chocolate chip – Bake & Be Well

Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake

March 16, 2023March 16, 2023RecipesLeave a Comment

Heavy on the chocolate with subtle undertones of green tea, this Matcha Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake is guaranteed to become a new favorite! You don’t need to be a fan of drinking straight green tea to enjoy the background matcha flavor. It provides an understated earthy backdrop to balance out the sweet chocolate.

A little goes a long way with this decadent dessert. It tastes amazing on its own, but also with some vanilla ice cream on top! (An added bonus: the green color is super festive for holidays such as St. Patrick’s Day or Christmas.)

If you tried my Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie Cake last fall, this cake is definitely in the same family; The dough is only lightly sweet, with the majority of the sweetness coming from the chocolate!

Servings: Approx. 8 Slices

Ingredients:

3/4 Cup Unsalted Butter, softened

3/4 Cup Light Brown Sugar

3 Tbsp Cane Sugar

1 Egg

3 Tsp Vanilla Extract

1 3/4 Cup All –Purpose Flour

2 Tsp Cornstarch

1 Tsp Baking Soda

1/2 Tsp Sea Salt

1.5 Tbsp Matcha Powder

1 Cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (plus 1/6 cup extra for sprinkling on top)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350º

Grease a 9 inch pie dish with butter, then very lightly dust with a tiny sprinkle of flour, tapping the edges of the dish to evenly distribute

If the butter has not yet been softened to room temperature, warm up the butter in the microwave in a large microwave-safe bowl, until just softened (not melted)

Add the light brown sugar (not too tightly packed) and cane sugar to the bowl

Blend the butter and sugars with a hand mixer on low until evenly combined

Add in the egg and vanilla extract and blend again

In a second medium-sized bowl, add the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and sea salt, and stir with a spoon until well mixed

Add in the matcha powder and thoroughly stir again

Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, first beating together on low then finishing mixing with a large spoon

Stir in the chocolate chips

Press the cookie batter evenly into the prepared pan, then sprinkle the extra chocolate chips on top

Bake for approximately 28 minutes, or less if you prefer a gooey center. (Keep an eye on it for your preferred doneness as every oven is different!)

Slices can be served straight up, or with a topping of vanilla ice cream

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Easy Matcha Pancakes

March 13, 2023Recipes1 Comment

If a green breakfast is on your to-do list, be it for St. Patrick’s Day, a fun family meal, or just because you love matcha, these Easy Matcha Pancakes are quick and delicious! The matcha flavor is subtle but pairs perfectly with the honey, and while the chocolate chips are optional, they’re surprisingly complimentary!

We used Mighty Leaf Matcha, but use whichever brand you prefer!

Servings: Approx. 4 Pancakes

Ingredients:

1 Cup Birch Benders Organic Classic mix

2/3 Cup Water (or as needed)

1.5 Tsp Matcha Powder

(Optional: A light sprinkle of chocolate chips)

Honey for serving

Directions:

Combine the pancake mix and water according to package instructions

Add in the matcha (and chocolate chips if using)

Cook the pancakes, drizzle with honey, and enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie Cake

December 3, 2022December 3, 2022Recipes6 Comments

If you were to meld a cookie cake with pumpkin bread, this Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Cookie Cake would be the outcome! I have to say, I think it’s one of the most popular desserts I’ve ever made. As a chocolate lover coming from a family of chocolate lovers, it’s decadently heavy on the chocolate with a background of autumn spice and flavor.

I’m always on a mission to create a crowd-pleaser, and was absolutely delighted at our Thanksgiving table this year when even those who described themselves as “not dessert people” (and “not pumpkin people”) kept coming back for another piece!

The ingredients are very simple, and many of them you likely already have in your pantry. The baking process is also extremely easy. The instructions contain an unconventional step to let the partially cooked dessert cool before placing it back in the oven. This was how I achieved the perfect texture balance of soft on the inside while crisp and brown on the outside. Trust me on this one!

Notes:

-The White Whole Wheat Flour creates the perfect flavor profile for this chocolate-heavy treat! It adds just the right amount of heartiness and body that keeps it from going overboard on sugariness.

-Be sure to grab a plain pumpkin purée with the pumpkin as the only ingredient! (I know how common it is to accidentally pick up a canned “pumpkin pie mix” by mistake.)

-Once you’ve completed the baking process, the chocolate will be very melty. While I love melty chocolate, I highly recommend letting it completely cool before consuming it so that it can solidify. I personally put the baking pan outside in the cold November air to speed up the cooling until everyone was ready for dessert. It was also the general consensus that, though it was incredible on Day 1, like many desserts, it had reached its “perfect consistency” by the following day! I say this so that, should you like to plan accordingly, it is best baked with a little time buffer before serving. It’s worth the wait!

Servings: About 12 – 15

Ingredients:

2 Cups White Whole Wheat Flour

3/4 Teaspoon Ground Saigon Cinnamon

1/8 Teaspoon Allspice

1/8 Teaspoon Ground Cloves

1/8 Teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

1/8 Teaspoon Ground Ginger

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

3/4 Teaspoon Sea Salt

2 Sticks Unsalted Butter (plus enough extra to grease the pan)

1 Cup Sugar

1 Egg

2 1/8 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

1 Cup Pumpkin Purée

2 1/4 Cups Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips (plus 1/4 Cup extra for the topping)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°

Grease a 9 x 13 pan with butter

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, baking soda, and sea salt with a fork, then set aside

In a second larger bowl, briefly microwave the butter until just soft, then beat in the sugar on a low setting until evenly combined and creamy. Add in the egg, vanilla extract, and pumpkin purée and blend again

Pour the bowl of the dry ingredients into the bowl of the wet ingredients and beat evenly until combined

Gently stir in the chocolate chips

Pour the mix into the pan and smooth evenly

Sprinkle the extra chocolate chip topping evenly across the surface

Bake on the middle oven rack for about 32 minutes, until the outer edges get slightly browned and firm

Remove from the oven and let it cool down (for approximately 2 hours)

Add the pan back into the oven at the same temperature of 350° for an additional 36 minutes, or until the texture of the middle more closely resembles the texture of the edges, yet slightly squishier. The whole tray should now appear lightly browned

Let cool completely for the chocolate to solidify

Enjoy!

