My Plant-Based Family

Feeding My Family a Whole Food, Plant-Based Diet, On a Budget

Dessert

Vegan Peach Crisp

by Leave a Comment

I love peaches! Every year as summer gets closer I patiently wait for the peaches to hit the stores. This year, the peaches and nectarines have been exceptionally good. With an abundance of peaches, it’s time to make my oil-free Vegan Peach Crisp.

Oil-Free Vegan Peach Crisp

Don’t get me wrong, I love fresh peaches but baked peaches are out of this world. I don’t make a lot of desserts because most are full of oil and sugar. This easy Peach Crisp is oil-free and uses maple syrup to sweeten it.

It’s not overly sweet. This is not a gooey peach cobbler. I love traditional peach cobbler but this is not a cobbler recipe. You can’t make cobbler crust without oil, butter or lard and I’m not doing that. A whole bunch of foods trigger headaches for me so I’m avoiding anything that could be a trigger and keeping to simple ingredients that make me feel good.

Oil-Free Vegan Peach Crisp

You can’t get much simpler than these ingredients. Other than peaches, the rest are pantry staples.

  • Peaches
  • Rolled Oats
  • Maple Syrup
  • Applesauce

You can add other ingredients to liven it up. Cinnamon, lemon juice and lemon zest, vanilla, almonds, pecans or even other stone fruit.

The topping on this crisp is similar to my oil-free granola. Since it doesn’t use oil or added fat, it doesn’t get super crispy. You can also add a scoop of your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream.

We think this Peach Crisp tastes best after a day or two.

Vegan Peach Crisp

Can I use frozen peaches for Peach Crisp?

I know it’s difficult to get delicious peaches all year long, don’t worry, you can use frozen peaches! Just let them thaw all the way first.

You can use a mix of fruit too. I’ve made this with a mix of peaches and nectarines and it was glorious!

Is Peach Crisp gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free oats. Most oats are processed on the same equipment with wheat. If you need to eat gluten-free, make sure your oats are certified gluten-free.

What can I substitute for applesauce?

If you don’t have applesauce you can use an apple for a substitute by blending it in your blender. If you don’t have an apple you can mash a banana or puree a peach. See more Applesauce Substitutes here.

Is Peach Crisp a dessert?

Yes and no. This Peach Crisp is so good for you, you could eat it for breakfast. It’s pretty similar to my Baked Oatmeal.

Yield: 6

Vegan Peach Crisp

Vegan Peach Crisp

Delicious oil-free Vegan Peach Crisp is an easy plant-based dessert. Fresh peaches and a few pantry ingredients are all you need.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups Rolled Oats (divided)
  • 3/4 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
  • 1/4 cup Maple Syrup
  • 4 Peaches (pit removed, 3 cups peeled and sliced)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly spray a 9x9 pan with cooking spray. (8x8 works too)
  2. Put 1 cup of rolled oats into a blender or food processor and blend until the oats are a fine oat flour.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, pour applesauce, maple syrup and oat flour together and mix well. Dump in remaining 2 cups of oats and stir well.
  4. Pour about half of the oat mixture into your prepared pan and mash down to form a crust. It doesn’t have to be perfect.
  5. Pour peeled and sliced oats on top of the layer of oats in the baking pan.
  6. Spoon the rest of the oat mixture on top of the peaches. Try to cover the peaches evenly.
  7. Bake for 25 minutes.

Notes

Store Peach Crisp in an air tight container for about 4 days. It can be kept on the counter but will last longer refrigerated.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Dessert

Chocolate Banana Bread

by 2 Comments

For years I’ve been using the same recipe for banana bread! We love it! The only change we ever made was to add chocolate chips! I love it with chocolate chips but my husband prefers it plain. One of my sons has a sweet tooth like me so we doubled down and made Double Chocolate Banana Bread! 

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

This recipe is just as easy at the original, it only has two extra ingredients, cocoa powder and chocolate chips. I should probably mention straight away that I always use dairy-free chocolate chips. Enjoy Life Foods are my favorite because they are allergy-friendly and come in different varieties from mini chips, chocolate chunks, and dark chocolate.

You can use whichever brand you love!

Chocolate Banana Bread

This Double Chocolate Banana Bread is perfect for chocolate lovers! It’s oil-free except for whatever oil could be in the chocolate chips. I’ll admit, chocolate chips are not a health food. We don’t have them all the time but they really elevate and add a decadent flare to oil-free desserts.

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. In a large mixing bowl add 1 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup turbinado sugar. Mix with a wooden spoon.
  3. Add the bananas, plant milk and vanilla then mix well.
  4. Add baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and flour. Mix again.
  5. Add half the optional nuts and chocolate chips into the batter. 
  6. Pour into a sprayed loaf pan. Then top with the remaining nuts and chocolate chips.
  7. Cook for 40 minutes, then test every 10 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. 
  8. Remove from pan once cool.

