Dessert for breakfast with a healthy twist
Everyone knows I’m a big breakfast fan, and I definitely favour sweet dishes over savoury. So it was really only a matter of time before I put together a collection of some of my favourite ways to indulge in dessert for breakfast.
My attraction to sweets is something that has always been with me, although it has a much healthier edge these days.
Over the last ten years or so I’ve really enjoyed the journey I’ve been on as I’ve added good nutrition to my already active lifestyle, while maintaining a healthy balance.
Following a healthy diet should never be about what you can’t have, or what you’re missing out on. It’s finding ways to healthify your favourites, and keep the flavour you love.
Let’s face it, the line between breakfast and dessert has always been a bit blurry! I’m talking about things like muffins, cookies, breads, slices, pancakes, mousses and puddings.
You can enjoy these healthier versions as much, if not more, than you would the traditional version. They have all of the flavour you expect, without the bleached & refined flours or highly processed oils, plus a lot less sugar.
And whether you eat them for breakfast, dessert, or even as a healthy snack, especially after a workout is entirely up to you. You won’t find any judgement here, I eat them whenever I feel like it!
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Let’s start with pancakes, because – pancakes!
I’ve currently got three pancake recipes on my blog – and quite a few in my recipe packs too. I’ll probably still keep adding more though, because you can never have enough pancake recipes!
EASY WEEKEND PANCAKES
My personal favourite is the Easy Weekend Pancakes. It’s such an easy recipe to make – just throw all of the ingredients into a blender, and then cook.
These pancakes are the perfect weekend brunch indulgence. Just add fruit and yoghurt, or if you really want to push the boat out, cream or ice cream. I won’t tell, promise!
POST-WORKOUT PANCAKES
These pancakes are such a great treat after a workout, and the recipe is quick to whip up.
There’s plenty of protein for muscle repair and carbohydrates to refuel your energy stores.
Just top them with some fresh fruit and yoghurt for a balanced post-workout meal.
3-INGREDIENT PROTEIN PANCAKES
Jenifer Byington from The Evolista shared this fab pancake recipe with us. It’s quick to make, naturally high in protein and one that Jenifer says the kids love too.
Muffins and breads, or as I like to call them: healthy cakes
If you search “muffins” on my main recipe index page, you’ll find a few recipes. Fruit muffins especially are one of my favourite morning snacks with a coffee.
STRAWBERRY COCONUT MUFFINS
I’ve been developing and improving most of these muffin recipes for a few years now. Let’s start with the strawberry coconut muffins, my favourite as a breakfast muffin.
GOOEY RHUBARB MUFFINS
I call these muffins gooey rhubarb muffins because the rhubarb and strawberry puree in the centre literally oozes out when you cut into them.
They’re definitely not a ‘grab-and-go’ type muffin. These need to be eaten in a bowl, with yoghurt, cream or ice cream.
BANANA & WALNUT BREAD
I’ve always loved having banana bread for breakfast or a morning coffee break. My healthier recipes not only have less sugar, and no refined flours or oils, they also taste better than traditional banana bread.
Using just a little bit of honey or maple syrup allows the natural flavour of the bananas to shine through.
MANGO MACADAMIA LOAF
Mangos and macadamia nuts, all I can say is yum! This mango macadamia loaf is the one to make for an extra special morning tea, or a birthday celebration.
Puddings and bowls
Each of the recipes in this section can be eaten for breakfast, dessert or as a healthy post-workout snack.
BANANA MOUSSE PUDDING
This recipe is a kind of hybrid of custard, mousse, and chia pudding. It was originally an adaptation of a chia custard recipe, but I make it to a thick consistency, so it’s really more of a mousse than a custard.
GRAPEFRUIT BREKKIE/DESSERT BOWLS
If you’re a grapefruit fan, you’ll love these decadent, creamy bowls. Marscapone is mixed with Greek yoghurt, fresh grapefruit and honey. They’re quick & easy to whip up too.
RASPBERRY & BEETROOT BREKKIE/DESSERT BOWLS
With the goodness of raspberries and beetroot juice, these bowls are a great way to start the day.
Served with a swirl of yoghurt and choc chips, this is another super quick brekkie bowl.
Dessert for breakfast, with chocolate!
I don’t know about you, but I’m also a big fan of chocolate for breakfast. Or dessert, or a snack, or just about anytime really!
Although I am talking about good quality dark chocolate, and cacao powder, because a little bit is good for you.
CHOCOLATE CAKE MUFFINS
Muffins that taste like mini chocolate cakes are always a good idea, especially when they’re made with good, wholesome ingredients.
VEGAN ORANGE CHOCOLATE MOUSSE
This chocolate mousse is made with sweet potato, peanut butter and cacao powder, giving you a high protein antioxidant boosted brekkie pudding. Orange zest gives it a delicious hint of Jaffa.
JAFFA BLISS BALLS
Are you a chocolate-orange fan? These yummy bliss balls were inspired by a smoothie recipe that one of my Facebook group members shared during a brekkie challenge.
CHOCOLATE SMOOTHIE BOWL
This chocolate smoothie bowl is like having pudding for breakfast; a deliciously healthy one, of course!
It’s a good one to make when you’ve got avocado to use up, but you want something sweet.
Top it with your favourite berries, nuts and shredded coconut.
CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY SLICE
This chocolate strawberry slice doesn’t need to be baked, just make sure you allow enough time for it to set in the freezer.
Make the base first and mix up the chocolate mixture while the base is freezing. Then pop the whole thing back in the freezer again for 2-3 hours.
Top it with some fresh strawberry slices, and you’ve got an impressive looking slice that works as a healthy dessert, or an indulgent weekend breakfast/brunch.
Last, but not least…
The last 3 recipes I’ve got for you in this round-up don’t really fit any of the other categories, so I’ve put them here in their own special section.
They’re definitely worth considering if you fancy a different kind of healthy breakfast.
HIGH PROTEIN BLUEBERRY CHEESECAKE
This cheesecake is every bit as yummy as a “regular” baked cheesecake.
I recommend it for a special occasion breakfast treat, or a brunch with friends.
REFINED SUGAR-FREE BERRY CRUMBLE
Mixed berries and pure maple syrup give this crumble plenty of fruity sweet flavour. Serve it with Greek yoghurt for breakfast, or with ice cream for dessert.
MANGO ICE CREAM BARS
Yes, they’re ice cream bars, and yes, they’re fabulous for breakfast in summer, especially after a hot & sweaty exercise session – trust me!
Creamy & fruity goodness, they’re a healthier, home-made version of Weiss mango bars.
Don’t forget to pin these recipes for later!
Healthy recipe packs & meal plans
Designed to make it easy for you to plan and prepare delicious healthy meals.
50 recipes in each pack: high protein, 5-ingredient or healthy desserts & snacks
Done for you weekly meal planners, shopping lists and blank templates
Detailed nutrition info on every recipe, plus MFP barcodes for easy tracking