Pumpkin Spiced, Salted Caramel Bliss Bites!

I know, I know there are a million and one different recipes out there for our beloved bliss bites but, you guys did you hear me . . .

PUMPKIN SPICED, SALTED CARAMEL BLISS BITES!!!!!!

I don’t mean to yell but you guys . . . yes, these pumpkin spiced salted caramel bliss bites  really are THAT good!

Plump and juicy, deliciously chewy caramel infused medjool dates are combined with buttery cashews, crisp, crunchy almonds, a splash of vanilla and a cheeky pinch of salt to make our insanely delicious, salted caramel, bliss bite base.

Next, we infuse our blissfully delicious, sweet, chewy, lightly salted, caramel base with a gentle hum of our healthy, homemade, heart and belly warming pumpkin spice mix.

The combination of our pumpkin spice mix with that deliciously buttery soft, chewy, salted caramel base is truly incredible!

One bite and you will think Christmas has come early and if you ask me, it kind of has because that’s exactly what these bliss bites taste like to me.

Blissfully soft, deliciously chewy, perfectly spiced, lightly salted, caramel infused bites of happiness.

So much deliciousness I can hardly stand it but . . .

Because I can’t seem to leave well enough alone, I thought it might be a good idea if we gave our deliciously simple, secretly healthy,  pumpkin spiced, salted caramel bliss bites a subtly sweet, deliciously nutty, crisp and crunchy coconut coating . . .

Spoiler alert . . .

Best idea, EVER!

Well, that was until I decided to try tossing them in a touch of cacao . . .

Ummmmm yep, also a very wise move on my part.

I mean, I think we can all agree that the addition of chocolate, in any way shape of form, really does make just about anything better, am I right?!

Oh you know I am. You’re so smart!

Not only does it add an incredible contrast in texture, with the coconut flakes adding a nice little crunch to the outside of our soft and chewy bliss bites where the cacao adds a touch of deliciously indulgent, decadent richness that marries so perfectly with the sweetness of our salted spiced caramel when you bite on in – it really is mind-blowingly delicious!

Which would you try first?!

Ah I seriously can not wait for you to try these bliss bites, I know you are going to love them!

And FYI – they also happen to be 100% gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free, vegan and paleo friendly.

5 ingredients, 10 minutes in the making

Stop what you’re doing, this needs to happen, NOW!

All natural, quick and easy, soft and chew, deliciously buttery, perfectly spiced, lightly salted caramel infused bliss bites;

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

Pumpkin Spiced Salted Caramel
Bliss Bites

{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}
Makes approx 20 – all natural, quick and easy, crisp, crunchy, deliciously nutty, subtly sweet, blissfully soft, deliciously chewy, perfectly spiced, salted caramel bliss bites.

Ingredients –

1/2 cup cashews (I used raw, unsalted)

1/2 cup almonds (I used raw, unsalted)

3/4 cup medjool dates, pits removed – approx 7 large

1 Tablespoon of vanilla extract (or 8-12 drops of vanilla cream stevia – I like to use Sweet Leaf Stevia )

1/2 of salt flakes

1 teaspoon of our healthy, homemade pumpkin spice mix

1 scoop of Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides optional

Optional for serving –

2-4 Tablespoons  of finely shredded coconut for coating.

2-4 Tablespoons of cacao

Method –

1 – Place almonds and cashews in your food processor/blender and pulse until crumbly, you want there to still be a few bigger chunks to give the bites some nice texture.

2 – Add dates and process until the mixture comes together to form a sticky “dough”.

3 – Add vanilla, salt flakes and spices and process again until combined.

4 – Using your hands, roll approx 1 Tablespoon of dough into little bite size balls then set aside.

I feel like I should mention that when I make my bliss bites I tend to make them way smaller than the ones you see in stores or cafes. I prefer to make them on the smaller side because I like being able to just pop one in my mouth on the down low so I don’t have to share I can go about my business. I would say you would probably need 3 of my bliss bites to make up the size of one of those store bought/cafe size bites. Feel free make them whatever size that tickles your fancy, just wanted to put that out there

5 – Place your coconut and cacao each into a small bowl (or even just a zip lock bag) then gently roll your bliss bites in the coconut or cacao for coating, gently but firmly pressing as you go.

6 – Once your bites have their delicious little coating, transfer directly to your mouth an airtight container (or even just a ziplock bag) and store in the fridge

Enjoy xo

• If you find your dates are a little dry you could try soaking them in some warm water for 10 mins before you begin, then drain and rinse and make as normal.

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

Are you a fellow bliss bite lover? What’s your favorite flavor combination?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these bliss bites (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post Pumpkin Spiced Salted Caramel Bliss Bites {Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.

