Apple Cheesecake

Apple Cheesecake

Apple Cheesecake

If you’re someone who’s constantly torn between satisfying a sweet tooth and sticking to a health-conscious lifestyle, this recipe is your answer. This Apple Cheesecake isn’t just another dessert, it’s a feel-good treat that aligns with your wellness goals. It’s crafted from real, whole ingredients, and has that cozy, creamy texture you’d expect from a traditional cheesecake, but without the sugar overload or any processed fuss. Just blend, bake, and chill, it’s that simple.

What makes it especially remarkable is how this cake naturally helps you feel fuller longer. Thanks to the generous amount of apples it contains, it’s rich in soluble fiber and pectin, two natural compounds known to support satiety, slow down digestion, and help stabilize blood sugar levels. In fact, these properties mimic the satiety effects of modern weight-loss drugs like Ozempic, but without side effects or any need for prescriptions. So, whether you’re craving a comforting dessert or looking for something that fits into a calorie-conscious plan, this cake is a perfect choice!

Let’s talk about apples, the principle ingredient in this dessert. Apples are not only versatile and delicious, but they’re also nutrition powerhouses. They’re rich in fiber (especially pectin), vitamin C, and a wide variety of antioxidants and polyphenols. These compounds support gut health, fight inflammation, and may even help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Including apples in your regular diet is a smart move, they’re easy to digest, help manage blood sugar levels, and are naturally low in calories while keeping you satisfied. This cake is a beautiful, tasty way to bring more of that goodness into your everyday routine.

This dessert is Naturally sweetened, gluten-free, low in calories, and high in protein and fiber.

Ingredients

  • 4 large apples (550 g peeled and cored)

  • 3 eggs

  • 1 cup (200 g) cottage cheese

  • 1 tsp. baking powder

  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Peel and core the apples, then chop them into large chunks.
  2. Place the apple chunks into a large mixing bowl or a food processor.
  3. Add the eggs and cottage cheese to the bowl. Blend everything using a hand mixer or food processor until smooth and batter-like.
  4. Add in the baking powder and vanilla extract. Stir until everything is fully combined.
  5. Pour the batter into a silicone cake pan. If you’re using a regular cake pan, be sure to line it with parchment paper.
  6. Gently shake or tap the pan to help level the batter.
  7. Preheat your oven to 380°F (194°C).
  8. Bake the cake for 45 minutes or until the edges and top are golden.
  9. Take it out of the oven—the center may still jiggle a little, and that’s perfect. Let the cake cool completely at room temperature.
  10. Once cooled, transfer it to the fridge and let it chill for at least 2 hours so it sets like a cheesecake.
  11. Slice, serve, and enjoy the naturally sweet, satisfying result!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 45 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours in the fridge
Servings: 8

Nutritional Information (per serving)

  • Energy: 96 calories

  • Protein: 5.35 g

  • Fat: 3 g

  • Carbohydrates: 12.56 g

  • Fiber: 2 g

Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

  • This cheesecake actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld beautifully.

  • For added indulgence, serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of maple syrup, or even a scoop of your favorite ice cream.

Yellow Split Pea Flatbread

Yellow Split Pea Flatbread

Yellow Split Pea Flatbread

You know how some ingredients just kind of sit quietly in your pantry, never really getting the spotlight they deserve? That’s exactly how I’ve always felt about yellow split peas. We know them as the base for comforting dals and hearty soups—but beyond that? They don’t often get invited to anything exciting. Until now.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting with ways to move away from grain-based flours, especially when I want something that feels light but still filling, rich in nutrients, and kind to my digestion. I’d already fallen in love with red lentils for making flatbreads, but I kept wondering: what if yellow split peas could do the same… or maybe even better?

So I soaked a cup of them overnight, blended them up with a little water, added some spices, and poured the golden batter into a skillet—just to see. What came out was a soft, rustic flatbread with a mild, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with veggies, herbs, or even just a drizzle of olive oil. I was hooked.

Not only did this little experiment turn out delicious, but it also felt like such a fresh way to eat something familiar. These peas are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, plus they’re naturally gluten-free and more neutral in flavor than red lentils, which makes them incredibly versatile. I added some sautéed vegetables—zucchini, carrots, spinach—whatever I had on hand—and the whole thing became a satisfying meal that felt as nourishing as it was easy.

