Gingerbread Protein Waffles for a Festive Fitmas!

Enjoy festive flavors and fuel our body right in the morning with these Gingerbread Protein Waffles – a seasonal, easy-to-make, and downright delicious way to keep your health goals in check without feeling deprived.

This high-protein holiday breakfast treat is not only packed with classic gingerbread spices that scream holiday vibes, but they’re also a powerhouse of protein thanks to cottage cheese and protein powder. Cottage cheese gives the batter creaminess while delivering a big protein punch, and protein powder amps things up even more.

My favorite protein powder for gingerbread recipes with protein powder (and making protein baked treats in general) is Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest – use my discount code FITFORK to save on your next purchase!)

Making these waffles couldn’t be simpler. Just blend up cottage cheese, protein powder, eggs, spices, and a handful of other easy ingredients to create a smooth batter. Then, let your waffle iron do the rest! Whether you use a mini waffle iron to cook them one at a time (makes about 12 waffles) or a larger 4-square waffle maker to knock them out quicker (done in three rounds!), you’ll have warm, spiced waffles ready in no time.

One serving of three waffles has just 240 calories and a whopping 23 grams of protein (full macros in the recipe card below). They’re perfect for breakfast, post-workout refueling, or even a holiday-inspired snack. I love topping mine with warm sugar-free lemon curd that’s been thinned out to a syrupy consistency. The bright citrusy zing pairs so well with the rich gingerbread flavor. A sugar-free maple syrups is a yummy pairing, too!

If you’re looking for holiday meal prep ideas, this recipe is a game changer. I often double or even triple the batch and freeze the extras for busy mornings or grab-and-go snacks. Just pop them in the toaster or air fryer for the best results, and they’ll taste as good as fresh off the iron.

So, this holiday season, don’t let all the treats derail your goals. These Gingerbread Protein Waffles let you indulge in festive flavors while staying on track. Whip up a batch (or three) and enjoy every healthy, seasonal bite!

This gingerbread waffle recipe is based on my original and very popular Cottage Cheese Waffles recipe! You can check it this yummy protein waffle with cottage cheese recipe here: Easy Protein Powder Cottage Cheese Waffles.

IF you’re here for the gingerbread and are a gingerbread head like me, check out this post: Holiday Inspired Healthy Gingerbread Recipes

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission from purchases made through links. This helps offset operating expenses for The Fit Fork, thanks!

Gingerbread Protein Waffles
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

Gingerbread Protein Waffles area flavorful and festive addition to your morning routine with all those holidayspices you love, but none of the sugar overload. Each serving has 23g protein,thanks to protein powder and cottage cheese. Freezer friendly for breakfastmeal prep.

Course: Breakfast, brunch, Snack
Keyword: 10 minute meal, christmas, cottage cheese, gingerbread, holiday, protein powder, waffles
Servings: 4 3 waffles per serving
Calories: 240 kcal
Ingredients
  • 3 eggs
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened milk of choice
  • 2 tsp coconut oil or oil of choice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup 2% cottage cheese
  • 1 Tbsp molasses
  • 1/4 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp cloves
  • 1/2 cup 60g vanilla Nuzest protein powder (or powder of choice)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free baking flour like bob’s red mill gluten free baking blend
Instructions
  1. In blender, add eggs, milk, oil, vanilla, cottage cheese and molasses. Blend until smooth.
  2. Add baking soda, spices, and protein powder to blender, pulse in.
  3. Blend in flour, a little at a time, scraping down sides of blender as needed, until smooth batter created.
  4. If sweeter waffles desired, add stevia or monk fruit drops until desired level of sweetness achieved.
  5. Heat waffle iron (either a mini waffle iron or larger 4-square iron).
  6. Pour in batter and cook for several minutes, until indicator light goes off.
  7. Repeat for remaining batter.
  8. Should make 12 single waffles (or three 4-square waffles).
Recipe Notes

Holiday-Inspired Healthy Gingerbread Recipes

Spice up your holiday season with everything gingerbread! From protein-packed quick bread to indulgent truffles, cozy lattes, and even crispy cookie brittle—these healthier recipes are full of flavor, holiday cheer and ready to fuel your festive and fit adventures.