If you’re looking for some deliciously simple, secretly healthy, homemade treats to make for your dear ol’ Dad this Father’s day weekend (or even just for your fine self because, yum! #treatyoself )  then look no further my friend.

I’ve put together a list of 20 of my most popular, healthy, homemade treats, an array of goodies to cater for all tastes, that are super simple to put together (so little hands can get involved) and would make a wonderful gift that I’m sure the special men in your life would thoroughly enjoy, I know mine do

1 – Salted Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Bites

2 – Lemon Berry Bliss Bites

3 – Salted Maple Pecan Almond Butter

4 – Apple and Cranberry {Grain Free} Granola

5 – Sweet and Spicy Savory Snack Mix

6 – Chocolate Orange Bliss Bites

7 – Chocolate Tahini Fudge Bites

8 – Chocolate Coated Roasted Almonds

9 – Healthy, No-Bake Lamington {Chocolate & Coconut} Bliss Bites

10 – Black Forest Granola

11 – Dark Chocolate Strawberry Coconut Butter Cups

12 – Quick and Easy Candied Walnuts

13 – 3 Ingredients Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Almond Butter Cups

14 – Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Power Bites

15 – Summer Berry Snack Mix

16 – Caramel Chai Spiced Bliss Bites

17 – Deliciously Simple, Healthy, Homemade Chocolate Coated, Salted Caramels

18 – DIY – Dark Chocolate Roasted Almond Bark

19 – Dark Chocolate Cranberry Fruit and Nut Clusters

20 – Dark Chocolate Double Stuffed Dates

So much deliciousness where to begin?

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Please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your deliciously simple, secretly healthy, homemade treats (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

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The post 20 Deliciously Simple, Secretly Healthy Homemade Treats for Father’s Day first appeared on Better with Cake.

All natural, quick and easy, soft, chewy, crisp, crunchy, subtly sweet, seriously addicting lemon berry bliss bites

Are bliss bites still a thing?

Please tell me they’re still a thing?

Or are they so not cool anymore and, once again, I missed the memo?!

I missed it didn’t I?!

I’m so not cool.

But, if that’s the case and my beloved bliss/energy bites are no longer considered “cool” I have a feeling they are about to make an epic come back because, you guys . . . these lemon berry bliss bites are insanely good.

Buttery cashews are combined with deliciously chewy, magical medjool dates then infused with sweet strawberries and a hint of light, fresh, zesty lemon.

The slight tartness of those freeze dried strawberries and the freshness of our lemon zest cuts through the natural sweetness of those magical medjool dates making these beautiful little bliss bites light, fresh, subtly sweet and simply divine!!

Seriously so good!

I don’t know what it is but, this time of year I always find myself craving citrus-y things.

Last year it was lemon and coconut bliss bites, the year before that it was lemon and chia muffins and this year it’s lemon berry bliss bites?!

Maybe it has something to do with the change of season or, maybe it’s my body craving some light, fresh, cleansing flavors after the deliciously indulgent, chocolate/treat filled festivities aka Easter?! #iregretnothing

Whatever the reason I’m just going to go with it because you guys, these lemon berry bliss bites are a light, fresh, edible bite of heaven and you need them in your life, asap!

As always our beloved bliss bites are all natural made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already.

They are naturally vegan, gluten free and paleo friendly and come together in a matter of minutes!

Simply throw your ingredients into your food processor or blender and you’re pretty much done!

Once your light, fresh, buttery, sweet, pretty pink, lemon infused bliss bite “dough” is ready, all that’s left to do is roll them into deliciously, pop-able bite size pieces and voila’, done!

Now, although they are all kinds of delicious enjoyed simply as they are in all their freshly rolled glory, if you have can spare a few extra minutes and you feel like getting a little fancy then you might want to go ahead and crumble up a handful of freeze dried strawberries into a fine looking powder, and while you’re at it, pop some finely shredded coconut into a bowl then . . .

roll some of those blissfully delicious, pretty hued, lemon scented beauties in a little of each.

It’s totally not necessary but I think it’s worth the extra time and effort because the contrast in both flavor and texture kind of takes these lemon berry bliss bites to the next level.

Crisp and crunchy, subtly sweet, freeze dried strawberries or coconut flakes on the outside, blissfully soft, deliciously chewy, light, fresh, zesty lemon scented deliciousness on the inside;

The perfect anytime treat!

All natural, quick and easy, soft, chewy, crisp, crunchy, subtly sweet, vibrant, delicious, seriously addicting lemon berry bliss bites

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

Lemon Berry Bliss Bites
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

Makes approx 24* all natural, quick and easy, subtly sweet, soft and chewy, zesty, lemony blissful bites of berry infused deliciousness.

