This Shrimp Cobb Salad comes together quickly and is perfect for a fresh, healthy lunch or dinner! Customize the toppings to your liking and top with a light vinaigrette.

*Originally published 5/2011. Updated 10/2025*

Hi friends!
Popping in to share this quick and easy Shrimp Cobb Salad for an easy lunch or dinner. Shrimp is one of my favorite quick-cooking proteins and cobb salads are perfect for packing in a ton of healthy ingredients. If you don’t like shrimp, try my Steak Cobb Salad.

If you’re on a salad kick and need more ideas, try:

• Mediterranean Chopped Salad
• Kale and White Bean Salad
• 25+ Fall Salad Recipes
• Roasted Squash Fall Salad
• Loaded Strawberry Spinach Salad

Or try this Ultimate List of Salad Topping Ideas for some inspiration!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Shrimp Cobb Salad

This shrimp cobb salad is easy to love for a lot of reasons:

• Fully customizable. Feel free to swap out any toppings you don’t like or add your own.
• Great for meal prep – All the components of this salad can be prepped ahead of time which makes it quick and easy to assemble at meal time.
• Has protein and healthy fats – The shrimp is an easy quick-cooking protein and the avocado and salad dressing, especially homemade, both add healthy fats to help boost satiety.
• It’s heart-healthy, packed with lean protein and veggies and healthy fats.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Ingredients

To make this salad, you’ll need:

• Shrimp – Feel free to use any size you prefer
• Bacon – I prefer to cook the bacon myself and chop it up but you could use bacon bits if you want
• Hard boiled eggs – make your own or buy them pre-bought. Here’s how to make hard-boiled eggs in the instant pot.
• Red onion – feel free to swap green, white, yellow onions etc for a milder flavor
• Tomato – grape or cherry tomatoes halved or quartered work well
• Avocado
• Feta – I use crumbled feta. It does have a stronger flavor so feel free to swap with a different cheese if you prefer
• Dressing – I like a lighter vinaigrette like the one I share below but you could use something creamy like ranch, etc if you want!

How To Cook Shrimp

You can choose to prepare the shrimp for this salad whatever way you prefer. A few ideas:

• Sauteed – This is the method I typically use. Just heat some butter or oil in a skillet, add shrimp and seasonings and cook for 4-6 minutes, until shrimp are pink.
• Grilled – If you have the grill fired up, thread the shrimp onto a few skewers, season and grill 2-3 minutes per side.
• Baked – You can also bake them in the oven. Here’s a recipe for Oven-Baked Shrimp.

How To Make An Easy Shrimp Cobb Salad

To make this salad:

• Cook the bacon, eggs and shrimp via your preferred method. To save time, you can grab pre-cooked shrimp and/or hard-boiled eggs.
• Start with a bed of lettuce. Feel free to grab a bag of packaged salad greens to save time!
• Add toppings. In a traditional cobb salad, ingredients are grouped into sections or rows on top of the lettuce but you can skip this step and combine everything mixed together on top.
• Top with dressing – homemade or store-bought.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Dressing Options

The dressing options for this salad are endless. I typically use a maple mustard vinaigrette to keep it light but a lemon garlic dressing would also be great. If you want something a little more robust, try ranch or blue cheese to add some creaminess to the salad.

Cobb Salad Protein

The great thing about the cobb salad is that it pairs well with almost any protein. If you don’t like shrimp, try:

• Steak – I’ve used leftover flank steak before!
• Chicken – This is a great way to transform leftover grilled chicken.
• Tofu – My Honey Garlic Air Fryer Tofu would work well on this salad. If you want to keep it vegetarian, you could swap the bacon for some beans
• Salmon – If you don’t want shrimp but still want seafood, try adding my Air Fryer Salmon Bites.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Meal Prep & Storage

This salad is PERFECT for meal prep! Prep all of the components ahead of time and store separately until you’re ready to serve. Shrimp can be cooked and stored in a glass container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Same with bacon and hard-boiled eggs. They can be sliced/chopped ahead of time as well.

Save the avocado to slice right before serving so it doesn’t turn brown but the tomatoes and onions could be cut ahead of time and stored as well.

To prep your lettuce ahead of time, chop, wash and spin dry and store in a bag with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture and squeeze all the air out before sealing the bag.

If you choose to make homemade dressing, that can be prepped and stored in a mason jar in the fridge. Just give it a good shake before serving.

Shrimp Cobb Salad Tips and Tricks

A few tips and tricks:

• Don’t overcook your shrimp! When shrimp take on a pinkish color and form a “C” shape, they’re done. If they curl up tight into an “O” shape, they are overcooked.
• To keep your lettuce crisp, chop, wash and spin dry, then store in a bag. Add a paper towel to soak up the excess moisture and squeeze the air out before sealing the bag shut.
• Vary the veggies – Salad is a great way to utilize veggies that are in season. Try nice ripe tomatoes in the summer. In the Fall, add some roasted squash!

Shrimp Cobb Salad Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Shrimp Cobb Salad

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This Shrimp Cobb Salad comes together quickly and is perfect for a fresh, healthy lunch or dinner! Customize the toppings to your liking and top with a light vinaigrette. 

• Author: Lindsay
• Yield: serve 4

Ingredients

For the shrimp

• 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled, devined and thawed
• 2 Tbsp butter (or oil if you prefer)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt

For the salad:

• 4–6  hard boiled eggs, sliced
• 1 medium avocado, diced
• 8 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta
• 8 cups mixed greens or leaf lettuce

Optional dressing:

• 3 T oil (I use avocado oil)
• 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Melt butter or heat oil in a large pan. Add shrimp and seasonings and saute over medium heat for 4-6 minutes until shrimp are just pink and form a C shape.
2. Place 2 cups of lettuce in each bowl. 
3. Divide toppings evenly among 4 salads and add toppings in rows of shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, avocado, bacon, onion and tomatoes.
4. Top with crumbled feta.
5. Combine oil, vinegar, mustard and maple syrup in a jar. Seal and shake to combine. Taste and add salt and/or pepper if desired. You can also double the dressing recipe if you like more dressing!

Shrimp Cobb Salad FAQs

What is the best dressing for shrimp cobb salad

If you’re looking for a lighter option, most vinaigrette dressings would be great. Try honey mustard or balsamic vinaigrette. If you want something creamier, ranch or blue cheese would add great flavor to the salad!

Can I make shrimp cobb salad ahead of time?

Yes! All the components of this salad can be prepped ahead of time, making it quick and easy to assemble when you’re ready to eat.

How do I grill shrimp for cobb salad?

The easiest way to grill shrimp is to thread them onto skewers, season and grill 2-3 minutes per side.

Is shrimp cobb salad healthy?

Yes. This salad is packed with lean protein, vegetables and healthy fats making it a great balanced meal option for lunch or dinner.

Can I use frozen shrimp in cobb salad?

Shrimp cooks best from a thawed state. Feel free to use frozen shrimp, just thaw before cooking either under cold running water or in refrigerator overnight.

How long does shrimp cobb salad last in the fridge?

You can store the components separately for 3-4 days. Once you combine them into a salad, it’s best to eat within a day to avoid things getting brown or soggy.

What toppings go best with shrimp cobb salad?

Traditional cobb salad toppings include, bacon, hard boiled eggs, avocado, onion, tomato and crumbled cheese like blue cheese or feta. You can make it seasonal by adding things like roasted squash, corn, apples or berries depending on the season.

Can I make shrimp cobb salad without eggs?

Yes, feel free to omit the hard boiled eggs from this recipe.

What’s the difference between shrimp cobb salad and a regular cobb salad?

The biggest difference is the protein. The most traditional protein for a cobb salad is chicken breast or turkey, but this recipe uses shrimp and almost any protein source would work well on this salad.

Can I meal prep shrimp cobb salad for lunches?

Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep because all the components can be cooked and prepped ahead of time!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Make these Baked Pumpkin Donuts for a weekend breakfast treat or a fun dessert. Enjoy them plain or with simple glaze. Ready in 20 minutes!

*Originally published 9/2010. Updated 9/2025*

Hi friends!

I originally shared this recipe for baked pumpkin donuts way back in 2010 and they’re still a household favorite. I just made my first Fall batch this week!

Why You’ll Love These Baked Pumpkin Donuts

I love these donuts because they are quick, easy and they allow me to use my mini donut pan, which is totally adorable.

They have a great flavor and texture but don’t require any frying – just one bowl and an oven!

