Aka: Easy and Delicious Recipes That You Should Totally Make For A Healthy New Year…
… which is a mere two days away. TWO! That means that in less than 48 hours we’ll be partying like it’s 1999??Only it’ll be 2016, because 1999 was a whopping 17-ish years ago. And dang does that make me feel old, especially since I’ll be celebrating my 31st birthday in a mere 6 days. Eep.
So before I send myself spiralling into some sort of midlife crisis, what do you say we switch gears and take a customary look back at 2015 instead? Or at least 2015 as it related to blogging, since I couldn’t imagine trying to recap a good 365 days in a single blog post.
And because I have to keep up with the annual tradition [that I only started last year], we’re going to kick things off by looking at the Top 10 Recipes on Spoons in 2015… as chosen by YOU!
10. Banana Oat Baked French Toast
Not quite French toast; not quite baked oatmeal — this recipe is the best of both worlds! It’s soft, fluffy, doughy, and hearty, with a slightly crisp top that gives way to a ridiculously tender centre (aka: textural perfection). And as an added bonus, it’s made with bananas instead of eggs, making it perfect for vegans or those with egg allergies. A simple bread swap makes it gluten-free as well. All in all, a delicious, satisfying, and comforting breakfast.
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9. Chocolate Overnight Oatmeal Smoothie
I’m in love with the fact that this smoothie made the list because it’s literally like drinking melted chocolate ice cream. Only healthier. It’s ridiculously cool, creamy, silky, and smooth, with ingredients like oats, almond butter, cocoa, and maple syrup that make it absolutely perfect for breakfast. Chocolate lovers rejoice! [vegan and gluten-free]
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8. Banana Oat Greek Yogurt Pancakes
If you love pancakes but aren’t necessarily the biggest fan of the process of making them, then this recipe is perfect for you. The ingredients list is short and simple; the batter doesn’t have to be babied; flipping is a breeze; and you can whip them up in your blender in no time. And to make things even better, the entire recipe comes out just short of 300 calories with an impressive 20g of protein! [gluten-free]
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7. Flourless Pumpkin Pie Muffins
With a texture that’s a cross between a pumpkin pie and muffin, you’d never guess that there’s no flour, no oil, and no refined sugar in these soft and tender muffins since they’re just as sweet and doughy as traditional ones. You can whip them up in a blender in under 5 minutes flat, and enjoy them as a healthy treat at any time of the day. Definitely a fall favourite. [gluten-free]
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6. Flourless Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
Not only are these muffins flourless, but they’re completely grain-free! And — you know the drill — so soft and tender that you’d never be able to tell 😉 These are especially gorgeous because the zucchini adds a little bit of bulk and moisture without affecting the taste. An awesome option for chocolate lovers that want to sneak in some extra veggies. [gluten-free]
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5. Flourless Double Chocolate Brownies
You wanna know the best part about these flourless brownies? Besides the fact that they’re ridiculously fudgy and delicious? They’re made without beans. Or avocado. Or dates. Or any of the other slightly odder ingredients that you sometimes find in healthier brownies. They’ve gotten rave reviews from everyone who’s made them, and no one can tell they’re made without flour! Plus… that crackly top! [gluten-free]
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Everyone loves banana bread! And I was stoked to see this healthier version in the Top 10. It’s made without butter or oil and minimal amounts of refined sugar (1/4 cup for the whole loaf!!), but so soft, tender, and flavourful that you’d never be able to tell. An awesome healthier twist on a classic favourite and a great way to use up those ripe bananas.
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3. Soft and Chewy Protein Granola Bars
Can I tell you a secret? These may very well be my favourite recipe here on Spoons. I’ve made them countless times, and almost always have a batch on hand for when I need a quick and nutritious snack. They’re soft, chewy, dense, chocolatey, filling… all things wonderful! And to make things even better, they’re so much cheaper than buying store-bought bars, and you don’t have to worry about any shifty ingredients. [vegan and gluten-free]
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2. Flourless Banana Bread Muffins
See that texture? Swoooooon. Like all my other flourless muffins, this banana bread version is super soft, super flavourful, and super easy to make. All you have to do is toss all the ingredients into a blender, pop them in the oven, and you’ve got yourself delicious gluten-free banana-y muffins in less than 30 mins! Definitely a favourite.