Ingredients –

1 cup cashews (I used raw, unsalted)

6 large medjool dates, pits removed

1/2 cup of freeze dried strawberries

1 teaspoon of vanilla (or 4-6 drops of vanilla cream stevia – I like to use Sweet Leaf Stevia )

1 Tablespoon of lemon juice (or 1 teaspoon of lemon extract or a few drops of lemon oil)

1 teaspoon of freshly grated 1 lemon zest

a generous pinch of salt flakes

1-2 scoops of Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides – optional for an extra dose of protein and gut healing goodness

Optional for serving –

1/4 cup of finely shredded coconut for coating.

1/4 cup of freeze dried strawberries crumbled into a fine powder

Method –

Before you get started – If your dates are a little dry, I suggest you pop them into a small bowl or jug and pour over enough boiling water so they are completely submerged. Set aside for 5 minutes while you get your food processor out and gather up the rest of your ingredients and then when your ready simply pour out the water and proceed with the recipe as normal.

1 – Place cashews in your food processor/blender and pulse until it resembles a fine crumb, you want there to still be a few bigger chunks to give the bites some nice texture.

2 – Add dates, vanilla, lemon juice, zest and salt then process until the mixture starts to come together into a sticky “dough”.

3 – Add your freeze dried strawberries and process until combined.

4 – Using your hands, roll approx 1 Tablespoon of dough into little bite size balls then set aside.

I feel like I should mention that when I make my bliss bites I tend to make them way smaller than the ones you see in stores or cafes. I prefer to make them on the smaller side because I like being able to just pop one in my mouth on the down low so I don’t have to share I can go about my business. I would say you would probably need 3 of my bliss bites to make up the size of one of those store bought/cafe/golf ball size bites. Feel free make them whatever size that tickles your fancy, just wanted to put that out there

For the optional coating;

5 – Place your coconut and strawberry powder each into a separate plate or bowl (or even just a zip lock bag) then roll/toss your bliss bites through the either the coconut or strawberry powder until they have a nice light, even coating and set aside. Repeat until all bites are coated.

5 – Once your bites have their delicious little coconut or pretty pink strawberry powder  coats on, transfer to your mouth an airtight container (or even just a ziplock bag) and store in the fridge

Enjoy xo

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Question of the day –

What snacks are you loving lately?

Feel free to share recipes or leave links to recipes in the comments below and please, for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your brownies (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

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The post Lemon Berry Bliss Bites {Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.

Here is a list of 12 of my favorite healthy treat recipes that also happen to be vegan, gluten free and paleo friendly, and would make the perfect gift for friends and family (or even “just” your fine self) this Easter (or anytime really!).

1 – Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Filled Coconut Nests

2 – Dark Chocolate Coated, Double Stuffed Dates

3 – Healthy, Homemade Dark Chocolate Strawberry Coconut Butter Cups

4 – Pistachio Choc Fudge Bliss Bites

5 – Maple Vanilla Peanut Butter Cups

6 – Strawberry Dark Chocolate Cashew Cream Cups

7 – Healthy, No-Bake Lamington {Chocolate & Coconut) Bliss Bites

8 – Fun and Festive Easter Cupcakes

9 – Chocolate Hazelnut Bliss Bites

10 – Dark Chocolate Vanilla Cashew Cream Cups

11 – Deliciously Simple, Healthy, Homemade Dark Chocolate Coated Salted Caramels

12 – Healthy, Homemade, 3 Ingredient, Salted Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Almond Butter Cups

So much deliciousness which recipe will you make first?

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Please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your deliciously simple, secretly healthy, homemade Easter treats (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post 12 Deliciously Simple, Secretly Healthy, Homemade Treats to Make For Easter {Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.

Are bliss bites still a thing?

Or are they not cool anymore?

Did I miss the memo?

I missed it didn’t I?

I’m so not cool.

Oh wells, at least I have tasty, tasty snacks to keep me company.

Food is a friend for life baby

Cool or not, bliss bites are still happening up in here.

I think they always will be.

I just love them!

They’re just so handy to have on hand for when the need to snack strikes!

And you know how I love my snacks

I don’t know about you but, keeping healthy snacks on hand is a non-negotiable around here, no one wants a hangry mama!

I love that I can just open the fridge and pop one (or two) of these babies in my mouth and carry on about my business without having to stop and think, hunt around or take time to prepare something.

Or, if I’m heading out I can just throw a couple of bliss bites into a cute little container or zip lock bag and take them with me. It’s so much cheaper than having to buy snacks while out and about, not to mention the fact that our homemade versions often end up being much better for you too.

Plus, they are so quick and easy to throw together and the ways you can change up the flavors are limitless!

Plus, did I mention that they’re just so delicious?!

Because they are!

And I mean really, REALLY delicious!

Especially this latest batch . . .