If you’re looking for more pumpkin recipes, try:

• Easy Pumpkin Bread
• Gluten-Free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars
• Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars with Quinoa

Healthy Pumpkin Donuts

While I would still consider these more of a treat than a snack, they are certainly healthier than most store-bought donut options.

How Do I Make Baked Pumpkin Donuts Healthier?

To make them even healthier you could play around with the ingredients – try reducing the sugar to 1/3 cup, using white whole wheat flour, or skipping the glaze.

You could also experiment with swapping the brown sugar for coconut sugar, replacing milk with almond milk, etc.

Can I Freeze Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

Yes! To freeze these donuts, bake and cool completely. Then freeze in a freezer-safe bag until ready to eat. Do not glaze before freezing. Glad is best added just before serving as they don’t store well once they’re glazed.

How Do You Reheat Baked Pumpkin Donuts?

It’s easy to reheat these donuts! Just pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm them up and they’ll taste like they’re fresh out of the oven!

Common Mistakes When Making Pumpkin Donuts

A few common mistakes to avoid:

• Over-mixing: Mixing too much will result in dense, not fluffy, donuts. When you add the dry ingredients, use a whisk and mix until just combined. Stop mixing as soon as the flour blends into the batter.
• Over-baking: Don’t bake the donuts too long. Mini donuts typically only require 6-8 minutes. Check them with a toothpick starting on the low end of the time range and take them out as soon as it comes out clean when inserted.
• Glazing too soon: If you want the glaze to stay on the top of the donuts, let them cool completely before glazing. If the donuts are still warm, the glaze will be absorbed into the donuts.

Pumpkin Donut Glaze Options

I use the most basic glaze option for these donuts because it’s the easiest – just mix powdered sugar with a tiny bit of milk until the glaze reaches your desired consistency and then either drizzle on top or dip the tops of the donuts. If you want a little more flavor, try adding some cinnamon to the glaze mixture.

If you’re looking for other glaze options, you could try:

• Maple Glaze for Donuts
• Easy Cream Cheese Glaze
• Cinnamon and Sugar coating – dip the top of each donut in melted butter and then dip in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, or place the donuts in a ziploc bag with cinnamon and sugar while still warm and toss to coat

When To Serve Baked Pumpkin Donuts

While these donuts can definitely be enjoyed all year long, Fall is one of the best times to enjoy them. You could add them to a snack tray with some of these 10+ Easy Halloween Snacks.

They’d also be a great treat for tailgating at your next football game! Or try serving them at Thanksgiving brunch along with my Overnight French Toast Bake or a Breakfast Enchilada Casserole.

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts Tips

Can I make gluten-free baked pumpkin donuts?

To make these gluten-free, simply swap the wheat flour for an all-purpose gluten-free baking mix. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

How To Make Pumpkin Donuts without A Donut Pan

If you don’t have a donut pan, you can make these as mini muffins! Or bake in mini loaf pans and cut into slices.

Are baked pumpkin donuts healthier than fried donuts?

Yes, baking the donuts is a healthier alternative. While frying gives the doughnuts a unique flavor, it can be intimidating and messy to make at home. Baking allows for a hands-off approach and still yields a donut that tastes great!

How Do I Make Vegan Pumpkin Donuts?

To make these donuts vegan, you could try replacing the melted butter with oil, using flax eggs and replacing the milk with almond or soy milk. Keep in mind that alterations to the original recipe may change the texture.

Easy Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Ready to give them a try? Here’s the recipe:

Baked Pumpkin Donuts

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make these Pumpkin Mini Donuts for a weekend breakfast treat or a fun dessert Enjoy them plain or with an easy cinnamon glaze.

• Author: Lindsay L
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Total Time: 15 min
• Yield: 18 -24 small donuts

Ingredients

• 4 Tbsp melted butter
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1.75 cups flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1.5 tsp cinnamon
• Optional glaze – 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 Tbsp milk + cinnamon if desired

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Combine the melted butter, pumpkin, brown sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla extract in a bowl and stir until well combined.
2. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon and stir with a whisk until just mixed. Do not over-mix.
3. Spoon mixture into ziploc bag, cut off the corner and pipe into greased mini donut pan.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until the exterior springs back when touched**

Notes

**Baking time will vary depending on the size of your donuts. For full-sized donuts, cook time may be longer. Mine are medium-sized and I got about 18 donuts from this recipe. If you have a true mini donut pan, you may get more like 2.5 dozen donuts.

For the glaze, mix 1/2 c powdered sugar, 1 Tbsp milk, 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)  in a small bowl. You may need additional milk or powdered sugar to get your desired consistency. Let donuts cool, then drizzle glaze over donuts or dip tops in just prior to serving.

Baked Pumpkin Donuts FAQs

Can I use pumpkin pie filling instead of pumpkin puree in donuts?

I wouldn’t recommend it. Pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices and may make the donuts overly sweet.

What glaze goes best with baked pumpkin donuts?

This will depend on your personal preference! I like a simple powdered sugar glaze but a maple glaze or cinnamon cream cheese glaze would also pair well!

Can I make gluten-free baked pumpkin donuts?

Yes! These donuts are super easy to make gluten-free by swapping the flour with an all-purpose gluten-free baking mix.

How long do baked pumpkin donuts last?

You can store these donuts at room temperature in a sealed container for 2-3 days unglazed. Or freeze any extras and pull them out as needed.

What flour works best for pumpkin donuts? Can I make baked pumpkin donuts with whole wheat flour.

I use white whole wheat flour when making these donuts but all purpose wheat flour or a gluten-free baking mix also work great! I wouldn’t recommend regular whole wheat flour as i’ve found it makes baked goods very dense.

What spices are best in pumpkin donuts?

I typically use just cinnamon but you could add any of your favorite Fall spices like ginger, nutmeg, allspice or even pumpkin pie spice.

How do I make pumpkin spice donuts extra moist?

You could try replacing the butter with oil or replacing the milk with sour cream to add extra moisture!

Can I bake pumpkin donuts in an air fryer?

Yes! Most recipes for air fryer donuts will cook at about 350 degrees F. You can look specifically for a recipe with thicker dough that you can need and form into donut shapes, or you can drop the batter with a cookie scoop onto parchment paper on the bottom of the air fryer and they will turn out more like donut holes!

If you’re looking to specifically use your air fryer, here’s a recipe for Air Fryer Pumpkin Spice Donut Holes!

What’s the best topping for baked pumpkin donuts?

I think a simple glaze is best. You can jazz it up by adding sprinkles or change things up and toss in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar instead!

Can I double this recipe to make even more donuts for a crowd?

Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled.

I definitely wouldn’t skip the glaze! It’s the best part!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

This list of easy protein snacks is full of lots of 5-minute options for busy families! Everything from make-ahead protein options to quick protein snacks for busy parents!

Hi friends!

As an RD, I frequently get asked for high-protein snack ideas since getting enough protein is curently all the rage! I recently shared some Cottage Cheese Protein Snacks and now I’m back today to share more high-protein ideas!

Easy Healthy Snacks To Make

So if you’re looking for some high-protein snacks to make that taste good and require minimal time and effort, scroll down! I’ve got lots of ideas for you.

All of these snacks are quick and easy, selected with busy families in mind and many can be prepped ahead of time so they’re easy to grab during a busy week!

5 Minute Protein Snacks (No Cooking Required)

If you have big protein goals, there are lots of quick and easy 5-minute protein snacks out there that don’t require any cooking! Here are a few ideas

• Tuna Salad – Easy to whip up and can easily be customized to include more veggies, your favorite seasonings, etc. If you don’t like mayo, try using hummus or plain yogurt to make it creamy. Enjoy with crackers, put it in a wrap or sandwich, or serve with veggies like mini bell peppers for scooping!
• Protein Energy Bites – Can easily be whipped up with a food processor and just a few ingredients like oats, protein powder and nut butter. Add more nuts and seeds like pepitas, hemp hearts, etc for extra protein!
• Yogurt Parfait – Start with Greek yogurt and add your favorite toppings like fruit, chopped nuts and seeds, protein granola, etc to boost the protein content
• Turkey and Cheese Rollups – Grab some thinly sliced turkey or ham and add to a wrap with sliced veggies and cheese, plus cream cheese, hummus and/or guacamole. Or skip the wrap and wrap the deli meat around the cheese and veggies.
• Protein Smoothie – Endless flavor combination are possible. Use Greek yogurt or milk to add protein, plus a scoop or two of protein powder to increase the protein even more, plus your favorite frozen fruit and some hemp or seeds!

