The Lean Green Bean

Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies

Lindsay — Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:00:00 +0000

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 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!

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

Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies Recipe

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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
2–3 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

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Instructions

Combine sweet potato, peanut butter and eggs in a large bowl and mix well.
Add vanilla, cinnamon, maple syrup, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds and Craisins and stir to combine.
Add oat flour and baking soda and stir.
Scoop onto cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (8-12 cookies).
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.

Other Sweet Potato Recipes That Are Delish!

Need more ideas? Try these:

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!

Grab the recipe!

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!

Grab the recipe!

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!

Grab the recipe!

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!

Grab the recipe!

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!

Click for 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!

Grab the recipe!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Blueberry Muffins

Lindsay — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 04:30:00 +0000

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

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

Hi Friends!

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

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

Blueberry Muffins – Easy & Quick!

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

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

Are these low sugar blueberry muffins?

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

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

One Bowl Blueberry Muffins Ingredients

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

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

How To Make Moist and Fluffy Blueberry Muffins

To make these muffins just follow a few simple steps:

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

Blueberry Muffins Variations

Blueberry Muffins Made with Buttermilk

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

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

Streusel For Blueberry Muffins

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

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

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

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

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

Best Fluffy Blueberry Muffins Recipe

Here’s the recipe:

Healthy Blueberry Muffins

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

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

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

Ingredients

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

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Instructions

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

Notes

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

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

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

Healthy Blueberry Muffins FAQs

What makes blueberry muffins moist and fluffy?

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

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

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

Are blueberry muffins healthy?

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

How do I make blueberry muffins vegan without eggs?

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

What type of flour is best for blueberry muffins?

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

Can I freeze blueberry muffins for later?

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

Can I make these blueberry muffins gluten-free?

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

How to store blueberry muffins?

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

Healthy Muffin Recipes

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

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Zucchini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

Lindsay — Tue, 03 Jun 2025 04:00:00 +0000

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

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

Hi friends!

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

Why You’ll Love These Zucchini Oat Bars

Here are some of the highlights of these bars:

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

Zucchini Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Bars

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

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

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

Nutritional Benefits of Zucchini Oat Bars

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

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

Zucchini Oat Bars Mix-Ins

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

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

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

Zucchini Bars Recipe

Here’s how you make them:

Zucchini Oat Bars

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

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

Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

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

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Instructions

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

Notes

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

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

Zucchini Oat Bars FAQs

Do I need to peel zucchinis before adding?

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

How do I shred zucchini for baking?

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

Can I make zucchini oat bars gluten-free?

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

How do I keep zucchini oat bars from being soggy?

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

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

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

Can I serve these bars as a healthy dessert?

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

What kind of oats are best for baking these bars?

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

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

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

Healthy Bars and Muffins

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

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

Lindsay — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:00:00 +0000

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

*Originally published 2/2013. Updated 2025*

Hi Friends!

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

Sweet Potato Muffins for Babies

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

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

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

Sweet Potato Recipes For Toddlers – Kid-Friendly Muffins

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

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

What Easy Recipe Mix-ins Can I Add?

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

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

Why You’ll Love These Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

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

Nutritional Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

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

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

Sweet Potato Bites (Muffins Alternative)

A few notes:

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

Sweet Potato Banana Recipes

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

How To Make Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

Here’s how you make them:

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 15 reviews

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

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

Ingredients

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

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Instructions

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

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

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins FAQs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins – No Added Sugar

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

Healthy Muffins

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

In the mood for more muffins? Try:

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

See all my snack recipes here.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Chocolate Muffins

Lindsay — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 17:25:50 +0000

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:

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

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

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

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Mix yogurt, eggs, oil, milk, applesauce and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
Add remaining ingredients and stir until just combined.
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?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars

Lindsay — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 12:43:23 +0000

These Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars are packed with protein and fiber thanks to the addition of white beans but you’d never know it! A cross between coffee cake and blondies, they’re perfect for breakfast, snack time or dessert!

Hi friends!

I’ve got a fun new recipe for you today. These Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars are a request from a follower and they’re definitely a new favorite around here.

Someone asked me for some bars that contained beans as well as the iconic snickerdoodle flavor and although it took a few rounds of testing, I think I nailed them.

First things first, these are not a fudgy blondie. They’re definitely on the cakey side. So you need to go into it with that expectation. They are fluffly and cakey, almost like a coffee cake, but they’ve got a whole can of great northern beans inside!

