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

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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

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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 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

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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)

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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–

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

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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)*

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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–

This cheesy broccoli recipe is made with a simple cheese sauce that’s ready in minutes and perfect for drizzling or dipping.

*Originally published 8/2014. Updated 4/2025*

Hi Friends!

Today I’m sharing a simple cheese sauce for broccoli that the whole family will love! Recently my 8 year old has started eating broccoli. While she doesn’t yet enjoy it raw or roasted, she will eat a few pieces of steamed broccoli with her dinner. I’ve been looking for ways to make it a bit more exciting since we have yet to find a salad dressing she loves.

Enter cheese sauce! This traditional cheese sauce for broccoli is the perfect way to make broccoli, or other vegetables, more appealing to kids! This recipe is easy to make and super versatile so you can make a batch and serve some with veggies and some with chips!

If you’re looking for more ways to use broccoli check out these 20+ Easy Broccoli Recipes. And find even more ideas in this post for Quick and Easy Vegetable Recipes.

Quick cheese sauce for broccoli ingredients

To make this simple sauce you just need a few simple ingredients:

• Butter
• Flour – You can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend if needed
• Milk – I use 2%
• Cheddar cheese – use your preference of mild, medium or sharp
• Seasonings – salt and garlic powder

How to make cheesy broccoli

To make this recipe:

• Melt butter in a saute pan over medium heat.
• Sprinkle with flour.
• Slowly add milk, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes.
• Reduce heat to low and add cheese, garlic powder and salt.
• Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Serve with broccoli prepared however you like it- steamed, roasted, sauteed, etc.

Can you make this a no butter cheese sauce?

Yes! In fact when I originally posted this recipe years ago, I used olive oil instead of butter and it works great!

Kid-Friendly Vegetable Recipes

If you’re looking for more kid-friendly recipes, check out this post: Quick & Easy Vegetable Recipes. Or try these Maple Glazed Carrots – just omit or decrease the hot sauce.

Broccoli Cheddar Sauce Recipe

Here’s how you make it:

Cheesy Broccoli

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This cheesy broccoli recipe is made with a simple cheese sauce that’s ready in minutes and perfect for drizzling or dipping.

• Author: Author: Lindsay L

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp butter
• 1 Tbsp flour (you can use gluten-free flour if needed
• 1 cup milk
• 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese (i use medium cheddar)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (more if needed)
• broccoli prepared as you like it!

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Instructions

1. In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Sprinkle in flour and stir to combine.
3. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly for 1-2 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low and add cheese and spices.
5. Stir until melted and let thicken 2-3 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Serve with or pour over vegetables and serve immediately.

Cheesy broccoli FAQs:

Can I make cheese sauce for broccoli without milk?

The milk is a critical ingredient in this particular recipe. If you’re looking for low lactose, cheddar cheese is naturally low in lactose and you can use lactose-free milk.

What’s a good substitute for butter in cheese sauce?

You can substitute oil for butter in this recipe.

How do you make a light cheese sauce for vegetables?

To lighten this recipe a bit, use skim milk. I don’t like using low-fat cheese in sauces but you could try. You could also try this Skinny Cheese Sauce from Cabot.

Can I use plant based milk in cheese sauce?

Although I haven’t tried it myself, you could try replacing the cow’s milk in this recipe with soy or almond milk. Or try this creamy vegan cheese sauce or this easy vegan nacho cheese sauce.

What’s the best cheese to use for broccoli cheese sauce?

Cheddar cheese is used in many traditional cheese sauce recipes. You could also try Gouda, Fontina or Asiago or even Colby Jack for a more mild flavor.

How can I thicken cheese sauce without flour?

You can use cornstarch to thicken the sauce if you don’t want to use flour. Or try this Easy Flourless Cheese Sauce or this Creamy White Cheese Sauce without Flour.

Can I meal prep cheesy broccoli in advance?

I do find this cheese sauce is best served immediately after making. To save time, you could prepare the broccoli in advance and then quickly whip up the cheese sauce when it’s time to eat.

How do I reheat broccoli with cheese sauce?

If you’re going to reheat the cheese sauce, I would not drizzle it on the broccoli. Save what you don’t eat separately in a glass container and then reheat at half power in the microwave, stirring frequently.

