The Lean Green Bean https://www.theleangreenbean.com Balanced. Simple. Real. Thu, 23 Oct 2025 17:40:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://www.theleangreenbean.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/cropped-TLGB_Favicon_700x700-32x32.png The Lean Green Bean https://www.theleangreenbean.com 32 32 Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies https://www.theleangreenbean.com/healthy-sweet-potato-cookies/ https://www.theleangreenbean.com/healthy-sweet-potato-cookies/#comments Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.theleangreenbean.com/?p=21231 These Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies are soft and fluffy! They’re naturally sweetened, made with real food ingredients and absolutely delicious. *Originally posted 3/2016. Updated 10/2025* Hi friends! These Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies have now been a go-to of mine since 2016. I love them for a quick snack and they came in super handy during […]]]>

These Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies are soft and fluffy! They’re naturally sweetened, made with real food ingredients and absolutely delicious.

Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies made with oat flour

*Originally posted 3/2016. Updated 10/2025*

Hi friends!

These Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies have now been a go-to of mine since 2016. I love them for a quick snack and they came in super handy during the newborn phase when I often needed to eat quickly and with one hand.

They’re very forgiving, and you can easily change up the mix-ins to make them more kid-friendly or to suit your tastebuds.

I find myself making these cookies year round, but they’re especially perfect for a Fall snack or dessert. If you’re looking to do some additional Fall baking or whip up a treat over Thanksgiving, here are some ideas:


Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Cookies

These would make a great sweet potato breakfast cookie. They’re low in added sugar and high in protein and fiber—a great way to start your day. They’d also be great for a snack, and if you throw in some chocolate chips, they could even pass as dessert to curb a sweet tooth.

Eating these for breakfast works out well for me because I can eat them quickly while I’m trying to feed three kids. Plus, I can make a batch on Sunday and eat them all week! Food prep for the win.

Ingredients for Sweet Potato Cookies

To make these cookies, you’ll just need a few simple ingredients:

  • Sweet potato – I cook mine in the microwave for 5-6 minutes and let cool a few minutes before scooping out of the skin and mashing with a fork
  • Nut or seed butter – I use peanut butter but you could use almond butter or sunflower seed butter to make them nut-free
  • Eggs
  • Cinnamon and vanilla -for flavor
  • Maple Syrup – You could sub sugar if you prefer
  • Seeds – Chia or hemp seeds work great in this recipe
  • Pepitas – An easy way to add a boost of nutrients
  • Dried fruit – works well with raisins or Craisins, or you can swap in chocolate chips
  • Flour- To make these gluten-free, use oat flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can also use AP or white whole wheat flour

How To Make Sweet Potato Cookies (Step-by-Step)

Once you see how easy it is to make these cookies, you’ll be adding them to your weekly meal prep in no time!

  • Cook your sweet potato in the microwave, remove the skin and mash.
  • Combine the mashed sweet potato, nut butter and eggs and stir until well combined.
  • Add the vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, seeds and pepitas and mix well.
  • Stir in the flour and baking soda until just mixed, then scoop onto cookie sheets and bake!

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Store these cookies in an airtight container on the counter for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cookies once cooled on a cookie tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and pull them out as needed to defrost.

In addition, you can make this dough ahead of time and store in the fridge until ready to bake, or scoop into balls and freeze until ready to bake.

How To Sweeten Sweet Potato Cookies

I love this recipe because it’s very lightly sweetened compared to most cookies and uses maple syrup. If you don’t want to use maple syrup, you could swap regular sugar, brown sugar, coconut sugar or even honey.

Sweet Potato Cookie Baking Tips

My best tip for getting the perfect sweet potato cookies is to not over mix. Mix everything really well before you add the flour so you only need to stir enough to just combine it at the end.

And don’t overbake these cookies! If you want them to spread a little more you can lightly flatten with a fork before baking but these cookies are meant to be light and fluffy!


Recipe for soft Sweet Potato Cookies with chocolate chips

Sweet Potato Oatmeal Cookies

If you’d like an added boost of fiber, feel free to add some rolled oats into the mix! You could start with 1/2 cup and increase if you like the added texture they provide.

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Cookies

If you make this recipe as written, the cookies will be naturally gluten-free as long as you’re using certified gluten-free oats. Be sure to also check your Craisins to make sure they’re gluten-free as they sometimes have additional ingredients to sweeten them

You can also use a 1:1 Gluten-free flour blend. I like King Arthur Measure for Measure.

Vegan Sweet Potato Cookies

To make these cookies vegan, swap the eggs for flax eggs. Here’s how to make flax eggs.

Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Cookies

To make these cookies a little more dessert-like, try swapping the dried fruit for chocolate chips.

Sweet Potato Cookies vs Pumpkin Cookies

In a recipe like this, you can easily swap pumpkin puree for mashed sweet potato and there won’t be much of a difference. In general, both pumpkin and sweet potato cookies will be light and fluffy vs dense and chewy. If you’re looking for a chewy pumpkin cookie recipe try these Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.


