Easy, Healthy Comfort Baking Recipes

By Carolyn Williams, PhD, RD | April 13, 2020 | Rally Health

Comfort bake brownie

For many of us, cooking — especially baking — is like therapy. There’s something so soothing about the smell of fresh bread or cookies wafting from the kitchen. Perhaps it’s something you do to feel productive, to show love to others, or as a fun activity with your children. Or maybe it has something to do with nostalgia. The truth is, baking something yummy can be the antidote to a difficult day, a little pick-me-up when times are hard.

If you’re feeling the urge to comfort-bake these days, know that we are, too. If you’re also slightly concerned about what all that indulging might eventually do to your waistline, don’t fret: Healthy baking is easy, with a little bit of know-how. Drawing on pantry and refrigerator staples and smart ingredient swaps, the recipes below all clock in under 170 calories per serving (to keep calories in check, of course, just make sure you don’t down 10 treats at once). Take a look, tie on your apron, and get cooking.

Chocolate Chip Almond Butter Cookies

There are few treats more comforting than warm, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies. In this flourless version, subbing almond butter for regular butter keeps saturated fat levels low and adds a satisfying nuttiness.

Fudgy Avocado Brownies

Avocado in a brownie? Sounds weird, but using some of this healthy source of monounsaturated fat in place of butter or oil totally works here. Your kids will never know the difference. (My two couldn’t get enough of these.)

Oatmeal-Applesauce Quick Bread

Baking bread has become a COVID-19-era meme; everyone seems to be doing it. This easy recipe eats like a breakfast bread (think banana, but denser, thanks to the oat flour) but is only subtly sweet. It also contains plenty of heart-healthy fiber.

 

CAROLYN WILLIAMS, PHD, RD
Rally Health

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