If you’re looking for a new way to build gluten-free meals that don’t rely on grains, I can’t recommend this yellow split pea flatbread enough. It’s simple, customizable, full of good stuff, and such a fun twist on a humble ingredient that often goes unnoticed.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (180 g) dry yellow split peas

  • 1 cup coconut milk

  • ½ cup water (added gradually as needed)

  • 90 g finely shredded carrot

  • 25 g finely shredded pepper

  • 45 g finely shredded cabbage

  • 20 g finely chopped green onion

  • 2 tbsp. olive oil

  • ½ tsp. baking powder

  • ½ tsp. salt

  • ½ tsp. dried oregano (optional but adds great flavor)

Directions

  1. Rinse the yellow split peas thoroughly, then soak them overnight in plenty of water—ideally in the fridge.
  2. The next day, drain and rinse them well. Make sure no water remains.
  3. Add the soaked peas and coconut milk to a mixing bowl or blender. Blend until partially smooth.
  4. Gradually add water as needed while blending. You’re looking for a smooth, creamy consistency—not too thick, not too runny.
  5. Stir in the shredded carrot, pepper, cabbage, and green onion.
  6. Add olive oil, baking powder, salt, and oregano. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
  7. Preheat a non-stick pan over low-medium heat and lightly brush it with oil.
  8. Scoop about ⅓ cup of the batter into the pan and gently spread it into a flat, round shape.
  9. Let it cook for about 2–3 minutes or until the edges look dry and set.
  10. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes or so, until both sides are golden and cooked through.
  11. Repeat with the remaining batter. Serve warm with your favorite toppings or fillings.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus overnight soaking)
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Servings: Makes about 10 flatbreads

Nutritional Information (Per 1 flatbread)

  • Energy: 150 calories

  • Protein: 5.06 g

  • Fat: 8.67 g

  • Carbohydrates: 14.56 g

  • Fiber: 5.6 g

Storage

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

  • To freeze, place parchment paper between each flatbread, then store in a zip-top freezer bag for up to 2 months.

  • Reheat on a skillet or in the oven before serving.

Notes & Recommendations

  • This recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

  • You can customize these flatbreads with your favorite veggies or herbs—try parsley, basil, or even finely chopped spinach for a twist.

  • They’re perfect for using up leftovers or transforming into wraps, mini pizzas, or savory snacks.

Red Lentil & Berry Cake

Red Lentil & Berry Cake

Red Lentil & Berry Cake

There’s something magical about creating desserts from ingredients no one expects. This cake is one of those surprises that makes you pause after the first bite, soft, sweet, and  so filling. But the best part? It’s made with red lentils. Yes, the same pantry staple you’d usually toss into a stew or curry becomes the star of a dessert so elegant and satisfying, you’ll wonder why you never tried it before.

 The result is a golden, slightly springy cake that slices cleanly and feels like a classic treat, but nourishes like a complete snack. This is the kind of cake that doesn’t weigh you down. It’s naturally gluten-free, refined-flour-free, and packed with protein from just a few wholesome ingredients. The berries add brightness and bursts of juicy sweetness in every bite.

But let’s talk about the real powerhouse in this recipe: red lentils. These tiny, coral-colored legumes are nutritional overachievers. A single serving provides a generous dose of plant-based protein, iron, folate, magnesium, and complex carbohydrates that digest slowly, which helps keep blood sugar levels stable and energy steady. Red lentils are also a wonderful source of soluble fiber, supporting gut health and digestion. And unlike many other legumes, they cook quickly and blend smoothly, making them an ideal base for everything from soups to — yes — desserts!

What makes red lentils especially valuable in a regular diet is how versatile they are. They’re gentle on the digestive system, naturally low in fat, and incredibly filling. For anyone managing iron deficiency, they offer a plant-based iron source that pairs beautifully with vitamin C-rich fruits (hello, berries!). Including lentils in your routine helps diversify your fiber intake, improves satiety between meals, and contributes to your intake of important micronutrients. If you’re looking for a new way to incorporate more iron-rich foods into your day without relying on meat or supplements, this cake might just become your go-to.

This isn’t just dessert — it’s nourishment disguised as indulgence. And once you’ve tasted it, you’ll never look at lentils the same way again!