You guys . . . these healthy no-bake lamington bliss bites are absolutely divine!

They are decadent, rich, soft, chewy, incredibly chocolaty and seriously fudgey with the perfect hint of crunchy coconut!

Seriously, so good!

I actually came up with the idea of making these little bites of heaven when I was thinking about what treats I could make in honor of Australia day next week. Of course, the good ol’ lamington was one of the the first things I thought of but, it’s been so hot here the last thing I wanted to do was bake!

Just quickly for my non-Australian friends who may not know what lamington’s are (the horror ) A lamington is basically a deliciously buttery, light and fluffy, vanilla sponge cake that is smothered in a decadent and rich, fudgey chocolate frosting then covered with finely shredded coconut.

It’s so yummy!!

But yep, way to hot for baking!

I tried to shake it off my lamington craving, Tae-Tae style, but it just didn’t work!

I could not stop thinking about lamington’s!

So what’s a girl to do when she craving lamington’s like no tomorrow but it’s way to hot for baking?!

She creates a deliciously simple, healthy, homemade no-bake version all her very own, that’s what!

Umm you guys . . .

Deliciously simple, healthy, homemade, no-bake lamington bliss bites = Best. Idea. Ever!

A combination of cashews and almonds re-create the flavors of that buttery sponge cake.

A splash of vanilla and a handful of magical medjool dates add a touch of sweetness.

A spoonful of cacao and a pinch of espresso (which just helps to enhance and intensify that richness of the cacao) bring the deliciously indulgent, decadent and rich, seriously fudgey flavors of that chocolate frosting and a handful of coconut flakes along with a splash of coconut extract bring that all important crunch and the perfect hint of coconut.

Lamington craving satisfied!

Oh you guys these are so, SO good, I’m so excited for you to try them because I know you are going to just love them!

As always our beloved bliss bites are all natural made with no refined flours or sugars using just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already.

They are super quick and easy to prepare coming together in less than 10 minutes. 

Simply throw your ingredients into your food processor or blender and you’re as good as done!

And they also happen to be naturally vegan, gluten free and paleo friendly!

But most importantly they are insanely delicious and you need them in your life, asap!

I mean would you just look at that!!!!

All natural, quick and easy, decadent, rich, subtly sweet, seriously fudgey, intensely chocolaty, coconut infused, healthy, no-bake lamington bliss bites;

Yep, still cool

Make them. Eat them, Love, love, love them.

Healthy, No-Bake Lamington Bliss Bites
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

Makes approx 20 decadent, rich, deliciously buttery, subtly sweet, super fudgey, seriously chocolaty, coconut infused, bliss bites

Ingredients –

1/2 cup raw almonds

1/2 cup raw cashews

3/4 cup medjool dates* – Keto/ low carb lovin’ friends and those of you who have trouble digesting those dates –  soak/ferment your them in coconut water keifr or kombucha overnight and you should be good to go – read more about how/why it works here

1 Tablespoon of cacao

1/2 teaspoon of instant espresso – optional

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon of coconut extract (or 4-6 drops of coconut stevia – I like sweet leaf)

3 Tablespoons of shredded coconut

1/2 teaspoon of salt

Optional add ins;

1 teaspoon of maca powder – For hormone balance

1 Tablespoon of MCT oil – brain boosting energy

2 scoops of collagen (-  for gut healing goodnes

1-2 scoops of protein powder (vanilla or unflavored would work best in this recipe) – for extra protein

Optional, but recommended for serving –

Cacao

Desiccated coconut

Method –

1 – Place almonds and cashews into your food processor/blender and pulse until crumbly, you want there to still be a few bigger chunks to give the bites some nice texture.

2 – Add dates and process until the mixture starts to come together into a sticky, loose “dough”.

3 – Add cacao, espresso (if using), coconut, vanilla, coconut extract (or stevia drops) and salt then process until well combined.

4 – Scoop approximately 1 Tablespoons of dough into your hands and roll bite size balls then set aside

I feel like I should mention that when I make my bliss bites I tend to make them way smaller than the ones you see in stores or cafes. I prefer to make them on the smaller side because I like being able to just pop one in my mouth on the down low so I don’t have to share I can go about my business. I would say you would probably need 3 of my bliss bites to make up the size of one of those store bought/cafe size bites. Feel free make them whatever size that tickles your fancy, just wanted to put that out there

5 – If you are going to coat your bliss bites in cacao and/or coconut simply place your cacao, and coconut into small bowls or even just zip lock bags and gentle press (or shake) until each bliss bite is nicely coated.

Enjoy xo

• If you find your dates are a little dry you could try soaking them in some warm water for 10 minutes before you begin, then drain and rinse and make as normal.

