Chocolate Coated Peanut Butter Truffles

Forget the Reese's Christmas tree peanut butter cups! Seriously. After seeing how easy it is to make these and tasting how delicious they are, you really can't beat these truffles. The traditional Christmas tree peanut butter candy has 170 calories, 18g carbs, 16g sugar, and 10g fat! Yikes! These little gems have only 72 calories, 3g net carbs, 2.1g sugar, and 4.5 g fat. Plus, this recipe makes 22 of them - so many to share (or....save for later). 

Iced Sugar Cookie Blondies

Sometimes, the simplistic food is the best. I can always go for a simple iced sugar cookie, with a glass of milk, of course! Then there are blondies. Gooey, warm, and sweet blondies. I wanted to merge a sugar cookie with a warm and gooey blondie, so I did. And I sure am happy about it. The blondie portion is sweet, buttery, and soft topped with a silky smooth vanilla icing. 
It really is a delicious treat! 

 

Mocha Coffee Bundt Cake

I am a coffee lover, through and through - and have I ever mentioned that I love chocolate, too?! This bundt cake is a perfect combination of coffee and chocolate. It has a sweet and silky glaze that adds even more delicious coffee flavor. This can be enjoyed at breakfast or as a dessert dish, or.....both in one day!

Apple Pie Protein Truffles

These quick, easy, and delicious truffles are the perfect, gluten-free treat packed with loads of apple pie flavor. Enjoy them right out of the fridge or freeze them up to 2 months for later enjoyment.


Spiced Sweet Potato Protein Scones

Forget those high calorie, high sugar, and high fat scones commonly seen at coffee shops and breakfast bakeries! These perfectly healthy scones will start your day right with flavors of sweet potato, sweet vanilla, and warm spices. Enjoy them at breakfast, as a snack, or as a nightcap treat.


Crunchy Holiday Salad

This salad is overflowing with flavorful, healthy goodness! The sweet and salty combo paired with the crunch from the apples, pinenuts, and onion is sure to be a crown pleaser. It's the perfect side dish next to your typical, heavy holiday dishes since it delivers a light and fresh taste. The finger-licking dressing adds just enough tasty flavor to the salad to keep you coming back for more. 


Sweet Potato Protein Cheesecake with Salted Caramel Sauce

Does anything else scream "THANKSGIVING" like sweet potatoes?! You've got sweet potato pie, sweet potato casserole, baked sweet potatoes, glazed sweet potatoes....you get the picture. I usually make a pumpkin cheesecake for the big feast. However, I wanted to create a twist on my traditional cheesecake flavor. Then it dawned on me. Sweet potatoes! This cheesecake has an amazing texture...smooth and silky - and is topped with a salty and sweet salted caramel sauce. It's a match made in Thanksgiving heaven. It also doesn't hurt that the macros of this cheesecake are exponentially lower (except for the protein, which is higher) than the traditional pumpkin cheesecake. 


{No Bake} Gingerbread Protein Truffles

I'd like you to think of a chewy, sweet, and spiced gingerbread cookie - sounds scrumptious, right?! It's an instantaneous holiday memory booster! These gingerbread truffles are soft, perfectly sweetened, and deceivingly healthy, three things that I don't want you to miss out on. I really encourage you to  make this recipe for the holiday season - they're an ideal little treat for a party or a grab-and-go snack for your busy days! 

No Bake Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Oatmeal Cookies

Two bold flavors are used in this recipe, and you won't hear me complain about it! These rich, sweet, and decadent cookies not only pack on the yummy flavor but also deliver a guilt-free, easy to make cookie. And being that their no-bake, the prep time for these are cut in half. You'll, more than likely, eat these cookies very fast - good thing the recipe makes 26 cookies! 

Creamy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Pies

Tis the season for pumpkin - all things pumpkin! My hope is you're not sick of it...yet. This is my last pumpkin recipe, so I wanted to end it with a bang. These creamy pumpkin pies are the perfect little size and are packed with pumpkin goodness, protein, and, of course, chocolate chips. This is a great recipe to prepare for a group of people since they're the perfect solo treat. I was thinking of making this for our Halloween party :) The recipe makes 12 so there will be plenty to go around! 

BuzzFeed Feature!

I want to share with you all some exciting news I received a few days ago! One of my recipes is being featured on a BuzzFeed article titled "21 Mouthwatering High Protein Desserts That Will Justify Eating Sweets Whenever You Want" - you can find the article by clicking HERE

My recipe, Blueberry Cheesecake Protein Bread, is the third one down from the top. It would be so much to me if you share this with friends and family.

A big thanks to BuzzFeed for choosing one of my recipes to feature!



