Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal

Perfect for the autumn season (or any day really!), this Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal is for anyone with a serious morning sweet tooth. The texture is that of a thick and creamy oatmeal, all overflowing with melty chocolate chips in a base of pumpkin and cinnamon fall flavor!

Due to the heavy chocolate presence, you only need the lightest drizzle of maple syrup and pinch of sea salt on top of your serving. It’s already quite sweet, but the flavors really pop with these light toppings!

The best part – All of the ingredients are mixed right in the pan!

Servings: About 5

Ingredients:

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°

Lightly grease a 9×13 pan with the oil

Pour the pumpkin puree directly into the pan

Add the honey and evenly combine the two

Pour in the oats, oat milk, and greek yogurt, and stir everything until evenly combined

Add in the cinnamon and combine again

Add the chocolate chips and gently mix in

Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid has absorbed and the top and edges look a bit more solid

Let cool to a safe temperature, and top each serving with maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt to taste

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container, or in the cooking dish itself if well-covered. To freeze, cut into pre-portioned amounts, store in a sealed freezer-safe container, then simply reheat in the microwave once ready to eat.]

Ingredient recommendations linked!


Want more pumpkin and chocolate?  You have to try my Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie Cake!

Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Oats

If somehow you’ve never enjoyed oats before, these Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Oats will convert you after one bite! They’re the perfect combination of dessert-y yet nutrient-dense. They’re also thick and creamy, have loads of added texture from the toppings, and can be whipped up in under 5 minutes!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

1/2 Cup Quick Oats

+ Around 1 cup water for the oats

1 Packet NibMor Hot Cocoa

1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt (I used nonfat)

1 Banana

1 Tablespoon Hemp Hearts

Around 2 Tablespoons Dark Chocolate Chips

Directions:

Cook up the oats with water (I use the microwave)

Stir in the hot cocoa packet

Stir in the yogurt until creamy and evenly combined

Slice up the banana and add it on top along with the hemp hearts and chocolate chips

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Chocolate Chip Cookie Muffins

If you’ve ever wondered what a chocolate chip cookie in muffin form would taste like (with a few healthy twists!), you’ve come to the right place!  These Chocolate Chip Cookie Muffins are perfect when I’m in the mood for baked goods at breakfast or looking for a little something sweet in the afternoon.  They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea!

Their texture is denser than a muffin (hence the “cookie” hybrid), and almost bready.  They’re not overly sweet, but all of the gooey sweet chocolate chips balance that out!  If you’re not able to enjoy them fresh from the oven, definitely warm them up before serving.  It’s the best way to eat them!

What I love most about some of these “healthier”-for-you ingredients is the taste complexity that they bring.  I love the hearty flavor of a whole wheat flour just as I love the intense cocoa taste in dark chocolate.  The shredded coconut doesn’t compromise the texture at all, but adds a nice subtle richness to the flavor!

Servings: 10 Muffins

Ingredients:

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400º

Line your muffin pan with 10 liners

Combine all of the dry ingredients (other than the coconut and chocolate) in a large bowl and whisk together with a spoon

Combine all of the wet ingredients (other than the water) separately in a medium bowl and whisk together with a fork until well blended

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and blend with a spoon until well combined

The batter will be a bit dry, so add in the water here until the batter becomes more viscous

Add in the chocolate chips and shredded coconut and gently mix in

Spoon the batter into the muffin liners to about 2/3 full, which should fill about 10 liners

Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of each muffin

Bake on a middle rack of the oven for approximately 12-14 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean / (15 can work as well if you prefer browner/more overcooked edges)

Dig in while warm and fresh from the oven (after cooling a few minutes for safety), or let cool completely before storing in a airtight container in the refrigerator

For the best consistency and experience, rewarm them after taking them out of the refrigerator later on in the microwave for about 30 seconds

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!


Want more chocolate chips for breakfast?  Try a loaf of Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread!

Peanut Butter Blueberry Yogurt Bowls

When I’m in need of quick and easy, I love coming back again and again to a combination like these Peanut Butter Blueberry Yogurt Bowls.  The ingredients are likely items that you have in the refrigerator or pantry already, and certain ingredients can absolutely be substituted for what you have on hand!

Peanut Butter Blueberry Yogurt Bowls Components:

The Plain Greek Yogurt – Use whatever variety you love!  I enjoy a nonfat option but a full fat choice would be delicious as well.

The Cereal – This is mostly for texture and crunch, but I do really love the flavor profile of a Wheat Squares or Wheat Waffles option.  A similar cereal of choice or a granola would work here as well!

The Blueberries – I love the Frozen Wild Blueberries for their small size and the way that the juices melt into the mix, but use what’s available to you!

The Peanut Butter – I love a peanut butter that includes the taste of salt.  For me, having that ever so slight sweet and salty combination makes all the difference, which is why in my particular ratios I tend to go pretty heavy on the peanut butter!