If you’ve been around for a while, you know I love baking with beans and lentils. If you’re looking for more ideas, check out these recipes:

Ingredients for Snickerdoodle Blondies

The ingredients for these bars are so simple and I bet you have most of them in your pantry right now! You’ll need:

Great northern beans – They have such a mild flavor and they’re perfect for blending into baked goods
Sugar – I use white sugar, you could also try brown sugar and I haven’t tried it but you could probably sub maple syrup as well
Oil – I use avocado oil
Egg – we’re using a mix of egg and egg yolk
Vanilla and cinnamon – don’t skimp on these! They’re crucial for flavor
Flour – I used white whole wheat flour or a gluten-free 1:1 blend
Baking soda and baking powder

How To Make Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars

To make these bars you’ll need a food processor or a high-powered blender. When you’re ready to bake:

Combine the beans, sugar, egg and yolk, oil and vanilla and process until smooth.
Add remaining ingredients and blend until mixed.
Spoon into a 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper.
Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar and bake!

Recipe for Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars

Here’s the exact recipe I use:

Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 2 reviews

Author: Lindsay

Ingredients

1 can great northern beans, drained and rinsed
½ cup sugar
1 egg + 1 egg yolk
¼ cup oil (i use avocado oil)
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup flour
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp baking powder
For topping: 1 Tbsp sugar mixed with ½ tsp cinnamon

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine beans, sugar, egg and egg yolk, oil and vanilla in a food processor and process until smooth.
Add cinnamon, salt, flour, baking soda and baking powder and process until just combined.
Scoop into an 8×8 pan lined with parchment paper.
Use your fingers to sprinkle cinnamon and sugar mixture over the entire top of the pan.
Bake for 20 – 25 minutes.
Let cool before cutting and serve.

Blondie Snickerdoodle Bars FAQs

Can I make these snickerdoodle bars without beans?

I would not recommend this specific recipe without the beans. If you’re looking for a more traditional dessert, try:

How to store blondie snickerdoodle bars?

These bars are moist and don’t do well in a sealed container. I would store on the counter loosely covered with foil for 2 days or so and then transfer to a container in the fridge.

Can I freeze snickerdoodle blondies?

Yes! Cool completely and then cut and freeze in a ziploc bag. Thaw on the counter when ready to eat.

Can I make gluten-free snickerdoodle bars?

Yes, just use a 1:1 Gluten-free flour blend. My favorite is King Arthur’s measure for measure.

Can I make vegan snickerdoodle bars?

To make this recipe vegan, I would substitute a flax egg. Here’s how to make a flax egg. You might have to experiment and see if you like the results better with one or two flax eggs.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Black Bean Brownies

Lindsay — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 06:54:00 +0000

These Easy Healthy Black Bean Brownies are kid-friendly, easy to make and full of fiber. They perfect for a healthy snack or dessert!

*Originally posted 2/22. Updated 11/24*

These black bean brownies are perfect for busy moms who want to add some extra protein and fiber to a healthy, kid-friendly snack. They’re made with simple ingredients and easy to make in a food processor.

Hi friends!

I’m excited to share the best black bean brownies with you guys today. To be honest, I would actually call these black bean bars since they’re not overly sweet and full of protein and fiber unlike traditional brownies, but people searching for this type of recipe want brownies, so that’s what we’ll call them! If you’re looking for healthy brownies without the beans, my Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies are a longtime favorite around here.

If you’re a longtime reader, you know putting beans, lentils and veggies into baked goods is one of my specialties! Looking for some other kid-friendly snacks? Try these:

Why You’ll Love Black Bean Brownies

Just 8 affordable ingredients
Made with pantry staples
Freezer-friendly
Can’t taste the beans
A kid-friendly snack that contains protein and fiber

What are black bean brownies?

Do black bean brownies taste good?

Let’s address the most important question – taste! I’ve been getting requests for a muffin or bar recipe using black beans for several years now and I’ve always worried the bean taste would be stronger and more noticeable than white beans so I’ve avoided them. But I’m here to tell you that the beans are totally hidden in this recipe! If you didn’t know they were in there you would never guess.

Baking with Beans

Are black bean brownies good for you?

Yes! These black bean brownies make a great addition to a healthy diet. They are full of fiber and protein which means that instead of just spiking your blood sugar, they will actually help stabilize your blood sugar and keep you full for a longer period of time. Plus they taste good so they’re enjoyable to eat!

What do black beans replace in baking?