I enjoy this Double Chocolate Banana Bread recipe with a glass of rice milk. 

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Yield: 12 slices

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

Double Chocolate Banana Bread

This decadent Double Chocolate Banana Bread is perfect for parties or potlucks! The chocolate lovers in your house will love this plant-based recipe.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup applesauce
  • 1/2 cup turbinado sugar or raw sugar (I’ve used agave with a good result also)
  • 3 extra ripe bananas, mashed
  • 1 Tbsp plant milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup dutch process cocoa powder
  • 2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips 
  • 1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°.
  2. In a large mixing bowl add 1 cup applesauce and 1/2 cup turbinado sugar. Mix with a wooden spoon.
  3. Add the bananas, plant milk and vanilla then mix well.
  4. Add baking soda, salt, cocoa powder, and flour. Mix again.
  5. Add half the optional nuts and chocolate chips into the batter. 
  6. Pour into a sprayed loaf pan. Then top with the remaining nuts and chocolate chips.
  7. Cook for 40 minutes, then test every 10 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. 
  8. Remove from pan once cool.
© Holly Yzquierdo
Category: Dessert

Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats

by Leave a Comment

I’m going to let you in on a secret, I’ve got one heck of a sweet tooth and I’m a chocolate lover. When I came up with this recipe, I was looking for a chocolate treat to curb my cravings. This Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats delivers!

Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats

This page contains affiliate links.

The flavor of these Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats most closely reminds me of the milk leftover after a big bowl of chocolate flavored cereal. My whole life, before going plant-based, I would eat chocolate cereal. Not usually for breakfast, usually at night or as a snack. As a kid Count Chocula was my favorite, later as a teen and young adult, I’d buy big bags of generic chocolate pebble cereal.

You know I have several overnight oat recipes, I thought chocolate would be a great addition and perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert. Of course, you could eat this for breakfast.

You can make it healthier by adding fresh strawberries or more decadent by adding mini chocolate chips! I’m a huge fan of Enjoy Life Foods chocolate chips and use those exclusively in all my baking. I’ve also made these with chopped almonds!

Need a decadent chocoChocolate Chia Overnight Oats recipe

Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats

Ingredients

Do

  1. Choose a jar with a lid, add chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup and rice milk. Stir well.
  2. Dump in oats and give it another stir.
  3. Secure lid and place in the refrigerator. Let it set for at least 2 ours or over night. Enjoy in the next 5 days.

Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats recipe

Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats
Print Recipe

Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats

This decadent Chocolate Chia Overnight Oats recipe may be better suited for dessert than breakfast. Rest assured, it's perfect for chocolate lovers.
Prep Time5 mins
Total Time5 mins
Course: Dessert
Keyword: Chocolate, Overnight Oats
Servings: 1

Ingredients

  • ½ tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • ½ cup rice milk or plant-based milk of your choice
  • ½ cup oats

Optional Add Ins

  • 1 tbsp chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup sliced strawberries
  • 1 tbsp chopped almonds

Instructions

  • In a jar or 8-10 ounce container, add chia seeds, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and rice milk. Stir well.
  • Add oats and stir again.
  • Close the lid and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight. Add any optional ingredients like strawberries, or chocolate chips before eating. Enjoy within 5 days.

Have you had chocolate oats? Do you think it’s breakfast or dessert?

Secretly Healthy Double Chocolate Donuts

by 2 Comments

I’ve partnered with Zemas Madhouse Foods to bring you a recipe for Secretly Healthy Double Chocolate Donuts. All opinions are my own.

We eat a plant-based diet but it’s easy to get off track. After all, who doesn’t love vegan nachos? I can go overboard with the tortilla chips. On March 1st we decided to clean up our eating, it is National Nutrition Month after all.

I invited you all to join me in the My Plant-Based Family Facebook group. We’ve been having a daily accountability check in! It’s been fun seeing what everyone is doing to stay on track.

Buying and preparing the right foods is crucial to eating healthy. For me, that means eating mostly unprocessed foods and that when I do eat something that is processed, it uses healthy ingredients.

When I’m eating the healthiest, it’s because I’m prioritizing food prep. That doesn’t necessarily mean batch cooking, although you can do that if it works for you. That means if I’m going to eat something, I’m going to take the time to make it. Usually, I’ll make extra so I can have leftovers.

That also means I can’t deprive myself. I’m not someone who can function if I’m hungry. I’m not a nibble on some carrot sticks all day kind of girl. I need food, preferably beans or potatoes or both.