There’s something magical about gingerbread—it’s the quintessential flavor of the holidays, bringing warmth, nostalgia, and just the right amount of spice to the season. From comforting breads and indulgent desserts to creative drinks and snacks, gingerbread isn’t just for cookies anymore! Dive into this collection of holiday gingerbread ideas from my kitchen to yours. Click on the easy gingerbread recipes to explore the full recipes and bring these delicious ideas to life.

DIY Homemade Gingerbread Spice

DIY Homemade Gingerbread Spice: Create your own gingerbread spice mix and discover a dozen creative ways to sprinkle it into your favorite recipes.

Gingerbread Chai Latte with Collagen: A cozy, protein-boosted latte that blends the boldness of chai spices with the sweet essence of gingerbread.

A chocolate-lover's twist on the quintessential holiday season treat - gingerbread! Simple and delicious, makes two little loaves, one for you and one for sharing!

Chocolate Gingerbread Mini Loaves: Mini loaves that combine rich chocolate and spicy gingerbread—a chocolate gingerbread mini loaf perfect for gifting or indulging!

My Protein Gingerbread is a holiday must-bake! At just 231 calories, but with 10g protein, it’s perfect as a cozy dessert, snack, or brunch treat that satisfies a sweet tooth but keeps you sleighing those goals. Use your choice of whey or plant-based protein powder. Ready in under 30 minutes and best served warm. So flavorful and festive!

Easy Protein Gingerbread: Enjoy a slice of this wholesome quick bread packed with protein and warm spices. This gingerbread quick bread recipe perfect for breakfast, snacking, or dessert.

Low Carb Chocolate Gingerbread Protein Truffles - suitable for vegan, paleo, keto, and gluten free diets.

Low-Carb Chocolate Gingerbread Protein Truffles: One of my more decadent-seeming protein gingerbread recipes that’s actually keto, paleo, and vegan-friendly, with a balance of spice and sweetness.

Baked Hasselback Pears with Gingerbread Streusel prep

Hasselback Baked Pears with Gingerbread Streusel: Elegant baked pears topped with a flavorful streusel and paired with a quick gingerbread latte. Warm, spiced fruit desserts are my favorite in cool-weather months.

Paleo Gingerbread Cookie Brittle

Paleo Gingerbread Cookie Brittle: Crispy, crackly cookie brittle that’s paleo-friendly and perfect for snacking or gifting.

Baked Gingerbread Protein Donuts with Lemon Glaze - Paleo & Gluten Free - TheFitFork.com

Baked Gingerbread Protein Donuts with Lemon Glaze: These protein-packed, gluten-free donuts with a tangy glaze are a festive way to start your day.

Gingerbread Cranberry Protein Granola: A crunchy, flavorful granola that’s ideal for breakfast or a snack during your holiday hustle.

Whether you’re baking gingerbread desserts or gingerbread for breakfasts to treat friends, family, or just yourself, these healthy gingerbread recipes are sure to spice up your holiday season. What’s your favorite way to enjoy gingerbread? Let me know in the comments below!

Spice up your holiday season with everything gingerbread! From protein-packed quick bread to indulgent truffles, cozy lattes, and even crispy cookie brittle—these healthier recipes are full of flavor, holiday cheer and ready to fuel your festive and fit adventures.

Pomegranate Pistachio Chocolate Bark: A Lower Carb Holiday Treat

The holidays call for a little indulgence, but who says festive treats can’t also be healthy, simple, and stunning? Enter Lower Carb Pomegranate Pistachio Chocolate Bark—a one of my favorite healthy holiday desserts that checks all the boxes. With vibrant pops of pomegranate red and pistachio green against a backdrop of rich, dark chocolate, this treat is sparkling with the colors of the season. It’s the perfect balance of beauty, flavor, and nutrition to wow your friends and family.

Effortlessly Elegant

 If you’re looking for easy no-bake holiday desserts, you’ve come to the right place. Making this bark is almost too easy. With just three ingredients —zero-sugar dark chocolate chips, pomegranate arils, and shelled pistachios (optional sea salt) —you can create a professional-looking treat in no time. No need for fancy candy thermometers or complicated techniques; this recipe is beginner-friendly. Simply melt, sprinkle, and set.