Sweet Potato Cookie Flavor Variations

No added sugar sweet potato cookies

To make these cookies free of added sugar, you could try swapping mashed banana or baby food prunes (pureed) to add some sweetness naturally.

Nut-free sweet potato cookies

I use peanut butter but you can make them nut-free with sunflower seed butter. Just know that they will likely turn green when baked due to a reaction with the baking soda. Perfectly safe to eat!

Other mix-ins

For a Fall twist, try adding chopped pecans and a maple glaze. For a more tropical twist, swap raisins for dried pineapple and add some shredded coconut!


Easy Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe

Print

Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

No protein powder required for these Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies! They’re gluten-free, made with real food ingredients and packed with protein and fiber. Enjoy them for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8-12 cookies

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
  • 1/2 cup nut butter (i use peanut butter but almond butter or sunflower seed butter would be great)
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 23 Tbsp maple syrup (depending on desired level of sweetness)
  • 2 Tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/2 cup pepitas (shelled pumpkin seeds)
  • 1/4 cup Craisins or raisins
  • 1/4 cup oat flour (white whole wheat flour also works)
  • 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions

  1. Combine sweet potato, peanut butter and eggs in a large bowl and mix well.
  2. Add vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and Craisins and stir to combine.
  3. Add oat flour and baking soda and stir.
  4. Scoop onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (8-12 cookies).
  5. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

These are fluffy and delicious.  I used white chia seeds, in case you noticed they’re not black in the photos.


Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies FAQs

Can I use canned sweet potato puree instead of fresh homemade in this recipe?

Yes! Canned sweet potato puree will work just fine in this recipe.

Can I replace the sweet potato for pumpkin? Can I make pumpkin cookies instead of sweet potato cookies? Can you use canned pumpkin puree?

Yes! I get this question frequently and you can definitely replace the sweet potato with pumpkin if you’d like to! I almost always have a can of pumpkin in the pantry so I do this often.

Can I freeze sweet potato cookies?

Yes, these cookies freeze well! Just let them cool completely and then wrap in plastic wrap and tranfer to a freezer-safe bag. Let them thaw on the counter when ready to eat!

Could I make these with butternut squash?

Yes, canned squash can also be substituted for the sweet potato. I’ve even tried it with homemade roasted squash that I roast and puree until smooth.

And if you’re not craving sweet potato but have bananas to use, try these Banana Lentil Muffins instead!

Can I make gluten-free sweet potato cookies?

These cookies are gluten-free since they use oat flour (be sure to use certified gluten-free if needed). However, you can also make them with regular wheat flour if you have that on hand and don’t need them to be gluten-free.

How to reheat sweet potato cookies?

These cookies are great at room temperature but you can also pop them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm them back up!

How do I make vegan sweet potato cookies without eggs?

Just replace the two eggs in this recipe with flax eggs.

Can I add oats to make sweet potato oatmeal cookies?

Yes, I would start with 1/2 cup of rolled oats and increase up to 1 cup if you like the texture.

How do I store sweet potato cookies to keep them soft?

Once cooled, store these cookies in an airtight container to help them stay soft and perfectly moist without drying out.


These Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies are perfect for breakast or snack! They're gluten-free, made with real food ingredients and packed with protein and fiber. Enjoy them for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

Other Sweet Potato Recipes That Are Delish!

Need more ideas? Try these:

Sweet Potato Waffles 2 copy

Sweet Potato Waffles

These Sweet Potato Waffles are kid-friendly and perfect for breakfast, pre-workout fuel or an afternoon snack. Add some peanut butter in the middle for a fun waffle sandwich!

Sweet Potato White Bean Bars - stacked, on cooling rack and a bowl of beans

Sweet Potato White Bean Bars

These Sweet Potato White Bean Bars are perfect for breakfast or snack time. They’re kid-friendly, nut-free and full of fiber! 

Gluten Free Sweet Potato Brownies 5 1

Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies

These Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies are flourless, sweetened with dates and full of chocolate flavor. They taste so good you’ll never believe they’re a healthy dessert!

gluten-free sweet potato banana bites

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

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

healthy baked sweet potato dessert recipes

20+ Baked Sweet Potato Dessert Recipes

If you’re in the mood to bake with sweet potatoes, you’ll definitely find something that catches your eye in this round-up!

Sweet Potato Dinner Recipe Ideas

35+ Sweet Potato Dinner Recipes

Need sweet potato dinner recipes? Here are 35+ recipes by category including slow cooker, with chicken or beef, vegetarian and more!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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30+ Easy Protein Snacks https://www.theleangreenbean.com/easy-protein-snacks/ https://www.theleangreenbean.com/easy-protein-snacks/#respond Wed, 24 Sep 2025 16:09:10 +0000 https://www.theleangreenbean.com/?p=83593 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 […]]]>

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!

easy protein snacks for busy families

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 - turkey rollups, smoothie, tuna salad, energy bites, yogurt parfait

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 snacks for kids

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

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!

3 ingredient easy protein snacks

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

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

Banana muffins made with lentils

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!