My kids are like me, except there is no end to their eating. They are always hungry and almost always eating. We rotate through standard snacks between meals like fruit, smoothies, popcorn, etc. Sometimes I surprise them with treats that make me the best mom in the world. Treats like these donuts!

Secretly Healthy Double Chocolate Donut are top 8 allergen free and delicious.

This page contains affiliate links.

Let me let you in on a secret, these donuts are really black bean brownies bites. I’m so tricky! Go ahead and insert evil villain laugh.

See, I used to make all my gluten-free treats from scratch. I needed several types of flour, leavening agents, egg replacers and other ingredients that practically took up a whole shelf in my pantry. I don’t have that kind of real estate. Then when I went to actually bake, one of my flours would be past its expiration date.

I had had enough and decided to stick with mixes. It was so much easier to bake when I didn’t have to worry about all of the ingredients. The hard part was finding a mix that was actually healthy.

Zemas Madhouse Foods baking mix is made with ancient whole grains and is gluten-free and vegan.

I discovered Zemas Madhouse brand of mixes this year and was pleasantly surprised when I read the ingredient list. They read like actual ingredients you would buy if you cooked from scratch. You can’t say that about most mixes.

Black Bean Brownie Bites! are top 8 allergen free and delicious.

Their mixes are vegan, gluten-free, top 8 allergen free and non-gmo!

Black Bean Brownie Bites! are top 8 allergen free and delicious.

I decided to take their Ancient Whole Grain Black Bean Brownie Bites mix and give it a try! WOW! No one would believe there were beans in the mix!

Then I took it a step further and transformed them into donuts. All you need is a donut pan. That’s right, these are baked, not fried.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Double Chocolate Baked Donuts

Did you think it was possible to get a baking mix that was full of good for you ancient whole grains, no fillers and are top eight allergen free, rice free and corn free?

Try making these donuts (or the mini-muffin form) the next time you need to take a treat to a get-together!

Gluten-Free and Vegan Double Chocolate Baked Donuts

Secretly Healthy Double Chocolate Donuts

You’d never guess these donuts (or mini muffins) are healthy! Shhh…don’t tell your family they contain ancient grains and black beans, they would never guess!

Secretly Healthy Double Chocolate Donuts
 
Save Print
This recipe can be used to make brownie bites in a mini muffin pan or baked donuts.
Ingredients
  • 1 box Zemas Madhouse Foods Black Bean Brownie Bites Mix
  • ½ cup canned black beans, rinsed
  • 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 10 ounces of water
  • ¼ cup dairy-free mini chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Spray cooking oil into the donut (or mini muffin pan) and set aside.
  3. In a blender, puree black beans, vanilla, and water; set aside.
  4. Pour entire mix into a bowl and add liquid mixture, combine thoroughly.
  5. Fill donut pan (or muffin cups) ¾ full.
  6. Bake for 12 minutes, Cool for 10 minutes on a baking rack.

Store leftovers in an airtight container or freeze in individual servings for easy snacking.

Don’t forget the glaze for the top of donuts. It’s the easiest thing ever!

Simply melt 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of your favorite peanut butter (or peanut butter alternative) in a small bowl and stir. That is all. You get a thick and rich glaze that is delicious on donuts, strawberries, pancakes, banana bread and anywhere else you want a rich, chocolate treat.

This post was sponsored by Zemas Madhouse Foods. All opinions and words are my own.

Chocolate Crunch Bites

by 3 Comments

I love chocolate. Chocolate and peanut butter are even better!

If you know someone with food allergies peanuts can be deadly. There are several peanut butter alternatives that can be used instead. They have a taste and feel similar to peanut butter but no dangerous peanuts.

You can make this recipe with either peanut butter or a safe alternative!

These Chocolate Crunch Bites are peanut-free, dairy-free and gluten-free! They are full of flavor and perfect for a party or cookie exchange! Try these allergy-friendly cookies for dessert.

This page contains affiliate links.

You are going to fall in love with these Chocolate Crunch Bites! My son said they taste like a Kit Kat but that wasn’t my intention. I just wanted to combine my favorite snacks into an easy treat with mega flavor.

These Chocolate Crunch Bites are peanut-free, dairy-free and gluten-free! They are full of flavor and perfect for a party or cookie exchange! Try these allergy-friendly cookies for dessert.

Before I switched to a whole food plant-based diet my favorite cookies were the chocolate oatmeal no bakes. I think I took some inspiration from those days but I wanted to give them some crunch and some natural sweetness. Besides, that old recipe had a ton of butter, sugar, and milk. The ingredients in my Chocolate Crunch Bites make me much happier.

Use peanut butter or a peanut butter substitute, dairy-free chocolate chips, gluten-free pretzels, granola and dried fruit, all normal pantry staples for me. (All the links in the previous sentence are Amazon affiliate links). That is all!

