Category Archives: Holiday

Easy Protein Gingerbread – a Quick Bread with Benefits

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When the air turns crisp and the holidays approach, there’s nothing quite like the smell of warm gingerbread wafting from the oven. This Protein Gingerbread is a modern twist on a traditional favorite, offering all the nostalgic flavors of cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and nutmeg—with a boost of protein to keep you fueled through the busy season.

With 10g of protein and just 231 calories per serving, this gingerbread is as versatile as it is delicious. Enjoy it warm as a healthy holiday breakfast (I dollop mine with Greek yogurt for even more protein), as an afternoon snack to keep you energized, or dress it up with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a dessert that will leave everyone smiling.

This gingerbread with protein powder recipe is so simple you can whip it up in 30 minutes or less, from mixing bowl to table. Use your favorite protein powder to make it uniquely yours (I used a plant-based protein powder from Nuzest – save 15% code FITFORK) and bake it in either a small 6×6” brownie pan or 8” round cake pan— or make it a skillet gingerbread with an 8” cast-iron skillet.

Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or sharing it with loved ones as a Christmas protein dessert, this sweet and spicy gingerbread will bring the cozy holiday vibes to your kitchen. So, preheat that oven, and let’s make the season a little sweeter (and stronger).

DIY Homemade Gingerbread Spice

Also, I list out easy gingerbread spices below, but this time of season, when I’m making so many high protein holiday desserts, I like to prepare my own Homemade Gingerbread Spice Blend. If you use ,this recipe, substitute 1 Tablespoon total for the cinnamon, ginger, allspice and nutmeg measurements listed in the recipe card.

Note: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission on purchases made through the links which helps me offset operating costs for The Fit Fork. Thank you!

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!
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Easy Protein Gingerbread
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
18 mins
Total Time
28 mins
 
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 231 kcal
Ingredients
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce for convenience: a 4-oz, single-serve tub
  • ¼ cup molasses
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ½ tsp ground allspice
  • ¾ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup vanilla protein powder tested with whey and plant-based
  • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour or gf baking blend
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Place butter and applesauce in medium microwave-safe mixing bowl and warm up on defrost mode of microwave for about 1 minute or until softened and warm.
  3. Add molasses to mixture and stir until combined. Whisk in egg.
  4. Next whisk in cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, baking powder and salt until combined. Next stir in protein powder, followed by flour, until a thick batter is formed.

  5. Pour batter into an 8” cast-iron skillet or small 6”x6” brownie pan that has been sprayed with cooking spray.

  6. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick pulls clean from the center. If desired, dust with powdered sugar.
  7. Cut into 6 pieces, serve warm. Store leftovers in air-tight container on counter for up to 4-5 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Pomegranate Pistachio Chocolate Bark: A Lower Carb Holiday Treat

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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 - sugar free dark chocolate is bejeweled with pomegranate and pistachios. This low-carb chocolate bark is the perfect sweet treat—crunchy, juicy, and oh-so-chocolaty – tastes so indulgent but no added sugar and only 70 cal and 10g carb per serving
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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.

Halloween Party Foods with Protein to Fuel Ghouls!

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Whether you’re hosting a Halloween bash or just planning to pass out treats, these last-minute Halloween recipes from TheFitFork.com are killer.  Plus, they aren’t packed with sugar – in fact, you can flex your monster muscles even more because they are all a good source of protein thanks to ingredients like nuts, cottage cheese or protein powder. From spooky snacks to hearty mains, these tasty, fit Halloween party food recipes will sustain your energy through all the frightful festivities!

These clever deviled eggs look like little autumn pumpkins, but contain no squash – only eggs, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and turmeric for the signature orange hue of the season. Low in calories, high in protein – a smart snack for Halloween, Thanksgiving or any fall festival.

Turmeric Deviled Eggs that Look Like Pumpkins: So cute and clever, this protein-packed snack could bring a smile and new life to even the most dead of zombies. High-five for Halloween protein!

Like Chex Mix, but homemade and super addictive! Whip up a big batch of this salty, spicy-sweet snacking treat with your favorite pretzels, crackers and nuts. Use gluten-free or seeds, if needed! Hot Honey Snack Mix is 0erfect for parties, lunch boxes, movie night, road trip munching – plus, it’s as economical as it is delicious!

Hot Honey Snack Mix: This spicy-salty-sweet snack mix will be a hit with all the monsters who love to munch! You can sub in gluten-free pretzels and crackers, depending on your needs. It disappears quick, I’d make double batch for Halloween party food!  

Beef Bone Broth Chili: Warm up your bones with this hearty beef chili that is PACKED with protein thanks to lean ground beef, beef bone broth and kidney beans.

These easy protein pumpkin peanut butter cups are the perfect nearly sugar-free swap for Reese’s Cups, one of America’s favorite candies. Rich chocolate envelops a creamy center filled with protein and seasonal flavors. No bake, no guilt and a favorite homemade swap for Halloween candy.

Pumpkin Protein Peanut-Butter Cups: Put a seasonal, sugar-free spin on one of America’s favorite candies, with this easy-peasy recipe that celebrates pumpkin spice – the macros are so nice in this sugar-free Reese’s Cup makeover.