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!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Sweet Potato Banana Muffins https://www.theleangreenbean.com/sweet-potato-banana-muffins/ https://www.theleangreenbean.com/sweet-potato-banana-muffins/#comments Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.theleangreenbean.com/?p=8182 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 […]]]>

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

sweet potato muffins for baby

*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

Gluten-free Sweet Potato Banana Muffin Bites

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:

Print

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

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

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

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

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

These Healthy Brownie Bites require just six ingredients, are healthy enough for a snack and also make a great dessert recipe!

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:


These Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies are packed with protein! They're gluten-free, made with real food ingredients and packed with protein and fiber. Enjoy them for breakfast or an afternoon snack!

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

See all my snack recipes here.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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How To Cook Oatmeal With An Egg In The Microwave https://www.theleangreenbean.com/microwave-egg-oatmeal/ https://www.theleangreenbean.com/microwave-egg-oatmeal/#comments Sat, 09 Nov 2024 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.theleangreenbean.com/?p=20546 Microwave Egg Oatmeal – Pair eggs and oatmeal for an easy way to add some extra protein to your breakfast. Follow this recipe to learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg! *Originally published 12/2015. Updated 11/2024* Hi Friends! This recipe for microwave oatmeal with egg is a must-try!  I’ve been making it for over […]]]>

Microwave Egg Oatmeal – Pair eggs and oatmeal for an easy way to add some extra protein to your breakfast. Follow this recipe to learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg!

microwave oatmeal with egg white

*Originally published 12/2015. Updated 11/2024*

Hi Friends!

This recipe for microwave oatmeal with egg is a must-try!  I’ve been making it for over ten years. I’m a big fan of oatmeal in the morning. Oats + fruit + nut butter = a great start to my day.

I also focus a lot on making sure I get a good amount of protein at breakfast and oatmeal plus egg seemed like a great way to do that. Oats are a whole grain and full of fiber but I often get hungry quickly if I don’t add healthy fat to my oatmeal or pair it with protein.

Oatmeal with Egg

Have you ever tried an egg in oatmeal? 

I’ve always been a microwave oatmeal kinda girl. I don’t have the patience for cooking it on the stovetop. And this is a quick easy way to add some extra protein to your oatmeal.

You can use egg white or a whole egg based on your preference. Oatmeal and eggs make the perfect pair. Even my kids think so. Watch this quick video to see me making their oatmeal

oatmeal with eggs

Microwave Egg Oatmeal

Why pair oatmeal with egg?

Oats are a great way to add whole grains to your diet. However, some people find themselves hungry shortly after eating just a bowl of plain oatmeal.

I like to add nut butter for healthy fats and use cow’s milk for protein but many people with dairy sensitivities may prefer to use a plant-based milk like almond milk which is lower in protein. Adding an egg white can help add a few extra grams of protein and give your oatmeal more staying power.

Oatmeal with Eggs Ingredients:

The best thing about this breakfast is it can be totally customized to your liking. The base ingredients are:

  • Oats- I like quick oats because my kids like the texture better but you can also use rolled oats.
  • Milk – You can use cow’s milk or any alternative milk you like – almond, soy, etc.
  • Egg white- I prefer using just the white but you can also do this with a whole egg – it’s just a bit more noticeable.
  • Fruit- This is optional but I love mixing in chopped apples, diced pears, peaches, strawberries etc. Frozen wild blueberries are also great to mix in after you microwave to help cool the oatmeal down.
  • Nut butter – This is an easy way to add some healthy fats and help boost the satiety of the oatmeal. You can mix it in before microwaving or stir it in afterward.
  • Chocolate chips – Who doesn’t love a little extra sweetness?!

How To Make Egg White Oatmeal:

So here’s what you do:

  • Put oats, milk, chopped fruit and an egg/egg white in a bowl and mix it up.
  • Stick it in the microwave.
  • Stop and stir.
  • Cook a little more.
  • Stir in some nut butter.
  • Top with cinnamon and a few chocolate chips. 

And bam! Breakfast is ready in under 5 minutes.


Microwave Eggs and Oatmeal Recipe

Here’s the actual recipe I use. You can adjust the quantities of oats, milk and egg to your liking:

Print

How To Cook Oatmeal With An Egg

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 8 reviews

Learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg – an easy way to add some extra protein to breakfast!

  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: serves 1

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 egg white or egg
  • 1/4 cup chopped fruit (optional)
  • optional toppings: cinnamon, nut butter, seeds, chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Combine oats, milk, egg/egg white and fruit (if using) in a bowl and mix well.
  2. Microwave for 45 seconds.
  3. Stir well.
  4. Microwave another 30-60 seconds.
  5. Top as desired and serve warm.

Feel free to use the whole egg or just egg white(s). My kids find the whole egg to be more noticeable so just prefer egg white.


Egg White Oatmeal Recipe FAQs

What type of oats should I use?

For this recipe you can use instant oats or rolled oats. This recipe will not work with steel cuts oats.

Can I use the whole egg?

You’re welcome to try this recipe with the whole egg. My kids find that it makes the egg much more noticeable because it doesn’t blend in as well as just the egg white but I’ve heard from people who prefer the whole egg.

You can also try buying liquid egg whites in a carton instead of separating a whole egg.