Cheesy Broccoli – Perfect for picky eaters!

What to serve with cheesy broccoli

If you’re looking for main dishes that pair well with cheesy broccoli, try:

• Avocado Chicken Burgers
• Spicy Greek Yogurt Chicken
• Pesto Chicken Quinoa Bowls

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

This Silken Tofu Berry Smoothie is kid-friendly and perfect for breakfast, lunch or snack. The silken tofu adds protein without changing the flavor or texture!

*Originally published 7/2020. Updated 2/2025.*

Hi friends!

This Silken Tofu Berry Smoothie is the latest obsession at our house and I’m so excited to share it with you. Both of my boys love smoothies as a snack so I’m always looking for new variations that are both simple enough that I usually have the ingredients on hand, and filling enough to tide them over until their next meal (ie not made with just fruit).

Why add silken tofu to smoothies?

There are lots of benefits of adding silken tofu to a smoothie. It will definitely increase the protein content of your smoothie but it will also up the creaminess factor considerably! If you’re looking for a creamy smoothie, especially if you’re looking for a non-dairy option besides yogurt, silken tofu is a great option.

Smoothie Recipes with Silken Tofu

Want more tofu smoothie recipes? Try these:

• How To Make A Silken Tofu Smoothie
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Tofu Smoothie
• Tofu Smoothie With Fruit

Ingredients For Silken Tofu Berry Smoothie

It’s taken some tweaks and adjustments but we’ve finally landed on this winner. Let’s review what’s in it:

• Frozen berries- Any frozen fruit will work in this recipe. We use berries but frozen bananas, peaches, etc also work well.
• Spinach – This is optional and you can use fresh or frozen baby spinach. Whenever I grocery shop I buy a bag or two of baby spinach and pop them in the freezer immediately. Then just open and grab a couple handfuls of frozen leaves to add.
• Milk- we use cows milk but you can easily use a plant-based milk for a dairy-free version
• Orange juice- this is optional as well. I like to add a splash for additional flavor
• Silken tofu- make sure it’s silken for smoothies. Just spoon in half the package. It has a similar consistency to Greek yogurt!
• Nut butter – I love to add a spoonful of peanut or almond butter to my smoothies for some extra healthy fats

What To Add To Silken Tofu Breakfast Smoothie

If you’re looking for extra smoothie additions to this smoothie, try a couple of scoops of ground flax, chia seeds or hemp seeds.

You can also add toppings like pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds, additional sliced fruit and more!

How To Make Smoothie with Silken Tofu

Smoothies are generally fairly easy to make and this one is no exception. Just add the ingredients to a blender and blend. No need to press the tofu or anything. It has a texture similar to Greek yogurt and you can easily just spoon it into the blender.

Silken Tofu Berry Smoothie Recipe

Here’s the exact recipe:

Silken Tofu Berry Smoothie

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5 from 2 reviews

This Silken Tofu Berry Smoothie is kid-friendly and perfect for breakfast, lunch or snack. The silken tofu adds protein without changing the flavor or texture!

• Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

2 cups frozen mixed berries (or other fruit)
6 oz silken tofu (excess liquid in package drained)
1–2 handfuls baby spinach (fresh or frozen)
1.5 -2 cups milk
optional: spoonful of nut butter, splash of orange juice

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Instructions

1. Add berries and tofu to blender. Then add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth.
2. Add additional liquid if needed to blend until smooth.

Notes

Smoothie can be made, frozen and reheated in the microwave.

Add 1-2 medjool dates for additional sweetness if needed.

Dairy or non-dairy milk will work.

So easy and so delicious. Also, if you don’t already have them, get some mason jars with lids. I make a big batch of smoothies, portion into 8oz glass jars and freeze. Then when my kids want them for snacks, I just remove the lid, microwave for 45 seconds and serve!

Silken Tofu Berry Smoothie FAQs:

What can I substitute for silken tofu in smoothies?

If you want to make this smoothie without tofu, try subbing 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or a couple of Tablespoons of nut butter.

Is this considered a silken tofu protein smoothie?

Yes! I would consider this a high-protein smoothie. Both the milk (depending on the kind) and the tofu add protein. You can add even more my tossing in some hemp or chia seeds or some ground flax or by topping with pumpkin seeds!

