Tag Archives: oats

No-Bake Jam Oat Cups – Lower Carb Snack Idea

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No-Bake Jam Oat Cups are a smart way to satisfy your sweet tooth! Customizable to your mood of the moment, by using any flavor sugar-free jam, jelly, preserves or even smashed fresh fruit like berries or banana.

We all have those times when we need something sweet, and these jam-filled oat cups are easy-to-make, require no baking — it’s really just a few simple steps.

Go ahead ad cave to the craving for something without guilt. Just a little natural sugar from banana, and the rest of this no-bake dessert recipe is put together with smart swaps.

Here are some of the better-for-me ingredients I like to use in this healthy snack recipes and lower carb treats:

.Sugar-Free Dark Chocolate Chips (if you need dairy-free, make that swap, too!) https://amzn.to/48kozhq

Sugar-Free Jam (or you can even just use mashed fresh berries)

Eat Garnish Oat & Seed Butter is a great seed-allergy option, but ANY nut or seed butter will work. Use code FITFORK975 to save 10%.

Plant-Based Protein Powder in the crust mixture gives these treats a little more oomph. Clean Lean Protein from Nuzest is my go-to. Save 15% with code FITFORK.

TIPS TO MAKE OAT JAM CUPS

Banana Guidance: “Half of a medium banana” called for in this recipe can be subjective, but it’s about 60g of banana without peel. Or, if you’re eyeballing it, about 3 1/2 to 4-inches in length. However, if you think the mixture looks too sticky (like you used too much banana), just add a few more oats to the mixture, you really can’t mess this up.

Filling Ideas: Sugar-free jam with chia seeds mixed in is what my recipe calls for, but you can test around with other fillings — like smashed banana, smashed berries, tangerine slices, a dollop of nut or seed butter — really whatever floats your boat.

What to Make In: I really recommend silicone muffin cups, this makes them easy to pop out when frozen. Also, bonus, they are reusable. I wouldn’t use paper liners, they get soggy and/or stuck to the treat. You can skip liners all together and freeze in the actual muffin tins, just let soften for a few minutes on counter before trying to remove.

Freezing Step: Don’t skip it! These oat jam cuts need to set up in the freezer for about 30 minutes, otherwise it will just be a big sticky mess. Afterward you can store in the fridge OR freezer, depending on your preference on how to heat them (softer vs harder).

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5 from 5 votes
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No-Bake Jam Oat Cups – Lower Sugar and Gluten-Free
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

Enjoy a sweet treat with none of the guilt – or baking! For the filling, use the sugar-free jam of your choice or even smashed fruit!

Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 180 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1/2 medium banana, sliced about 60g, after peeling
  • 30 g vanilla protein powder or can substitute a flour
  • ¼ cup nut butter
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats
  • ¼ cup sugar free jam
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup sugar-free chocolate chips
  • 1 ½ tbs coconut oil
Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, mash together banana, protein powder and rolled oats Press into 6 cavities of a regular sized muffin pan lined with silicone liners. Pushing oat mixture up the sides a bit to form an indention for the jam.
  2. Stir together the jam and chia seeds. Place a skosh under 1 tablespoon of jam mixture into indention of oat cup.
  3. Melt chocolate and coconut oil in 30 sec increments in the microwave, stirring between until all chocolate is melted. Pour on the cups, dividing equally. Freeze 25 minutes to set.
  4. Enjoy your treats! Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or frozen up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes

Nutrition per serving: 180 calories, 12g fat, 11g carb (2g fiber, 2g sugar), 7g protein

Pretty in Pink Breakfast Club – Protein-Packed Recipes to Fuel Mornings

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As you can see, I’m feeling rosy and all about PINK breakfast today — I must be in the mood for Valentine’s Day! Check out these 10 protein-packed breakfast recipes, you’ll fall in love with the pink food, great nutrition and amazing taste!

Raspberry Beet Overnight Oats

Raspberry Beet Overnight Oats help you lessen stress on busy mornings. Whip up this pretty in pink recipe loaded with nutritious ingredients before you go to bed and wake up to an amazing breakfast. 287 cal, 40g carb (9g fiber), 9g fat, 13g protein

Raspberry Protein Pancakes with Cheesecake Topping makes a tasty breakfast that feels indulgent, but is actually “no worries” at just 243 calories and 19g protein per serving* Lower carb and gluten-free too.

Raspberry Protein Pancakes with Cheesecake Topping make a tasty breakfast that feels indulgent, but is actually “no worries” at just 243 calories and 19g protein per serving* Lower carb and gluten-free too. Super cute in a mini waffle maker!

Raspberry Cheesecake Protein Spread comes together with just a few simple ingredients and can be kept in the fridge for the week, to spread on toast, bagels or dollop into your oatmeal. Each 2 tablespoon serving has 84 calories and 8g protein.

