely with almond flour, but this recipe has just enough to add a little chewiness!
• Brown sugar – It helps make these cookies a little chewier than white sugar
• 1:1 Gluten-free flour – I love King Arthur measure for measure and have not tried this recipe with any other brands. If you use another brand, make sure it has xanthan gum in it!
• Baking soda
• Chocolate chips

These cookies are really simple to mix together. Note that while you’re stirring the dough may seem a little dry but you should be able to just mix them enough to get all the flour to mix in!

The only other note is that for best results, the cookie dough needs to sit for 20 minutes. I’ve noticed that when baking with gluten-free flour, cookies can come out a little gritty and grainy unless you let the dough rest first. 

Here’s the recipe:

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Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

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★★★★★

5 from 1 review

These Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are easy to make and you’d never guess they’re gluten-free!

• Author: Lindsay
• Yield: 16–18 cookies 1x

Ingredients

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4 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup almond butter
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup almond flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup + 2 Tbsp King Arther Measure for Measure Gluten-free Flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup chocolate chips
sea salt for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, add butter and almond butter. Microwave 1 minute or until butter is melted.
2. Stir in egg, brown sugar, almond flour and vanilla and mix well.
3. Spoon measure for measure flour into a measuring cup and level across the top and add to the bowl along with 2 more tablespoons. Do not scoop into the container or you’ll end up with too much flour.
4. Add baking soda and stir until combined. The dough may seem slightly dry but you should be able to mix just enough to get all the flour to mix in.
5. Stir in chocolate chips then let the dough sit for 20 minutes.
6. Scoop onto lined baking sheet, sprinkle with sea salt and bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. You should be able to make 16-18 cookies.
7. Let cool 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

For a sweeter cookie, you can increase to 3/4 cup brown sugar.

You can sub peanut butter for almond butter if desired.

If you use a different brand of GF flour, make sure it contains xanthan gum.

Don’t they look delicious?!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Make your celebration special with these Bite-Sized Valentine’s Day Desserts! These tasty treats are a fun, easy way to celebrate the one you love!

Hi Friends!

February is fast approaching so I wanted to share some bite-sized Valentine’s Day desserts with you guys! Hubby and I have a Valentine’s Day tradition of making a fancy dinner at home, mainly because it’s more convenient than going to a restaurant…not to mention cheaper!

I’ve been thinking about the menu for this year I still have no idea what to make for the main course, I’ve got lots of dessert inspiration… so I thought I’d share it with you.

Nutella and Cherry Hand Pies via Wonky Wonderful  or these Strawberry Hand Pies via Well Plated. They’re like pop tarts, but better!

Red Wine Chocolate Truffles via Dessert for Two. Rich, decadent and impressive but easily made in your own kitchen. 

Healthy Brownie Bites via The Lean Green Bean. Bite-sized brownie goodness. Top with peanut butter or a more festive frosting!

Oreo Balls via Peas and Crayons. A classic treat both kids and adults will love. 

Mini Vanilla Bean Cheesecakes via That Skinny Chick Can Bake. Who needs a whole cheesecake when you can have these adorable minis!

Homemade Ferrero Rocher Truffles via View From The Great Island. Skip the store and make your own!

Meringue Cookie Kisses via Meals Heels and Cocktails (not pictured) The pink and white swirls make them perfect for Valentine’s day!

 

Love Monster Energy Bites via The Creative Bite. How cute are these for kid lunches?!

Strawberry Rice Krispie Treat Hearts via Inside Bru Crew Life. Jazz up a classic treat for the holiday!

Strawberry Dark Chocolate Brownie Bites via Cotter Crunch. Freeze-dried strawberries make everything pretty in pink!

Deep Dish Red Velvet Cookies for Two via Show Me The Yummy. The perfect dessert for you and your one and only!

Vegan Raspberry Almond Butter Brownies via Hummusapien. Cut this batch into bites and get creative with your toppings!

Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cakes via Iowa Girl Eats. The most impressive dessert that’s actually super easy to make!

Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Mousse via The Real Food RDs (not pictured) Satisfy your sweet tooth with a few bites of this mousse!

Let’s chat:
What’s your favorite dessert?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

 

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These Peppermint Sweet Potato Brownies are the perfect holiday dessert! They’re gluten-free and sweetened with dates. Add them to a Christmas cookie tray or bring them to a potluck or party.

Hi friends!

These Peppermint Sweet Potato Brownies are likely the only new holiday recipe you’ll get from me this year but man are they delicious. They’re basically just a slight twist on my Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies. I made a couple of small changes and BAM! A perfectly festive recipe that would make a fun addition to a holiday cookie tray and would also be perfect at your Christmas party, office potluck, etc.

These beauties are made in the food processor. Have I mentioned I love my Cuisinart food processor (affiliate link). It’s by far my most used kitchen appliance and my absolute fav for baking because it’s so easy to add all sorts of nutrient boosters to baked goods. 

So, using the food processor allows you to sweeten these with dates, which I love. It also lets you blend in a whole medium sweet potato! You don’t even need flour or oats for these. 

