Pecan Peanut Butter Granola

This Peacan PeaNut Butter granola is easy to make and is Delicious!

It is lightly sweet (only 3 grams of sugar per serving) and delivers protein and fiber. plus, it has fewer carbs than many types of granolas. enjoy It on its own, or as an addition with your favorite yogurt.

Pecan Peanut Butter Granola
Yield 18 servings (1/3 cup)

Ingredients:
1/2 cup olive oil or avocado oil
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
1 1/2 cups pecans
1 cup pumpkin seeds (shells removed)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a large mixing bowl combine olive oil (or avocado oil), peanut butter, maple syrup, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until combined.

3. To the mixing bowl, add the oats, pecans, and pumpkin seeds. Stir until well mixed.

4. Transfer to large baking sheet with rim. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely, then gently stir and transfer to an air-tight container.

Nutrition facts (per serving): 140 calories, 10 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 0 milligrams cholesterol, 75 milligrams sodium, 9 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 3 grams protein

Lemon Bread

This deliciously light bread is perfect for spring and it is quick and easy to pull together.

Lemon Bread (Photo: Molly Morgan)

Lemon Bread
Serves 12

Ingredients
1/2 cup canola oil
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon lemon zest, grated
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, divided
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour or whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup powdered sugar

Directions

1. Prepare a loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. In a mixing bowl combine oil, sugar, and eggs. Stir until well combined.

3. Add lemon zest, two tablespoons of the lemon juice, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine. Once well-combined, add yogurt. Stir until mixture is thick but creamy.

4. Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until baked through and lightly browned on top.

5. In a small mixing bowl combine the powdered sugar and remaining two tablespoons lemon juice. Drizzle over lemon bread while warm. Let the bread cool in the pan for about 30 minutes, then remove and slice.

Nutrition Facts (per slice): 240 calories, 10 grams fat, 2 grams saturated fat, 30 milligrams cholesterol, 110 milligrams sodium, 34 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams fiber, 20 grams sugar, 3 grams protein, 2% DV vitamin A, 2% DV vitamin C, 5% DV calcium, 7% DV iron

Blueberry-Banana Bread

While blueberries are so fresh, what could be better than Blueberry-Banana Bread? This recipe is made with my favorite whole grain flour, whole wheat pastry flour, which keeps the texture nice and light!

Blueberry-Banana Bread

Blueberry-Banana Bread

Serve 16

Ingredients:
2 ripe bananas, mashed
1 stick butter, melted
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup fresh blueberries

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a bread pan with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl combine the melted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir together.

3. Stir in the whole wheat pastry flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir well to combine. The mixture will be thick.

4. Fold in the fresh blueberries.

5. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes until the bread is cooked through and the top is golden brown. 

Nutrition Facts (per slice): 160 calories, 6 grams fat, 4 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 15 milligrams cholesterol, 130 mg sodium, 25 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 12 grams sugar, 3 grams protein

Banana Chip Bread

A fresh-baked loaf of banana bread is always a hit! This whole-grain based banana bread is so tasty and the addition of the chocolate chips help to make this such a fun treat.

Banana Chocolate Chip Bread (Image: Molly Morgan)

Banana Chip Bread
Serves 14

Ingredients:
2 large bananas, mashed
1/2 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Prepare a loaf pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahreneheit.

2. In a mixing bowl add bananas and mash. Then add vegetable oil, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir well to combine.

3. Then to the mixing bowl add the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mix well. Then add the chocolate chips.

4. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until the bread is cooked through, use a toothpick to test the doneness, it should come out clean. Cool and slice to serve.

Nutrition facts (per serving): 250 calories, 11 grams fat, 3 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 30 milligrams cholesterol, 250 milligrams sodium, 35 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 18 grams sugar, 14 grams protein

Strawberry Muffins

Make the most of the delicious strawberries this summer and try a batch of strawberry muffins! This recipe uses Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry flour as the base for the muffins, which helps to keep these whole grain muffins light and fluffy or swap it out for 1 to1 gluten-free flour, if needed!