Garlicky Roasted Pumpkin Seeds can be made in the air-fryer or oven and are a quick, easy and economical snack you will love this fall season.

Garlic Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Easy and economical – I mean, why throw the guts of your Jack o’ Lantern away! Make this tasty, addictive snack in the air-fryer or oven and use garlic salt – or the other seasonings of your choice!

Pumpkin spice makes me nice so I'm all about these pumpkin protein snickerdoodle cookies! Easy to make, nostalgic, yummy and only 67 cal, 6.5g carb with 3g protein per cookie!

 Pumpkin Protein Snicker Doodle Cookies: Capture all the vibes of the fall with these simple snickerdoodle cookies rolled in cinnamon-sugar and baked with buttery-crisp edges and a soft, chewy center. Protein powder – choose your favorite variety – pumps them up with protein.

Whip up a batch of these amazing autumn-inspired pumpkin spice cookies in under 30 minutes! Lower carb, gluten-free plus, soft, chew and amazing flavorful -- especially with the coffee glaze!

Low Carb Pumpkin Spice Latte Cookies: No protein powder in this sugar-free, gluten-free pumpkin protein cookie, but still boasts about 5.5g protein per pieces. Ahh, and that pumpkin spice latte drizzle is everything!

Gingerbread Chai Oat Milk Latte with Collagen

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Gingerbread Chai Oat Milk Latte with Collagen is the perfect hot beverage to add spice and coziness to the holidays.  

Gingerbread Chai Oatmilk Latte with Collagen – my better-for-you version of a coffee shop holiday and Christmas favorite. Easy to make, no added sugar, and a boost of protein plus other benefits. 153 calories, 14g protein

‘Tis definitely the season for comforting, hot lattes, cappuccinos, lattes and more, but so many coffee-shop favorites make the naughty list, filled with unnecessary calories and sugar. While I might partake in such an indulgence every now and then, a healthy chai latte or is what I’d make to drink at home.

This makeover chai latte recipe is easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients – a chai tea bag, a zero-carb sweetener, spices, oatmilk, and – surprise, collagen powder.

Gingerbread Chai Oatmilk Latte with Collagen – my better-for-you version of a coffee shop holiday and Christmas favorite. Easy to make, no added sugar, and a boost of protein plus other benefits. 153 calories, 14g protein

I use a couple tablespoons of unflavored collagen powder from Great Lakes Wellness –it dissolves amazingly and with no clumps in hot liquids. In addition to the many benefits of collagen, I love that it adds protein to my day.

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A “Grande” (16-oz) serving of my healthy gingerbread chai latte has just 153 calories, only 4g sugars and 14g protein – while the popular coffee shop version has 310 calories and a whopping 54g sugar and only 2g protein per.  

TIPS FOR MAKING GINGERBREAD CHAI OATMILK LATTE

Mug: Make sure you mug is large enough to hold all the liquids – air in the frothed almond milk gives it more volume, so to be safe and prevent overflows, I’d go with a 20-ounce mug.

Tea: Brew the chai tea of your choice, there are many varieties with varying flavor profiles, use your favorite loose or tea sachet.  I used a Vanilla Chai tea bag from Aplenty (an Amazon brand, it tasted great and was priced very economically). Also, steep the tea in just 4 ounces of boiling water, no more. It should be concentrated so that it flows into the steamed and frothed milk.

Milk: While this particular healthy chai latte recipe calls for oat milk, it’s fine to swap out for what you have in the fridge or what works best for your dietary needs. When it comes to alternative milks, I feel like oat milk froths up thicker and creamier than almond milk – I use the Barista Blend by Good Karma , it’s also shelf stable, so I can always have a new carton waiting in my pantry.

To Froth or Not: A true latte has a shot of espresso (I’m using chai tea here), a layer of steamed milk, and a layer of frothed milk. Do this if you want to make a chai latte like Starbucks. I use Pitcher-style Milk Frother & Steamer, but a little hand-held frother works too. However, if you do not have these coffee tools available, simply heat milk in the microwave until hot – the latte won’t have froth on top, but will still taste amazing.

Sweetener: I avoid having added sugar in my beverages, whether hot or cold. Obviously, real milk has some sugar in the form of lactose and oat milk has maltose – I’m okay with that. What I don’t want is added sugar to make it taste sweet. Instead, I’ll use a zero or lower carb alternative like monk fruit or stevia. Better Stevia (liquid drops) from NOW is my favorite hot beverage sweetener, they even have a “chai” flavor which is what I used in lieu of additional spices.  Honey, agave or maple syrup would work too, but will change the nutritional content. When it comes to sweeteners, I’m always like, “You do you!”

