While everyone is doing their best to stay home during the COVID-19 pandemic, some may find it difficult to stay on track when it comes to getting the right nutrients. Some may also find that they are snacking more and reaching for the bag of chips or cookies instead of making healthier snacks. There is much more time now to make sugary baked goods in the kitchen, but there are baking recipes with clean ingredients that eliminate some of the added sugars that come with traditional baking. Pantry staples can be used in baking to create delicious desserts and snacks without all of the added sugars and fats!
One of my favorite things to make to satisfy my sweet tooth are these banana oat cluster cookies created by Blair Flynn, who has some amazing recipes. They are made with minimal ingredients, no added sugars, and keep you satisfied for longer than the average dessert! These cookies can be stored in the fridge for about a week or in the freezer for longer. I grab a few of these as a snack during the day to fill me up before my next meal or for an after dinner treat!
Banana oat clusters
Yields about 10 servings
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup oats
- Cinnamon
- Dash of sea salt
- 2 Tbsp. chia seeds or flax seeds if available
- ¼ cup chocolate chips or nut of choice
Directions:
- Mash bananas in a large bowl
- Add the oats and mix
- Add the remaining ingredients and mash with hands
- Add big spoonfuls to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes until edges become brown
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This next recipe is one of my favorites. I am a big fan of any form of banana bread and this recipe is banana bread in muffin form! It is super easy and satisfies my sweet tooth. This is a fun and easy recipe to make when stuck in the house.
Banana Muffins
Makes about 10
Dry Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups all purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- Pinch of sea salt
- Dash of cinnamon
- Wet ingredients:
- 1 stick butter softened
- ⅓ cup brown sugar/coconut sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 ripe bananas
Directions:
- Heat oven to 350. Lightly grease a muffin tin.
- First, mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. Next, mash the bananas and cream together the sugar and butter. Add the bananas to the sugar/butter mixture.
- Combine the wet and dry ingredients.
- Evenly scoop into muffin tins, top with chocolate or nuts, and bake for 20-25 minutes
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If you are a chocolate lover, you will definitely enjoy this next recipe. I make this as a treat when I am in the mood for some chocolate. The great thing about this recipe is you can use any nut you have in the house. I almost always have almonds and cashews in my house so I usually use those for this recipe and it is delicious! It is super quick and provides a great sweet snack with just 4 ingredients!
Chocolate Covered Nuts
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cashews/almonds/peanuts (or any nut of your choice!)
- 1 cup chocolate (any kind works)
- ½ Tbsp vanilla
- Sea salt for topping
Directions:
- Melt your chocolate over the stove one low heat until melted – can use a microwave too
- Once the chocolate is melted add in the vanilla
- Take the pan off the heat and add in the cashews. Mix until everything is coated.
- Scoop out the mixture by tablespoons and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- Sprinkle with sea salt.
- Place them in the freezer for about an hour
- You can store them in the refrigerator OR the freezer