How long do you cook microwave oatmeal with egg?

Cooking time can also vary based on your preference. Some people like their oatmeal to be a bit more creamy and liquidy. Some like it cooked more so it’s thicker and fluffier.

What are the benefits of adding egg to oatmeal?

Adding egg to oatmeal is an easy way to add a few grams of protein without making a super noticeable change to the breakfast you enjoy. It will help give your oatmeal more staying power and keep you fuller longer.

What fruit is best in egg white oatmeal?

Most fruit works well in this recipe. Naturally soft fruits like berries, peaches and pears are great. If you’re using something a little firmer like apples, be sure to chop them into small pieces so they can cook quickly.

What about oatmeal egg pancakes?

If you’re looking for a different breakfast option, oatmeal egg pancakes can be great. Here are a few recipes to try:


Microwave Oatmeal with Egg- Pair eggs and oatmeal for an easy way to add some extra protein to your breakfast. Follow this recipe to learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg!

Healthy Recipes with Oats

Need more ways to use up that giant tub of oats? Try

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Easy Banana Oat Bars https://www.theleangreenbean.com/easy-banana-oat-bars/ https://www.theleangreenbean.com/easy-banana-oat-bars/#comments Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000 http://www.theleangreenbean.com/?p=25202 These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack.  Grab the kids and try this recipe today! *Originally published in Jan 2017. Updated July 2024* Hi friends! These Healthy Banana Oat Bars are a kid favorite around here and they’re so darn easy. We make them frequently because they’re pretty […]]]>

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack.  Grab the kids and try this recipe today!

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack. Grab the kids and try this recipe today!

*Originally published in Jan 2017. Updated July 2024*

Hi friends!

These Healthy Banana Oat Bars are a kid favorite around here and they’re so darn easy. We make them frequently because they’re pretty forgiving. They don’t require exact measurements and always taste good. Plus I always have ripe bananas on hand.

Looking for other banana recipes? Find all my banana recipes here including things like Lentil Banana Muffins and Banana Flax Muffins.

Plus they’re the perfect recipe for having the kids help! You guys know I’m a huge proponent of kids in the kitchen! Here’s the Ultimate Guide for Teaching Kids To Cook and I’ve got a whole roundup of Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes if you’re looking for a place to start. 


Ingredients for Healthy Banana Oat Bars

So what ingredients do you need for these banana breakfast bars?

  • Bananas – The riper the better because we don’t add a ton of added sugar to this recipe.
  • Oats – Rolled oats work best. Instant oat will change the texture.
  • Peanut Butter – Adds some healthy fats and boosts the protein content.
  • Maple syrup – Depending on how ripe your bananas are, you can adjust how much maple syrup you need. You could also sub regular sugar or leave it out completely.
  • Egg- adds some structure.
  • Baking powder – adds a little lift to the bars.
  • Vanilla and cinnamon – for flavor!
  • Chocolate chips – optional.

As you can see, there’s nothing fancy and you probably have all these ingredients on hand already!

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack. Grab the kids and try this recipe today!

How To Make Banana Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bars

Making these bars couldn’t be easier!

  • Mash the bananas in a large bowl.
  • Mix in the peanut butter, maple syrup, egg and vanilla and stir until well combined.
  • Stir in the oats, baking powder, cinnamon and chocolate chips.
  • Pour into an 8×8 or 9×9 pan and bake.

Grab your kids and head to the kitchen to make these today!

Healthy Banana Oat Bars Recipe

Print

Easy Banana Oat Bars

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8×8 or 9×9 pan

Ingredients

  • 1 cup ripe bananas (approx 3 medium-large)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 24 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, hemp seeds, ground flax

Instructions

  1. Mash bananas in a bowl.
  2. Add peanut butter, maple syrup and egg and mix well.
  3. Stir in oats, cinnamon, baking powder and chocolate chips and mix until combined.
  4. Pour into a 8×8 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
  5. Bake at 350 for 20-22 minutes.
  6. Let cool, cut and serve.

Notes

This recipe is very forgiving. A little extra banana or oats won’t hurt. You can leave out the maple syrup or chocolate chips if you want.

Feel free to bake in a 9×9 pan if desired. Bars will just be a bit thinner.

See what I mean by super easy? This recipe is very forgiving. If your measurements aren’t exact, don’t worry!

You can use an 8×8 pan for thicker bars or a 9×9 pan if you like them a bit thinner.


Banana Oat Bars FAQS

Can I make blueberry banana oat bars?

Yes! Feel free to substitute fresh or frozen blueberries for the chocolate chips if you prefer.

How to make chocolate banana oat bars?

Try adding 1/4 cup cocoa powder to give these a chocolate twist. If using cocoa powder, I would use 1/4 cup maple syrup as well.

How to make vegan banana oat bars?

To make these bars vegan, sub 1/4 cup applesauce for the egg.

How to store these bars?

Once the bars are cooled and cut, you can store in a container on the counter for 3-4 days.

Are these gluten-free banana oat bars?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free. Be sure to use certified gluten-free oats if needed.