Gingerbread Chai Oatmilk Latte with Collagen – my better-for-you version of a coffee shop holiday and Christmas favorite. Easy to make, no added sugar, and a boost of protein plus other benefits. 153 calories, 14g protein

As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Gingerbread Chai Oatmilk Latte with Collagen – my better-for-you version of a coffee shop holiday and Christmas favorite. Easy to make, no added sugar, and a boost of protein plus other benefits. 153 calories, 14g protein
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Gingerbread Chai Oat Milk Latte with Collagen
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
5 mins
 

Gingerbread Chai Oatmilk Latte withCollagen – my better-for-you version of a coffee shop favorite. Easy to make, no added sugar, and a boost of protein plus other benefits. So cozy and sweet andspicy, happy holidays!

Course: beverages
Keyword: chai, gingerbread, holiday, starbucks, steak
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 152 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 chai tea bag
  • 4 oz water
  • 5-10 chia-spice liquid stevia drops or other sweetener option *if not using chia-spiced sweetener, add ground spice alternative (1/4 tsp each: ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg)
  • 2 tbsp collagen powder
  • 8 oz unsweetened Oat Milk
  • Pinch ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions

  1. Boil water and steep chai tea for 3 minutes. Stir in collagen powder until dissolved.

  2. Add chai-spiced stevia.* If using an unflavored stevia or other sweetener, add in approx1/4 tsp each ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg to taste.

  3. Heat/steam half of the oat milk and stir into chai.

  4. Froth remaining oat milk and gently pour on top of chai-milk mixture.

  5. If desired, sprinkle with a little more cinnamon.

Recipe Notes

Festive Pomegranate Orange Quinoa Salad – Hassle-free & Healthy Holiday Side

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Deck your plate for the holidays with this festive quinoa salad featuring pomegranate and orange. it’s a beautiful, healthy, delicious recipe elegant enough for the season’s celebrations and simple enough for a simple weeknight dinner.

A simple creamy dressing made with a vinaigrette base along with Greek yogurt and date syrup adds even more flavor to this simple holiday quinoa salad that comes together with just a handful of healthy ingredients.

 

This pomegranate orange quinoa recipes makes 4 servings, each with 146 calories, 26g carbs, 3.1g fat and 4.8g protein.

 I pair this cold quinoa salad with a quality protein to make sure I’m hitting my 25-30g per meal goal. Tonight, I made cod that was simply seasoned and air-fried.

TIPS FOR FESTIVE QUINOA SALAD:

Quinoa: You can use any color quinoa (eg: white, red, black, mixed). Also, consider batch-cooking quinoa and keeping in the freezer in 1-cup portions. This makes creating quick recipes with this healthy whole grain (really a seed), even easier – you can read my quinoa prep post HERE.

Pomegranate & Oranges: Use fresh or pre-packaged, it really only comes down to your preference and time to prep. If using either from a jar, tub, or can, choose “no sugar added” and drain off the juice so the quinoa isn’t soggy later. However, do reserve about 1 tablespoon of pomegranate juice for the dressing (or if fresh, drain it from the bowl after getting the arils out).

Dressing: This recipe makes just enough for the salad, and I prefer underdressed salads. If you think it needs more, double the dressing recipe and pour it on a little at a time – going by taste. Also, if you’d like to turn this from a vegetarian quinoa recipe into a vegan quinoa recipe, then use a substitute for the Greek yogurt, such as a plant-based yogurt, tahini or a natural nut butter.

Optional Ideas: You can swap out the pistachios for a chopped nut of choice like almonds, pecans – or none at all. Also, I love to sprinkle mine with feta cheese for a salty contrast with the sweet.

Make Ahead & Storing: This recipe will get a little soggy if you make the day before. To save time, it’s best to prep the ingredients (cook quinoa, chop spinach, peel/seed fruit, etc) the day before. Then simply toss everything together and shake up the dressing – it will literally just take 2 minutes! You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Still tastes yummy, but the crunch of the nuts and crisp of the spinach will be gone.

This is one of my favorite creative quinoa salad ideas – for it’s flavor, fast-fixing, and festive appearance! Enjoy!

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Transform plain quinoa into something to celebrate for the holiday season! Pomegranate, orange segments and pistachios bejewel this quick, easy and nourishing vegetarian salad that is equally beautiful for a dinner party or quick lunch!
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Festive Holiday Pomegranate Orange Quinoa Salad
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 

Transform plain quinoa into something to celebrate for theholiday season! Pomegranate, orange segments and pistachios bejewel this quick,easy and nourishing vegetarian salad that is equally beautiful for a dinnerparty or quick lunch!

Course: entree salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: holiday
Keyword: holiday, orange, pomegranate, quinoa
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 162 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 cup chopped fresh baby spinach
  • ¾ cup pomegranate arils juice drained & reserved if packaged container
  • ¾ cup mandarin orange segments packed in water or juice or fresh
  • ¼ cup shelled pistachio kernels coarsely chopped
Dressing:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon juice reserved from pomegranate or orange segments
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon date syrup
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
  1. Add quinoa, spinach, pomegranate and orange segments (cut in half crosswise) into medium bowl.
  2. In small mason jar, shake together dressing ingredients until emulsified.
  3. Pour dressing over salad and gently stir.
  4. Before serving, stir in pistachios.
  5. Best eaten right after making to keep the texture of the lettuce and pistachios. But you can store leftovers in fridge for up to 3 days and it’s still good.
Recipe Notes