I wouldn’t say they are healthy, but they are a fun and easy treat to take to parties or cookie exchanges. I’m thinking of giving some as gifts to my food allergy pals. You don’t have to save them for only people with food allergies though, they are so good, everyone will love them.

These Chocolate Crunch Bites are peanut-free, dairy-free and gluten-free! They are full of flavor and perfect for a party or cookie exchange! Try these allergy-friendly cookies for dessert.

When it’s time to cook you will want to have all of your ingredients out and ready. I broke my pretzels with my hands but you could chop them with a knife. Measure them after you break them into small pieces, not before. I didn’t want them to get too small and turn to dust.

It’s also important if you are making these for someone with food allergies to make sure all your ingredients are safe.

I choose Enjoy Life mini chips, Glutino pretzels, and Made In Nature dried fruit. You can choose brands you love.

The dried fruit I used was actually a Super Berry blend that also had pepita seeds. You can pick what you love but dried cranberries or dried tart cherries are both winners.

These Chocolate Crunch Bites are peanut-free, dairy-free and gluten-free! They are full of flavor and perfect for a party or cookie exchange! Try these allergy-friendly cookies for dessert.

If you have kids who like to help in the kitchen this is one of those recipes they can help with. When I say that, you know it’s a simple recipe because I’m not one of those people who invite the kids to cook with me.

I’ll let them stand on a chair on the other side of the counter and watch, sometimes. Usually, I’m shooing them away, but this recipe they can totally help with.

Chocolate Crunch Bites

Go ahead and make these easy and delicious Chocolate Crunch Bites. This no bake, allergy-friendly recipe will win your family over!

Chocolate Crunch Bites
 
Save Print
Author:
Recipe type: Dessert
Ingredients
  • ½ cup creamy peanut butter or peanut butter alternative
  • 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
  • 1 cup gluten-free pretzels, broken into small pieces
  • 1 cup your favorite granola
  • ½ cup dried fruit
Instructions
  1. Put ½ cup of peanut butter or alternative into a medium sauce pan on low heat. Use a silicone spatula to stir regularly.
  2. Once it starts to melt, add the 1 cup of chocolate chips. Stir often and use the spatula to scrape the bottom. Don't walk away or it could burn. Keep stirring until all the lumps are gone.
  3. Dump in the broken pretzels, granola, and dried fruit and stir well.
  4. Remove pan from heat and scoop out in tablespoon size scoops and lay them on a cookie sheet, covered with parchment paper.
  5. Place the cookie sheet into the refrigerator to cool and harden. Allow at least an hour before eating. These can be left on the counter for a few hours but store in the refrigerator.

 

Fruit Salad with Simple Citrus Dressing

by 6 Comments

Fruit Salad. That is the answer to so many questions. Here are a few of them and let me know if you think of more:

  • What should I take to the potluck?
  • What will your (picky) kid eat?
  • What should I freeze for a icy treat?
  • What is the one vegan food no one will think is weird?
  • What will make the other kids jealous at the lunch table?
  • What should we pack for the picnic?

I know there are more but we have things to do. I think you get my point though, Fruit Salad is a great addition just about any time.

Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing

The only problem with fruit salad is the browning that happens when you cut certain types fruit. I’ve got an easy fix for you.

All you need is some vitamin C! Citrus juice does wonders to keep fruit from browning.

Growing up I didn’t eat a lot of fruit. I remember the first time I saw my husband meticulously rubbing lemon juice on apples and bananas. I thought he was insane. It was labor intensive to wipe each and every slice of apple and banana with a lemon wedge (although sometimes the lemon juice went in a bowl and we would dip it).

Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to do that. This version has a few more steps but it’s even easier and less time consuming than his way.

Not only does it keep it from browning but your fruit salad will continue to taste refreshing for a day or two (if it lasts that long). I like to store it in a bowl with a lid so I can give it a gentle shake before serving. You can also make fun fruit kabobs for a treat if you have leftovers.

Fruit Salad with Citrus Dressing

This dressing works with many kinds of fruit. We are using strawberries, kiwis, cantaloupe, blueberries and blackberries. The important thing is to use what you like, mango, pineapple and grapes are good choices too! In the fall we use lots of apples.

Fruit Salad Dressing
 
Save Print
Author:
Ingredients
  • juice from 2 large naval oranges
  • juice from 1 pink grapefruit
  • juice from 1 lemon juice
  • juice from ½ lime juice
  • 3 pounds of assorted fruit
Instructions
  1. Squeeze juice from oranges, grapefruit, lemon and lime into a bowl or small jar.
  2. Stir juice (or if in a jar with a lid, give it a little shake).
  3. Pour it over the fruit and serve.