How can I make no-bake banana oat bars?

These bars require an oven but if you’re looking for a no-bake recipe, try these No Bake Peanut Butter Banana Oat Bars.

Can these be carrot banana oat bars?

Yes! You could easily add 1/2 – 3/4 cup of shredded carrots to these bars!

How can I make 4 ingredient banana oat bars?

The 4 main ingredients in these bars are mashed bananas, peanut butter, oats and an egg so if you really want to keep it simple you can try that. The cinnamon, vanilla, and maple syrup just add a little more flavor. Mix-ins are extra ingredients but a fun way to customize these bars to your liking.


Chocolate Chip Banana Oat Bars

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack. Grab the kids and try this recipe today!

Let’s chat:

Do your kids help you in the kitchen? What’s your favorite thing to make?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables https://www.theleangreenbean.com/sheet-pan-chicken-and-vegetables/ https://www.theleangreenbean.com/sheet-pan-chicken-and-vegetables/#comments Tue, 09 Jan 2024 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.theleangreenbean.com/?p=24854 This easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables roasted with peanut sauce is a quick, healthy dinner recipe. Easy to customize and clean up is a breeze. *Originally posted 11/2016. Updated 1/2023* Hi friends! We’re continuing to share quick and easy dinner recipes as we enter the new year. Sheet pan dinners are hugely popular for […]]]>

This easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables roasted with peanut sauce is a quick, healthy dinner recipe. Easy to customize and clean up is a breeze.

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables recipe

*Originally posted 11/2016. Updated 1/2023*

Hi friends!

We’re continuing to share quick and easy dinner recipes as we enter the new year. Sheet pan dinners are hugely popular for a good reason. They’re quick and easy. They’re easy to customize. And you’re not left with a lot of dishes to wash.

This sheet pan chicken and vegetables with peanut sauce is the perfect intro to sheet pan meals. It’s ready in under 30 minutes and most of it is hands-off cooking time.

Sheet Pan Chicken Recipes

If you’re looking for more sheet pan chicken recipes, here are a few to try:


sheet pan chicken with vegetables broccoli and red peppers

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables Roasted

You can eat the roasted chicken and vegetables alone or pair it with cooked grains (like quinoa or rice) or roasted potatoes (probably my fave combo).

If you decide to eat it with roasted root vegetables like potatoes, I highly recommend cooking them for 35 to 40 minutes, and tossing them midway through.

If you don’t like broccoli and red peppers, you could try green beans or asparagus, carrots or even Brussels sprouts.

Sheet Pan Chicken Breast Tips

Here’s a few more cooking notes for the recipe:

  • Chicken breasts come in all shapes and sizes, and I find that chicken breasts are often times thicker on one side. To guarantee even cooking, I cut the chicken breasts in half crosswise, separating the thicker portion from the thinner one. Then, I slice the thick portion of the chicken breast horizontally to get two ½-inch slices. So, one breast should yield 3 pieces, sometimes 4 if the breast is very thick all around.
  • Finally, all of the chicken pieces and vegetables should fit in one large jelly roll pan. Make sure that you don’t crowd everything into a small sheet pan because you’ll end up steaming everything instead of roasting them. If you don’t have a jelly roll pan, 2 large rimmed baking sheets will do the job.
sheet pan chicken and vegetables roasted

Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables

Here’s the recipe!

This recipe was originally shared by my friend Lisa over at Healthy Nibbles & Bits as a guest post when I was on maternity leave.

Print

Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ to 1 ¾ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • kosher salt
  • 1 pound broccoli crowns
  • 1 medium red bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ¼ cup creamy unsalted peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey (sugar or maple syrup works too)
  • juice from ½ lime (about 1 to 1 ½ tablespoons)
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • pinch of salt
  • sesame seeds, optional
  • sliced green onions, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425F. Line a large jelly roll pan or 2 large rimmed baking sheets with foil or parchment paper. If you are using foil, lightly coat it with cooking spray.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken in half crosswise. Slice the thicker portion of the chicken breast horizontally so that you get ½-inch thick slices of chicken. If the chicken breast is very thick, you might also want to slice the other half horizontally. Sprinkle all chicken pieces with kosher salt. Spread chicken pieces on top of prepared baking sheets.
  3. Cut broccoli into smaller pieces. Toss the broccoli with 1 ½ tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Spread them over the baking sheets.
  4. Seed the red pepper and slice into strips. Toss with remaining olive oil and spread them over the baking sheets.
  5. Bake everything for 15 to 18 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the temperature of the meat reaches 165F.
  6. I like my broccoli quite roasted, so I will plate the chicken and continue roasting the vegetables for another 8 to 10 minutes. You can leave the peppers on the baking sheet.
  7. While the chicken and vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce. Mix all of the peanut sauce ingredients together in a bowl. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste. If you prefer the sauce warmed, heat it in a saucepan on low.
  8. Serve roasted chicken and vegetables with peanut sauce and your favorite grains or root vegetables.
  9. Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if you like. Refrigerate any leftover sauce for up to 1 week.

Sounds tasty, right?!