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

Are you a fellow bliss bite lover? What’s your favorite flavor combination?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these bliss bites (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post Healthy, No-Bake Lamington Bliss Bites {Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.

So here we are, just over a week into the New Year and I don’t know about you but I have a biiiiiiiiigggggg list of things I want to do and achieve this year.

How about you?

You do don’t you?!

I bet you have a monster list of super awesome, crazy cool goals, dreams and to-do’s that you’re chasing this year too, aren’t you?!

And you know what big dreams and monster to-do lists need?!

Lots of yummy snacks to help keep us energized, fueled and focused on the task at hand!

Lucky for us I have just the thing . . .

Allow me to introduce you to my current snack obsession aka –  my deliciously simple, healthy, homemade summer berry snack mix.

You guys, this summer berry snack mix is so good!

It’s the perfect combination of crisp, crunchy, buttery, sweet and I know you’re going to love, love, love it!

A combination of our favorite nuts and seeds are combined with an array of sweet and juicy, dried summer berries and a delicate sprinkling of finely shredded coconut

Crisp, crunchy almonds, classic cashews and deliciously buttery, melt in the mouth macadamia nuts are combined with sunflower seeds and pepitas to make our delicious, nutritious nut base.

Cranberries, blueberries and some pretty little Goji berries add that all important burst of light, fresh, tart, tangy, deliciously chewy sweetness.

And a delicate sprinkling of finely shredded coconut adds a fun contrast in texture along with a subtly sweet, slightly smoky, crazy, cool coco-nutty crunch.

It’s summer in a bowl and it’s just so good!

I seriously can’t stop!

Well, that’s not true, I probably could if I wanted to.

But I don’t

Not even a little bit.

I mean why would I?!

Our deliciously simple, healthy, homemade summer berry snack mix is made with just a handful of real food ingredients that I bet you have on hand already.

It comes togehter in one bowl (or even just a giant ziplock bag) in a matter of seconds!

And, for those of you whole resolved to eat a little healthier or are doing the Whole 30, rest assured I got your back!

Our summer berry snack mix is not only naturally vegan, gluten free and paleo friendly it also happens to be 100% Whole 30 compliant!

Deliciously winning on so many levels!

Eat it simply by the handful, serve it with some coconut or Greek style yogurt for a delicious, nutritious, quick and easy, energizing, powerhouse breakfast bowl, sprinkle some on your post workout smoothie or throw in a handful of dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs and call it dessert.

Either way you can’t go wrong.

All natural, quick and easy, crisp and crunchy, deliciously buttery, sweet and chewy, healthy, homemade summer berry snack mix;

Fun to make, fun to eat, fun to share with the ones you love

Enjoy xo

Summer Berry Snack Mix
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

Makes approx 4 cups of all natural, quick and easy, crisp and crunchy, deliciously buttery, sweet and chewy, healthy, homemade summer berry snack mix

Ingredients –

1 cup raw almonds

1 cup raw cashews

1/2 cup macadamia nuts

2 Tablespoons of sunflower seeds

2 Tablespoons of pepitas (or pumpkin seeds)

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup dried blueberries

1/4 cup dried goji berries

1/2 cup finely shredded coconut

Method –

1 – Place all ingredients into a bowl (or large ziplock bag) and stir (or shake) to combine.

2 – Store in an airtight container

Enjoy xoxo

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Question of the day –

What snacks are you loving lately? Sweet or Savory? What’s your poison?

Let me know in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your summer berry snack mix  (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post Summer Berry Snack Mix {Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.

Happy New Year!!!!

Now that the holidays are over and a brand New Year has arrived raise your hand if you’re looking to get back on track, clean up your diet and start eating a little healthier?!

Yep, me too!

So, I thought I would go through the archives and pick out some of my favorite quick and easy, deliciously simple, seriously flavorful, lightened up meals to help kick start the New Year.

Below is a collection of 78 (!!!)  of my families favorite eats.

You guys, it was so hard to narrow it down to just 78!!!

I honestly could have listed hundreds of recipes but I didn’t want to overwhelm you with options.

But, I wanted to make sure I included a little something for everyone – so 78 it is!

We have – breakfast, mains, sides, snacks, smoothies and shakes as well as a handful of sweets ans treats – because it’s all about balance baby!

Most of the recipes included are made with no refined flours or sugars using just a handful of real food ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in around 30 minutes.

Most of them also happen to be naturally gluten free and paleo friendly and many. if not all, are easily adaptable to fit special dietary needs or be made Whole 30 compliant.