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1. Banana Oat Greek Yogurt Muffins
Number 1 for the second year in a row! And for good reason, too. These muffins are, without a doubt, the most popular recipe on Spoons. With almost a million pins and tonnes of great reviews from everyone who’s made them, I love seeing that these have become a staple in so many homes because they make a really healthy and delicious breakfast or snack.
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You guys have some great taste ? And by the look of things, I should probably post nothing but muffins and breakfasts next year. Kidding. Kind of. It’s no secret that those are my favourite recipes to make, but there’ll still be plenty to enjoy besides those, with the main focus being on quick and easy recipes made with wholesome everyday ingredients. I really love helping people get healthier (and happier!) by providing them with healthy and delicious snack and dessert ideas, so that’s what I’ll be sticking to in the coming year.
And while I wanted to spend a little bit more time talking about my plans for 2016, I might have to save those for Thursday’s Thinking Out Loud post since this one is getting a little epic in length. So I’m going to end things here by saying thank you guys so much for all of the love and support you’ve shown me over the past year. Your comments, your Tweets, your e-mails, your IG pictures — they mean a tonne to me. Virtual hug to all your friendly faces, and here’s to a delicious year ahead ?
What are you doing for New Year’s Eve?
Are there any specific kinds of recipes you want to see in 2015?
More places to find me!
E-mail — [email protected]
Twitter — runwithspoons
Facebook — runningwithspoons
Pinterest — runwithspoons
Instagram — runwithspoons
Bloglovin — runningwithspoons
Snapchat — runningspoons
I JUST did my top 10 recipes and now I realize doing the countdown backwards is so much more awesome! I definitely made sure to scroll all the way to see the top recipe.
Also I’m pretty sure I pinned that top one way back when and it STILL gets repinned to this day. Good work, lady! <3
Okay, I have to say that I’m not surprised the banana oat muffins were #1. Those things are unbelievably popular! For good reason. 😉
Congrats on all of your success and cheers to 2016!!
Oie, looks like I have some baking catch up to do. So many recipes, too little time! All of your breakfast bakes are winners – and so unique to all the others floating around (hellooo doughy texture). I’m thinking a good standard banana bread is in order next – something to soak up all the no bake pretzel bars I’ve been inhaling.
So many delicious recipes – you’re amazing girl! Happy almost 2016 love <3
Wow – youve got some pretty smart readers. Look at all the delicious recipes they picked! 😉 Kidding – but you totally slayed this year girl and I am totally stoked to see what 2016 has in store for you!! <3
Ha! I certainly wouldn’t mind more breakfasts! My favorite meal of the day…? I love anything chocolate-y, and anything ooe-y, moist or fudge-y. I’m also partial to your treats! Actually, I don’t ink you could go wrong with anything, though I do get a wee bit sad whenever you post a Greek yogurt recipe, because although they sound A-Mazing, I’m allergic to dairy…though I understand why those recipes would be especially popular. Maybe my main request for 2016 would be to see if there was a possible Greek yogurt sub that would work in those recipes? Other than that, just bring on the deliciousness!! I’m excited to see what you come up with!
I suspect New Year’s Eve will be mostly a chillaxing family day. Our family has had a really crazy-busy last few months and we haven’t been able to spend much time together, so we’re really looking forward to being able to be together over New Year’s. ?????
“chocolate-y, and anything ooe-y, moist or fudge-y” <-- I think you're going to LOVE my first recipe of 2016 then 😉 There's a sneak peak on IG! And I honestly think that you can sub out the Greek yogurt with any other kind of non-dairy yogurt. I'll have to give it a shot to be 100% sure though!
Honestly? Work on a cookbook/e-book in 2016 – your recipes are winners! If a brownie passes my parents’ critical taste test and colleagues go gaga for cookies that can only mean good.
31? You look younger than ever, Miss Amanda :).
You sure do know how to make a girl blush 😉
Your pictures are always drool worthy! All of these recipes have been on my list to try, but haven’t gotten around to making any unfortunately.
Story of my life! I have SO many recipes saved up that I’ve been wanting to make, but there’s just nowhere to fit them in 🙁
Chocolate overnight oats smoothie: there are literally no words to describe it’s deliciousness!