Can I use firm tofu?

I would not recommend using any other tofu varieties in this smoothie. Silken tofu has a unique texture that blends well into smoothies. Firm or extra firm tofu will alter the texture.

How to make this silken tofu smoothie vegan?

To make this smoothie vegan, just use a vegan milk source- almond, oat or soy milk are all great options although some will have more protein than others.

Can I make a silken tofu smoothie bowl?

Yes! The creaminess would make this ideal for a smoothie bowl. Add your favorite toppings like granola, cereal, chopped nuts, pumpkin seeds etc and eat with a spoon.

If you’re looking for another smoothie recipe to try, here are a couple of others we love:

• How To Make A Strawberry Smoothie
• Peach Zucchini Smoothie Bowl
• Blueberry Cauliflower Smoothie

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These healthy chocolate muffins are perfect for breakfast or snack time. Made with Greek yogurt, they’re lower in added sugar and full of flavor.

Hi friends!

If you’ve been around a while, you know that we eat a lot of muffins. These Healthy Chocolate Muffins are the newest addition to our lineup and a favorite of my youngest kiddo.

He’s recently decided he no longer likes bananas so that knocks out a lot of muffin choices. Luckily, he is still a fan of chocolate and he loves my Healthy Black Bean Bars and my Chocolate Pea Cookies.

But he’s a growing boy and in my quest to always have healthy snacks on hand, I did some testing to make a banana-free chocolate muffin he will eat.

Healthy Banana Muffin Recipes

If you’re new here, the rest of the family enjoys bananas. Here are some of our other favorite muffins that do include bananas:

• Banana Flax Muffins
• Lentil Banana Muffins
• Sweet Potato Banana Bites
• Banana Carrot Muffins

Healthy Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

And if you happen to be in the mood for pumpkin instead of chocolate, check out these favorites:

• Easy Pumpkin Bread with Chocolate Chips (can be made as muffins)
• Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bars with Quinoa
• Pumpkin Yogurt Bars

Healthy Chocolate Muffin Ingredients

The ingredients for these muffins are super simple and you probably have most of them on hand already! You’ll need:

• Plain Greek yogurt – adds protein and helps keep the muffins moist
• Eggs – for structure
• Applesauce and sugar – to add sweetness
• Oil – I use avocado oil but any mild oil is fine
• Milk – Dairy or non-dairy will work
• Flour – I like to use white whole wheat flour, but all-purpose is fine
• Cocoa powder- look for unsweetened!
• Baking powder and baking soda – to help them rise!
• Chocolate chips – mix them in or just add them to the top. Or skip them all together.

How To Make Healthy Chocolate Muffins

These muffins can be made in one bowl for easy cleanup:

• In a large mixing bowl, combine yogurt, eggs, applesauce, sugar and milk and mix well.
• Add dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
• Scoop into silicone or lined muffin tins and bake!

Healthy Chocolate Muffin Recipe

Healthy Chocolate Muffins

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5 from 2 reviews

These healthy chocolate muffins are perfect for breakfast or snack time. Made with Greek yogurt, they’re lower in added sugar and full of flavor.

• Author: Lindsay
• Yield: makes 12 muffins

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup oil
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/3 cup applesauce
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1.5 cups flour (i use white whole wheat flour)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp baking powder
• pinch of salt
• 1/3 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Mix yogurt, eggs, oil, milk, applesauce and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add remaining ingredients and stir until just combined.
4. Spoon into silicone or lined muffin tins and bake for 16 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Healthy Chocolate Muffins FAQs

How to store healthy chocolate muffins?

Store in a container or bag on the counter for 2-3 days. If you have any left, move them to the fridge to help them last longer.

Can you freeze chocolate muffins?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then store in a freezer safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw in the microwave or on the counter.

Can I use regular yogurt?

Yes. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, regular plain yogurt will work just fine. You can also sub in vanilla yogurt.

Can I make gluten-free healthy chocolate muffins?

To make these gluten-free, swap a 1:1 gf flour mix for the flour. I like King Arthur Gluten-Free Measure for Measure.

Healthy Chocolate Muffins

Healthy Muffin Recipes

Need more muffins and bars to try?