Easy Protein Snack Ideas Kids Will Love

It can be tricky to get enough protein into your kids when all they seem to want are carbs and fruit, but here are a simple, kid-friendly ideas:

• Chocolate milk – Pair a glass of chocolate milk with a high fiber muffin for a quick snack! If they’re not a fan of chocolate milk, swap for a container of lower sugar yogurt like Chobani or Siggis.
• String cheese – String cheese typically has 7g protein per stick. Pair it with a handful of crackers or trail mix!
• Protein pasta – Several different brand options out there- Barilla, Banza, etc and many taste just like regular pasta! Just add sauce if desired and serve!
• Cereal and milk – Choose a low sugar cereal and top with milk. Add some fresh blueberries for sweetness! Here are some Low Sugar Cereals for Kids.
• Frozen waffles – Look for a brand low in added sugar and sodium and high in protein. Top with nut butter! Here are some of the Best Healthy Frozen Waffles. Or make your own and freeze them.

Other ideas include energy bites, Lentil Banana Muffins, ham and cheese pinwheels, and even chicken nuggets! Here’s a great post from my friend and fellow RD Sally on Protein Snacks for Kids.

Simple Make-Ahead Protein Options

The easiest way to make sure you’re eating enough protein during the week is to prep it ahead of time. Lean protein like chicken and steak can be prepped ahead of time in large batches along with pancakes and patties that can be reheated during the week. And things like chia pudding and overnight oats are best made ahead of time as well!

• Chia pudding – Make it with milk, add yogurt for more protein, sweeten with fruit and add fun mix-ins! If you’re not a fan of chia, try overnight oats instead!
• Egg wraps – Eat these warm or cold, by themselves, or filled with your favorites like turkey, avocado and cheese. If you don’t want wraps, you could also make egg muffins or egg waffles.
• Protein Pancakes – Lots of different options out there using oats, almond flour, protein powder, etc so you can find one that fits your needs!
• Air fryer steak bites – quick and easy to cook and have on hand for meals and snacks. Or try meatballs if you don’t like steak.
• Tuna Patties – An easy way to transform canned tuna into a portable snack.
• Greek yogurt bark – Start with Greek yogurt and add whatever mix-ins you like – pepitas, hemp seeds, chopped nuts, fruit, granola, etc. You can also mix in some peanut butter! Spread it on parchment paper to freeze and then break into pieces. If you prefer, you can also spoon the mixture into popsicle molds so kids can eat it that way!

Easy Protein Snacks with 3 Ingredients or Less

Sometimes you just don’t have time for a complicated snack and you need something super simple with minimal ingredients. These ideas can be boiled down to 3 simple ingredients but can also easily be jazzed up with a few simple tweaks!

• Cottage Cheese Bowl – Make them sweet or savory, Keep it simple with something like cottage cheese, fruit, pumpkin seeds or add extra ingredients if you want!
• Homemade Lunchable – Keep it simple with turkey, cheese and crackers or add extra protein with hard boiled eggs and some fruit or veggies! Don’t like turkey? Use thinly sliced chicken breast! Here are some Healthy Crackers for Kids and Adults.
• Avocado toast– Add smoked salmon or egg (or both!) for extra protein and seasonings of your choice!
• Ground turkey taco – All you really need is a tortilla or taco shell, turkey taco meat and cheese. But you can easily take it up a level with a spoonful of guacamole or salsa!
• Roasted chickpea trail mix – Popcorn, roasted chickpeas and peanuts make a great simple combo. Jazz it up a little more by adding plantain chips or dried fruit like raisins!

Quick Protein Snacks for Busy Parents

If you’re a parent, you know how tough it is to find time to eat healthy snacks on a busy day. Here are some quick ideas that will still pack a protein punch!

• Steamed edamame with salt – Cook in a skillet or look for the steamable bag to cook in the microwave!
• Greek yogurt bagel with peanut butter – or skip the peanut butter and add a fried egg with a slice of cheese!
• High protein dip with veggies – Use cottage cheese as the base and pick your favorite flavor combination!
• No-Bake Protein Bars – If you’re not a fan of store-bought protein bars, try making your own!

Grab and Go Easy Protein Ideas

Need more ideas? Here are some Healthy High protein Snack Ideas I recommend. Some of my favorite grab and go options include:

• Greek yogurt cups
• Cottage cheese cups
• Beef Stick
• Protein Bar
• Roasted Edamame or broad beans

FAQs About Easy Protein Snacks

What are the easiest protein snacks to make?

The easiest protein snacks to make require minimal ingredients and can be prepped in large batches. Simply cooking a big batch of chicken that you can throw in a wrap or taco, mixing up a dip made with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese that you can scoop with some high-protein crackers, or blending a smoothie with milk or yogurt, protein powder and fruit are great options.

What easy protein snacks require no cooking? I need quick 5-minute protein snacks?

You can still get your protein in even if you don’t have time to cook. Try simple, high protein snacks like tuna salad, protein energy bites, yogurt parfaits, turkey and cheese rollups or a simple protein smoothie.

What easy protein snacks to do kids actually eat?

There are lots of easy protein options out there that kids will eat! Try things like string cheese with crackers, a glass of chocolate milk and a high fiber muffin, a bowl of cereal and milk, frozen waffles or protein pasta with sauce!

What are simple 3-ingredient protein snacks?

Many snacks can be pared down to just 3 simple ingredients as a starting point if you’re really in a rush, but then can easily be expanded on or jazzed up if you have a couple extra minutes! Try a cottage cheese or yogurt bowl with fruit and nuts, homemade lunchables, avocado toast with smoked salmon or a fried egg, tacos or trail mix with popcorn, chickpeas and nuts.

How do you make protein snacks ahead of time?

Investing even just an hour of your time doing food prep can make a huge difference in your ability to eat well during the week ahead. Take my Food Prep Masterclass to learn everything you need to know to get started!

What easy protein snacks travel well for work?

Grab and go options like protein bars, beef sticks, trail mix and roasted edamame can be great options to throw in a bag for work and don’t need to be refrigerated.

What are the easiest protein snacks for meal prep?

Some of my favorite high-protein meal prep ideas include egg wraps or egg muffins, smoothies to keep in the freezer, energy bites or protein bars, tuna salad and lean protein in the air fryer like chicken and steak.

What easy protein snacks help with hunger during meals?

While protein is great, if you really want to stay full between meals, try to make sure you snacks include protein, fiber and/or healthy fats. Both fiber and fat will help with satiety. Things like whole grain avocado toast with a fried egg, a smoothie with high fiber muffin and anything made with beans, lentils and other legumes will help increase the fiber content of your snacks. I have lots of healthy muffins and bars made with beans and lentils.

What are budget-friendly easy protein snacks?

Beans and lentils are budget-friendly and can be a good source of both protein and fiber. Also canned tuna and chicken, edamame and plain Greek yogurt can be good options!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

This Overnight French Toast Bake is beginner-friendly and foolproof – perfect for using up leftover dinner rolls or bread after a holiday meal. Prep the night before, let it sit in the fridge overnight and enjoy it for breakfast in the morning. 

*Originally published 11/2015. Updated 8/2025*

This overnight baked French toast is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy moms hosting brunch or out of town holiday guests! An easy, budget-friendly way to feed a crowd.

Hi Friends!

This post for an overnight French toast bake is perfect for Christmas morning breakfast or as one of your go-to holiday brunch recipes! It actually first came about almost 10 years ago when I was looking for ways to use up my Thanksgiving leftovers. I was in charge of bringing a Costco-sized bag of dinner rolls to Thanksgiving dinner and we had a bunch leftover.

So I diced them up and make a french toast bake. It was perfect because I threw it together the night before, let it sit in the fridge overnight and baked it in the morning.

Best Bread For Overnight French Toast

The good news is there’s lots of flexibility here! I often make this with leftover dinner rolls but you could easily use a leftover loaf of Italian or French Bread. Any bread or rolls that can be sliced and cut into cubes that aren’t too thin will work. You could try brioche or King’s Hawaiian Bread for a richer-tasting option or sourdough for something slightly less sweet.

Remember that this recipe actually works best with bread that is slightly stale so feel free to let your loaf sit out for a day or two before making. Stale bread is a bit sturdier than fresh bread and it will hold up well to being soaked in the egg mixture without getting too soggy.

Overnight French Toast Bake vs Skillet French Toast

While both options have their place, an overnight french toast bake is definitely an easier way to feed a crowd. You can easily prep a large quantity AND it can be prepped ahead of time to make the morning easier.