My gluten-free sweet potato brownies have been our fav around here for several years…and then every time the holidays roll around, I find myself making my No-Bake Peppermint Chocolate Bites on repeat…because is there really anything more festive than white chocolate and crushed candy canes? I think not.

So this year I decided to do a little mash-up and give my brownies a mint twist. And guys, they turned out so well. I’ve made two batches this week and eaten almost all of them myself.

Here’s the recipe:

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Peppermint Sweet Potato Brownies

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★★★★★

5 from 1 review

These Peppermint Sweet Potato Brownies are the perfect holiday dessert! They’re gluten-free and sweetened with dates. Add them to a Christmas cookie tray or bring them to a potluck or party.

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 5
• Cook Time: 20
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 12 brownies 1x

Ingredients

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3/4 cup chopped medjool dates (pits removed. Soak in hot water for 5 min first if they’re not super soft)
2 eggs
1/2 cup peanut butter
2/3 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
1/4 cup applesauce
1/4 cup oil
1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp peppermint extract (adjust to more or less depending on how strong you like your mint flavor)
1/2 cup chocolate chips
white chocolate and candy canes for decorating

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Instructions

1. Place dates in a food processor and pulse several times to chop.
2. Add eggs, peanut butter, sweet potato, applesauce, oil, cocoa powder, baking soda and peppermint and process until smooth.
3. Add chocolate chips and pulse to mix.
4. Spread into 9×9 baking pan lined with parchment paper. (Batter will be very thick.
5. Bake at 375 for 15-20 minutes or until set.
6. Let cool completely, then drizzle with melted white chocolate and crushed candy canes.

Notes

To cook my sweet potato I just stab it several times with a knife and microwave for 5 minutes.

Keywords: dessert, brownies, gluten-free, peppermint, mint, holiday

What do you think? Are you worried they’re going to taste like peanut butter or sweet potato? I promise you they don’t! 

I can’t wait for you to try them! Be sure to let me know what you think!!

Let’s chat:

What staple treats go on your cookie trays every year?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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These Dairy-free Pumpkin Bars are so easy to whip up for a snack or dessert! They require just one bowl and one measuring cup! 

Hi friends!

We’re knee-deep in pumpkin season over here…although if you’ve been following for any length of time you know that we are team year-round pumpkin! However, I accept the fact that a lot of people only enjoy it in the Fall…which is why I knew I had to share these easy Dairy-free Pumpkin Bars with you guys as soon as possible. They just might become your new favorite dessert. Who knows! Maybe this will be the recipe that converts you to year-round pumpkin loving!

Dairy-free Pumpkin Bars

I’ve been making these bars for several years now and when I shared them over on Instagram a couple of weeks ago, you guys went wild for them! The recipe is so so easy. All you need is one bowl and guess what? You only need one measuring cup as well! My kids love helping me make these and they’ve been a huge hit at football parties, potlucks etc as well!

Here’s how you make them:

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Dairy-Free Pumpkin Bars

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★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

These Dairy-free Pumpkin Bars are so easy to whip up for a snack or dessert! They require just one bowl and one measuring cup! 

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 9x9 pan 1x
• Category: dessert

Ingredients

Scale1x2x3x

2/3 cup oil (i use avocado oil)
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 egg (or a flax egg)
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1 & 1/3 cup flour (i use white whole wheat)
1 tsp baking soda
chocolate chips, to taste

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Instructions

1. Combine oil, brown sugar, pumpkin, egg and vanilla in a bowl and mix well.
2. Add cinnamon, flour, baking soda and chocolate chips.
3. Stir until just mixed.
4. Spoon into 9×9 pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 375 for 20-25 min.

Notes

To make these vegan, use a flax egg.

You can reduce the sugar if desired.

Use dairy-free chocolate chips if needed.

Keywords: pumpkin, dessert, snack, dairy-free, pumpkin bars

See what I mean? You just grab a 1/3 cup measuring cup and you can make the whole recipe! It doesn’t get any easier. 

 

Looking for more pumpkin recipes? Try these:

• Pumpkin Apple Lentil Muffins
• Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins
• Easy Pumpkin Bread
• Pumpkin Energy Balls
• GF Pumpkin Yogurt Bars
• Pumpkin Protein Pancakes

What’s your favorite pumpkin dessert?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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These Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies are naturally sweetened with dates and made with just a few simple ingredients! They’re perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack!

Hi friends!

I’ve been testing this recipe for date sweetened chocolate chip cookies for you guys for a couple of weeks now. After 5 test batches before I perfected them but I must say they’re pretty darn good. Let’s talk about a few things when it comes to these cookies. 

1. These cookies contain no added sugar aside from the chocolate chips. (You can find sugar-free chocolate chips if you want them). 
2. That does not automatically make them healthy. They still contain sugar. Yes, the sugar is naturally occurring in the dates, but it’s still sugar. 

My youngest was actually the inspiration for these cookies. I wanted to develop a no added sugar cookie recipe for him that I could use as a base recipe and these are perfect. Out of all three kids, the youngest actually likes these the best, which works out well for me. I’ll be tweaking the recipe slightly and serving these to him often. 

Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies

For him, I’ll likely add some ground flax and hemp seeds. I’ll also probably try replacing some of the flour with baby cereal! And I may replace the chocolate chips with finely chopped raisins or chopped dried blueberries. You could also add peanut butter to these for some extra healthy fats!

Here’s how you make them:

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Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies

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★★★★★

5 from 13 reviews

These Date Sweetened Chocolate Chip Cookies are naturally sweetened with dates and made with just a few simple ingredients! They’re perfect for dessert or an afternoon snack!

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale1x2x3x

3/4 cup chopped medjool dates (if yours aren’t super soft, soak them in hot water for 5–10 min, then drain)
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil (i use avocado oil)
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup white whole wheat flour
1/3 cup chocolate chips (or dried fruit of choice)

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Instructions

1. Place chopped dates in a food processor and process until finely chopped.
2. Add eggs oil and vanilla and process for 1 min.
3. Add oats, cinnamon and baking soda and process until oats are chopped.
4. Add flour and pulse a few times.
5. Add chocolate chips and pulse a few more times.
6. Bake at 350 for 10 minutes.
7. Makes 12-14 small cookies.

So easy right?! I can’t wait to hear what you guys think of these!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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These Easy Peanut Butter S’mores Bars are the perfect dessert for a summer BBQ, cookout or party! Eat them plain or top with a scoop of ice cream for a treat everyone will love.

Hi friends!

We enjoyed these Easy Peanut Butter S’mores Bars over the 4th of July holiday weekend and I got several requests for the recipe. To be honest, I almost didn’t share them. I whipped them up on a whim and they’re not perfect. They haven’t been tested multiple times. They’re nice and sweet, but a little crumbly when you cut them. If you’re not careful, they can make a bit of a mess. 

But isn’t that just pretty much the perfect description of my life right now?

Easy Peanut Butter S’mores Bars

Life with three little kids is definitely not perfect. It’s messy. There’s ALWAYS crumbs everywhere. There’s no time to test things a million times or spend hours taking photos. But it’s also oh so sweet. 

So in this season of life, we’re embracing the perfectly imperfect. If I make something good, I’ll share it…without worrying about turning it into the perfect blog post. Because life’s too short to worry about stuff like that.

I took a poll on IG stories to see if you guys wanted the real deal dessert or a “healthier” version and almost 3/4 of you wanted the real deal. Which is good for me because that’s what I made! And I’ve got three kids who are waiting for mama to play with them and have no interest in watching me testing 4 versions of these bars because all they care about are the marshmallows.

So here you go. Make these bars with the expectation of perfectly imperfect deliciousness. There will be crumbs. There will be sticky fingers. But there will also be sweet summer smiles that make it all worth it!

You could experiment with cutting back on the sugar and butter to lighten them up a bit if that interests you!

Here’s how you make them:

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Easy Peanut Butter S’mores Bars

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

These Easy Peanut Butter S’mores Bars are the perfect dessert for a summer BBQ, cookout or party! Eat them plain or top with a scoop of ice cream for a treat everyone will love.

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 16 min
• Total Time: 21 minutes
• Yield: 9x9 pan 1x
• Category: dessert

Ingredients

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7 graham cracker sheets (all but 2 in a sleeve)
1/2 cup butter (1 stick), melted
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt

1/2 cup flour (i used white whole wheat)
10 marshmallows, quartered (or use mini marshmallows)
2 Hersheys chocolate bars, broken into squares (or use chocolate chips)
remaining 2 sheets of graham crackers in the sleeve, crumbled

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Instructions

1. Place 7 graham cracker sheets in a food processor and process until fully crumbled. If you don’t want to use a food processor you could smash very well by hand in a Ziploc bag and pour into a bowl.
2. Add melted butter, peanut butter, brown sugar, and egg and process to combine.
3. Add baking powder, salt, and flour, pulse to combine until loose ball forms.
4. Transfer to a 9×9 pan lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake at375 for 8 minutes.
6. Remove from oven, top with marshmallows, chocolate pieces, and crumbled graham crackers. Press down lightly on the top to push toppings lightly into crust.
7. Bake 7-8 more minutes or until marshmallows reach desired brownness.
8. Let cool and then cut in the pan. Bars will crumble on the edges when cut but should hold together to eat. Top with ice cream if desired.

Notes

In a box of graham crackers there are usually 3 individually wrapped sleeves. Each sleeve has 9 sheets. A sheet is a graham cracker (the one that can be broken in half or into 4 pieces) You need one sleeve for the recipe. 7 sheets will go in the bars and 2 will be crumbled on top.

These can be made in a bowl if you don’t want to use a food processor. You just have to smash the graham crackers really well.

Keywords: peanut butter, s’mores, dessert

Aren’t they pretty? I love the way they look when the marshmallow melts on top. I think that might only happen if you use normal marshmallows and cut them though, not if you use mini marshmallows so be warned!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

LEARN HOW FOOD AFFECTS YOUR BODY.

Get my free Table Talk email series where I share bite-sized nutrition information about carbs, protein, and fat, plus bonus information about snacks and sugar!

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