I usually think of beans as an addition to baked goods rather than a replacement for something else because I like to think about all the benefits they add. However, beans are known for being a good substitute for some of the butter and/or oil in typical baked goods.

What are the health benefits black beans and the benefits of baking with beans? Are black beans high in protein?

So what are the benefits of baking with beans? It’s an easy way to add protein and fiber! You can also use pureed beans to replace some of the butter in recipes for cookies and other baked goods. I tend to puree whole beans, lentils etc into my baked goods but you can also by things like chickpea flour and experiment with replacing up to half your wheat flour.

You’ll be adding fiber, protein and other nutrient like B6, potassium, zinc and antioxidants. Black beans have 8g of protein and 7g of fiber per 1/2 cup serving.

Healthy Recipes with Black Beans

If you’re looking for some more healthy recipes with black beans:

Are these allergy-friendly black bean brownies?

These black bean brownies are naturally dairy-free. With a few adjustments they can also be vegan and/or gluten-free making them a great choice for many people!

Vegan Black Bean Brownies

This particular recipe uses 2 eggs. To make them vegan, try replacing the eggs with flax eggs. One flax egg = 1 Tbsp ground flax + 3 Tbsp water. Mix and let sit 5 min before using. Be aware that this may change the texture of the recipe a bit.

Healthy Gluten-free Black Bean Brownies

Are black bean brownies gluten-free?

Simply adding black beans to these brownies doesn’t make them gluten-free unless you also make changes to the flour. I’ve tried leaving the flour out of this recipe and they taste great, they’re just a bit more crumbly. I’d definitely recommend trying these Gluten-Free Sweet Potato Brownies.

It’s also super easy to make these black bean brownies gluten-free. The only thing you need to replace is 1/3 cup flour. I’ve had success using a 1:1 gluten-free blend like King Arthur Measure for Measure (aff link).

Flourless Black Bean Brownies

I have tried leaving the flour out and didn’t like them as much in this particular recipe. If you really wanted to make them flourless, I would try subbing 1/2 cup mashed cooked sweet potato for the flour! If you try it, let me know how it goes!

Or try one of these: No Flour Black Bean Brownies or Fudgy Black Bean Brownies.

How To Make Healthy Black Bean Brownies

What are black bean brownies made of?

Let’s review the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

Black beans – I’d look for no-salt-added or rinse them after draining
Eggs
Oil – I use avocado oil because of it’s mild flavor
Maple syrup- You could probably replace with white sugar but I’ve only tested using maple syrup
Vanilla extract – Adds important flavor!
Flour – I use white whole wheat flour. I tried making these flourless but think a little bit of flour really helps keep them from being too crumbly.
Baking soda
Pinch of salt
Cocoa powder- I use Hershey’s Special Dark Cocoa Powder
Chocolate chips – either mix throughout or sprinkle on top before baking

How To Make Black Bean Brownies Step-by-Step

If you have a food processor, making these brownies is super easy. Just add beans, eggs, oil, maple syrup and vanilla and blend until smooth. Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt and blend again. Mix in some chocolate chips and pour into a pan.

Mom Hack: Instead of mixing in chocolate chips, sprinkle a few on top of the pan before baking. They will visually entice the kids without adding a ton of extra sugar!

Can I make these black bean brownies if I don’t have a food processor?

Yes! If you have a high-powered blender you can probably add all your ingredients to the blender and blend. Or, grab your blender and combine the beans, eggs, oil and maple sryup. Blend until smooth then transfer to a bowl and add the remaining ingredients.

How long to bake black bean brownies?

This can depend on your preference. I bake mine for about 14 minutes. These brownies are a more cakey than fudgy but if you want them a bit more fudgy you can underbake them by a minute or two.

Peanut Butter Black Bean Brownies

For an extra fun twist, try swirling some natural peanut butter through the batter before you bake these brownies!

Best Easy Black Bean Brownie Recipe

Here’s the official recipe:

Best Black Bean Brownies Recipe

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

These Healthy Black Bean Brownies are kid-friendly, full of fiber and perfect for a snack or dessert!

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 15 min
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 brownies

Ingredients

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained (approx 1.75 cups)
2 eggs
1/3 cup oil (I use avocado oil)
1/3 cup maple syrup
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup flour (I use white whole wheat)
1/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt

1/3 cup chocolate chips

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Instructions

In a food processor, combine black beans, eggs, oil, maple syrup and vanilla and process until smooth.
Add flour, cocoa powder, baking soda and salt and process until just combined.
Pulse in chocolate chips or save to sprinkle on top.
Spoon into a greased or lined 9×9 baking pan.
Bake at 375 for 14-15 minutes.