This is also a great option for breakfast before school! Bake one up on Sunday and just cut and reheat a piece all week long. No need to babysit and flip the french toast on the stove while you’re running around trying to get everything else ready!

Ingredients for Easy Overnight French Toast Bake

In addition to being able to make this ahead of time, this recipe is also made with just a few simple ingredients, which is a major bonus. You need:

• Bread – Dinner rolls or other leftover loaf of bread
• Eggs and milk – These are French toast staple ingredients and you’re making a big pan so you need a lot!
• Vanilla and Cinnamon – To add flavor
• Berries– You can use fresh or frozen. I like blueberries best but mixed berries also work.
• Brown sugar – To make a sweet crust on the top after baking

What Toppings Go Best with Overnight Baked French Toast?

Not into blueberries? Try:

• Cinnamon and sugar – skip the mix-ins and top with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar
• Maple Pecan – add some chopped pecans instead of blueberries and drizzle with a little cream cheese sweetened with maple syrup
• Try mixing in some pumpkin seeds or ground flax for a heart-healthy boost of omega 3 fatty acids
• Make an easy fruit compote for topping or top with diced fresh fruit of your choice
• Apple cinnamon – Add extra cinnamon and stir in some chopped apples and walnuts

How To Make Blueberry French Toast Bake Casserole

To make this recipe you need a 9×13 pan. Line it with parchment paper for easy removal or grease it well.

If your bread isn’t stale, you can cube it and put it in the oven at 170 degrees F for 15 min or so.

To make the casserole:

• Cube the bread and put it in a 9×13 pan.
• Add the blueberries.
• Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon and pour over the bread.
• Use your hands to mix it all up and make sure all the bread is coated.
• Cover with saran wrap and press down to flatten and refrigerate overnight.
• When ready to bake, remove the saran wrap, sprinkle with brown sugar, bake and serve.

If you had extra cranberry sauce, you could mix some of that in as well!

Mom tip – For food safety reasons, remember to refrigerate the pan after you mix everything together, until you’re ready to bake!

Make Ahead Baked French Toast Troubleshooting

Should I cover baked French toast when baking?

No need to cover unless you add something like chopped nuts on top. If you notice they start to brown, you can cover with foil towards the end.

How do I make this recie dairy-free?

Feel free to use any type of plant-based milk in this recipe like soy, almond, etc.

Can I make a smaller version in a loaf pan?

Yes! Feel free to cut the recipe in half and bake in a loaf pan!

Should I grease the baking dish for French toast casserole?

Yes, either line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper or grease well before adding the bread and egg mixture to the pan.

How To Freeze and Reheat Overnight French Toast Bake

To freeze, let cool completely, then cut into squares and transfer to a freezer-safe bag (we love Stasher Bags – aff link). Then freeze until needed. Move to the fridge to defrost and microwave to warm.

Easy Overnight Baked French Toast Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Overnight Baked French Toast

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 2 reviews

This Overnight Baked French Toast is the perfect recipe to use up leftover dinner rolls after a holiday meal. Prep the night before, let it sit in the fridge overnight and enjoy it for breakfast in the morning.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 9×13 pan

Ingredients

• 10 cups cubed dinner rolls or bread (approx 12 rolls)*
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
• 8 eggs
• 1.5 cup milk
• 1 Tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup brown sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Cube rolls and place in a 9×13 pan lined with parchment paper.
2. Add berries.
3. In a bowl, mix eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon with a whisk.
4. Pour over bread mixture in pan.
5. Use your hands to make sure all the bread gets covered with the egg mixture.
6. Cover with saran wrap, press down gently to flatten and place in the fridge overnight.
7. When ready to bake, sprinkle top with brown sugar if desired.
8. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 min and serve.

Notes

*Stale bread works best. Cube and leave your bread out overnight or bake at 170 degrees for 15 minutes before using.

Overnight French Toast Bake FAQs

How long should overnight French toast soak?

I find it does best when you soak it for 10-12 hours. You want to give the bread time to absorb the egg but don’t leave it sitting so long that the bread starts to break down.

How to store an overnight french toast bake?

After baking, store the leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave!

Could this be a crockpot French toast bake?

I haven’t tried this overnight French toast bake recipe in the crockpot but I think it would work. If you’re looking specifically for a Crockpot recipe, try:

• Easy Slow Cooker French Toast Casserole
• Crockpot French Toast Casserole
• Crockpot French Toast Casserole with Glaze

Could you make an overnight French toast bake with cinnamon rolls?

Yes! This would be delicious, I think. I would probably not replace more than half the bread with cubed cinnamon rolls, and I would skip the brown sugar sprinkle on top since cinnamon rolls are quite sweet.

Could this be a cream cheese french toast bake?

If you’re specifically looking for a cream cheese French toast bake, try one of these:

• French Toast Casserole with Cream Cheese
• Baked Cream Cheese French Toast Casserole

What to serve with overnight French toast bake?

Need a brunch menu idea? Serve this and let the French toast be the star! Cut into squares in the pan and let everyone serve themselves! Leave out lots of additional toppings like powdered sugar, chopped nuts, syrup, fruit compote and fresh fruit! You could also add easy breakfast sides like scrambled eggs, sausage or bacon, yogurt and coffee.

Does baked French toast need to be refrigerated overnight?

Yes! After mixing the bread and egg mixture and placing in the pan, be sure to store in the fridge until ready to bake.

Overnight French Toast For A Crowd

This overnight French Toast Bake is easy, affordable and sure to be a hit for your next brunch, holiday breakfast but can just as easily help out a tired mom on a busy weekday morning.

Easy Breakfasts To Feed A Crowd

Need more ideas? Try:

• Healthy Blueberry Muffins
• Egg Waffles
• Tater Tot Waffles
• Breakfast Enchilada Casserole
• Crepe Kabobs

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These healthy blueberry muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with flavor. They’re kid-friendly and make a great breakfast or snack! Plus they freeze well!

*Originally published 6/2014. Updated 5/2025*

Hi Friends!

I’ve been making these healthy blueberry muffins for 10+ years now and they’re still a favorite of mine. This particular recipe was originally a small-batch recipe that made about 7 muffins and I recently re-tested it to make a full batch of 12 muffins with just a few little tweaks.

So if you haven’t tried them yet, now is the perfect time, especially since blueberry season is almost here.

Blueberry Muffins – Easy & Quick!

When it comes to baking, muffin recipes like this are the absolute best for beginners. You just need one bowl, do a little pouring, a little mixing and stick them in the muffin.

You can do it ahead of time so you have them ready for the week or they’re quick enough and easy enough to whip up a batch on a weekday morning.

Are these low sugar blueberry muffins?

Yes! Compared to most muffins, these are relatively low in sugar. I use white sugar but you could substitute maple syrup if you’d like.

I like to rely on the natural sweetness of the blueberries with just a small amount of added sugar. Plus adding a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking really helps carry the sweetness into each bite, allowing you to use less sugar in the recipe.

One Bowl Blueberry Muffins Ingredients

You don’t need any fancy ingredients to make these muffins. In fact, you likely have almost everything you need already in your pantry including:

• Oil – I use avocado oil
• Egg
• Yogurt – I use plain Greek yogurt but plain regular yogurt or even vanilla yogurt will work
• Vanilla extract
• Maple syrup – you can swap white sugar if you prefer
• Milk
• Baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon
• Blueberries – fresh or frozen

How To Make Moist and Fluffy Blueberry Muffins

To make these muffins just follow a few simple steps:

• Mix the yogurt, eggs, oil, milk, vanilla and sugar.
• Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and stir to just combine.
• Toss the blueberries in 1 -2 tsp flour to coat, then add and mix gently to combine.
• Scoop into muffin tins, sprinkle the tops with blueberries and a pinch of sugar and bake!

Blueberry Muffins Variations

Blueberry Muffins Made with Buttermilk

I’ve found that a lot of people are looking for muffin recipes made specifically with buttermilk. While this recipe doesn’t call for buttermilk, it uses plain Greek yogurt which is similar. If you don’t have yogurt, you can swap in one cup of buttermilk.

Don’t have buttermilk? It’s so easy to make your own – just add a splash of vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

Streusel For Blueberry Muffins

Let’s talk about them. They’re big & fluffy, packed with blueberries and not overly sweet. In these blueberry muffins, yogurt is used to keep the blueberry muffins moist. And I always add a sprinkle of sugar on top because it’s a quick and easy way to add a little sweetness in every bite. However, you could also add a streusel topping. It’s a little bit more work but mixing some cold butter, brown sugar and oats together and sprinkling on top would be delightful!