I also made sure to include a little of everything so we have some vegan and vegetarian options as well as recipes using chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, tuna you name it I think we have it covered but most importantly all are insanely delicious and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

Breakfast

1 – Apple and Cinnamon Muffins with Maple Vanilla Almond Butter Frosting
Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

2 – Apple and Cranberry Grain Free Granola
Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo Friendly

3 – Banana Fig and Walnut Muffins
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

4 – Coconut Raspberry and Dark Chocolate Muffins
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

5 –  Cranberry and Coconut “Muesli”
Vegan, Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

6 – Healthy, Grain Free Black Forest Granola
Vegan, Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

7 – Jamie’s Spring Fritatta
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

8 – Protein Packed, Pumpkin Spiced Overnight Oats

9 – Pumpkin and Cranberry Grain Free Granola
Vegan, Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

10 – Quick and Easy Carrot and Zucchini Fritters
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

11 – Seriously Moorish Strawberry Banana Bread
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

12 – Sweet Potato Egg Boats
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

13 – Vanilla Spiked Protein Pancakes

14 – Vanilla Spiked Protein Waffles

Mains

15 – Asian Style Turkey Burgers
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

16 – Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Strawberry Salsa
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

17 – BBQ Chicken Green Chili Baked Potatoes
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

18 – BBQ Chicken and Green Chili Meatloaf Muffins
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

19 – Best Ever Grilled Steak
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly -Whole 30 Compliant

20 – Chicken Bruschetta
Gluten Free and Paleo Friendly

21 – Healthy, Homemade Asian Style Lettuce Wraps
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Complient

22 – Healthy, Homemade Taco Salad Lettuce Wraps
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Complient

23 – Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Chicken with Pineapple-Jalapeno Salsa
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Complient

24 – Healthy, Homemade Teriyaki Salmon
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly- Whole 30 Compliant

25 – Healthy, Homemade Teriyaki Turkey Burgers
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Complient

Jamie’s Spring Fritatta
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Adaptable

26 – Loaded Mexican Baked Sweet Potatoes
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

27 – Deliciously Simple Garlic and Rosemary Chicken –
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

28 – Raw Rainbow Spicy Peanut Lettuce Wraps
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly & Whole 30 Compliant – switch PB for almond butter or nut butter of choice

29 – Sesame Crusted Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

30 – Spicy Sun-dried Tomato and Chargrilled Red Pepper Tuna Burgers
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

31 – Spicy Tuna and Tomato Burgers
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

32 – Sweet and Saucy Mexican Spiced Slow Cooked Chicken
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

33 – Sweet and Spicy Sesame Zucchini Noodles
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

34 –Zucchini Noodles with Avocado Pesto
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

Sides

35 – Creamy Roasted Garlic Whipped Cauliflower Mash
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

36 – Deliciously Simple, Perfectly Roasted Pumpkin
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

37 – Oven Roasted Vegetables
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

38 – Pan-fried Spinach with Garlic and Lemon
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

39 – Roasted Garlic, Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Mash
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

40 – Spinach and Kale Roasted Garlic Pesto
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

Snacks

41 – All Natural, Healthy, Homemade Almond Butter
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

42 – All Natural Salted Caramel Coconut Bliss Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

43 –Choc Banana Super food Snack Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

44- Cocoa Roasted Almonds
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

45 – Date Chia and Coconut Energy Bites 
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

46 – Deliciously Ugly Lemon Berry Muffins
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

47 – Healthy, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Power Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly (swap PB for almond butter or nut butter of choice)

48 – Healthy, Homemade Tropical Trail Mix
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

49 – Healthy, No-Bake, Sugar Cookie Energy Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

50 – Hummingbird Muffins with Coconut Yogurt Frosting
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

51 – Maple Cinnamon Roasted Almonds
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

52 – Mango and Passionfruit Muffins with Coconut Yogurt Frosting
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

53 – Oven Roasted Beet Chips
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

54 – Oven Roasted Honey Mustard Cashews
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

55 – Pistachio Choc Fudge Bliss Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

56 – Pumpkin and Pistachio Cashew Cheese Truffles
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

57 – Roasted Garlic Beetroot Hummus
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

58 – Roasted Garlic Cashew Cheese Dip
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

59 – Salt and Vinegar Kale Chips
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

60 – Strawberry and Cream Bliss Bites
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

61 – Sweet and Spicy Savory Nut Mix
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

Smoothies and Shakes

62 – Berry, Oat & Yogurt Super Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly (swap oats for cashews or almonds)

63 – Energizing Green Apple Super Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

64 – Maple, Almond and Banana Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

65 – Mango and Banana Super Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

66 – Gorgeous Green Smoothie (That actually tastes good!)
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

67- Tropical Green Super Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

68 – Tummy Taming Anti-Inflammatory Tropical Smoothie
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly – Whole 30 Compliant

Sweets and Treats

69 – Chocolate Orange Chia Pudding
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

70 – Classic Choc Chip Cookies
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

71 – Carrot Cake Muffins with Vanilla Spiked Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