A pretty in pink dessert that is low carb and packed with protein – and it tastes fabulous too! Recipe is super versatile to accommodate the protein powder of your choice, flavor profile, and a variety of sprinkles on top – You do You! 125 cal each, 8g protein, 5g net carb and 6g fat! A no guilt treat for your gal-pal gathering – or an anytime protein snack.

Sugar-free Strawberry Protein Cupcakes (aka “breakfast cakelettes”) seem like dessert but are balanced enough for a sweet breakfast mosh.  Make in muffin cups or a silicone flower mold. Each serving has125 calories, 8g protein, 6g fat and 5g net carb.  

You don't need a bumper crop of fresh berries to enjoy these easy strawberry cottage cheese protein waffles that are also pumped up with cottage cheese and protein powder. Idea for protein-packed mornings and meal-prep!

Strawberry Cottage Cheese Protein Waffles are a quick and easy breakfast that featuring my  basic cottage cheese protein waffle recipe, but made “berry” extra with  strawberry protein powder and freeze-dried strawberry slices ground up together and blended in the batter. Each generous-sized serving (3 waffles) has 213 calories, 5g fat, 21g protein and 20g carb

Strawberry Protein “Puppy Chow” is a human treat featuring strawberry protein powder and crushed dehydrated strawberries (plus some other good things) combined with everyone’s favorite gluten-free rice cereal. A fun snack and breakfast on the go. Each serving: 152 calories per serving with 5g protein, 15g net carb.

Strawberry Cheesecake Quinoa-Oat Breakfast Bake

Strawberry Cheesecake Quinoa-Oat Bake, it’s healthy, hearty and makes enough for a crowd – or to freeze for meal prep. Prepared with the dynamic duo of of steel cut oats and quinoa, this easy breakfast recipe provides lots of whole grains to fuel the day. Each serving has less than 200 calories, 8 grams of protein and just 7 grams of fat. 

Protein Pink Drink is my take a popular coffee-house drink. The “pink” comes from tea – try hibiscus tea or pomegranate tea. Just 60 calories per serving and only 1.4 net carb – but 7g protein to help you meet your goals.

Watermelon Beet Smoothie for Workout Recovery

Watermelon Raspberry Beet Post-Workout Smoothie is really smart and refreshing way refuel your morning workout.  Per serving: 283 calories, 6g fat, 40g carb, and 17g protein

Hot Spiced Watermelon Lemonade with collagen

Hot Spiced Watermelon Lemonade with Collagen:  In cooler weather, I can be chilled to the bone – especially once I stop running. This hot drink is a watermelon workout recovery treat that warms me up, provides all the benefits of watermelon but also with some collagen for joint and muscle management (and protein boost), plus turmeric for anti-inflammatory relief.

Put pink power into your breakfast or post-workout refuel with these amazing delicious, nutritious and easy protein recipes that feature "pink" ingredients like strawberries, raspberries watermelon , hibiscus-- even beets!
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In the Pink: How Color Pink Impacts Fitness & Workout Mood

Also, to keep you in a PINK mood, learn How the Color Pink Impacts Your Workout and Fitness Mood.

Pumpkin Scrambled Oats: Hearty, Healthy 10-minute Breakfast

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Whether you’re a runner, triathlete, gym-going fitness enthusiast or simply seeking a comforting, nutritious breakfast to jump start an active day, these Pumpkin Scrambled Oats are sure to hit the spot.  

With the flavors of fall, sustaining whole-grain carbs, and a protein boost that’ll keep you going, it’s an easy oat recipe you’ll want to revisit time and time again during this splendid season of cooler temps and endless outdoor adventures.

Simple Ingredients: Pumpkin, Greek yogurt, egg, maple syrup, oats, and pumpkin pie spice!
A 15-second Pumpkin Scrambled Oat Tutorial!

Why Make Pumpkin Scrambled Oats?

Fall Flavor Fusion: Pumpkin is the quintessential fall ingredient. It’s warm, earthy notes complement the creaminess of oatmeal beautifully – plus for the ½ cup used in this recipe, you get a lot of nutrition for about 45 added calories — plant-based carbohydrates with no added sugar, virtually no fat, a good source of vitamins (especially vitamin A / beta carotene), and minerals athletes need more of like iron and potassium.

Protein Powerhouse: If you’re an active individual or simply looking to boost your protein intake, this recipe is a game-changer. Oats and eggs provide a solid protein base that’s perfect for muscle recovery and sustained energy. Often, I will use these protein oats to add even more a boost.

Quick and Easy: This pumpkin breakfast recipe reminds me of a cross between traditional oatmeal with pumpkin to skillet granola – really, it’s like a soft pumpkin granola that you don’t have to bake. Whip this pumpkin oat recipe up in a non-stick skillet in under 10 minutes – I feel like the process is just the same as making scrambled eggs (hence the name).