• Best Ever Double Chocolate Muffins
• Moist Chocolate Muffins
• Apple Cinnamon Red Lentil Muffins
• Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars
• Sweet Potato White Bean Bars

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

This Easy Fish Chowder recipe tastes better the longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

*Originally published Sept 2016. Updated Dec 2024*

This easy fish chowder is a simple, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. It’s healthy, nutritious and great for meal prep.

Hi Friends!

Have you ever spent time looking for the best of all fish chowder recipes? This is it. I’ve been eating it since I was a little girl and now make it often for my own family.

My Maine Fish Chowder Recipe

Every summer while I was growing up, my mom, sister and I would head out to Maine to spend a couple of weeks with my aunt. Aside from fresh Maine lobster and hot dogs, both of which don’t involve a whole lot of cooking, the one thing we ate every year on this trip was this simple fish chowder.

One of my biggest contributions as a kid was always standing over the sink peeling the potatoes…but aside from that and chopping up potatoes, onion and bacon, that’s really all there is to it!

Why You’ll Love This Quick and Easy Fish Chowder Recipe

• Budget-friendly – made with just 7 affordable ingredients
• Perfect for meal prep – it tastes better the longer it sits
• Works with any white fish, not just haddock – I often use cod
• Skip the oyster crackers on top and this chowder is gluten-free

This simple fish chowder recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal ingredients. It’s also easy to customize. If you want to throw in some extra veggies, feel free! Want to add more seafood? You could definitely add shrimp, clams etc.

Easy Fish Chowder Ingredients

Here’s the basic list of ingredients for this recipe:

• Bacon – just a few slices adds a lot of flavor
• Onion – I often sub sliced leeks for onions so feel free to do that!
• Potatoes- You can use peeled white potatoes, or feel free to sub yellow or red potatoes with the skin on if you prefer
• Broth – chicken or vegetable broth both work
• Fish – You want a mild white fish. Haddock is my favorite but can be hard to find so I often use cod
• Old Bay – A crucial ingredient for the chowder flavor!

Simple Fish Chowder with Step by Step Directions

To make the chowder, just follow a few simple steps:

• Saute the bacon, onions and potatoes.
• Add broth, spices and fish.
• Stir in milk or cream and serve!

Mom hack – I often use half cream, half 2% milk. It adds that creamy flavor without it tasting overly rich!

What should I serve with fish chowder?

This is a hearty soup that makes a great meal all on it’s own. Don’t forget to top with oyster crackers or serve with some crusty bread for dipping.

You could easily pair with a side salad for a nice balanced meal!

What is chowder? What makes chowder different than soup?

Traditionally, chowder is thicker, richer and creamier than most soups. Chowder broth is often thickened with flour and cream, although this recipe does not use any flour.

What are the different types of chowder?

• Manhattan clam chowder is easily recognizable because it uses a tomato-based broth.
• New England clam chowder is more popular. It is made with a thick and creamy white broth and usually contains a mix of clams, potatoes, bacon and celery.
• Long Island clam chowder is made with a creamy tomato-based broth.
• Rhode Island clam chowder is similar to New England versions but with a much thinner broth that isn’t creamy.
• Seafood chowder or fish chowder typically contains fish or a mix of shrimp ,fish and other seafood instead of just clams.

Can I use seafood instead of fish? What are the easy seafood chowder ingredients?

Yes! If you’re making this chowder, consider this a base recipe. Use the same ingredient list but feel free to add in some clams, mussels, shrimp etc if you prefer those!

Easy Fish Chowder Recipe

Here’s how you make this super easy fish chowder:

Easy Fish Chowder Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

This Easy Fish Chowder tastes better than longer it sits! Make a big pot over the weekend and enjoy for lunch or dinner all week!

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 Tbsp oil
• 3 slices bacon, diced
• 2/3 cup diced onion
• 2 medium white potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 c chicken or vegetable broth
• 1.5 – 2 pounds Haddock (or cod) fillets, skin removed
• 1–2 tsp Old Bay
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cups 2% milk, whole milk or half & half

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Saute bacon, onion and potatoes for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
2. Add broth and lay fish on top of potatoes in pot. (Don’t worry about cutting it up. It will flake apart when cooked)
3. Add the Old Bay, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat to medium, cover and cook until fish and potatoes are cooked through, about 10 minutes. Use a spatula to break the fish into chunks.
4. Reduce the heat and add the milk or half and half. Heat through but don’t boil.

