Pumpkin, sunflower, hemp, chia, and flax are just a few members of the amazing seed family and are a really important component of any diet, especially a plant-based one.
In general, seeds are an excellent source, of protein, fiber, antioxidants, and ‘good’ fats. They are great to add to cookies, granola, and trail mixes just as one would do with nuts. Flax and chia seeds are even used as egg substitutes in vegan baking.
Here are 15 recipes for delicious desserts packed with seeds, making your sweet treats just that little bit healthier.
We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 20,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help you get healthy!
1. Raw Superfood Granola Bars
Source: Raw Superfood Granola Bars
Hemp seeds are super healthy. They have all 20 amino acids, easily digestible protein, essential fatty acids, and are a great source of Omega-6 and Omega-3. These Raw Superfood Granola Bars by Zuzana Fajkusova and Nikki Lefler are vegan, raw, tasty, and oh-so-delicious, they are top-notch for satisfying your hunger!
2. Superfood Ice Cream Parfait
Source: Superfood Ice Cream Parfait
This fruit-based Superfood Ice Cream Parfait by Zuzana Fajkusova and Nikki Lefler is packed with protein, powerful nutrients, and healthy fats for long-lasting energy and fullness!
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3. Sunflower Seed Cookies
Source: Sunflower Seed Cookies
These Sunflower Seed Cookies by Taryn Fitz-Gerald are so crunchy and delicious. They are packed with nutrition and low in sugar. They only use a short list of ingredients and take only 10 minutes to cook. A perfect food gift for your loved ones
4. Natural Nut/Seed Butter Cups
Source: Natural Nut/Seed Butter Cups
These Natural Nut/Seed Butter Cups by Christina Bedetta are all-natural, gluten-free, and vegan (depending on the type of chocolate you use), and they can be nut-free if you use sunflower seed butter (my second favorite variation, great for those with nut allergies). They’re super quick and easy to make, and irresistible. The only challenge you may (probably will) have is stopping after eating just one!
5. Sunflower Seed Butter Cookies
Source: Sunflower Seed Butter Cookies
Here is a recipe for a delicious, sweet, and savory fresh update on a traditional peanut butter cookie. You have to try these Sunflower Seed Butter Cookies by Tara Binder.
6. Sunflower Seed Butter Oatmeal Cookies
Source: Sunflower Seed Butter Oatmeal Cookies
What’s so great about sunflower seed butter? It’s peanut-free, tree-nut-free, and gluten-free, so it’s great for people with these types of food allergies. It also has 1/3 less saturated fat than peanut butter and 27 percent of your daily recommended allowance of Vitamin E in one serving, and it’s high in iron, fiber, and protein. These Sunflower Seed Butter Oatmeal Cookies by Jennifer Strohmeyer are the way forward!
7. Yogi Date Balls
Source: Yogi Date Balls
Yogi Date Balls by Jesse Lane Lee are naturally sweetened with dates and full of delicious and nutritious seeds and nuts. They’re also packed with protein and fiber that will fuel your practice. The best part is you can make them in less than ten minutes with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry! Yogi Date Balls are raw; there is no baking required and the nutrients in the ingredients will stay intact.
8. Glow Buns Energy Balls
These Glow Buns Energy Balls by Emma Blake are packed with nutrient-dense seeds and protein from the peanut butter, which makes them the perfect pre/post-workout snack. They are also really easy to make and they keep well in the fridge for up to ten days. You can also freeze them! You can also enjoy these Glow Buns energy balls as a simple and healthy treat any time of day.
9. Chocolate Sunflower Protein Cookies
Source: Chocolate Sunflower Protein Cookies
Sunflower seeds add a surprise texture to these softly crunchy chocolate chip cookies. Bake a few dozen of these Chocolate Sunflower Protein Cookies by Ginny McMeans for your cookie jar and your tummy.
10. Chocolate Coated Nuts and Seeds Granola Bars
Source: Chocolate Coated Nuts and Seeds Granola Bars
If you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-make snack that you can grab on the go, we’ve found the perfect treat. These Chocolate Coated Nuts and Seeds Granola Bars by Tori Cooper are stuffed full of healthy seeds, peanuts, and no refined sugar. Plus, they taste incredible.
11. Coconut Cream Pie With Blackberry Chia Jam
Source: Coconut Cream Pie With Blackberry Chia Jam
Chia jam is a quick, mess-free way to make jam, plus, it is packed with protein as well as fruity goodness. This Coconut Cream Pie With Blackberry Chia Jam by Kat Kothgasser is not for people afraid of a bit of oil, though, as a flakey pie crust just doesn’t work without it. The fat used in this pie is coconut oil, so it’s not all bad and tastes delicious!
12. Peanut Butter and Jelly Fudge Bites
Source: Peanut Butter and Jelly Fudge Bites
Peanut butter and jelly — a magical combo that reminds most people of their childhood. These Peanut Butter and Jelly Fudge Bites by Mitra Shirmohammadi are a twist on the classic sandwich, made with a handful of wholesome ingredients and no refined sugar. You can substitute the peanut butter with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or any other nut/seed butter of your choice.
13. Blueberry and Quinoa Cinnamon Toast Bars
Source: Blueberry and Quinoa Cinnamon Toast Bars
Granola Bars are a great snack or breakfast for busy days, but they aren’t the most economical choice. Luckily, making your own isn’t too difficult and a lot less expensive. These Blueberry Quinoa bars taste fantastic! The list of ingredients is a little long, but it is so worth it! Besides, even with all the ingredients, it’s very fast to put together. Make these Blueberry and Quinoa Cinnamon Toast Bars by Ashley Smyczek over the weekend, so you’ll have a quick breakfast throughout the week!
14. Chewy Butter Pecan Cookies
Source: Chewy Butter Pecan Cookies
These Chewy Butter Pecan Cookies by Gretchen Price are to die for! The vegan butter makes them chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. They’re nice and sweet with pockets of melted chocolate chips and pecans to give them a nice nutty flavor and extra crunch. Serve them with an after-dinner tea or snack on them after lunch. You will be obsessed with these butter pecan cookies!
15. Pitaya Mini Cheesecakes with Lemon
Source: Pitaya Mini Cheesecakes with Lemon
These cute, delicious, and easy-to-make Pitaya Mini Cheesecakes with Lemon by Lena Novak are amazing. They are so healthy that you can eat them for breakfast.
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