Click here to watch Molly preparing this recipe in a cooking video for her client Olum’s!

Strawberry Muffins (Image Source: Getty Images)

Strawberry Muffins

12 Muffins

Ingredients:
2 cups Bob’s Red Mill whole wheat pastry flour + plus 2 teaspoons (for tossing with strawberries)*
2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup milk
1 pint strawberries (about 2 cups), diced
2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, for topping

*Or 1 to 1 gluten-free flour

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a muffin tin with paper liners.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder and salt.

3. In another bowl combine the butter and sugar and beat with an electric mixer for 2 minutes, until combine. Then add the eggs and vanilla and beat well to combine.

4. With the mixer on low, add one-third of the flour mixture and milk. Then workings in batches continue until all the flour and milk has been added and combined.

5. Toss the strawberries with 2 teaspoons of flour and set 1/2 cup of the berries aside. Gently fold in the strawberries to the batter.

6. Scoop the batter into the prepared muffin tins.

7. Sprinkle the muffin tops with the reserved berries and turbinado sugar.

8. Bake for about 30 minutes, until lightly golden and a toothpick comes out clean.

9. If necessary, run a sharp knife around the top edge of each muffin to free it from the pan and let the muffins cool in the pan for about 25 minutes. Transfer the muffins to a rack to cool completely.

Nutrition Facts (per serving): 235 calories, 9 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 55 milligrams cholesterol, 290 milligrams sodium, 35 grams carbohydrates, 3 grams fiber, 18 grams sugar, 3 grams protein

Mango Crumble Bars

These bars could be called disappearing mango crumble bars… they are that good!

Mango Crumble Bars (Photo: Molly Morgan)

Mango Crumble Bars
Serves 9

Ingredients:
1 cup old fashioned rolled oats
3/4 cup Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free baking flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons butter or vegan butter alternative, softened
1 1/2 cups diced mango (2 large or 3 small mango)
1 teaspoon corn starch
1 tablespoon honey

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir to combine. Then add the softened butter. Mix well until the mixture is combined and crumbly. Set aside 1/2 cup of the mixture.

3. Press the oat mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Then cover with the chopped mango. Sprinkle the corn starch over the top of the mango. Top with the reserved 1/2 cup of the oat mixture.

4. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes, until the top is lightly golden brown.

5. Remove from the oven, drizzle with honey, and cool before slicing to serve.

   Nutrition Facts (per serving): 210 calories, 8 grams fat, 5 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 20 milligrams cholesterol, 10 milligrams sodium, 32 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams fiber, 12 grams sugar, 2 grams protein
   

Maple Oat Muffins

Maple Oat Muffins - Photo: Molly Morgan

Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry Flour

These muffins could be called Disappearing-Maple Oat Muffins! If you think you dislike whole grains, then you should give these muffins a try.

Part of the secret to these muffins being whole wheat and tasting so great is using whole wheat pastry flour (see product example pictured here).

Our go-to is Bob’s Red Mill 100% stone ground whole wheat pastry flour. It’s perfect for adding in whole grains to muffins, quick breads, pancakes, cookies, etc. Look for it in the baking aisle or buy direct from Bob’s Red Mill.

Maple Oat Muffins - Photo Credit: Molly Morgan

Maple Oat Muffins
Serves 12

Ingredients:
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup milk
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup canola oil
2/3 cup brown sugar
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 cups whole wheat pastry flour*
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

*For a gluten-free option - use gluten-free oats and instead of whole wheat pastry flour, substitute with equal parts of gluten-free baking flour.

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a muffin tin with 12 muffin paper liners.

2. In a mixing bowl combine the oats, milk, maple syrup, oil, brown sugar, and eggs. Mix until well combined.

3. Then add in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir until combined, do not over mix.

4. Fill the prepared muffin tins with about 1/2 - 2/3 cup of batter.

5. Bake for 18 - 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool and serve.

Whole Grain Cinnamon Buns

Delicious baked goods are fun to enjoy, especially around holiday times! One of my favorite baking tips is to swap out all-purpose flour and move in whole wheat pastry flour. It is an easy swap that works seamlessly in MOST recipes. Use it cup for cup to move it into any baking recipe.