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup (140 g) raw red lentils

  • 2 eggs (whites and yolks separated)

  • ⅓ cup maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)

  • ¾ cup (165 g) sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

  • 75 g melted butter (or substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil)

  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

  • ½ tbsp baking powder

  • Pinch of salt (for whipping the egg whites)

  • 100 g fresh strawberries, sliced

  • 75 g fresh raspberries

  • 70 g fresh blueberries

  • 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for dusting after baking)

Directions

  1. Soak the red lentils for at least 4 hours at room temperature or overnight in the fridge.
  2. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under running water and drain them well.
  3. Separate the eggs, placing the whites and yolks into two separate bowls.
  4. Transfer the drained lentils to a mixing bowl or blender. Add the egg yolks, maple syrup, sour cream, and melted butter (or oil). Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
  5. Stir in the vanilla extract and baking powder until evenly combined.
  6. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff peaks form.
  7. Gently fold the whipped egg whites into the lentil mixture in batches to keep the texture light and airy.
  8. Grease a large baking pan (about 37 x 25 cm) with oil and line it with parchment paper.
  9. Pour the batter into the pan and shake gently to spread it evenly (the batter should not exceed 1.5 cm in height).
  10. Scatter the fresh berries evenly across the top of the batter.
  11. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 35 minutes.
  12. Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. If desired, dust with powdered sugar just before serving.

Prep Time, Baking & Servings

  • Soaking Time: 4 hours

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes

  • Baking Time: 35 minutes

  • Servings: 10

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Energy: 197 calories

  • Protein: 6 g

  • Fat: 10.18 g

  • Carbohydrates: 21.57 g

  • Fiber: 2.3 g

Storage

  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

  • Freeze individual slices for up to 1 month.

  • You can change the berry topping depending on what’s in season or your personal taste.

Dietary Notes

  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free.

  • Contains dairy and eggs.

  • Free from refined flour and can be made refined sugar-free with maple syrup.

Express Quinoa & Chia Bread

Express Quinoa & Chia Bread

Express Quinoa & Chia Bread

Alright, friends, let’s talk about bread—but not just any bread. This is the kind of bread you whip up when time is tight, your energy is low, but you’re still craving something wholesome and delicious. We’ve all had those days when we want something that feels hearty and satisfying, yet doesn’t require hours of kneading or proofing. This quinoa and chia bread is exactly that. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to when you want a nourishing snack, a quick sandwich base, or just something warm from the oven that tastes homemade and nourishing.

There’s no yeast. No gluten. No fancy flour mixes. Just two powerful seeds, quinoa and chia, plus a few fridge staples, and you’re on your way to something magical. The texture is perfectly moist with a subtle nuttiness, a hint of tang from the yogurt, and the kind of bite that makes you think, “Wait, I made this?” Whether you top it with avocado and tomato, salmon and cheese, hummus and sprouts, or just a swipe of almond butter, it’s endlessly versatile.

Now let’s take a second to talk about quinoa—the main ingredient of this recipe. This tiny seed (often mistaken for a grain) has earned its superfood title for good reason. Quinoa is one of the few plant-based foods that is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids our bodies can’t make on their own. It’s packed with fiber, iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. If you struggle with low iron, sluggish digestion, or nutrient gaps in your day, quinoa can be a game-changer.

It’s naturally gluten-free, which makes it suitable for sensitive stomachs, and its mildly nutty flavor pairs beautifully in both savory and sweet dishes. Making quinoa a regular part of your diet can help support energy levels, muscle repair, and gut health—all things we could all use a little more of.

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp. (45 g) uncooked quinoa

  • 2 tbsp. (20 g) chia seeds

  • 1 egg

  • 1/3 cup plain yogurt or up to 1/2 cup (can be dairy or plant-based)

  • 1/8 tsp. salt

  • 1/2 tsp. baking powder

  • 1/2 tbsp. white vinegar

  • Coconut oil or other oil, for greasing ramekins

  • 1 tsp. sesame seeds (or your seeds of choice)

  • 1 tsp. nigella seeds (or your seeds of choice)

Directions

  1. Place the quinoa and chia seeds in a coffee grinder or nut grinder. Blend until you achieve a fine flour consistency. Set aside.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, crack in the egg and add the plain yogurt. Stir until well combined and creamy.
  3. Add the ground quinoa and chia flour into the bowl. Sprinkle in the salt and baking powder. Mix thoroughly until it becomes a smooth batter.
  4. Pour in the vinegar and give it one last stir—this step helps the bread get that light, fluffy texture.
  5. Lightly grease two small ramekins with coconut oil or any neutral oil.
  6. Divide the dough evenly between the two ramekins.
  7. Use the back of a spoon to spread the dough evenly so the tops are smooth.
  8. Sprinkle sesame seeds and nigella seeds (or whichever seeds you like) generously on top.
  9. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 35 minutes, or until golden and firm on top.
  10. Let the breads cool slightly before removing from the ramekins and serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2 small breads (or 2 servings)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Energy: 210 calories