Fish Chowder FAQs

What fish is good for chowder? Can I make this fish chowder with cod?

We always used haddock when we made it growing up but it turns out that can be hard to find here in Ohio so I typically use cod and it works great. Really any thick, meaty white fish should work great!

Should I use fish stock?

This recipe does not use fish stock. You could substitute some or all of the chicken broth for fish stock if you want to but it isn’t necessary.

Can I freeze fish chowder?

While this isn’t my absolute favorite dish to freeze, it can be frozen. Make sure it is cooled completely and be aware that the texture might change slightly when it’s reheated. To minimize this, reheat very slowly at a low temperature.

Is this a healthy fish chowder? Is it better to use heavy cream or milk?

Yes, this soup is overall fairly healthy. Whether to finish with heavy cream or milk is a personal preference. I most often ate it with heavy cream growing up and I most often make it with 2% milk now as an adult. The heavy cream or whole milk will give it a much richer taste and make the broth more white and creamy.

I use 2% milk and the broth is not quite as thick but ends up being the perfect richness for me.

What is Old Bay Seasoning?

Old Bay is a pre-mixed seasoning blend that’s made with a mix of celery salt, peppers, paprika and other spices. It’s a very distinct flavor and when a recipe calls for it, I tend to use it without substitute to achieve the desired flavor.

Do I have to make fish chowder with bacon?

The bacon is optional but I personally think it adds a ton of flavor to the soup. With so few ingredients, the bacon flavor can really shine through and pairs well with hearty white fish and potatoes.

Is this easy fish chowder gluten-free?

Yes. This recipe is gluten-free as written as long as you get gluten-free oyster crackers if needed.

How can I turn this into a simple fish soup? What about dairy-free fish chowder?

To make this a fish soup recipe, leave out the cream/milk at the end and add some extra veggies! This would essentially make it a dairy-free fish chowder. Or you could try subbing almond milk or coconut milk for the milk/heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

Also, note I garnished mine with extra bacon and some parsley for photos but that’s definitely not required. Turns out soup made with white fish, white potatoes and milk/cream really isn’t that visually appealing…but luckily it doesn’t impact the taste!

Looking for other soup recipes? Try these:

• Salmon Corn Chowder
• Instant Pot Salmon Tortellini Soup
• Crockpot Potato Soup with Hashbrowns
• Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup
• White Chicken Chili

This easy, affordable fish chowder is perfect for meal prep and makes a great dinner for busy families!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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 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. 

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:

How To Cook Oatmeal With An Egg

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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

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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:

• Single Oatmeal Egg Pancake
• Banana Oat Egg Pancakes
• Easy Oatmeal Pancakes

Healthy Recipes with Oats

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

• Freezer Prep Oatmeal Cups
• Lentil Banana Muffins
• Zucchini Oat Bars
• Carrot Oat Bars

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

These Rhubarb Custard Bars are the perfect spring party dessert! It’s the perfect combination of shortbread crust, custard, rhubarb and cream cheese frosting that everyone will love.

*Originally published 6/2011. Updated 4/2024*

Hi Friends!

If you’re looking for a delicious way to use up some of the beautiful rhubarb that you might see in the garden or on grocery store shelves during the spring and early summer months, these Rhubarb Custard Bars are worth a try!

I first published this recipe way back in 2011 because it’s one of my dad’s very favorite desserts. When I saw some rhubarb at the store the other day, I decided it was high time to make a batch and show you all just how easy and delicious they are.

How To Make Rhubarb Custard Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

These bars have 3 layers but each one is super easy to put together.

To make the shortbread crust, just mix together some flour and sugar and then cut in cold butter until you have a crumbly mixture. Press it into the bottom of a pan and stick it in the oven. It will look super dry and crumbly but will come together in the oven as the butter melts.

While the crust is cooking, mix together the custard. Simply whisk together a little flour, eggs, milk and sugar. Then stir in the sliced rhubarb. Pour the mixture over the crust when it’s done baking and stick it back in the oven.