Sheet Pan Chicken with Vegetables FAQs

How long should you bake sheet pan chicken and veggies?

The exact cooking time will depend on how thick your chicken is. I suggest checking the temperature after 13-15 minutes and adjusting from there. You can always remove the chicken once it reaches 165 degrees F and continue to cook the vegetables if you want them further roasted.

What are the best vegetables to use for a sheet pan chicken and vegetables recipe?

Vegetables like broccoli, green beans, peppers, asparagus and carrots will all cook similarly. Root vegetables are fine to use, they will just require additional cooking time.

How do you ensure the chicken and vegetables cook evenly on a sheet pan?

The most important thing to do is to pound or cut your chicken so that all pieces are an even thickness. This will help them all cook evenly. In addition, using vegetables with similar cooking times will help everything cook evenly.

Can this sheet pan chicken and vegetables recipe be made with frozen vegetables?

Yes! You can roast vegetables straight from frozen. You may need to add a few additional minutes of cook time.

What are some gluten-free variations of the sheet pan chicken and vegetables recipe?

This recipe is gluten-free as long as you use tamari and not soy sauce.

How can you adjust the cooking time if I want to add root vegetables to the sheet pan?

If you’re choosing to use root vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes or parsnips, place them on the pan and roast for 20 minutes or so before adding the chicken and other additional vegetables and cooking according to recipe directions.

It may be beneficial to cook root vegetables on a separate sheet pan.

Can you use different cuts of chicken for this sheet pan recipe?

Yes! Chicken thighs would work well for this recipe. They tend to stay moist and not dry out as easily as chicken breasts.


This easy Sheet Pan Chicken and Vegetables recipe is a quick and healthy. Top it with a flavorful peanut sauce and the whole family will love it!

Chicken and Vegetable Healthy Recipes

Want more chicken and veggie recipes that aren’t sheet pan style? Try these:

What’s your favorite sheet pan dinner?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding https://www.theleangreenbean.com/peanut-butter-banana-chia-pudding/ https://www.theleangreenbean.com/peanut-butter-banana-chia-pudding/#comments Thu, 21 Dec 2023 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.theleangreenbean.com/?p=22872 This four-ingredient Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding makes an easy, kid-friendly snack. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats and is easy to prep ahead of time. *Originally published 8/2016. Updated 12/2023* Hi friends! If your kids are anything like mine and they love to snack all day long, you’re probably constantly looking for healthy, […]]]>

This four-ingredient Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding makes an easy, kid-friendly snack. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats and is easy to prep ahead of time.

Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding

*Originally published 8/2016. Updated 12/2023*

Hi friends!

If your kids are anything like mine and they love to snack all day long, you’re probably constantly looking for healthy, nutrient-dense snacks that you can offer them. Of course, all kids will have their favorites. Mine particularly love Lentil Banana Muffins, Black Bean Brownies and some of my other healthy muffins and bars.

They also have their store-bought snacks – check out these 60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids. And when it comes to feeding kids it’s easy to fall into a rut. But as a Registered Dietitian, I know the importance of continuing to offer and expose kids to new foods.

That’s where this peanut butter banana chia pudding comes in! While some people may not enjoy the texture of a snack like this, you might be surprised to find your kids love it. And since it’s packed with nutrients and can be prepped ahead of time, it’s a great option to work into your snack rotation.

Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding

This pudding is super easy to make and great to have on hand for a quick snack or addition to breakfast or lunch. The flavor possibilities are endless but I went with a classic peanut butter and banana combo.

How To Make Chia Peanut Butter Pudding

If you’ve never tried using chia seeds to thicken something, you’ll be amazed how well this works. All you need for this snack is:

  • Ripe bananas
  • Milk or kefi
  • Chia seeds
  • Peanut Butter

When combined with liquid, chia seeds act as a natural thickening agent so all you have to do is combine all the ingredients and let it sit. I use a blender or food processor to get all the lumps out of the bananas but you could mash by hand if you want to.

Banana Peanut Butter Pudding

Here’s the recipe:

Print

Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 1 review

This Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding makes an easy, kid-friendly snack. It’s packed with protein and healthy fats and is easy to prep ahead of time.

  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: serves 4-6

Ingredients

  • 2 medium ripe bananas
  • 1 cup milk (or kefir)
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender and blend until well combined.
  2. Refrigerate at least an hour. Pudding will continue to thicken as it sits.

Notes

If you don’t mind a little chunkier texture, you could just mash the bananas by hand.


Chia Seed Peanut Butter Pudding FAQs

Can you make chia seed pudding with kefir?

Yes! We love Lifeway Kefir and it would work great in this recipe! You could also use your favorite non-dairy milk if you prefer.

How long does chia seed pudding take to set?

Typically the pudding will thicken and set in 1-2 hours once you put it in the fridge. But I often recommend letting it sit overnight in the fridge for best results.

Can you make chia seed pudding with peanut butter powder?

Yes! If you don’t want to use actual peanut butter but still want the peanut butter flavor, you could mix powdered peanut butter like PB2 into your pudding. You could also mix in your favorite flavor of protein powder.