Blueberry Muffins with Frozen Blueberries – Should I thaw frozen blueberries before baking?

If you don’t have fresh blueberries, you can use frozen. Be sure to always toss blueberries in about a teaspoon of flour before mixing into the batter. If you pick blueberries in the summer, or even when you see them on sale at the store, stock up and freeze them. They’re great for baking!

Blueberry Muffins Protein – Can I add protein powder to blueberry muffins?

These muffins do get a boost of protein from the Greek yogurt but if you wanted to add some additional protein, you could add a scoop or two of protein powder to the batter before mixing in the flour. Adding protein powder can dry out the muffins so I would start with one scoop and if it’s not noticeable, add another scoop the next time.

Best Fluffy Blueberry Muffins Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Healthy Blueberry Muffins

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

These Blueberry Muffins are lightly sweetened and bursting with flavor. They’re kid-friendly and make a great breakfast or snack!

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 25 min
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Makes 12 muffins

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt 
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup sugar + 2 tsp for sprinkling
• 1.5 cups white whole wheat flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1.25 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen) + 1 tsp flour

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oil, milk, eggs, yogurt, vanilla and sugar until well combined.
3. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt and stir until just combined.
4. Toss 1 cup berries in 1 tsp flour to coat, then gently mix in berries.
5. Scoop in greased or lined muffin tins. 
6. Lightly press remaining 1/4 cup berries into the top of the muffins and sprinkle lightly with sugar.
7. Bake for 16-18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean

Notes

Feel free to use frozen blueberries instead – no need to thaw before baking!

You can use a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend to make these muffins gluten-free.

Saving a few blueberries to press into the top of each one makes them look extra fancy…and sprinkling with just a pinch of sugar on top is crucial, in my opinion!

Healthy Blueberry Muffins FAQs

What makes blueberry muffins moist and fluffy?

Including yogurt and baking soda helps make these muffins light and fluffy. The acid in the yogurt, especially Greek yogurt reacts with baking soda and creates carbon dioxide which helps the muffins rise.

What’s the difference between using milk and buttermilk in muffins?

Buttermilk (and Greek yogurt) are more acidic and will help make muffins taller and fluffier than just using regular milk.

Are blueberry muffins healthy?

As always, it depends on the ingredients but I consider this muffin recipe to be fairly healthy. It uses Greek yogurt and hemp hearts which add protein, plus white whole wheat flour to add some fiber. It’s also fairly low in added sugar.

How do I make blueberry muffins vegan without eggs?

You can try replacing eggs in muffin recipes with flax eggs. Here’s how to make a flax egg.

What type of flour is best for blueberry muffins?

I like white whole wheat flour. It has the benefits of wheat flour but it’s lighter and has a more mild flavor. You could also try replacing some of the flour with almond flour.

Can I freeze blueberry muffins for later?

Yes, just cool completely and place in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw on the counter or in the microwave when ready to eat.

Can I make these blueberry muffins gluten-free?

Yes! To make these muffins gluten-free swap the white whole wheat flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

How to store blueberry muffins?

Store in an airtight container on the counter for a couple of days. If keeping longer than that I would store in the fridge to prevent spoilage.

Healthy Muffin Recipes

Looking for more muffins? You can find all my healthy muffins and bars recipes here.

• If you’re looking specifically for cornbread muffins with blueberries, you can use my Cranberry Corn Muffins and swap blueberries and bam! Corn muffins with blueberries!
• If you want paleo blueberry muffins, try these Almond Flour Blueberry Muffins from my friend Ashley at Fit Mitten Kitchen.
• Want vegan blueberry muffins? Try The Best Vegan Blueberry Muffins from Jessica in the Kitchen or these Vegan Blueberry Muffins from Eating Bird Food.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These high-fiber Zucchini Oat Bars are naturally sweetened with dates. Top them with peanut butter for a quick, kid-friendly breakfast or snack!

*Originally published 5/2019. Updated 6/2025*

Hi friends!

Allow me to introduce you to this Zucchini Oatmeal Breakfast Bars. They’re perfect for breakfast or snack time and my kids gobble them up! I developed this recipe when my youngest needed to add some extra fiber to his diet and found that the moist texture made them a great snack for toddlers and young kids as well.

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Oat Bars

Here are some of the highlights of these bars:

• Simple ingredient list. You’ll probably have most of them on hand.
• The combination of oats, dates and ground flaxseed give these bars a good amount of fiber per serving.
• I packed a whole cup of zucchini in there so they’re perfect for summer when gardens and farmers markets are overflowing with zucchini. 
• This is a one bowl recipe, no mixer required and they’re ready in under 30 minutes!
• Great for baby-led weaning and good for packed lunches as well.

Zucchini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Let me just say right off the bat that these bars are not overly sweet. They are soft, moist and lightly sweetened with dates and applesauce – no added sugar except the chocolate chips.

If you’re looking for something more dessert-like, you’re gonna want to add some sugar or maple syrup to this recipe. I like that they’re lower in sugar so I feel good about serving them to my kids for breakfast or at snack time. 

They’re fairly low in fat, so you could add a smear of peanut butter to the top, or even mix some peanut butter into the batter for a dose of added fats. And these bars are moist…so definitely store them in the fridge so they don’t get moldy. 

Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini Oat Bars

There are tons of nutritional ingredients packed into these bars including:

• Zucchini – Zucchini contains fiber and is a good source of Vitamin C and potassium
• Oats- A good source of soluble fiber as well as some protein, manganese and B vitamins
• Dates – A good source of fiber, potassium, magnesium and antioxidants
• Ground flax – Another good source of fiber and heart-healthy omega-3’s

Zucchini Oat Bars Mix-Ins

Another great thing about these bars are they are easy to customize. You could try adding your favorite mix-ins like:

• Chopped pecans or walnuts
• Chia seeds
• Raisins
• Dried blueberries
• Hemp hearts
• A scoop of peanut butter
• Protein powder

You can also pair it with something like yogurt or a cheese stick to add some protein to your snack or warm up a bar and top with vanilla ice cream for dessert!

Zucchini Bars Recipe

Here’s how you make them:

Zucchini Oat Bars

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

These high fiber Zucchini Oat Bars are naturally sweetened with dates. Top them with peanut butter for a quick, kid-friendly breakfast or snack!

• Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

1.5 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup medjool dates (pitted and roughly chopped – approx 5–7 dates)
2 eggs
1 cup shredded zucchini (excess water removed)
1/4 cup oil (i use avocado oil)
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1/4 cup applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 cup chocolate chips (or more if desired)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Place the oats and dates in a food processor and process until well chopped.
2. Add remaining ingredients (except chocolate chips or other mix-ins) and process until smooth.
3. Add chocolate chips (or other mix-ins) and pulse a few times to mix.
4. Pour into 9×9 pan lined with parchment paper and bake at 375 for 20-25 minutes.
5. Let cool at least 15 min in the pan before cutting. Store in the fridge.

Notes

You could sub raisins, craisins, dried blueberries, shredded coconut etc for the chocolate chips if you want.
You could also mix in some peanut butter or hemp seeds to add some healthy fats.
If your dates are not super soft and squishy, soak them in hot water for 10 min before using.

I’m just so in love with these guys. And the food processor helps chop up the shredded zucchini even further so my kids pretty much just focus on the fact that they’re eating something with a few chocolate chips in it and they’re happy.

Zucchini Oat Bars FAQs

Do I need to peel zucchinis before adding?

Nope! No need to peel, just shred, squeeze and add!

How do I shred zucchini for baking?

You can shred the zucchini by hand using a box or hand grater or use the grater attachment to your food processor.

Can I make zucchini oat bars gluten-free?

These zucchini oat bars are naturally gluten-free. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats and ground flax if needed.

How do I keep zucchini oat bars from being soggy?

Be sure to squeeze the zucchini in a clean towel or paper towels after shredding to remove the excess water before adding to your recipe!

How do I store zucchini oat bars and how long do they last?

Because these bars are so moist, I do recommend storing them in a container in the fridge to prevent rapid spoiling! They should last about 4 days in the fridge.

Can I serve these bars as a healthy dessert?

Definitely! They’re great on their own but would also pair well with vanilla yogurt or ice cream.

What kind of oats are best for baking these bars?

I use rolled oats. You could sub instant oats but I would decrease the amount to one cup.

Can I add protein powder to make these bars more filling?