To save time, you can grab pre-packaged pomegranate arils, sparing yourself the mess of de-seeding a pomegranate. You can also try shelf-stable dried pomegranate arils. However, if you enjoy the satisfaction of tackling the fruit yourself, go for it—just be prepared for ruby-hued fingers!

This three ingredient dessert recipe also uses zero-carb chocolate chips to avoid added sugar.  However, these sugar-free chocolate chips can be swapped with the chocolate chip of your choice – I occasionally do a mix of hand and half chips.

Good-for-You Festivity

This pistachio pomegranate bark isn’t just pretty; it’s packed with goodness.

  • Antioxidants: Dark chocolate, pomegranate seeds, and pistachios are all rich in antioxidants, supporting your body while satisfying your sweet tooth.
  • Smart macros: Each serving of this Christmas Chocolate Bark delivers 70 calories, 10g carbs, 5g fat, and 0.5g protein, making it a better choice for those watching their sugar intake or looking for a light, satisfying indulgence.

Versatile & Shareable

Lower Carb Pomegranate Pistachio Chocolate Bark is the ultimate multitasker of holiday treats. Use it as:

  • A hostess gift: Wrap it in a festive box or bag for a thoughtful and unique present.
  • A party snack: Break it into shards and arrange it on a dessert tray for instant applause.
  • A surprise for friends: Hand-deliver little bundles to spread seasonal cheer. Wrap up in a cute reusable holiday container.

Whether you’re gifting it or keeping it for yourself, this bark is bound to become a new holiday tradition.

So why not skip the store-bought treats and whip up a batch of this jeweled delight? It’s proof that a little effort (and only three ingredients) can yield low carb holiday treats that are truly extraordinary.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission on any sales generated. Proceeds help offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thanks!

Lower Carb Pomegranate Pistachio Chocolate Bark
Prep Time
5 mins
freezer
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 

Lower Carb Pomegranate Pistachio Chocolate –  sugar free dark chocolate is bejeweled withpomegranate and pistachios. This low-carb chocolate bark is the perfect sweettreat—crunchy, juicy, and oh-so-chocolaty – tastes so indulgent but no addedsugar and only 70 cal and 10g carb per serving

Course: Dessert, holiday
Cuisine: holiday
Keyword: chocolate, low carb, pistachio, sugar-free
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 70 kcal
Ingredients
  • 8 oz. sugar-free dark chocolate chips like @choczero
  • 4 oz. container pomegranate arils
  • 1/3 cup raw pistachios chopped
  • 1/4 tsp. coarse sea salt optional
Instructions
  1. In microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate in 30 second increments on high – stirring between until smooth and glossy (my total microwave time was 90 seconds)
  2. Stir in about ¾ of the amount each of the pistachios and pomegranate seeds. The chocolate will start to thicken, so move quickly.
  3. Spread out onto a silicone baking sheet or parchment paper. Sprinkle remaining fruit and nut on top, along with a bit of sea salt.
  4. Place in freezer for 15 minutes to firm up before breaking into 12 pieces.
Recipe Notes

Make 12 pieces. Each piece has approx. 70 cal, 10g carb, 5g fat, 0.5g protein.

Beef Bone Broth Chili – Nourishing One-Pot Meal

On fall and winter nights, there’s nothing like a warm bowl of Beef Bone Broth Chili to take the chill off – in fact, we’re making it for a quick and hearty Halloween super! Coming together in about 45 minutes with lean ground beef, beef bone broth, mushrooms, red wine, and a few pantry staples, you’ll love the ease and convenience.

Benefits of Lean Ground Beef for Health (and Budget): Lean ground beef is a fantastic choice for a quick chili because it delivers high-quality protein that’s low in saturated fat—just what you need to stay strong and energized as temperatures dip. It’s rich in essential nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and zinc, which are key to keeping your immune system robust through colder months. Plus, lean ground beef is still a budget-friendly option in the meat section, letting you enjoy a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal without straining your wallet. If you’re looking for a smart beef meal, this high-protein chili with bone broth is a winner.