72 – Decadent and Rich Raw Chocolate Brownies
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

73 – Double Chocolate Banana Bread
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

74 – Espresso Choc Chip Cookies
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

75 – Small Batch Double Chocolate Cupcakes with Raw Chocolate Frosting
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

76 – Secretly Healthy, Double Chocolate Mini Muffins
Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

77 – Strawberry Choc Chip Chia Pudding
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

78 – Whipped Chocolate and Coconut Chia Pudding
Vegan – Gluten Free – Paleo Friendly

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

What are some of your fave quick and easy, deliciously simple, lightened up meals?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it, you know you want to

__________________________________________

The post 78 Deliciously Simple, Lightened Up Recipes to Kick Start the New Year first appeared on Better with Cake.

Last week we looked at your faves, now it’s my turn.

Allow me to present you with, in no particular order, my top 16 – deliciously simple, secretly healthy, recipe of 2016;

1 – Quick and Easy Carrot and Zucchini Fritters
Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

2 – Dark Chocolate Coated Double Stuffed Dates
Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

3 – Pumpkin and Cranberry Grain Free Granola
Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

4 – Chicken Bruschetta
Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

5 – Coconut Mocha Almond Butter
Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

6 – Hummingbird Muffins with Coconut Yogurt Frosting
Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

7 – Salted Caramel Chai Spiced Bliss Bites
Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

8 – Sesame Crusted Smoky Sweet Potato Burgers
Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

9 – Healthy, Homemade Dark Chocolate Coated Salted Caramels
Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

10 – Easy, DIY – Homemade Vanilla Almond Milk
Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

11 – Loaded Mexican Baked Sweet Potatoes
Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

12 – Chocolate, Almond and Hazelnut Bliss Bites
Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

13 – Balsamic Grilled Chicken with Sweet and Spicy Strawberry Salsa
Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

14 – Small Batch, Double Chocolate Cupcakes
Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

15 –  Chai Spiced Almond Butter
Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

16 – BBQ Chicken, Green Chili Baked Potatoes
Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

Did your fave recipe make the list this year? If not I’d love to know – what was your fave?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post My Top 16 Deliciously Simple, Secretly Healthy Recipes of 2016 – Personal Picks first appeared on Better with Cake.

We have made a lot of delicious things together this past year and here we have a nice little collection made up of the top 16, deliciously simple, secretly healthy recipes that you guys most clicked on, re-created and enjoyed over this past year.

1 – Vanilla Spiked Protein Pancakes

2 – Healthy, No-Bake Sugar Cookie Bliss Bites
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

3 – Strawberry and Cream Cashew Cookie Bliss Bites
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

4 – Spicy Tuna and Tomato Burgers
{Gluten Free, Low Carb & Paleo Friendly}

5 – Healthy, Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Fudge Power Bites
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}
Paleo peeps just sub your fave nut butter in place of the PB

6 – Maple Almond Banana Smoothie
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

7 – Jamie’s Spring Fritatta
{Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}
Paleo peeps just omit the cheese or sub a little nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor

8 – Healthy, Homemade Sweet Chili Sauce
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

9 – Double Chocolate Banana Bread
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

10 – Date, Chia and Coconut Energy Bites
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

11 – Blueberry, Apple & Banana Super Smoothie
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

12 – All Natural, Salted Caramel Bliss Bites
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

13 – Salted Vanilla Cashew Butter
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

14 – Coconut, Raspberry & Dark Chocolate Mini Muffins
{Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

15 – Chocolate Orange Chia Pudding
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

16 – Pistachio Choc Fudge Bliss Bites
{Vegan, Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly}

__________________________________________

To all of you who have re-created, commented on, posted and shared in any of my recipes either here on the blog, the Facebook page or Instagram: Thank you so much for sharing your love and appreciation for my recipes not only with me but with others too.

I honestly LOVE seeing you make and enjoy the recipes I share and it makes my heart all kinds of happy knowing that you’re enjoying a recipe that I created.

Seriously you guys, so much love and I can not thank you enough for all the support and encouragement you have shown me over the years.

Insert all of the feel good, happy, loved up emojis here →

__________________________________________

Question of the day –

Did your fave recipe make the list this year? If not I’d love to know – what was your fave?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post Your Top 16 Deliciously Simple, Secretly Healthy Recipes of 2016 – Reader Favourites first appeared on Better with Cake.

A deliciously wonderful, terrible thing . . .

And by terrible I really just mean wonderful . . .

And, I’m not even a little bit sorry about it.

You guys . . .

Deliciously simple, healthy, homemade dark chocolate coated salted caramels . . .

Oh yes I did!

And you should too!

Honestly, I don’t know what more I need to say . . .

Seriously . . .

Do I even need to twist your arm on this one?!