How to Serve and Store: Eat warm or room temperature. Delicious plain, or add your favorite nuts/seed (I added sprouted pumpkin seeds) or add as a “crumble” topping on your yogurt, cottage cheese or smoothie bowls. Store leftovers, in air-tight container in fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in an air-fryer or toaster oven for 3-4 minutes.

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5 from 5 votes
Pumpkin Scrambled Oats are a comforting and nutritious way to jumpstart fall mornings. A quick breakfast, only 10 minutes max to make in a skillet -- simple, wholesome ingredients and 22g protein so you don't get hungry later!
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Pumpkin Scrambled Oats
Prep Time
2 mins
Cook Time
8 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 

Pumpkin Scrambled Oats are a comforting and nutritious way to jumpstart fall mornings. A quick breakfast, only 10 minutes max to make in a skillet — simple, wholesome ingredients and 22g protein so you don't get hungry later!

Course: Breakfast, Snack
Keyword: breakfast, oats, pumpkin
Servings: 1 serving
Calories: 390 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
  • 2 tbsp 0% fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup can omit or use a syrupy substitute if moderating carbs
  • 3/4 cup rolled oats I used @oatsome protein oats
  • 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • Optional extras: nuts seeds, dried fruit
Instructions
  1. Mix everything up in a bowl.
  2. Bring nonstick skillet to medium heat (not too high if using the maple syrup, you don’t want the sugars in it to burn).
  3. Spread out batter in skillet, about 1/3” thick, let cook for a few minutes, then use spatula to turn over in big chunks. Cook forc a few more minutes before using spatula to “chop up” … just imagine how you would do for scrambled eggs! Cook a few more minutes, tossing frequently, until mixture drying out some.
  4. Finished product will be turning golden brown on the outside and still a bit soft — like a cross between oatmeal and skillet granola.
  5. Add mix-ins of choice, if desired. Serve warm or room temperature – either plain, in milk, on top of yogurt or cottage cheese, etc.
Recipe Notes

Pumpkin Scrambled Oats are a comforting and nutritious way to jumpstart fall mornings. A quick breakfast, only 10 minutes max to make in a skillet -- simple, wholesome ingredients and 22g protein so you don't get hungry later!

Blueberry Baked Steel Cut Oats with Protein – Make-ahead Breakfast

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Set yourself up for a winning (and tasty) day with Blueberry Baked Protein Oats, an easy breakfast to make early in the week and reheat, as needed. Each hearty serving has 290 calories, 39 carbs, 7g fat and 21g protein.

I feature LOTS of oat and grain bakes on this site, the variations are endless — see my Mix & Match Master recipe! That master oat bake recipe makes a big batch (9-12 servings) and that’s fantastic if you have a big family or available freezer for meal prep. However, if you don’t have either — don’t fret! This blueberry oat bake recipe is half-sized, making 4 servings, which will stay fine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days.

Use fresh or frozen bluberries — make in summer or any other time of the year!

Blueberry Protein Oatmeal Bake Tips

This half-batch oat bake recipe cooks up perfectly in a traditional loaf pan, measuring about 9.5″ x 5″ — or any other 1.5 quart casserole dish.

It’s easy to double, just pour ingredients into a 9″ x 13″ baking dish, and cook for the same amount of time.

Berries: I prefer to use fresh blueberries, but frozen can be substituted. You will get a little more juice “bleed” from the frozen, but it doesn’t affect the taste. You can also substitute the same amount of fresh or frozen raspberries or chopped strawberries.

Oat Type: This recipe is specifically designed for steel cut oats. Do not substitute old-fashioned, “rolled” oats or instant-oats. However, you CAN substitute half of the steel cut oats for uncooked (rinsed) quinoa! I have done this many times and the blueberry protein oatmeal texture is amazing!

Watery Appearance: Prior to cooking the mixed-up ingredients will look very watery, almost sloshy. Don’t worry — all that liquid gets absorbed as the grains bake in the oven. If it still looks a little watery after the cooking time has passed, then it’s not quite done — let it go 5 or 10 more minutes.

Protein Powder Selection: Use an unflavored or vanilla protein powder — whey, pea protein, and even collagen powder will all work well. In fact, this time I used Collagen from Great Lakes Wellness — a brand I’ve used for nearly 10 years. Happy to share my Great Lakes Wellness discount code with you — it’s THEFITFORK100ff to save 10% on your order.

save 10% Great Lakes Wellness collagen and products with code THEFITFORK10off
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Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

5 from 4 votes
Blueberry Steel Cut Oat Bake with protein is sweet, simple, make-ahead goodness. 290 cal per serving, 21 g protein, healthy whole grain carbs. Perfect fuel runs and workouts.
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Blueberry Steel Cut Oat Bake with Protein

Blueberry Steel Cut Oat Bake with protein is sweet, simple, make-ahead goodness. 290 cal per serving, 21 g protein, healthy whole grain carbs. Perfect fuel runs and workouts.

Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup milk 2%
  • 1 cut water
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese 2%
  • 1/3 cup vanilla protein powder or collagen powder
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 cup steel cut oats
  • 1/8 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp liquid stevia drops
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Rinse berries(if fresh), place in standard loaf pan.
  3. Whisk egg, add milk, water, cottage cheese.
  4. Stir in protein powder until absorbed, then add chia seeds and steel cut oats.
  5. Add salt, stevia, vanilla, stir well.
  6. Pour in loaf pan with blueberries. It will seem very runny, but don’t worry, the liquid gets absorbed during baking.
  7. Bake at 350 for 65 to 70 minutes or until set.
  8. Let cool 10 minutes before cutting into 4 pieces.
Recipe Notes

Makes 4 servings: Each hearty serving has 290 calories, 39 carbs, 7g fat and 21g protein.

Banana Bread Muffins with Amaranth (an Ancient Grain) – Gluten-free

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I LOVE warm, sweet, soft banana bread, don’t you?! It’s a childhood favorite and reminds me of being at my grandmother’s house.

My gluten-free banana bread recipe incorporates amaranth, an ancient grain that offers protein, healthy carbs, fiber and lots of micronutrients.

Popped amaranth blended with oats to make a gluten-free flour.

Amaranth is kind of a toothsome grain, reminding me of farro or wheat berry. You don’t use the whole seed grain in this gluten free banana muffin recipe, but instead amaranth flour. I like to make my own amaranth flour in my blender using popped amaranth – it’s ready to make into a light, versatile, gluten-free flour right out of the bag. It’s also tasty for snacking right out of the bag or sprinkling on salads or yogurt for extra nutrition.

Check out the video for some tips!

Pro Tips:

  1. Ripe bananas make the tastiest, sweetest, moistest banana bread muffins. I keep my peeled ripe bananas in the freezer, ready to defrost for quick bread recipe like this banana amaranth flour recipe.
  2. Some products may be swapped. For example, use the milk of your choice whether that be dairy, almond, oat or whatever. Also, the sugar can be swapped out for a cup-to-cup equivalent. For example, 1 cup of coconut sugar, 1 cup of brown sugar, or 1 cup of stevia baking blend, etc.  Don’t use liquid sweetener drops or products with very little volume as it will through the proportions of your recipe off and it will be too wet.
  3. While making this easy muffin recipe, make extra amaranth-oat flour and set aside for use in your next batch OR to use as a gluten-free flour substitute for pancakes, waffles and other baked goods.
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Amaranth Banana Bread Muffins are so delicious – tender, moist and sweet! Before baking I love to top mine with extra goodies like dried fruit, nuts and seeds  — shredded coconut and chocolate chips would be yummy too!

Recipe adapted from Amaranthy.com  (you can save 20% there with my code FITFORK20 )

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission from sales that are used to help offset operating costs for The Fit Fork.

5 from 5 votes
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Gluten-free Banana Bread with Amaranth
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
 

Looking for an easy quick bread muffin that’s gluten-freeand packs extra fiber and protein? Check out these Banana Bread Muffins madewith “flour” that’s created simply by pulsing popped amaranth and rolled oats inthe blender! Also, use an alternative sweetener to moderate the carbs – still sosweet, tender and delicious! A favorite for breakfast – even serve warm withice cream for dessert!

Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
  • 2 cups popped amaranth from Amaranthy or amaranth flour
  • 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/2 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 tablespoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened to room temperature
  • 3 medium ripe bananas
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 tablespoon milk of choice
  • 1 cup sugar of choice or 1 cup-for-cup equivalent sweetener
  • 1/4 cup dried fruit of choice optional
  • 1/4 cup unsalted nuts and/or seeds of choice optional
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare a standard loaf pan or jumbo 6-count muffin tin.
  2. Add popped amaranth and rolled oats to blender, blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes until a medium-fine flour forms. Pulse in baking soda and baking powder. Set aside.
  3. In large bowl, mash together bananas, eggs, butter, milk, vanilla and sugar.
  4. Empty banana mixture into the blender filled with dry ingredients. Incorporate dry and wet slightly with spatula then pulse, scraping down sides as needed, until thick batter has formed. *Mixture should be thick, but if not blending well add a 1-2 tbsp. more milk.
  5. Divide in muffin tins. Top with nuts, seeds and dried fruit.
  6. Bake approx. 45 minutes in loaf pan and 30 minutes in jumbo muffin tins. Test for doneness by inserting toothpick into center and it pulls clean. Remove from oven, cool in pan for 15 minutes. Store leftovers in fridge.
Recipe Notes