Yes, feel free to add 1-2 scoops of protein powder to this recipe.

Healthy Bars and Muffins

Want more bars and muffins to try? Find all my healthy bars and muffins recipes here or try one of my favorites:

• Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars
• Healthy Black Bean Bars
• Lentil Banana Muffins
• Carrot Applesauce Muffins

And if you’re looking for other zucchini bar recipes, here are a few you could try:

• Zucchini Bars with Cream Cheese Icing
• Almond Butter Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bars
• The Best Zucchini Bars

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

This easy homemade whole wheat pancakes recipe will quickly become your favorite. Perfect for breakfast and freezer-friendly!

*Originally published 5/2023. Updated 5/2025*

Hi friends!

It’s been a while since I shared a pancake recipe and this is one I’m really excited to share. For a while now we’ve been using Kodiak Cakes pancake mix and it’s been great. My kids like it. I can get it at Costco for a reasonable price.

Recently, however, our Costco was out of the mix so I challenged myself to create a simple, homemade pancake recipe that all my kids would eat. Easier said than done of course, but I finally nailed it.

How do I keep whole wheat pancakes from being too dense?

Use white whole wheat flour

This recipe uses white whole wheat flour, as do most of my muffins and bars. I prefer it to whole wheat flour because it’s just a bit less dense and hearty. It bakes very similar to all-purpose flour but with the benefit of being whole grain. You can learn more about whole grains here, but they’re such an important part of our diet and are packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber.

The fiber in white whole wheat flour will help these pancakes be more filling and can help avoid blood sugar spikes.

Healthy Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe

Pancakes are pretty simple by nature but it’s all about getting the right combination of the simple ingredients so you end up with something that tastes good and that you also feel good about serving. You probably have all the ingredients you need on hand already:

• White whole wheat flour – this is my preferred flour for most things. It’s whole grain but lighter than regular whole wheat flour.
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Cinnamon
• Sugar – just a tablespoon for a bit of sweetness
• Egg
• Butter – a few tablespoons of melted butter add richness and flavor
• Vanilla – a key ingredient. Don’t leave it out and don’t skimp!
• Buttermilk – make your own by just adding a splash of vinegar to regular milk

Can I make whole wheat pancakes without milk?

If you’re looking for a whole wheat pancakes recipe that’s dairy-free, you can easily substitute the cow’s milk for your favorite plant-based milk like almond, soy or oat milk. Here’s how to make vegan buttermilk.

Whole Wheat Pancakes with Applesauce

If you’d like to replace the 1 Tablespoon of sugar in this recipe, you can try using 2-3 Tbsp unsweetened applesauce.

Protein Whole Wheat Pancakes

You also have the option to add extra protein. I use Promix Unflavored Whey Isolate (referral link). It’s just powdered whey protein, no other ingredients or sweeteners and it mixes so well into pancakes, smoothies etc. I just add a couple of scoops to bump up the protein by a couple of grams, nothing major. You can leave it out or add some hemp seeds instead!

Want to see how easy this recipe is? Watch my 4 year old make these whole wheat pancakes!

PS. Did you know we have an entire separate website called Let The Kids Cook full of quick and easy recipes kids can make all by themselves?! Check it out! We show you how to make Oven Baked Bacon and Scrambled Eggs which would go great with these pancakes.

Just combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl, add the wet ingredients, then whisk until smooth and cook on a griddle!

Easy Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Whole Wheat Pancakes

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These easy homemade whole wheat pancakes will quickly become your go-to pancake recipe. Perfect for breakfast and freezer-friendly!

• Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

• 2 cups white whole wheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 Tablespoon sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1.75 cups buttermilk
• 3 Tablespoons melted butter
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• optional – 2 scoops protein (approx 1/2 cup)*

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, sugar, salt, and protein if using.
2. Add buttermilk, melted butter, egg and vanilla and whisk until smooth.
3. Pour onto a buttered griddle and cook over medium heat.

Notes

Make your own buttermilk by adding a splash of vinegar to regular milk.

I use unflavored whey protein isolate with no added sugar/stevia/etc

Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe FAQs

Are these whole wheat buttermilk pancakes?

Yes because this recipe calls for buttermilk! Why do we use buttermilk in this recipe? The buttermilk activates the baking soda and helps make the pancakes nice and fluffy! If you don’t have buttermilk or the vinegar or lemon juice to make your own you can use plain kefir, or try sour cream or yogurt thinned slightly with a little water or milk.

Can you freeze whole wheat pancakes?

Yes! To freeze, let the pancakes cool completely, then freeze flat on a baking sheet or plate for a couple of hours. Then transfer to a freezer safe bag. To reheat, transfer to the fridge overnight or microwave straight from frozen.

Are these whole wheat pancakes healthier than regular pancakes?

This recipe is made with white whole wheat flour which adds some fiber and milk and egg which adds protein. You can also add additional protein to this recipe with protein powder or hemp seeds. It’s also low in added sugar.

How long do these pancakes last in the fridge?

Let the pancakes cool completely, then store them in a glass container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I make this a whole wheat pancake mix?

You could easily portion the dry ingredients of this recipe into a large mason jar ahead of time. It would be perfect to give as a gift! Just attach a tag that says “When ready to make, pour into a bowl and add 1.75 cups buttermilk, 3 Tbsp melted butter, 1 tsp vanilla and an egg! Whisk and cook on a griddle.”

Can I add Greek yogurt to pancake batter?

If you’re looking for a pancake recipe that specifically uses Greek yogurt, try these Fluffy Greek Yogurt Pancakes.

Can I make these pancakes egg-free?

Yes, simply replace the egg with a flax egg. Learn how to make a flax egg here.

Whole Wheat Pancake Variations

There are tons of add-ins for whole wheat pancakes that you can use to personalize this recipe – try things like bananas, berries, pumpkin and chocolate chips!

Whole wheat pancakes banana

If you’re a banana-lover, this is a great recipe to add bananas to. You can mash up some ripe bananas and mix them right into the batter or add sliced bananas to the tops of the pancake once you pour them onto the griddle. My favorite is actually adding sliced bananas as well as a sprinkle of granola to make banana crunch pancakes!

Whole wheat blueberry pancakes

This recipe would be great for adding fresh blueberries! Stock up on fresh blueberries during the summer when they’re on sale and freeze them. Then just add a scoop to your pancake batter when making them!

Whole wheat pumpkin pancakes

To add a Fall spin to this recipe, add 1/2 cup pumpkin and some cinnamon.

What toppings go well with whole wheat pancakes?

Try adding:

• sliced fruit
• chia jam
• syrup
• yogurt
• peanut butte
• chopped nuts and seeds

Healthy Breakfast Recipes

Looking for more healthy breakfast recipes? Try these:

• Healthy Chocolate Muffins
• GF Buckwheat Pancakes
• Cottage Cheese Egg Muffins
• Microwave Egg Oatmeal
• Freezer Prep Oatmeal Cups
• Banana Flax Waffles

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Love turkey and pineapple recipes? These Carrot Pineapple Turkey Meatballs are easy to make and packed with vegetables. Prep them ahead of time and eat warm or cold for a quick lunch or dinner.

*Originally published 4/2019. Updated 4/2025*

Hi friends!

I’m excited to share these turkey meatballs with pineapple today. Many of you requested easy ground turkey recipes and I immediately knew I wanted to make meatballs. They’re one of my favorite easy protein sources because they can be eaten warm or cold and it’s so easy to play around with the flavor combos. 

Easy Pineapple Turkey Meatballs For Dinner

For today’s version, I simply added some carrots to the food processor and processed them into tiny pieces (almost like carrot rice) so I could mix them into the turkey. Then I added some red pepper for extra veggies, green onions for flavor and some diced pineapple to help keep them moist. 

By chopping the veggies extra small and adding the sweet element of pineapple, these turkey meatballs are kid-friendly and can be a great way to add veggies to dinner.

Why Pineapple and Turkey Works

Ground turkey and pineapple may seem like an unlikely combination but it really works! The mixture of the two helps make the perfect sweet and savory turkey meatballs

By saving the juice from the canned pineapple, you can easily make a quick glaze that’s slightly sweet like a teriyaki glaze but with much less added sugar. If you use fresh pineapple for the meatballs, you could sub orange juice for the glaze. 