Basically what we are going to do is;

1 – Make a batch of our healthy, homemade 2 minute salted caramel but this time we are going to add a little drizzle of coconut oil because

A – The slight nuttiness of the coconut oil helps to balance out the sweetness of that glorious salted caramel and;

B – It helps our caramel become a little more “rock-steady” so we can shape it into delicious little bite size balls and then proceed to bathe them in a vat of creamy, dreamy, melted dark chocolate.

. . .

Do I really need to go on?

Well, just in case you need a little more convincing . . .

Not only are our deliciously simple, healthy, homemade chocolate coated caramels insanely and I mean INSANELY delicious but, they also happen to be super quick and easy to prepare coming together in around 30 minutes, start to finish!

That includes making your own caramel!!!

They also happen to be naturally  gluten free and paleo friendly –  and could easily be made vegan depending on the chocolate chips you use – but, most importantly, they are get out of town delicious and you need them in your life like, yesterday!

Not even kidding!

I mean it you guys, these chocolate coated caramels are the stuff dreams are made of.

Seriously smooth, incredibly creamy, deliciously dreamy, slightly fudgey, lightly salted caramel encased in a decadent and rich, cool, crisp dark chocolate coating . . .

I mean just look at them . . .

Seriously, stop what you’re doing, this needs to happen now!

I should warn you though, once you have your deliciously simple, healthy, homemade dark chocolate coated caramels made, do not, I repeat, DO NOT turn your back or leave them unattended for a single second or you will lose them!

Trust me . . .

Don’t be like me . . .

I learned this lesson the hard way . . .

Do as I say, not as I do . . .

And right now all I have left to say is that you need to stop what you’re doing and go make these chocolate coated caramels already!

All natural, quick and easy, seriously smooth, incredibly creamy, deliciously dreamy, slightly fudgey bites of lightly salted caramel that have a decadent and rich, cool, crisp dark chocolate coating . . .

I can’t even . . .

Just do it already!

Make them. Eat the. Love, love, love them.

Deliciously Simple, Healthy, Homemade Dark Chocolate Coated Salted Caramels
{Gluten Free& Paleo Friendly}

Makes approx 10 deliciously simple, secretly healthy, dark and delicious, chocolate coated salted caramel bites

Ingredients –

For the salted caramel –

1 cup (firmly packed) Medjool dates,pits removed – I used about 14 large dates*

1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 Tablespoon of coconut oil, melted and cooled

1-2 Tablespoons of warm water

1/2 teaspoon of salt flakes + extra for serving

1-2 scoops of Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides – optional for an extra dose of protein and gut healing goodness

For the chocolate coating –

1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Method –

To make the salted caramel –

1 – Place dates, vanilla, coconut oil and salt into your food processor or blender and process until it starts to break down and form a thick sticky mass/paste

2 – While your blender or food processor is running, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until the caramel loosens just slightly to form a deliciously smooth, gloriously golden, naturally sweet salted caramel.

2 – Transfer your salted caramel to a bowl and place in the fridge (or freezer) for 5-10 minutes to set a little so it’s more manageable and easier to handle.

3 – Once your caramel has firmed up slightly, take approx 1 Tablespoon of at a time and roll it between your hands to shape it into a nice little ball, then place onto a plate and repeat until all caramel has been used. Once you have all your delicious little caramel bites rolled pop them into the fridge while you make your chocolate coating.

4 – Melt your chocolate by your preferred method. I like to place my chocolate onto a small plate or bowl and sit it over a pot of gently simmering water, stirring occasionally until nice and melted.

5 – Remove your chilled caramel balls from the fridge and place them one at a time, into your deliciously dreamy melted chocolate then gently toss to coat. You can use a couple of spoons or forks to gently roll the caramel balls through the melted chocolate – works like a charm

6 – Once your caramel has a nice and even-ish chocolate coating, place back onto the baking sheet, and repeat until all caramels have been bathed in chocolate.

7 – Drizzle your chocolate coated salted caramel bites with any remaining chocolate then sprinkle each with a little pinch of salt flakes and pop them into the fridge or freezer for 5-10 minutes to set.

These delicious little morsels will keep stored in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Enjoy xo

* If you find your dates are a little dry you could try soaking them in some warm water for 10 minutes before you begin, then drain and rinse and proceed with the recipe as normal.
_________________________________________

Question of the day –

Are you a fellow date caramel lover? What’s your fave way to to eat it?! Straight up by the spoonful, with fruit, in smoothies, on chocolate?! Tell me . . . details please

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make your chocolate coated caramel bites (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

__________________________________________

The post Deliciously Simple, Healthy, Homemade Dark Chocolate Coated Salted Caramels {Gluten Free & Paleo Friendly} first appeared on Better with Cake.