Bone Broth Benefits in Chili: Using beef bone broth rather than regular beef stock brings a boost of flavor, nutrition, and protein. Bone broth is loaded with collagen and amino acids, which support joint health and aid digestion, making it a wonderful addition to a fall-inspired chili. Unlike standard stock, bone broth also packs a bit more protein, helping you stay fuller longer—especially helpful during busy fall days and nights. Here’s news you can use: A typical 8-ounce serving of beef broth has 1 – 3 grams of protein compared to 9 – 10 grams in bone broth

The Great Beans in Chili Debate: I’m not gonna debate — I like beans in my chili! This recipe calls for Kidney Beans (you could sub pinto or black beans). Adding beans adds a different texture that is pleasing to me and also adds fiber to my meal. But you do you, beans or not!

This cozy bowl of Beef Bone Broth Chili will warm you up with just the right amount of spice and nourishing ingredients – lean ground beef, kidney beans, mushrooms and more. A quick and easy meal packed full of protein to keep your energy up and hunger satiated during the cool weather months.

I made the cute skeleton cut out from a slice of provolone cheese and a mini cookie cutter! It would be fun to do with a snowflake or other winter season mini cookie cutter!

Let The Chili Cooking Begin! This Beef Bone Broth Chili is a wholesome, warming dish that’s easy on both prep time and the budget, letting you enjoy more of the season’s festivities. So, grab your ingredients, a Dutch Oven or big pot, and let this fuss-free meal simmer, and get ready to cozy up with a one-pot meal with beef that’ll keep you happy and the hunger away!

Since I forgot to take a non-seasonal shot of the chili, above is the AI version (if you really, really like jalapenos, lol!)

Bone Broth Beef Chili
Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs. 90% or leaner ground beef
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped white or yellow onion
  • 8 oz. Cremini or White Button mushrooms finely chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 to 2 Tablespoon all-purpose chili powder more or less depending on how spicy you like it
  • 2 teaspoons Chipotle chili powder for a smoky chili flavor (or can sub more all-purpose chili powder)
  • 2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ cup red wine
  • 16 oz. beef bone broth 2 cups
  • 15- oz. can fire-roasted diced tomatoes including juice
  • 8- oz. can tomato sauce
  • 15- ounce can kidney beans drained
  • 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
  1. Heat a large dutch oven (or approx. 3 qt pot) over medium heat. Add ground beef, cook 8-10 minutes, breaking beef in crumbles and stirring occasionally. Remove beef, pour crumbles in strainer to drain off excess liquids.
  2. In now emptied pot (no need to wash from beef browning step), add
  3. olive oil, onion, mushrooms & sauté until softened, approx 3-4 min. Add garlic, stir around for another minute.
  4. Next, add chili powder, chipotle chili powder & cumin, stirring around to “bloom” flavor.
  5. Bottom of pot may look like starting to brown/burn, don’t worry, these are beef & spice residues. Simply pour in red wine to deglaze the pan, stirring around quickly to pull off the bits.
  6. Add back in beef, tomatoes (incl.
  7. juices), tomato sauce, beans. Bring to boil, simmer then reduce heat to simmer 20-25 min.
  8. Garnish as desired (cheese, sour cream, jalapenos, etc)

Pumpkin Streusel Sheet Pan Pancakes (Gluten-free)

Fall mornings can be hectic, but that doesn’t mean a healthy breakfast needs to be an afterthought. Pumpkin season is in full swing, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with a cozy, nutrient-packed meal that can be prepped in advance. Enter the sheet pan pumpkin pancake—a convenient, flavorful, and protein-packed way to feed a crowd or make your mornings easier with quick breakfast meal prep. After the ease of prep and first yummy bit, this will be your favorite among pumpkin breakfast recipes.

Why Sheet Pan Pancakes?

Sheet pan pancakes are a game-changer for busy mornings. Instead of flipping pancakes one by one, you can bake everything at once in a standard “half” sized rimmed baking sheet (about 17” x 13”), saving time and effort. It’s a great option for large families, meal prep, or hosting a holiday brunch. Plus, you can freeze individual portions and pop them in the toaster or microwave on rushed days.