[Leftovers can be stored directly in the pan with an airtight cover such as cling wrap, or in another airtight container of choice.]

Ingredient recommendations linked!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Baked Oatmeal

October 7, 2022October 9, 2022Recipes, SnacksLeave a Comment

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:

1 15 oz Can Pumpkin Puree (plain, not pumpkin pie mix)

1/3 Cup Honey

2 Cups Rolled Oats

1 Cup Oat Milk

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

2 Tsp Saigon Cinnamon

1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (I used 54% Cacao)

Oil To Grease The Pan (I used Avocado Oil)

Maple Syrup And Sea Salt To Taste

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!

Chocolate Chip Banana Protein Oats

October 3, 2022Recipes, SnacksLeave a Comment

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

September 19, 2022September 20, 2022Recipes, SnacksLeave a Comment

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! When I’m in the mood for baked goods at breakfast or looking for a little something sweet in the afternoon, these 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 enjoy 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: About 10 Muffins

Ingredients:

1 1/2 Cups White Whole Wheat Flour

1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt

2 Teaspoons Baking Powder

1/3 Cup Avocado Oil

1 Egg

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

2 Tablespoons Honey

Just under 1/4 Cup Cold Water

1/4 Cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut

1 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips (plus extra for sprinkling on top)

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

Line your muffin tin with 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!

The Easiest Chocolate Chip Nicecream

February 5, 2021April 22, 2022Recipes, SnacksLeave a Comment

Looking for the easiest way to whip up a satisfying non-dairy frozen dessert? I’ve got you covered. (Although let’s be honest, I’ve eaten this for breakfast too!)

Ingredients:

2 frozen/sliced medium-sized bananas

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (For this recipe I love the Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Mini chips)

Directions:

Add your frozen banana slices into a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy

Either pour your chips on top once in the bowl (what I do), or stir in to your liking

Enjoy!

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread

April 21, 2017December 21, 2022Breakfast, Dessert, Recipes, SnacksLeave a Comment

I’m a big believer in using White Whole Wheat Flour whenever possible in my baking. I truly feel that it gives my baked goods a richer taste compared to All Purpose Flour much of the time!

I can never get enough of autumn flavors at any time of year, and this pumpkin bread is such an easy way to transport me back to my favorite season. Whether it’s for an easy breakfast on the go, an afternoon coffee companion, or an after-dinner treat, this bread is the perfect way to sneak some vitamin A into your day!

Ingredients:

3 Cups White Whole Wheat Flour (I love King Arthur Baking’s White Whole Wheat)

2 Teaspoons Saigon Cinnamon

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 Teaspoon Salt

4 Eggs

2 Cups Canned Pumpkin

1 1/2 Cups Canola Oil

Just Under 2 Cups Of Cane Sugar

1.5 Or 2 Cups Of Chocolate Chips (depending how chippy you like it!)

If you’re not a chocolate fan, it tastes delicious without the chocolate chips too!

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Mix the dry ingredients together in a medium bowl

Beat the wet ingredients together in a large second bowl

Beat the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients

Stir in the chocolate chips

Split the mixture between 2 greased loaf pans

Bake for between 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean

Enjoy!

Mint Chip Fudge Brownies

February 15, 2017June 14, 2022RecipesLeave a Comment

If you love mint and chocolate you’ve come to the right place! This decadent dessert combines mint brownies with a mint chip icing, reminiscent of mint chip fudge or ice cream. It will be your new favorite chocolate fix! The brownie layer on the bottom is gooey and dense, and the mint chip icing on top hardens into a silky sweet fudge layer. You’re going to love them!

Ingredients:

For The Brownies:

3/4 Cup Canola Oil

Just Under 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar

Just Under 1 Cup White Cane Sugar

4 Eggs

1 Teaspoon Peppermint Flavor (I use the one from Simply Organic)

2 Teaspoons Vanilla Extract

1 1/2 Cups Cocoa Powder

A Sprinkle Of Sea Salt

1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips

For The Icing:

1 Stick Butter

4 1/4 Cups Powdered Sugar

1/8 Cup Water

3 Teaspoons Peppermint Flavor

1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

3/4 Cup Chocolate Chips

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees

Grease a 9×13 glass pan

Beat the canola oil, brown sugar, and white sugar together on a low setting

Beat in the eggs on a low setting

Beat in the peppermint flavor and vanilla on a low setting

Beat everything together on a higher setting and then stir in the chips

Move into your pan and bake for around 25 minutes (start checking them around 20 minutes so you don’t overcook them)

After you have removed them from the oven and let them cool, you can make and add the icing:

Let the butter get to room temperate, and then beat it into a light consistency

Slowly beat in the powdered sugar

Beat in the water

Beat in the peppermint flavor and vanilla extract

Stir in the chips

Spread overtop of the brownies

Optional but suggested: Move the brownies into the refrigerator to solidify into a fudge-like consistency. Then, before eating, they can be removed for a few minutes if you do not want to eat them cold. Or, if you prefer, enjoy them right out of the fridge!

Enjoy!

Ingredient recommendations linked!