I’ve linked all of my personal favorites within the ingredients list, but the point of this easy meal/snack is that it’s customizable to your preferences!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

Directions:

Combine in a bowl using ratios to your liking

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!


In need of more breakfast? Try these Sunbutter Berry Overnight Oats!

Coconut Lime Ice Pops

VEGAN / DAIRY-FREE + ONLY 6 INGREDIENTS!

On hot summer days, nothing hits the spot like a delicious lineup of icy drinks and snacks to keep yourself cool.  These refreshing and creamy Coconut Lime Ice Pops by my husband are the perfect treat to beat the heat!  The ingredients take only moments to whisk together.

Added bonuses – They’re naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free if those are dietary concerns in your home.

You can also use whatever type of ice pop molds you have on hand!

(These ice pops are not overly sweet as a personal preference, but could be very easily adjusted to have more sweetness if desired!)

Servings: 6

Ingredients:

  • 13.5 oz Coconut Milk
  • 1/3 Cup Shredded Coconut
  • 1/2 Cup Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice (approx. 4 medium limes)
  • Zest of 2 Limes
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp Agave Syrup
  • 1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

Directions: 

Whisk all of the ingredients together and pour the mixture into ice pop molds

(Whisk between each mold pour to prevent settling)

Freeze the pops until solid (about 8 hours)

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!


Want more lime desserts? Try my Lime Cupcakes + Vanilla Lime Frosting!

Looking for more easy frozen snacks? Check out The Easiest Chocolate Chip Nicecream!

Fruit & Chocolate Ice Cream Smoothie

Falling in between a lighter milkshake and a decadent smoothie, this sweet treat only requires 4 ingredients and makes for such a satisfying snack on a hot summer day!  It’s thick and creamy while frozen and icy at the same time, all while packing a nutritional punch with lots of vitamins, protein, and fiber. (For additional creaminess, feel free to substitute a higher fat greek yogurt if that’s your preference!)

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

1 Cup (5 oz) Frozen Strawberries

1 Frozen Banana

1/2 Cup Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt

1/2 Cup Cold Water

1 Packet Nibmor Traditional Hot Cocoa (dry)

Directions:

Add all of the ingredients other than the cocoa into the blender and blend until smooth

Add in the cocoa and blend again until well mixed

Serve and enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Earl Grey Lattes

Perfect for cozy mornings, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-dinner treat, these Earl Grey lattes only require 4 ingredients and take a few short minutes to make!  Simple and delicious, my husband is the expert when it comes to whipping these up in our house!

A few notes:

We personally used decaf so that we could enjoy them later in the evening, but traditional caffeinated tea will work wonderfully as well!

The quantities and sweetness are fully in your control depending on how you prefer your tea.  

Lastly, if you don’t have any tools on hand to froth the milk, it is still very enjoyable when skipping this step!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

Earl Grey Tea (We used Bigelow Decaf)

Whole Milk

Honey

Nutmeg

Directions: 

Steep the tea in hot water

Add in honey for sweetness if desired

Foam up and add in your milk

Top with honey and nutmeg

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

3 Ingredient Cheesy Omelette

This 3 ingredient cheesy omelette is fluffy, filling, and super versatile!  Add it onto your favorite toast, serve with veggies, or even enjoy plain if you like.  It only takes 5 minutes to make!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

2 Eggs

Lots of Black Pepper

1 Slice Mozzarella Cheese

Directions: 

Warm up a small pan on medium heat

Scramble the eggs in a bowl

Scramble in lots of black pepper

Tear up a slice of mozzarella cheese into small pieces and evenly mix the pieces in

Once the pan is hot pour your mixture in and cook evenly on each side

Enjoy!

[If you don’t use nonstick cookware, use your preferred method to lightly grease your pan!]

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Protein “PB & J” Smoothie

This 4 ingredient smoothie is one of my go-tos for that post-workout time of day! I love how filling, creamy, and satisfying it is, all while packing a big nutrition punch! I’ve tried lots of variations including using different yogurt varieties as well as adding in extra Sunbutter when I’m looking for something more filling, so do a taste test and adjust the ratios to your preferences!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

2 Cups Frozen Strawberries

3/4 – 1 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt (nonfat or full fat both work)

1/2 Cup Apple Juice

2 Tablespoons Sunbutter (or more if you want more of the “nut butter” taste!)

Directions:

Blend half of the frozen strawberries, the yogurt, and the apple juice in a blender

Once blended, add in the Sunbutter and second half of the strawberries and blend again

Taste test, adjust to taste, and enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Berries & Cream Smoothie

If you’re a fan of traditional Berries and Cream this smoothie is for you!

Servings: 1

Ingredients:

1 3/4 Cup Frozen Strawberries

1/3 Cup Whole Milk Greek Yogurt

3 Tbsp Sunbutter

1/2 Cup Water

1/2 Cup Frozen Blueberries

Optional – A dash of a sweetener of choice (such as agave syrup or honey)

Directions:

Blend

Taste test to see if the optional sweetener is preferred

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!