  • Protein: 10.7 g

  • Fat: 9.02 g

  • Carbohydrates: 22.71 g

  • Fiber: 5.3 g

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

  • These freeze beautifully: wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

  • Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes before serving.

Particular Recommendations

  • For a dairy-free version, use plant-based yogurt.

  • To make it egg-free, skip the egg and increase the yogurt slightly for moisture.

  • This bread is naturally gluten-free, rich in protein and fiber, and perfect for sensitive digestion.

  • Try using this bread as a sandwich base or enjoy it warm with your favorite spread.

Broccoli & Cottage Cheese Squares

Broccoli & Cottage Cheese Squares

Broccoli & Cottage Cheese Squares

You know those days when you open the fridge and just need something—anything—that’s already made, tastes amazing, and won’t throw your whole day off balance? That’s where these Broccoli & Cottage Cheese Squares come in. They’ve become a bit of a lifesaver in my kitchen. Whether it’s breakfast on the run, a mid-morning snack, or even lunch paired with a fresh salad, these little squares hit the spot every time. They’re satisfying, savory, and filled with ingredients that make you feel like you’re treating your body right, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

What I love about them is their versatility. I intentionally portion them into individual squares so they’re easy to store, easy to reheat, and just as easy to eat on the go. You can dress them up with avocado and salsa, or keep them simple with a side of raw veggies or fruit. They’ve got that kind of “meal prep magic” that makes healthy eating feel effortless. Plus, the mix of cottage cheese, eggs, and broccoli creates this incredibly creamy yet slightly crispy texture that I honestly crave now.

But the real star here, let’s give it the spotlight, is broccoli. It’s one of those humble veggies that too often gets overlooked or, worse, boiled to death into mush. But not here. We steam it just until bright green and still a little crisp so it holds its structure and nutrients. And speaking of nutrients, broccoli is absolutely loaded. It’s a powerhouse of vitamin C (one cup gives you more than your daily requirement!), which doesn’t just help your immune system but also boosts your body’s ability to absorb iron, especially important if you’re trying to get more iron from plant-based foods.

It’s also rich in vitamin K, folate, and fiber, making it a heart-healthy, bone-protective, and digestion-friendly food. And if that weren’t enough, it contains antioxidant compounds like sulforaphane, which researchers have studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and even cancer-preventing properties. Adding broccoli to your weekly menu isn’t just smart, it’s strategic. It supports energy levels, hormone balance, and gut health, and when paired with protein-rich ingredients like eggs and cottage cheese, it becomes part of a deeply nourishing combo that keeps you going strong throughout the day.

These squares are my way of turning a fridge full of basics into something that feels special, and I hope they’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too.

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 cup (200 g) cottage cheese

  • 220 g broccoli florets

  • 40 g green onion, finely chopped

  • 50 g shredded cheddar cheese

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 1/4 tsp salt

  • Black pepper to taste

  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Clean the broccoli and chop it into small florets. Steam for 5 minutes until vibrant green but still crisp. Let it cool.
  3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
  4. Add in the steamed and cooled broccoli, cottage cheese, chopped green onions, shredded cheddar, olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano.
  5. Stir everything together until evenly combined and the broccoli is well distributed.
  6. Line a 6-cavity mini square pan with parchment paper.
  7. Divide the mixture evenly into the cavities and smooth the tops.
  8. Bake for 35 minutes, or until golden on top and set in the center.
  9. Let them cool slightly before lifting out with the parchment paper.

Makes: 8 Squares
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Steaming Time: 5 minutes
Baking Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Square)

  • Energy: 123 calories

  • Protein: 8.34 g

  • Fat: 9.08 g

  • Carbohydrates: 2.31 g

  • Fiber: 0.8 g

Storage & Notes

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

  • These are freezer-friendly! Freeze for up to 3 months.

  • If you don’t have cheddar, try crumbled feta, gruyère, or mozzarella.

  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free.