Notes

If you don’t have a food processor, you should be able to use a high-powered blender!

Thanks to a food processor, these come together super quickly!

Black Bean Brownies Meal Prep Ideas:

Make a double batch and freeze half for a busy week!
Serve for breakfast with some yogurt or a glass of milk.
Pack in lunch box with a sandwich, fruit and some crackers.
Set out a plate for an easy after school snack.
Serve warm with ice cream for dessert!

Healthy Black Bean Brownies FAQs

Can I make these brownies in a muffin tin?

Yes! These work great as muffins. You’ll have to play around with the cooking time depending on the size of your muffins but I would start checking them around 15 minutes.

Can black bean brownies be frozen?

Yes! Cool completely and cut into squares. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze up to 3 months. To thaw, simply take them out and let them thaw on the counter.

How to store black bean brownies/Should you refrigerate black bean brownies?

I store mine on the counter for up to 3 days. After that I transfer to the fridge but you can store them in the fridge from the beginning if you want.

Are black bean brownies good for diabetics?

This recipe works well for my husband who is a type one diabetic. While there’s still sugar in the recipe, the beans add some protein and fiber to help reduce the insulin spike. You could also try replacing the maple syrup with a sugar alternative. Read more about sugar alternatives here.

Are low sugar black bean brownies healthier?

Just because brownies have black beans doesn’t automatically make them healthy. But this particular recipe is healthier than a lot of brownie recipes. It contains a whole can of black beans and is fairly low in added sugar.

What are good substitutes for black beans in brownies? Can I substitute the black beans for white beans?

I have not tried white beans for this particular recipe, but I do have several recipes baking with white beans and they always work great so I think it’s safe to say you could use white beans in this recipe. I typically use great northern beans in baking.

Can I substitute black beans for kidney beans?

Again, I haven’t tried it, but I think kidney beans have a fairly mild flavor that could easily be hidden by the cocoa powder so I think it’s worth a try!

Kid-Friendly Black Bean Brownies

Need more healthy dessert ideas?

Want more dessert ideas? Try:

These black bean brownies are an easy, kid-friendly snack. They are budget-friendly, lower in added sugar and higher in fiber than traditional brownies.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Banana Oat Bars

Lindsay — Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:00:00 +0000

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!

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

Easy Banana Oat Bars

Print Recipe

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
2–4 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

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Instructions

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

Let’s chat:

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

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

Lindsay — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 11:40:00 +0000

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are bursting with flavor, deliciously moist and they make a great mid-morning snack! They’re the perfect way to transition from fall to winter.

*Originally published 12/2014. Updated 11/2023*

Hi Friends-

You know those few weeks in early November, when Halloween and all things pumpkin is over, but Thanksgiving isn’t quite here and you’re ready for Christmas but it still feels to early?

That’s when you make these muffins. They’re the perfect bridge between Fall and Winter and you absolutely must try them.

Pumpkin and Gingerbread Flavors

I’ve been making these muffins for almost 10 years and they never disappoint. They’re the perfect mix of your favorite pumpkin bread and a delicious gingerbread cookie. All wrapped up in a delicious muffin.

The pumpkin adds a light Fall flavor and the molasses and ginger add the perfect hint of gingerbread with just a couple of simple ingredients.

How To Make Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

To make these muffins, you just need a few simple ingredients.

Many of them can be found at Thrive Market– my favorite place to stock your pantry! I love their large selection and place an order every month or two to stock my staple baking items! (refferal link)

Melted butter
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vanilla
Molasses
Pumpkin puree
Flour – I use white whole wheat flour, or
Baking soda & baking powder
Cinnamon and Ginger – for flavor

To make them just mix all the wet ingredients together, add the dry ingredients and stir to just combine. You can leave them plain or add mix-ins. I like fresh cranberries for a bit of tart, but you could also add chocolate chips or some hemp seeds.

Recipe for Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 12 reviews

These Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins are packed with ginger flavor and full of the nutritional benefits of pumpkin and white whole wheat flour.

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 25 min
Yield: 12

Ingredients

4 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1/4 cup molasses
2/3 cup pumpkin puree
1.5 cups white whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground ginger (more if desired)
optional mixins- fresh cranberries, hemp seeds, ground flax etc

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Instructions

Combine the first six ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well combined.
Add remaining ingredients and stir until just mixed.
Scoop into greased or lined muffin tins.
Bake at 375 degrees for 20-22 minutes.