I do typically serve the cinnamon buns topped with cream cheese frosting but to show off how great whole grain treats can be, I wanted to show them without the frosting! See the recipes below. Happy baking and enjoy!!

Whole Grain Cinnamon Buns

Whole Grain Cinnamon Buns

Serves 12

INGREDIENTS - DOUGH:
1 cup lukewarm milk
2 large eggs, at room temperature
1/3 cup unsalted butter, softened (not melted)
4 1/2 cups Bob’s Red Mill Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons instant yeast, active dry yeast, or one 1/4-ounce packet of Platinum Yeast from Red Star

INGREDIENTS - FILLING:
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup brown sugar, packed
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon

INGREDIENTS - ICING:
1/3 cup light cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened (not melted)
1 cup confectioners' sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine and knead all of the dough ingredients — by hand or use an electric mixer with a dough beater.

2. Prepare a large bowl with pan spray. Then transfer the dough to the large bowl and cover the bowl. Allow the dough to double (about 1 to 2 hours).

3. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured working surface and roll the dough into a large rectangle (about 16" x 21").

4. Evenly spread the butter on the dough. In a small bowl mix the brown sugar and cinnamon and then spread evenly over the dough.

5. Begin with the width of the dough and roll into a log, gently tugging at the dough as you go. Then cut it into 12 slices.

6. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Prepare a 9 x 13-inch pan with pan spray. Place the cut rolls into the pan and let them rise until they are doubled, about 30 minutes. Then bake for 15 - 17 minutes or until they are golden brown.

7. For the icing: combine all the icing ingredients in a bowl and mix until the frosting is soft and fluffy. Spread with the frosting while they are warm or keep on the side to serve later.

Recipe: Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Muffins

Muffins can be a great way to start the day, especially when the base is made with whole wheat pastry flour and filled with blueberries. These muffins freeze great too! Make a batch of muffins ahead or even a double batch, and then freeze some to enjoy at a later date

Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Muffins

Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Muffins

Serves 12 muffins

Ingredients:
1 3/4 cup (420 ml) whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup (120 ml) sugar
1 teaspoon (5 ml) baking powder
1/8 (1 ml) teaspoon salt
1 egg beaten
1 cup (240 ml) coconut milk
1/4 cup (60 ml) melted butter
1 Tablespoon (15 ml) lemon zest
1 Tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
1/2 cup (120 ml) vanilla yogurt
1 cup (240 ml) fresh or frozen blueberries

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a muffin tin with muffin pan liners.

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center.

3. To the center of the bowl, add egg, coconut milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix just until combined. Then stir in the yogurt and gently fold in blueberries.

4. Divide the batter into prepared muffin tin, fill each muffin cup full with batter. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Tart Cherry Buttermilk Scones

A perfect treat for St. Patrick's day! These scones are so delicious and the dried tart cherries add a balance of sweetness and tartness. Plus the scones are made with whole grains, the base is made with a blend of whole wheat pastry flour and oats. 

Tart Cherry Buttermilk Scones

Serves 8

Ingredients:

2 cups whole wheat pastry flour

3/4 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup oats

6 tablespoons sugar

1 stick of butter

1 cup dried tart cherries

1 cup buttermilk

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. 

2. In a mixing bowl combine all of the dry ingredients.

3. Then in a food processor add the dry ingredients and the butter. Pulse until the mixture is combined and the butter is all mixed in.

4. Transfer back to the mixing bowl and stir in the buttermilk and cherries.

5. On a floured surface, place the scone mixture and knead (use more flour if needed to keep dough from sticking) to form into a large round circle about 1 - 1.5" thick. Then cut into 8 triangle slices. 

6. Prepare a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or butter. Then transfer the triangles to the baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes.