We woke up like this: craving dessert. Unfortunately, most sweet breakfast foods are high in sugar and loaded with simple carbs, leaving us feeling overly full and underly satisfied throughout the day. If you prefer sweet over savory breakfasts, here are some healthy recipes disguised as indulgent desserts that will give you the energy you need to take on the day.
1. Oreo Cookie Pancakes
Photo by Abigail Wang
That’s right, Oreo lovers, your favorite cookie just turned into a pancake. This drool-worthy breakfast will leave you feeling more than satisfied and, at just under 200 calories per serving, you won’t feel guilty going for that extra helping. Check out the recipe here.
2. Gluten-Free Pumpkin Cheesecake Waffles
Photo courtesy of Nutritionist in the Kitch
Friends, it’s time to l’eggo your Eggo because these waffles will put all others to shame. While it may not be Fall anymore, it’s safe to say pumpkin can be enjoyed year-round. With healthy ingredients and minimal added sugar, this breakfast serves as the ideal start to your day. Break out that waffle maker and get cookin’.
3. Chocolate Chia Pudding
Photo courtesy of ifoodreal
Newsflash folks: pudding no longer has to be your elementary school guilty pleasure dessert. In case you’re unfamiliar with the magical powers of chia seeds, they are loaded with protein, fiber, and antioxidants. This nutritious treat will give you all the fuel you need to start your morning. Although there are an infinite amount of chia pudding variations, this one will rock your world.
4. No Bake Energy Bites
Photo by Sara Tane
These no-bake bites taste just like eating raw cookie dough, only instead of giving you salmonella, they will give you energy, and lots of it. With chocolate, oats, and peanut butter, what’s not to love? Grab your ingredients and get rollin’.
5. Apple Granola Crisp
Photo courtesy of Smitten Kitchen
Apple crisp is a classic dessert because it has been around for ages, but that shouldn’t stop us from eating it for breakfast either. This version makes for the perfect healthy breakfast, as granola replaces the traditionally sugar-filled crust. For an additional guilt-free bonus, go à la mode with Greek yogurt instead of vanilla ice cream.
6. Clean-Eating Strawberry Cheesecake Bars
Photo courtesy of Honey and Figs Kitchen
I bet you never thought “clean-eating” and “cheesecake” could be used in the same phrase. These breakfast bars are decadent, creamy, and sweet, like your typical cheesecake, yet due to healthy ingredient substitutions, such as cottage cheese, this version comes with zero eater’s remorse.
7. Double Chocolate Brownie Batter Pancakes
Photo courtesy of Chocolate Covered Katie
This list would not be complete without a brownie recipe, let alone one that involved brownie batter. Chocolate lovers will rejoice over this breakfast, and given that the entire stack contains a mere 130 calories—yes, 130 calories—there truly is no option but to dig in.
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