Power Up with Pumpkin, Cottage Cheese and Oats: First, we have to fist-pump the pumpkin! Canned pumpkin is a low-cal pantry powerhouse that is rich in vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), which supports eye health, skin, and immunity. It also provides vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, all important for overall wellness.

Also, yay for cottage cheese! Blending cottage cheese into the pancake batter not only adds richness but also boosts the protein content. If you’re looking to start your day with a solid, satiating breakfast, this ingredient does the trick, turning them into protein pumpkin pancakes!   And, instead of traditional flour, we’re using ground oats to make gluten-free pumpkin pancakes. You can easily make your own oat flour by pulsing rolled oats in a blender. This gluten-free swap keeps the pancakes fiber-packed and light, helping to fuel you for whatever the day has in store. If you’d like it even easier, you can used packaged oat flour (the blending is already done for you).

Nutty Cinnamon Streusel Topping: Fall flavors wouldn’t be complete without a little warm spice. A cinnamon streusel topping made with walnuts or pecans adds a delicious layer of crunch to these pancakes. Coconut sugar adds light sweetness. The combination of warm spices and nutty richness of this pumpkin streusel topping creates the perfect balance to the cottage cheese sheet pan pancakes and makes every bite feel like a fall treat.

Meal Prep Friendly: One of the best parts about this sheet pan pancake recipe is that it’s meal-prep friendly. You can slice the finished sheet pan into squares (or rectangles as it may be) and then store individual servings in the freezer. When the morning rush hits, just grab a square and reheat it for a quick, wholesome breakfast. Thanks to a little coconut sugar in the batter and streusel topping, these pumpkin cottage cheese pancakes are lightly sweet enough to eat without syrup (if desired) – making them perfect for literally eating on the run.

Macros Per Serving (Serves 8): Each “square” of this pumpkin sheet pan pancake is packed with balanced nutrition: – 275 calories, 27g net carbs, 13g fat and 10g protein.

Pumpkin Streusel Sheet Pan Pancakes
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 
Embrace pumpkin season while minimizing morning stress with this easy sheet pan pancake recipe! Cottage cheese blended into the batter adds extra richness and protein while the ground up oats create a gluten-free, fiber-packed flour. Plus, that cinnamon, nutty streusel topping adds a pleasing sweetness and crunch to this convenient and yummy fall breakfast. Feed a crowd, or meal prep and store in single-portion servings in the freezer for busy mornings.
Course: Breakfast, brunch
Cuisine: gluten free
Keyword: gluten free, pancakes, pumpkin, sheetpan
Servings: 8 Servings
Ingredients
Batter:
  • 2.5 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 3/4 cup 2% cottage cheese
  • 1 ¼ cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp. coconut sugar
  • 2 tsp. baking powder
  • 2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • Topping:
  • ¼ cup rolled oats
  • 3 Tbsp. finely chopped walnuts or pecans
  • 3 Tbsp. coconut sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. butter, melted
  • 2 Tbsp. almond meal
  • ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
  • tsp salt
Instructions
  1. Pre-heat oven to 375F.
  2. Add rolled oats to high-speed blender or food processor and process, pulsing on and off for about 45 seconds, or until a “flour” is created.
  3. Leave oat flour in blender and add remaining dry ingredients: coconut sugar, baking powder, salt and pumpkin pie spice. Pulse quickly to combine.
  4. Add pumpkin, milk, melted butter, and eggs to dry mixture and blend for 30 seconds until incorporated, scraping down sides with spatula, as needed.
  5. Pour into approximate 13” x 18” rimmed baking sheet, that has been coated with cooking spray.
  6. In medium bowl, mix together melted butter, coconut sugar, almond flour, oats, and chopped walnuts until combined and crumbly. Sprinkle this over the top of the pancake batter.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes, or until set and top is turning golden. Remove and let cool in pan for 5 minutes.
  8. Slice into 8 rectangles and serve with syrup of choice and any extra toppings (or eat plain). Can be meal-prepped by freezing in single portions and thawed and reheating when ready.
Recipe Notes

Macros: 275 cal, 27g net carb, 13g fat, 10g protein per “square”