I make 12 large muffins. Feel free to make yours smaller if you prefer. I like them plain, but if you want to fancy them up a little, mix some powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle it on top for a glaze!

Easy Pumpkin Gingerbread Muffins FAQs

Can I freeze pumpkin gingerbread muffins?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze. When you’re ready to eat them, just thaw on the counter!

What if I don’t have ground ginger?

You can leave it out and add extra cinnamon to amp up the flavor but the gingerbread flavor will be lacking if you leave it out.

What is molasses and is it healthy?

Molasses is a type of liquid sugar. It’s a thick, dark syrup that is made while refining sugar cane into sugar. Molasses is lower on the glycemic index than regular sugar. It also contains small amounts of nutrients like iron, calcium, magnesium and Vitamin B6.

Do you have a regular pumpkin muffin recipe?

Try this Easy Pumpkin Bread recipe. You can also make it as muffins. You might also like my Gluten-free Pumpkin Bean Bread as an easy way to add some extra nutrients. Or try these Pumpkin Yogurt Bars or my Baked Pumpkin Donuts.

Looking for more pumpkin recipes?

Try these:

Pumpkin Pie Bars
Pumpkin Yogurt Dip
30 Healthy Pumpkin Recipes
20 Pumpkin Dessert Recipes That Aren’t Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin Apple Lentil Muffins
Pumpkin Energy Balls

And if you want more gingerbread baking recipes, try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Store Bought Granola Bars For Kids

Lindsay — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 04:00:00 +0000

This list of healthy store bought granola bars for kids that are actually healthy for kids features top picks for healthy snack bars from a Registered Dietitian. All have seven grams of added sugar or less and include some protein and fiber.

*Originally published April 2019. Updated July 2023*

Hi friends!

This list of healthy store-bought granola bars for kids comes highly requested as a lot of people are looking for healthy granola bars for kids and quite honestly has really been a labor of love. I spent hours looking at the nutrition labels of various granola and snack bars on the market, analyzing the label, reading the ingredients and researching all the options. And believe me, there are A LOT of bar options out there.

While I typically don’t recommend a bar every single day, I recognize that they’re convenient and that there are some nutritious options out there that can fit nicely into a child’s diet. So I did my research and wanted to help cut through the clutter and give you some good options.

Choosing Granola Bars For Kids That Are Actually Healthy

Like anything when it comes to feeding your kids, you are in charge. Do your own research. Read the labels. Check out the ingredients. Then decide what you feel comfortable feeding your kids.

And if you need more store-bought snack ideas, check out:

Snacks from certain stores:

Types of snacks:

These bars would also make great lunch box additions. If you need more packed lunch ideas, check out my guide: A Month of Easy Packed Lunch Ideas For Kids!

*This post was updated July 2022. Several of my choices have been discontinued since I originally published this list in 2019 so if you see bars in the pictures that aren’t on this list, it’s because they’re not being made anymore!

Here’s a quick video to show you a few good options I found recently at my local Meijer & Kroger:

Healthy Snack Bars For Kids

Similar to what I discussed in my Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids guide, for posts like this, there has to be a cutoff. Otherwise, the list would be too large and overwhelming. Similarly, this is not an all-inclusive list. There are just too many options out there to cover them all.

Are granola bars healthy? Are there any healthy granola bars?

So what are the best granola bars for kids? Are there any out there that aren’t just glorified desserts? I think so! Here are the criteria I used for my list:

Grams of sugar per granola bar:
7g or less added sugar

Previously, companies didn’t have to indicate how much of the sugar on the label was added so it was sometimes hard to tell how much was sugar was naturally occurring from things like fruit versus added sugar.

Updated nutrition labels break out the amount of added sugar so that’s what I focus on instead of total sugar. In addition, you can look at the order of ingredients in the ingredient list. If sugar is listed before fruit, you can assume that more of the sugar is added.

Grams of protein per granola bar (and fiber!)
At least 2 grams of each

Note that fiber can come from oats, fruit, nuts/seeds, but in some bars, it is added in the form of inulin, chicory root etc. Similarly, protein can come from whole ingredients or it can be added in the form of whey protein, egg powder, etc.

Best Store Bought Granola Bars On The Market

I did my best to choose bars with ingredients I think are wholesome. Is every single ingredient in each bar on this list perfect? No. But overall, I feel like the ingredient lists are good. If you’re overly concerned with ingredients, you may be better off making your own bars at home!