Ingredients for Turkey and Carrot Meatballs

To make these carrot pineapple turkey meatballs you just need a few basic ingredients, nothing fancy! Some of the things you’ll need:

• Ground turkey – you could also sub ground chicken or even ground beef if you wanted to
• Vegetables- bell peppers and carrots. Feel free to swap in something like diced mushrooms if you prefer.
• Diced Pineapple – you’ll need to lightly chop the pineapple a bit further but I don’t like to use crushed pineapple because it’s harder to reserve the juice

You’ll combine these ingredients with more traditional ingredients like panko breadcrumbs, garlic, egg and seasonings.

To make the glaze you’ll need:

• Pineapple juice – reserved from the pineapple in the meatballs
• Maple syrup – to sweeten
• Soy sauce (or tamari) and rice vinegar – for flavor. If you don’t have rice vinegar you could sup red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
• Ginger- fresh is best
• Cornstarch – to help thicken

How To Make Turkey Meatballs with Pineapple

Making these carrot pineapple turkey meatballs takes just a few simple steps:

• Combine the meatball ingredients and form into meatballs.
• Bake in the oven.
• While the meatballs, combine the ingredients for the glaze, heat it up and let it reduce to thicken.
• Gently toss the meatballs in the glaze and serve.

What To Serve with Pineapple Turkey Meatballs

These carrot pineapple turkey meatballs are fairly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Serve in a bowl with rice and roasted veggies.
• Serve on a Hawaiian-style bun or roll to make Hawaiin Turkey Meatball Sliders.
• Eat them cold straight out of the fridge.
• Add to lettuce wraps with grated veggies
• Serve with an Asian cucumber salad or sauteed green beans or bok choy

Healthy Turkey Meatballs with Pineapple Recipe

Here’s how you make them:

Carrot Pineapple Turkey Meatballs

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

This Carrot Pineapple Turkey Meatballs recipe is easy to make and packed with vegetables, plus a pineapple glaze for extra flavor. Prep them ahead of time and eat warm or cold for a quick lunch or dinner.

• Author: Lindsay
• Prep Time: 5 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 25 min
• Yield: 20 meatballs

Ingredients

For the meatballs:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 cup finely chopped carrots (i used the food processor)
• 1/2 cup diced red pepper
• 8 oz diced pineapple (in 100% juice, drain and reserve juice)
• 1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 egg
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt 

For the glaze*:

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (or orange juice)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1–2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 Tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar)
• 1–2 tsp fresh ginger (or ginger paste)
• sriracha to taste, optional
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch + 1 Tbsp water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine turkey, carrots, peppers, pineapple, green onion, panko, egg and seasonings. (I chop the diced pineapple a little bit further into smaller pieces before adding)
2. Mix well and form into meatballs of desired size. This should make 20-24 larger meatballs or approximately 36 smaller meatballs.
3. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400 degrees. Cook time will vary based on size of meatballs but should be 15-20 minutes. Flip meatballs once after 9 minutes.  Check to make sure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
4. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, soy sauce, maple syrup, vinegar, ginger and sriracha and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce heat, mix cornstarch with water and add to sauce. Stir for 3-4 minutes until thickened. Taste and add more maple syrup, sriracha or ginger if needed.
6. Remove from heat. Once meatballs are done, brush with glaze and serve.

Notes

If you’re using fresh pineapple, you can sub orange juice for pineapple juice in the glaze.

You can also substitute a storebought teriyaki sauce or marinade for the glaze

These carrot pineapple turkey meatballs are so easy and flavorful. I added sriracha to half my glaze after glazing some without it for the kids. And I served with roasted broccoli and rice. 

Turkey Meatballs with Pineapple FAQs

How do I cook carrot pineapple turkey meatballs in the air fryer?

To make these meatballs in the air fryer, cook at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check temperature using a meat thermometer and add more time if needed to reach 165 degrees F.

How do I make lean and green turkey meatballs with pineapple?

To add a green component to these carrot pineapple turkey meatballs, you could add 4 oz of chopped frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed to remove excess moisture. Or if you’re looking for another meatball recipe try these Mediterranean Meatballs.

Can I freeze turkey meatballs?

Yes, to freeze these meatballs cool completely and then transfer to an airtight storage container or freezer-safe bag.

What are some other healthy ground turkey and pineapple recipes?

If you love this combo, try one of these recipes:

• Pineapple Turkey Tacos
• Easy Pineapple Turkey Burgers
• Curry Pineapple Turkey Rice Bowls

Are these Hawaiian-style turkey meatballs?

This is not a traditional Hawaiian recipe but the inclusion of pineapple may remind people of other Hawaiin-inspired recipes.

Can you make pineapple chicken meatballs?

Yes, you could easily substitute ground chicken in this recipe.

Can you only make turkey meatballs with canned pineapple or could I use fresh?

If you want to use fresh pineapple in this recipe, you can, just be sure to chop it small and then you could substitute orange juice in the glaze.

Easy Ground Turkey Recipes

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

This gluten-free carrot cake makes the perfect dessert. Made in an 8×8 pan, it’s perfectly moist and full of flavor.

Hi friends!

It’s been a while since I’ve published a cake recipe so I’m excited to share this deliciously moist Gluten-Free Carrot Cake recipe with all of you! Carrot cake is something I’ve never really made at home but I always enjoy when it’s an option for dessert at restaurants. It’s also one of my mom’s favorites and her birthday is coming up!

When I set out to make this carrot cake recipe, I knew I wanted to keep it simple. I didn’t want to have to deal with stacking layers or making anything elaborate that my family would never be able to finish. So I chose to make a smaller 8×8 cake with just enough frosting to cover the top and sides.

Easy Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Ingredients

No fancy ingredients needed for this recipe, just some basic pantry staples. You’ll need:

• Shredded carrots – Either peel and shred them by hand or use a food processor.
• Oil – I use a neutral oil like avocado oil
• Eggs
• Brown sugar
• Applesauce – I prefer the unsweetened variety
• Vanilla – be sure to use pure vanilla extract
• Flour – I use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend but if you don’t need it to be gluten-free, you can use regular flour
• Baking soda, cinnamon and salt
• Optional mix-ins: If you like nuts or raisins in your cake, feel free to mix in 1/2 – 1 cup of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts and/or raisins
• For the frosting you’ll need cream cheese, plain yogurt and maple syrup

How To Make Carrot Cake Gluten-Free

Making this cake requires just one bowl and couldn’t be easier:

• Combine the carrots, oil, eggs, brown sugar, applesauce and vanilla and mix well.
• Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt along with any additional mix-ins you’re using and stir until just combine.
• Pour into an 8×8 pan and bake for 30 minutes.
• To make the frosting, mix cream cheese and yogurt, then add maple syrup and mix again. Spread over top and sides.

Is this a healthy gluten-free carrot cake?

As far as carrot cake recipes go, this recipe is healthier than most. It uses applesauce to replace some of the oil and sugar and only uses 2/3 cup of brown sugar. The frosting is also made from a mix of cream cheese and plain Greek yogurt and is just lightly sweetened with a little maple syrup! If you choose to mix in some nuts that adds a dose of healthy fats as well!

Can I make this as a gluten and dairy-free carrot cake?

The cake itself is both gluten-free and dairy-free. The only part you would need to address is the frosting which contains dairy. I think your best bet would be to replace it with a Vegan Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.

Can I make gluten-free vegan carrot cake without eggs?

To make the cake vegan, you’ll need to replace the eggs. I would suggest making flax eggs. And then replace the frosting with a vegan frosting as mentioned above!

What about a gluten-free carrot cake with pineapple recipe?

I’ve found that pineapple in carrot cake is a polarizing topic So I left it out of mine and went with a more neutral applesauce. If you want to add pineapple, I would start with 1/2 cup drained crushed pineapple plus 2 Tbsp applesauce instead of 2/3 cup applesauce.

Simple Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Recipe

Here’s the recipe I use:

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This gluten-free carrot cake makes the perfect dessert. Made in an 8×8 pan, it’s perfectly moist and full of flavor. 

• Author: Lindsay
• Yield: 8×8 pan

Ingredients

For the cake:

• 1.5 cups shredded carrots
• 1/3 cup oil
• 2 eggs
• 2/3 cup brown sugar
• 2/3 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup Gluten-Free 1:1 baking blend (I like King Arthur Measure for Measure)
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Optional: chopped walnuts or pecans, raisins

For the frosting:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup full fat plain Greek yogurt
• 2–3 Tbsp maple syrup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a mixing bowl, mix oil, eggs, brown sugar, applesauce, vanilla and carrots until well combined.
3. Add flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt (plus chopped nuts/raisins if using) and stir until just combined.
4. Pour into an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
6. While cake cools, make frosting. Place softened cream cheese and Greek yogurt in a bowl and mix with an electric mixer for 2-3 minutes.
7. Add maple syrup and mix for another minute.
8. Place in the fridge until cake cools completely, then frost top and sides with a light layer of frosting.
9. Store in the fridge until ready to eat.