Why eat chia seed pudding?

Chia seeds are a great source of fiber and healthy fats. Mixing them with milk adds protein for a balanced snack that will keep you full and satisfied.

What about overnight oats with chia seeds?

If you want to take this concept to the next level, you can try overnight oats made with chia seeds. Try these Easy Overnight Oats with 6 flavor combinations for a filling meal or snack.

Other flavors besides banana chia pudding?

If you’re a chia pudding fan, you could try Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding, Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding or this Creamsicle version.

Not a fan of the chia seeds? You might like my Chocolate Avocado Pudding recipe instead!


This four-ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding makes an easy, kid-friendly snack. It's packed with protein and healthy fats and is easy to prep ahead of time.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Peanut Butter Hemp Seed Cookies https://www.theleangreenbean.com/peanut-butter-hemp-cookies/ https://www.theleangreenbean.com/peanut-butter-hemp-cookies/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0000 https://www.theleangreenbean.com/?p=34847 These Peanut Butter Hemp Seed Cookies are made with just six ingredients and make a perfect protein-packed snack or dessert. Plus they’re kid-friendly! *Originally published 3/2019. Updated 12/2022* Hi friends! These Peanut Butter Hemp Seed Cookies have become a staple in my weekly food prep. They are SO easy to whip up…just one bowl,  one […]]]>

These Peanut Butter Hemp Seed Cookies are made with just six ingredients and make a perfect protein-packed snack or dessert. Plus they’re kid-friendly!

Peanut Butter Hemp Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies

*Originally published 3/2019. Updated 12/2022*

Hi friends!

These Peanut Butter Hemp Seed Cookies have become a staple in my weekly food prep. They are SO easy to whip up…just one bowl,  one measuring cup and a spoon! And they’re delicious and full of heart-healthy fats.

Over the past few years, I’ve fallen in love with hemp seeds! They pack such a powerful nutrient punch and they’re so easy to mix into just about everything as an easy way to add things like iron, magnesium, omegas and protein.

easy Peanut Butter Hemp Heart Cookies overhead shot

Peanut Butter Hemp Seed Chocolate Chip Cookies

There are a few ways you can change things up with these cookies. I’ve made them with almond butter and they came out great AND tried them with maple syrup…which changes the texture a bit but they’re still good. These are basically like those peanut butter cookies made with just peanut butter, sugar and eggs….except I upped the protein, reduced the sugar and added some fiber with the oats. I call that a win.

Oatmeal Hemp Seed Breakfast Cookies

Want to make these an even better choice for breakfast? Swap the chocolate chips for dried fruit like raisins or dried blueberries. You could also add some nuts like slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for extra healthy fats

Where to Buy Hemp Hearts

As far as hemp seeds go, they’re also called hemp hearts and Manitoba Harvest is my favorite. I buy them in a giant bag at Costco because we go through them so fast but you can find them in most grocery stores (check the bulk bins if you have them) or grab them online from Amazon. (aff link)

Hemp Heart Cookies Recipe

Watch my 4 year old make them!

Here’s the recipe!


Print

Peanut Butter Hemp Cookies

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 11 reviews

These Peanut Butter Hemp Cookies are made with just six ingredients and make a perfect protein-packed snack or dessert. Plus they’re kid-friendly!

Ingredients

2/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
1/3 cup hemp seeds
2/3 cup rolled oats
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
Chocolate chips, if desired

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
Scoop onto a cookie sheet. (They stick a little so make sure you use a silpat, parchment paper or grease well)
Flatten with a fork and bake at 375 degrees F for 8-10 min.
Let cool at least 5 min before removing from baking sheet.

Notes

You can sub another nut or seed butter for peanut butter.

For a slightly less sweet cookie, use 1/3 cup sugar.

So what do you think?! Will you try these cookies? My kiddos love making them with me!

These Peanut Butter Hemp Seed Cookies are made with just six ingredients and make a perfect protein-packed snack or dessert. Plus they're kid-friendly!

Cookie Recipes with Hemp Hearts

Want some more recipes to check out? Try these options as well:

vegan hemp seed cookies

Hemp Cookies

Chewy vegan hemp seed cookies made with peanut butter and dates.

hemp seed cookies with dates

Hemp Seed Cookies with Dates

A twist on a classic oatmeal raisin cookie the whole family will love!

keto almond hemp seed cookies

Keto Almond Hemp Seed Cookies

One bowl cookies that are keto, gluten-free and vegan.

almond butter hemp seed cookies

Almond Butter Hemp Seed Cookies

Just 4 ingredients with 3 optional add-ins. Easy to customize and delicious!

whole wheat sable cookies with hemp hearts

Whole Wheat Sable Cookies with Hemp Hearts

A classic French cookie that’s perfect for tea time!

5 ingredient no bake breakfast cookies with hemp

5 Ingredient No Bake Breakfast Cookies

Packed with protein, ready in 5 minutes – no baking required.