Turkey Taco Salad

Tacos, burritos, cheese dip, guacamole, salsa etc. are foods I frequently crave. And when the craving hits, not much can tame it. It rears its ugly head, demanding it be cured ASAP.  I don't know about you, but my cravings are for foods that typically aren't considered "health foods" if you know what I mean. Thank goodness for taco salad! It has bold flavors that really speak to my craving, making my tummy so happy. Plus, it is absolutely healthier than your usual Mexican restaurant fare. I'd say that is a win-win situation right there!

Protein Pumpkin Granola Bars

It's certainly sometimes easier to purchase foods like granola bars from the grocery store. I get it. But have you ever made your own? It's like comparing canned fruit to fresh fruit. Fresh fruit always wins, in my opinion. These granola bars taste so much better than store bought bars. I encourage you to try them out and see what I'm talking about. Plus, pumpkin and chocolate chips are a match made it heaven! 


Oat ‘n Honey Energy Bites


These little blissful bights are sure to give you an extra "boost" during that mid-day drag. Loaded with wholesome ingredients, like almond butter, pumpkin seeds, and oats, they both deliver nutritious benefits and taste delicious!


Mini Vanilla Blueberry Protein Cakes

Mini Cakes? Yep. You heard, and saw, correctly! My absolute favorite fruit to bake with are blueberries. They soften while cooking, with the end result being little bursts of sweet and tangy flavors with each bite. Pair that will the sweet vanilla glaze on top and you've got a tasty cake. 

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Protein Cookies

Some people like chewy cookies. Some prefer crunchy cookies. What if I told you that these delivery the best of both worlds? They are crunchy on the outside and ooey, gooey, melty, and chewy on the inside. The pumpkin is a great addition to these for many reasons, one of them being the health benefits. But don't worry. The pumpkin flavor delivers the perfect, subtle flavor!


Lemon and Ginger Infused Green Tea Muffins

Have your tea and drink it, too? I don't think that's how the saying goes. But with these muffins, you can enjoy tea by both eating and drinking it! These muffins are infused with a refreshing lemon ginger green tea and lightly sweetened with xylitol and vanilla protein powder. I've never created a muffins like this, but I'm sure glad I tried it - the end result is scrumptious!


Banana Protein Cake with Peanut Butter Icing

There are several flavors I enjoy simultaneously. Peanut butter and banana is definitely one of them! This light and airy banana cake is paired with a creamy peanut butter icing that showcases the flavor combination perfectly! Each slice is low in sugar and low in fat, allowing you to munch on this without any guilt.


Spiced Chai Tea Protein Cookies

I love to curl up on the couch with a warm cup of tea. Chai tea is one of my favorites as it delivers a comforting aroma and taste. That is what inspired me to create a cookie that is made with chai tea. These cookies share the same smell and flavor of the tea, giving me that extra reason to take it easy in my favorite spot on the couch.

Strawberry Limeade Protein Bars

A cold, refreshing glass of strawberry limeade is guaranteed to put me in a great mood! I wanted to recreate this summertime favorite drink into a treat that can be deliciously consumed. The sweet strawberry taste pairs perfectly with the tangy lime flavor! Not too sweet, not too sour - just right!


Mini Coconut Lime Protein Pies

You. GUYS! I want to first let you know that these little gems are super easy to make. That is, and has always been, a deciding factor for me in deciding whether or not to make a recipe. Second, there are only 5 ingredients, all easy to find. Third, and the most important point being, they are delicious! Melt in your mouth, creamy, sweet, tangy, healthy little bites similar to crustless key lime pies. 
I really encourage you to try these! 


No Bake Coconut Chocolate Chip Protein Cups

If you are a fan of coconut pie, you will also be a fan of these no bake coconut chocolate chip cups. They take on a thick and creamy texture that dissolves into a sweet treat the minute it hits your tongue. The macros per serving are ideal for a pre or post workout snack, so there's no excuse for not making these yummy cups!


Strawberry Banana Protein Muffins

I feel like strawberry banana is one of those classic flavor combinations that make most people smile in delight. I mean...I smile when I taste them together. These muffin's name speaks for itself. Instant smile! They are significantly low in sugar, allowing you to avoid the typical post-muffin sugar spike.


Blueberry Lemonade Protein Blondies

Mmmmmmm!! Blueberries, lemonade, blondies, Oh My! Perfectly soft and scrumptious blueberry blondies topped with a sweet and tangy lemon icing. Let's not forget that they are figure friendly, providing only 144 calories per serving! The deep blue/purple color of the blondie is from the REAL blueberries that are blended in the batter. To artificial coloring over here!