Many of the bars on the list come in multiple flavors. For this list, I’ve picked one flavor of each. Remember that sometimes other flavors might have differences in ingredients, amount of sugar, etc. You can compare nutrition labels and ingredients between flavors on the websites.

Healthy Store Bought Granola Bars For Kids

Rx Bar Kids Double Chocolate
Larabar Mini Peanut Butter Cookie
Happy Tot Strawberry Banana Sunflower Seed Butter Oat Bar
Thunderkids Peanut Butter and Jelly
Skout Apple Cinnamon Energy Bar
Health Warrior Chia Bar Chocolate Peanut Butter
KIND Healthy Grains Almond Butter Dark Chocolate
KIND Breakfast Bars Honey Oat
Kashi CHEWY Peanut Peanut Butter
Bobo’s Original Chocolate Chip Oat Bites
Happytot Fiber and Protein Banana Carrot Bar
88 Acres Cinnamon Oat Seed Bar
That’s It Fruit Bar Apple Blueberry
Perfect Kids Bar Chocolate Chip
Enjoy Life Breakfast Ovals Apple Cinnamon
Simple Mills Soft Baked Bars Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip (*these have 8g added sugar)
Made Good Granola Bars Mixed Berry
Zing Minis Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter
Dinobars Blueberry Pear Banana
Blake’s Seed Based Bars Blueberry Lemon
CLIF Nut Butter Bars Peanut Butter
Dave’s Killer Bread Trail Mix Crumble Snack Bars

If you like a brand or bar that’s not on my list, it might be because it has more than 7g added sugar per serving. Those bars are fine to eat, I would just recommend treating them a little more like sweet treat due to the amount of added sugar.

Here are a few where the ingredients are fine for the most part but I don’t really feel like they’re worth eating. They’re quite low in calories and don’t really offer anything in the way of fiber or protein so they won’t be very satisfying or have a lot of staying power unless paired with another protein source:

KIND Kids Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
Annie’s Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
Cascadian Farms Kids Chewy Oatmeal Raisin

Healthy Granola Bar FAQs

Are granola bars good for you? What are the benefits of granola bars?

There are certainly granola bars out there that can be good for you. Like anything else, a lot depends on the ingredients. Granola bars can often be marketed as a healthy choice, especially for kids, but if you look at the nutrition facts and ingredients you’ll see that they’re often fairly low in protein and fiber and high in added sugar.

In my opinion, many granola bars on the market are more of a dessert-like treat than a filling and nutritious snack but there are some good options for you especially those that contain oats for fiber, nuts and seeds for healthy fats/protein and are sweetened more with fruit than added sugar.

Is it ok to eat granola bars every day?

Again it depends which bars you’re choosing. If you can find one with a solid nutritional profile, it can be a great snack but just like anything else I recommend focusing on a varied diet and trying to incorporate a variety of healthy snack options throughout each week.

Is it ok to eat granola bars for breakfast? Can granola bars replace a meal?

For most people, especially kids, a granola bar is not enough to be a complete breakfast. However, you could pair a healthy granola bar with a cheese stick or cup of yogurt and a piece of fresh fruit to make a balanced breakfast or light meal!

How long can you store granola bars?

Granola bars are a great shelf-stable option to keep in your pantry. They last for months and don’t need to be refrigerated. Store them in a cool, dry pantry until the expiration date on the package.

Are KIND bars healthy?

KIND bars are some of my favorite granola bars to recommend for adults. They have some great low sugar options but some also have large pieces of nuts that can be hard for younger children to eat. But they also have some options that are more grain-based and chewy options that are easier for kids – as recommended above. They also have some great gluten-free options if that’s something you need.

Are oat bars healthy? Are oat bars good for digestion?

Oats are a nutrition powerhouse and can be a great addition to your diet. They’re a whole grain protein, source and also contain vitamins, minerals and soluble fiber which can help with digestion.

Is a granola bar a healthy late-night snack?

In most cases, I would recommend pairing a granola bar with a protein source to help keep blood sugar from spiking, especially before bed. Have one with a glass of milk, slice of turkey or a cheese stick for a more balanced late night snack.

If you’re looking for more snack ideas, be sure to check out my 60+ HealthyPackaged Snacks for Kids!

I think that’s it! Remember this isn’t an all-inclusive list and it’s just based on my opinion. You do you! Make choices you’re happy with feeding your family and let others do the same

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–