healthienut - Easy to follow plant-based recipes

A guide to help you become healthier and happier

Freezer-friendly Healthy Pumpkin Spice Pancakes

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Ever wish you could have a whole stack of pancakes for breakfast, but was either too lazy to make them or didn’t have the time? That is where frozen pancakes come in. Throw them in the toaster or oven and have them ready in less than 5 min. Healthier then store bought…and truth be told much tastier! 

Fluffy and comforting pumpkin spice pancakes topped with banana, chopped pecans, and a healthy dose of maple syrup. 

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These pancakes are completely freezer-friendly. All you have to do is wait for them cool down for 5 min. Space them evenly on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for 10 min. Then transfer to foil and wrap them up tightly. They will last you up to a month. 

All those pumpkin cravings this season can be fufilled at any time! …

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Healthy Pumpkin Pecan Muffins | Vegan & Gluten-free

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It is my first pumpkin recipe of the season and I could not be more excited. Leaves are starting to fall, raining is beginning to drizzle, and I am feeling more rushes of cold air. That might not sound the most exciting to you, but I can tell you I am definitely more a lover of autumn than summer. Want to know the greatest reason why? Food. Simple as that. 

The countless recipes you can make from fall produce and warming spices is incredible. The top of my list this season is definitely pumpkin recipes. Well, don’t worry because I have quite a lot coming your way on my blog. 

These super fluffy and moist pumpkin pecan muffins are a great way to kick off this cold weather. They are entirely gluten-free, vegan, and can be eaten with no regrets…however I believe every muffin should be guilt-free (even if its unhealthy). Treat yourself am I right? 

Embedded with chunks of pecans and topped with a creamy hazelnut frosting. 

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I am excited that I am finally bringing to you another gluten-free recipe, because those are quite lacking on my blog. I find that working with gluten-free flours can be quite hard, yet I think I nailed it on this one. Practice makes perfect! 

A combination of oat flour and almond flour yields a super fluffy and soft texture without creating the stereotypical crumbly and dense texture that you often associate with gluten-free desserts. 

I wanted to create a more unique frosting and veer away from the traditional cashew one. I soaked some hazelnuts, took the skin off, and added some acid, sweetness, and some liquid. The results were an ultra creamy and rich hazelnut goodness. …

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Easy Indian Lentil Dal

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I am all about simply, easy & quick meals right now considering I will be a full-time dorm living college student in a week. Quick and easy meals shouldn’t have to sacrifice taste so here is one of many recipes to disprove that. 

A creamy, flavorful, and perfectly spiced indian lentil dal paired with spiced rice, and topped with freshly chopped green onion, vegan yogurt, and lemon. 

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As I start moving into my dorm next week I want to come up with countless instant pot, microwave friendly, and dorm friendly recipes. Although it will be difficult, I want to prove that you can still eat fun and balanced meals while in a confined space with limited supplies. Let me know if you have any recommendations on recipes or ways to cook them based on what equipment you have available! 

This lentil dal is super easy and only uses one-pot and a rice cooker (optional). Uses easy to find and affordable ingredients. …

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The Best Fudgy Vegan Brownies

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You may or may not be thinking…haven’t you already posted a recipe for vegan brownies? Yes, that is true…but trust me these are even better.

I slightly altered the ingredients and measurements. It resulted in an even more fudgy texture, slightly crackly top, and ultra chewy mouthfeel. The brownie you have been dreaming of? I got you.

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What changes did I make?

Although coconut oil may be a bit healthier than vegan butter I wanted to make these the best brownies they could be. Since butter has a higher fat content, it will aid the sugar in creating a nice crackly top. It also helps with the moist and fudginess of the brownie.

The original recipe had more flour, however, the last thing I want are these brownies to be cakey so I decreased the flour from 2 cups to 1 1/2. What happened? even more fudgy action!

I also did a bit of research on the science of baking an ultimate brownie and they recommended that you melt butter, get it hot, and stir in the sugar vigorously. This helps with the crackly top and chewy texture….

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Sweet Potato Ravioli with Creamy White Sauce

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Nothing is quite as special as homemade pasta. A soft, chewy, and tender dough that melts in your mouth regardless of the sauce you pair with it. `

Homemade ravioli, however, is on a whole other level. You don’t only smother it in any sauce of your choice, but you have endless varieties of fillings. 

My choice? A creamy and rich sweet potato filling topped with silky smooth white sauce infused with tarragon and garlic and sprinkled with toasted pine nuts, more fresh tarragon, and freshly cracked pepper. It really is a mouthwatering combo. 

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Making ravioli from scratch may seem intimidating, but I assure you it is way simpler and easier than you think. 

I go the easier route and use my ravioli cutter opposed to cutting it by hand. 

Start by rolling out a piece of dough in your pasta maker or by hand. Place a thin sheet of dough over the ravioli cutter, spoon in filling into the divets, place another sheet of dough on top and use the rolling pin to cut them into squares. Viola, you’re done! There are also plenty of youtube videos and tutorials on how to roll and cut ravioli, so don’t be afraid to get a little educated beforehand!…

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Vegan Strawberry Pop Tarts

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Yes, you read that right. Vegan strawberry pop tarts. First of all, the biggest accomplishment I made for this recipe was the stamp of approval from my little sister. She even said it tastes better than the real thing which is a lot coming from her. 

This “gourmet” pop tart will take you right back to your childhood. With the jelly-like strawberry jam in the middle, slightly hollow center, crispy edges, and sweet icing topping…it truly is close if not better than the original pop tart. 

Flaky and buttery pastry dough stuffed with sweet homemade strawberry jam and drizzled with a simple icing and rainbow sprinkles. 

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If you’re looking to make the icing a lower sugar healthier version I got the recipe for you. Simply mix together 2 tbsp coconut cream, 1 tbsp coconut oil, and 1 tbsp maple syrup. It will be a little runnier than traditional icing but will save you the extra grams of sugar. …

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