Gluten-Free Carrot Cake FAQs

Does traditional carrot cake contain gluten? What makes this carrot cake gluten-free?

Most traditional carrot cake recipes use wheat-based flour. This recipe uses a gluten-free flour blend which is specially formulated with gluten-free flour to act like regular wheat flour in baking recipes. The other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What is the best gluten-free flour for carrot cake?

My favorite is King Arther Measure for Measure Flour. I like the way it behaves in recipes and use it often to replace wheat flour in my recipes for muffins, bars and other baked goods with great results. However, feel free to use your favorite GF flour blend.

How do I store gluten-free carrot cake to keep it fresh?

Due to the fact that this cake is very moist and has a dairy-based frosting, the cake should be kept in the fridge to avoid spoiling. Store in an airtight container to keep the frosting from drying out.

Can you freeze carrot cake?

If you want to freeze the cake, I would recommend cooling and freezing without frosting. When ready to eat, transfer to the counter to thaw and add the frosting before serving.

What’s the best way to add natural sweetness to gluten-free carrot cake?

I use a lot of applesauce in my recipe to add natural sweetness. You can achieve a similar effect by using crushed pineapple. Adding raisins can also help add natural sweetness!

Can I make this a gluten-free carrot cake cupcakes recipe?

I haven’t tried it myself, but I think you should be able to bake this recipe into about 6 cupcakes. Adjust the baking time to 15-20 minutes.

Can I make sugar free gluten-free carrot cake?

I would not attempt to adjust this recipe to make it sugar-free. If you’re interested in a sugar-free recipe, try Keto Carrot Cake or Sugar-Free Carrot Cake.

How can I make gluten-free carrot cake with almond flour?

If you want to use almond flour, I would try this Healthy Carrot Cake recipe from my friend Hummusapien or this Gluten-Free Carrot Cake.

Gluten-Free Recipes

Looking for more gluten-free recipes? Check out:

• Mediterranean Meatballs
• Kale and White Bean Salad
• Slow Cooker Creamy Mexican Chicken
• Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Also I’ve tested most of my muffin and bar recipes subbing a 1:1 GF flour blend for the wheat flour and they work great!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These gluten-free Sweet Potato Banana Muffins have just four main ingredients and make a great snack for both kids and adults! 

*Originally published 2/2013. Updated 2025*

Hi Friends!

These are the very best Sweet Potato Banana Muffins and I developed this recipe way back in 2013. I previously called them Sweet Potato Banana Bites. They’re one of the first homemade snacks I made for all three of my kids when they first started eating solids and they’ve been a favorite each time. Now my kids are 6, 4 and 2 and I still make them several times a month! Watch my younger two make some to see how easy it is. 

Sweet Potato Muffins for Babies

All you need are four simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand – sweet potato, banana, peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter) and eggs. Then you can add your favorite mix-ins if you’d like – cinnamon and vanilla, chocolate chips, frozen blueberries etc. The thing I love most is that you don’t really even need to measure. I never do.

I grab a medium-large sweet potato, stab it a few times with a knife and throw it in the microwave for 5 minutes. Once it’s cooked, I slice it open, scoop the insides out into a bowl, add a medium banana and a couple spoonfuls of peanut butter and mash it all up. Mix in two eggs, a few shakes of cinnamon and a handful of chocolate chips and you’re done!

If you leave out the chocolate chips, there’s no added sugar so these moist mini muffins are perfect for baby-led weaning. I served them to my kids starting around 6 months. They’re a great way to introduce peanut butter and/or eggs- two common allergens. 

Sweet Potato Recipes For Toddlers – Kid-Friendly Muffins

I always make these as mini muffins which makes them perfect for toddlers. If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, use a regular one but don’t fill more than half full. There’s no baking soda like in most muffins. If you’re making for babyled weaning, I actually prefer a regular muffin tin filled just slightly because it makes them a little wider and flatter, easier for young hands to grab. Baking time should remain about the same.

I find my silicone muffin tin works best. If you use a metal pan, be sure each mini-muffin hole is well greased! I store these in the fridge because they are pretty moist and my kids and I eat them cold at snack time. (If you need them to be nut-free you can try sunflower seed butter.)

What Easy Recipe Mix-ins Can I Add?

Don’t want to use chocolate chips? Try adding raisins or chopped dates. Or mix in some ground flaxseed or hemp hearts.

Want more sweet potato recipes? Here are 20+ Baked Sweet Potato Recipes.

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

They’re even easy enough for toddlers to make themselves and perfect for getting kids in the kitchen since the recipe is so forgiving. Here’s a video of my oldest making them as a toddler!

Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

These muffins are made with sweet potato which means they’re packed with nutrients. Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and manganese. They also provide fiber and antioxidants.

Using sweet potatoes as the base of this recipe keeps them moist and adds natural sweetness along with the mashed banana.

Sweet Potato Bites (Muffins Alternative)

A few notes:

• They’re not super sweet. There’s no added sugar except from the chocolate chips so make sure you use really ripe bananas
• They’re gluten-free and dairy-free (as long as you use dairy-free chocolate chips if needed!
• You can eat them for dessert, for an afternoon snack or before a workout
• The recipe is very forgiving so your measurements don’t have to be exact. I never measure. I just eyeball it.

Sweet Potato Banana Recipes

This is my favorite way to combine sweet potato and banana, but you could also sub banana for maple syrup in my Sweet Potato White Bean Bars or Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies. If you have more bananas to use up, try these Banana Lentil Muffins.

How To Make Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

Here’s how you make them:

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

These gluten-free Sweet Potato Banana Bites have just four main ingredients and make a great snack for both kids and adults! 

• Author: Lindsay L
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 14-16 mini muffins

Ingredients

• 1/2 c cooked, mashed sweet potato (approx 1 medium)
• 1/2 cup mashed banana (approx 1 medium)
• 1/4 c nut butter
• 2 eggs
• cinnamon, to taste
• Optional mix-ins: dark chocolate chips, fruit, chia seeds, etc

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Smash the sweet potato and banana together in a small bowl.
2. Add the peanut butter, eggs and cinnamon & mix well.
3. Stir in any additional mix-ins and spoon into greased mini muffin tins.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 18 minutes.

Feel free to customize by using your favorite nut butter. I’ve made them with peanut butter, almond butter and sunflower seed butter- all delicious.

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potato instead of fresh in muffins?

Yes! Canned sweet potato can easily be used in this recipe. Feel free to substitute if needed.

How do I make gluten-free sweet potato banana muffins?

These muffins are naturally gluten-free since none of the 4 main ingredients contain gluten.

What can I use instead of eggs to make vegan sweet potato banana muffins?

I have made this recipe using applesauce to replace the two eggs but it makes the muffins almost overly moist and dense. My suggestion would be to replace with 1/4 cup applesauce and one flax egg.

How should I store sweet potato banana muffins to keep them fresh?

You can store these muffins in a container on the counter for a day or two. After that I would move them to the fridge to keep them from spoiling since they are so moist.

Can I bake this sweet potato banana muffin recipe as a loaf?

I wouldn’t recommend it. There’s no flour in this recipe and no baking soda to provide lift and this would result in a very dense flat loaf that might have trouble cooking all the way through.

Can I freeze sweet potato banana muffins and how do I thaw them?

Yes. Cool muffins completely and then transfer to a Ziploc or freezer-safe bag and freeze. To thaw simply transfer to the counter!

What’s a good substitute for bananas in sweet potato muffins?

Try subbing 1/4 cup applesauce for the banana if needed.

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins – No Added Sugar

You can also mix-in things like chia seeds or fruit instead of chocolate chips- I love mixing in frozen blueberries or fresh cranberries!

Healthy Muffins

And If you’re looking for something like this that’s a little bit sweeter, you should definitely try my Healthy Brownie Bites! With just two extra ingredients, I transformed my sweet potato bites into a healthy, bite-sized chocolate dessert!

In the mood for more muffins? Try:

• Lentil Banana Muffins
• Healthy Chocolate Muffins
• Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars

Looking for more healthy snack ideas? Check out some of my favorites:

• Sweet Potato Protein Cookies
• Lemon Energy Balls
• Carrot Oat Bars
• Chocolate Lentil Bars

See all my snack recipes here.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–