Want even more cookies? Here are all my cookie recipes! And this is my favorite cookie scoop! (aff link)

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Chickpea Buckeyes https://www.theleangreenbean.com/chickpea-buckeyes/ https://www.theleangreenbean.com/chickpea-buckeyes/#comments Fri, 02 Dec 2022 05:00:00 +0000 http://www.theleangreenbean.com/?p=11787 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 […]]]>

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. 

These Chickpea Buckeyes are a healthier 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

Chickpea Buckeyes

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

Print

Chickpea Buckeyes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A healthy twist on traditional Buckeyes.

Ingredients

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

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

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

Want more ways to eat chickpeas?

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Crunchy Chicken Coleslaw Salad https://www.theleangreenbean.com/crunchy-chicken-coleslaw-salad/ https://www.theleangreenbean.com/crunchy-chicken-coleslaw-salad/#comments Tue, 29 Nov 2022 15:22:52 +0000 https://www.theleangreenbean.com/?p=41341 This Crunchy Chicken Coleslaw Salad makes the perfect lunch or dinner. The peanut sauce adds flavor and the coleslaw adds crunch! Great way to use leftover chicken. Hi friends! Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of lunch recipe requests so I wanted to share this salad with you. It’s not a traditional leafy green salad […]]]>

This Crunchy Chicken Coleslaw Salad makes the perfect lunch or dinner. The peanut sauce adds flavor and the coleslaw adds crunch! Great way to use leftover chicken.

crunchy chicken coleslaw salad

Hi friends!

Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of lunch recipe requests so I wanted to share this salad with you. It’s not a traditional leafy green salad because it uses coleslaw but it’s just as delicious and a fun way to change things up.

Chicken and Coleslaw Recipe

It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken. In the recipe, I use shredded chicken, but you could use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken or whatever you have on hand. You could also make a big batch of shredded chicken to freeze and then pull some out a few weeks down the road to make this quick and easy salad.

And this makes a great lunch. The only thing to consider is that if you’re not eating it right away, I would store the salad and the sauce separately and mix them just before serving so everything doesn’t get soggy. Because you want that crunch, am I right?!

Crunchy Chicken Coleslaw Salad

chicken coleslaw salad

Chicken Coleslaw Sandwich

Another great thing about this mix is that you could easily turn it into a sandwich or wrap. The peanut sauce is a unique twist and will set it apart from most of the sandwiches you’re probably making.

If you wanted to, you could even keep everything separate and add some lettuce as well. Then just assemble your chicken coleslaw sandwich with a layer of lettuce, a layer of chicken, a layer of mixed veggies and top it all off with the sauce and another piece of bread! Or throw it in a wrap and put it on a panini press for a few minutes!

Here’s how you make it:

Coleslaw Chicken Salad recipe

Print

Crunchy Chicken Coleslaw Salad

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5 from 2 reviews

This Crunchy Chicken Coleslaw Salad makes the perfect lunch or dinner. The peanut sauce adds flavor and the coleslaw adds crunch! Great way to use leftover chicken.

Ingredients

1 pound cooked chicken (I use shredded)
1 bag coleslaw
1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded carrot (Approx 1 large)
1/3 cup fresh cilantro, minced
2/3 cup sliced green onion
2/3 cup chopped peanuts or cashews
chopped jalapeno, optional
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup tamari (or soy sauce)
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tsp freshly grated ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 – 2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
Sriracha or other hot sauce, to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl combine cooked chicken, coleslaw, bell pepper, shredded carrots, cilantro and green onion and mix well. 
  2. In a separate bowl or jar, combine peanut butter, tamari, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, maple syrup and sriracha. Stir well or shake to combine. Taste and add more sriracha or sweetener if needed. 
  3. Pour sauce over coleslaw mixutre and toss well to coat. Top with peanuts and more green onions if desired and serve.
  4. If not serving immediately, store sauce separately from coleslaw mix and combine just before serving to avoid soggy coleslaw.

If you wanted to prep this for a week of lunches you could divide the sauce among 4 large mason jars, then top with the coleslaw mixture and store in the fridge. When ready to eat, dump into a bowl and stir to coat.

Want more coleslaw recipes? I have several using broccoli slaw but you could easily swap in coleslaw:

Asian Farro White Bean Bowls

Asian Farro White Bean Bowls

This Asian Farro White Bean Bowls recipe is perfect for a quick and easy vegan dinner. Ready in 15 minutes and full of flavor.

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Instant Pot Asian Peanut Noodles

These Instant Pot Asian Peanut Noodles are packed with chicken and vegetables for a quick, healthy dinner the whole family will love! Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re perfect for a busy weeknight.

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Easy Broccoli Slaw Recipes

These Easy Broccoli Slaw Recipes are made using simple ingredients that can during food prep on the weekend and thrown together during the week for quick, healthy dinners or lunches.

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Broccoli Slaw with Ramen

This Broccoli Slaw with Ramen recipe is perfect for summer. It’s packed with vegetables and protein and the simple dressing is full of flavor. Perfect for food prep and tastes great as leftovers.

 


This Crunchy Chicken Coleslaw Salad makes the perfect lunch or dinner. The peanut sauce adds flavor and the coleslaw adds crunch! Great way to use leftover chicken.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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