Coconut Protein Cheesecake with Mixed Berry Sauce

You wouldn't believe me if I told you that the gorgeous deep purple mixed berry sauce is made of only 4 ingredients, three of them being fruit! No artificial coloring in this recipe, because gross! Simply made with healthy and wholesome ingredients, a few being fruit, coconut oil, and coconut milk. This treat is sure to please your mouth, and tummy.


Dark Chocolate Fudge Protein Pie

Rich, decadent, smooth, and - more importantly, chocolatey! After taking your first bite, you would honestly never know that one of the ingredients is black beans! Yep - hello fiber. I promise you, once you take a gamble with this pie filling, there will be no desire to change the recipe. Black beans and all!


Blueberry Peach Protein Muffins

I'm fairly confidant in saying that when someone hears blueberry and peach, summertime memories fill their head. What I love most about being a recipe developer is utilizing fresh, in-season fruits and veggies for my treats and dishes. This muffins are a great example of that - a perfect summer breakfast or snack! If you want to make these in the winter or fall, however, getting frozen fruit is your best bet. They will still turn out great!



Double Berry and Chia Protein Crumble

There are so many health benefits in these little, yummy dishes! Chia seeds and berries are so incredibly nutrient dense, making these crumble dishes a great addition to your dessert menu. Minus the cooking time, it only takes about 5 minutes to make also. So, when you combine healthy with quick, easy, and delicious, I feel like if you don't make them you're just being so silly!


Vanilla Blackberry Protein Donuts

Have you ever tried cake donuts? If you haven't, I will be the one to tell you that you're kinda missing out. So let me help you with that problem. Oh, well lookie here - the perfect solution to that unfortunate problem. These vanilla blackberry donuts. The texture of these is like a perfectly light and moist cake. The flavor of these is tasty and sweet, too! And if you have tried cake donuts before, you shouldn't need to be told that this recipe is a must make!


Chocolate Banana Protein Ice Cream

Chocolate and Banana. A flavor combination loved by many - now add some milk, ice, and protein to it and you've got a cold, delicious bowl of healthy ice cream. The banana not only adds flavor but also creates a smooth and creamy texture. A full serving of this cold treat packs on 14.6g protein! Talk about a perfect post-workout treat!

Roasted Vegetable and Chicken Penne

I was given the opportunity to try a new brand of brown rice penne pasta - so I decided to add a boat load of veggies and some chicken to create this one dish meal. This recipe has your carbs, protein, and healthy fats, so what more could you need?! I was pleasantly surprised with how the pasta turned out once I cooked it then baked it. And I'll tell you something else - it was even better the next day!

Peach and Blueberry Protein Crisp

Ok, you guys! There is seldom a dish that makes me speechless. The minute I had a bite of this peach and blueberry crisp, I was in my own little foodie world. The sweet peaches cooked with the tangy blueberries topped with a sweet oat crumble is perfection. I suppose being a southern girl makes me biased towards traditional southern dessert. But I really don't think many people would find this dish disappointing! I can't wait to hear what you all think about this one! 

Protein Cinnamon Rolls

I mean who on earth doesn't get excited about warm, gooey cinnamon rolls!? Sometimes I wish I didn't love them so much. But that world doesn't exist. For a long time I've had protein cinnamon rolls on my "to-do" list. Once I sat down and typed the recipe, there wasn't a minute wasted! In the kitchen I went. Stirring, whisking, patting, rolling, sprinkling, slicing, making protein cinnamon rolls. Hallelujah! They are virtually sugar-free, high protein, and low carb. Much nicer on your figure than the store bought, or baker bought, cinnamon rolls. Also, what I hoped for - warm, gooey, and sweet!

Toasted Coconut Protein Oatmeal Cookies

I'm going to be straight with you. Oatmeal cookies have never been my favorite kind of cookie. I dunno. I expect it's from my obsession with regular, oat-free cookies. But I really, REALLY liked these little ones. I'll give you a secret, too - toasted coconut is exponentially better than un-toasted coconut. Toasting it creates a deep, caramel-like flavor, which....umm hello. Delish! I loved that flavor paired with the simplicity of the oats. Add the fact that the cookies are essentially sugar free, I'm a big fan!


Dark Chocolate Protein Pudding

Oh dear. I'm in trouble here. I CANNOT stop eating this pudding. I may have a tummy ache soon - errrrr, damn. I can't even grasp at the fact that this dark chocolate pudding has 11g of protein in each serving. You honestly would never know this is a "healthy-fied" version of the ever so loved sugar laden, grocery store packed chocolate pudding. If silky, smooth, rich, decadent, chocolatey treats are your thing, THIS IS YOUR THING!