Once the bars have cooked and cooled to room temperature, it’s time to make the frosting. Use an electric mixer to mix some cream cheese, cool whip and vanilla. Then add powdered sugar until the frosting is sweet enough for you. Spread it over the top of the bars and enjoy!

Best Rhubarb Custard Bars

Here’s how you make them:

Rhubarb Custard Bars with Shortbread Crust

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These Rhubarb Custard Bars are the perfect spring party dessert! It’s the perfect combination of shortbread crust, custard, rhubarb and cream cheese frosting that everyone will love.

• Author: Lindsay
• Yield: serves 12

Ingredients

Crust

• 1.5 cups flour
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 8 Tbsp cold butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 tsp salt

Filling

• 1/3 cup flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1.5 cups milk
• 3 large eggs
• 5 cups sliced rhubarb (fresh or frozen)

Frosting

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temp
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup cool whip, thawed
• 1/2 – 1 cup powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine 1.5 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, and salt in a bowl. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry blender to cut butter in until mixture is crumbly.
3. Press mixture evenly into a 9×13 pan lined with parchment paper. Mixture will be very dry and crumbly.
4. Bake for 15 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, combine 1/3 cup flour, 1 cup sugar, milk and eggs in a bowl and whisk until well combined.
6. Stir in rhubarb.
7. When the crust is done baking, pour rhubarb mixture over crust and bake 40-45 minutes or until set.
8. Cool to room temperature.
9. To make the frosting, combine cream cheese, vanilla and cool whip. Beat with an electric mixture until smooth.
10. Add powdered sugar, tasting as you add until desired sweetness is reached.
11. Spread topping over bars once they’re cooled. Cut and serve.
12. Store in the fridge.

Old Fashioned Rhubarb Custard Bars FAQs

What makes rhubarb a good choice for custard bars?

In case you’re not familiar, rhubarb is often described as red celery. It grows in stalks similar to celery and has leafy greens at the top. In it’s raw form, rhubarb is quite tart. It lends itself well to baking because it can be added to sweet desserts for a bit of a contrasting flavor for a nice balance of tart and sweet. It also holds up well when baked and maintains its shape.

Can frozen rhubarb be used in this recipe and if so, how does it affect the cooking process?

Yes! You are welcome to use frozen sliced rhubarb. No need to thaw ahead of time, just use as directed in the recipe.

What are some alternative crust options for these rhubarb custard bars?

You could make these with a graham cracker crust if you wanted to or try something a little different like a gingersnap crust.

How can you tell when the rhubarb custard bars are perfectly cooked?

When the bars are done, the custard should be set. The outside should be firm and slightly jiggly in the middle.

Can the sugar in the recipe be substituted with a healthier alternative?

You can play around with cutting back the sugar in this recipe if you want to. Try cutting back to 2/3 or 3/4 cup in the custard part or cutting back on the amount added to the frosting.

How do you store rhubarb custard bars? What the best way to store them?

Since these bars have a cream cheese frosting, they need to be stored in the refrigerator. I usually just cut and store in a glass container with a lid.

Is it possible to make a gluten-free version of these bars?

Yes! Just use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend (I like King Arthur Measure for Measure) in place of the flour to make these bars gluten-free.

Can other fruits be combined with rhubarb for a different flavor profile in these bars?

You could try. Some fruits like strawberries and raspberries that would mix well with rhubarb tend to have a higher water content and may affect the set of the custard.

What are some serving suggestions or garnish ideas for rhubarb custard bars?

You could garnish these with fresh fruit like raspberries or sliced strawberries, make a rhubarb sauce to drizzle over the top or make little reddiwhip flowers to garnish.

Rhubarb Custard Shortbread Bars

Rhubarb Dessert Recipes

Have more rhubarb you need to use up? Try one of these recipes:

• Rhubarb Crumble Bars
• Rhubarb Bars
• Easy Rhubarb Crisp

Easy Dessert Recipes

Need more dessert ideas? Here are a few we love:

• Mini Lemon Cheesecakes
• Easy Peanut Butter S’mores Bars
• Healthy Fruit Crisp
• Blackberry Crumble Bars
• Vanilla Cake Parfaits
• Small Batch Raspberry Lemon Bars

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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, 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:

Peanut Butter Chia Seed Pudding

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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

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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!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–