It’s a good thing I came here on a full stomach otherwise I would be reaching for the chocolate chips and nut butter because this is a big drool fest! You need to give me some warning. HAHA!
haha dont worry you look amazing! 30, 31, or 21! 🙂
Thanks for sharing…cant wait to go back and try some of these! Happy new year to you!
Yummy – can’t wait to make these recipes – they sound so delicious! Especially the melted chocolate ice cream tasting smoothie, that is definitely going to be at the top of the list!
Whoa! Where does the year go?!?!? I cannot believe we are 17 years away from the 90s. That makes me feel so old.
Anyway, what an amazing year for Running with Spoons! I have loved following your blog for (i think) three years now, and I cannot wait to continue following along. I think my absolute favorite recipe from the year was the double chocolate brownies. Cannot get enough!
You’ve had a pretty amazing year yourself, lovely! I’m super happy for you, and can’t wait to see what kind of socks you rock off in 2016 😀
Ohhh man you’ve got me craving baked goods over here like crazy! Your recipes always look so amazing. I just totally had flashbacks to 1999 when we all freaked out about our computers shutting down at midnight. I feel old now too.
Hahah! I still remember that. And people stockpiling food because they were freaking that society was going to collapse. Good times.
congrats on an awesome year and amazing recipes! I need to make them ALL!
I am ready to hear about your plans for 2016! Since I do not have any, I might be inspired 🙂
31? Girrrrrl, you’re close to my heels! Don’t worry. I am 40 a lot earlier than you. Ugh.
Virtual Hug and Kiss back at ya, miss you!
Miss you right back <3 We need to get back to chatting on the regular.
This is like a reminder of all the things I want to bake! I’m still looking for a good egg-free brownie recipe if you have one! Happy New Year!! 🙂
You may or may not be reading my mind 😉
This looks like an amazing list of recipes – I can’t wait to whip up some of these in 2016!
I have still been trying to make this chocolate cake you posted a few weeks ago. My husband won’t let my bananas ripen though! He keeps eating them before they get to that point haha! NYE we are going up north to visit my in laws but we are going to our friends place for a NYE party. I am really excited!
😆 I used to have that same problem when I lived at home — to the point where I just had to start hiding bananas 😉
OMG, so much carby goodness in one post I can’t handle it!
I’m pretty sure I did that smoothie, and I loved it. :))) Now I just need to try the rest of these. : )
Amanda, your recipes are nothing short of amazing! You have so much talent, I saved this post because I need it on hand at all times!
Thanks for your sweet words, Margaret! Sending you a big virtual hug <3
that bread though…. i’m a sucker for it. you know me, banana bread YUMNESS! but i also really liked your bites, the double chocolate. 😉
Can’t wait to see what you have in store for 2016, I have definitely tried most of those muffins and my favorite didn’t even make the list – the “accidental” pumpkin banana chip bread!
Aww yeah that was a good one. It’s harder for recipes that come late in the year to compete with the ones that have been around for a while. If I did a post of recipes -only- from 2015, that one probably would have made the list!
I’ve made your flourless brownies more than once – we all love them! My kids still want me to make the chocolate oat smoothie (they’re looking now, lol)
Your kids are the cutest! Tell them hi from Spoons 😀
I have been in the mood for a smoothie and that chocolate one sounds like just the thing for me!
Haha you crack me up – last time I checked, Amanda, 31 was not mid-life – it was prime life! 🙂
Thanks for making me drool again all over my keyboard with these decadent delights! My daughter and I usually just hang out, watch the ball drop while we enjoy a mini dessert bar! Happy New Year to you lovely lady! xoxo
Ehehehe! I honestly had no idea what else to call it! Quarter life wasn’t right, and midlife was too far off… I’m in one of those awkward stages 😉
I recently bought the perfect dish to make the french toast bake! I can’t wait to try it.
Also, I have to give a shout out to your double chocolate banana bread. I’m eagerly waiting my bananas to brown so I can make it again!
The struggle is real! I have the -hardest- time getting ripe bananas in the winter so I hope it’s warmer by you and you have better luck!
What a list!! I can’t wait to try some of those muffin recipes. And I’m looking forward to seeing more of your recipes in 2016!