Chocolate Silk Protein Pie Cups

Do you know what's better than pie? Pie cups! How cute are these? Yeah yeah, I know. Who cares what they look like. Do they taste good, Nicolette? That's what matters. Well....as a matter of fact, yes they do. They are absolutely scrumptious! A chocolate crunchy crust topped with a smooth, silky chocolate pie filling that is baked to perfection is pretty darn tasty to me. These are too tasty not to make!

Lemon Cream Protein Bars

Oh man. Have you ever taken a picture of something and thought "well shoot, this pictures doesn't do that justice"? Totally my thoughts with this dish. There's nothing real magical with how these lemon bars look. Let's discuss how they taste then, shall we. First you've got a perfectly sweet, crunchy crust that almost melts in your mouth when you take a bite. Then you've got a smooth, tangy, and delightful lemon layer that sparks the inner foodie in you. How is this even possible, you ask yourself. NO SUGAR?!?! Only 106 calories?!?! Let me handle that part, since it is mind-blowing. You just sit back, relax, and enjoy yourself a lemon cream protein bar! 

Honey Cinnamon Protein Oat Bread

Imagine a perfectly moist slice of homemade banana bread. Ok, that sounds pretty delicious, right?! I wanted to put a warm twist on traditional banana bread while adding a good dose of protein. This honey cinnamon oat bread turned out ideal. The cinnamon adds a warm component while the honey replaces the sweetness that typically comes from the banana. Being that it's not overly sweet, you can enjoy a healthy slice of this bread anytime of the day! 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Protein Cake Bites


Peanut Butter. Chocolate Chips. Cake. Need I say more? Enjoy!

Ingredients

¼ cup all natural peanut butter
¼ cup plain greek yogurt
3 egg whites
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/3 cup coconut flour
½ cup almond meal flour
¼ cup xylitol
½ teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar-free chocolate chips

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with foil.  

2. Add peanut butter, greek yogurt, and egg whites to a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.

3. Add protein powder, coconut flour, almond meal flour, xylitol, and baking powder to the mixing bowl and stir together.

4. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir to combine. Stir in chocolate chips.

5. Make 20 cake balls, using either your hands or a small ice-cream scooper, and place them on the baking sheet.

6. Bake in the oven for 8-10 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes. Enjoy!

Makes 20 servings
1 serving is one cake bite

Macros for 1 serving
63 calories, 3.9g protein, 5.6g carbs, 3.3g fat, 0.8g sugar, 1.4g fiber



Peanut Butter Supreme Protein Cake Bites






Ingredients

1 2/3 cup oat flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
2 tablespoons Vitacost coconut oil, melted
¼ cup Vitacost peanut butter
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
3T Vitacost NaturSWEET (or any sticky sweetener {honey, agave, or maple})
¼ cup unsweetened almond milk

Optional: ¾ cup peanut butter morsels

Method

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together coconut oil, peanut butter, eggs, vanilla, natursweet syrup, and milk until mixture is smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, stir together oat flour, protein powder, salt, and baking powder.

4. Pour wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until mixture is well combined. 
* Batter will be very thick.

5. Using your hands roll about 3T of batter into a ball and set on the sheet pan. Repeat this process until 26 cake bites are made.

6. Bake in the oven for 6-8 minutes and let cool.

7. Melt the peanut butter morsels and dip each cake bite in the melted peanut butter morsel mixture. Let the peanut butter coating harden then enjoy!

Makes 26 servings
1 serving is one cake bite with optional peanut butter coating

Macros for 1 serving
98 calories, 4.6g protein, 9.5g carbs, 4.9g fat, 2.8g sugar, 1.7g fiber

Protein Brownie Batter Banana Bread






Ingredients

4 egg whites
¾ cup plain greek yogurt
1 small banana
1 cup oat flour
¾ cup almond meal flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ cup sugar free chocolate chips

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Spray a standard sized loaf pan with nonstick spray and set aside.

2. Add egg whites, yogurt, and banana to a blender or food processor. Blend mixture until it’s smooth. Pour the mixture into a mixing bowl.

3. To the mixing bowl, add protein powder, oat flour, almond flour, cocoa powder and baking powder. Stir all ingredients together until batter is well combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

4. Spoon batter into the prepared pan and smooth down with the back of a spoon. Bake in the oven for 40-45 minutes. Let cool then cut into 16 slices. Enjoy!

Makes 16 servings
1 serving is 1 slice

Macros for 1 serving
122 calories, 8.4g protein, 9.8g carbs, 5.5g fat, 1.7g sugar, 2.3g fiber