Fall is my absolute favorite season and mainly for the pumpkin treats (not going to sugar coat that). These pumpkin twinkie rolls literally have all the flavor of your classic twinkies but with a fall season pumpkin twist. This Pumpkin Twinkie Roll recipe is completely gluten free and next to zero sugar. I’m all for making my favorite childhood foods but with a healthier twist.
I know I emphasize a lot making my favorite childhood desserts healthy. I do this because growing up I struggled a lot with body dysmorphia, food obsessing, restricting and constant dieting. I had a very unhealthy relationship with food where I wouldn’t eat anything with sugar, high fat or anything that didn’t fit in my “diet”. This started at a very early age. Until I grew up, educated myself and understood the power of food and what it truly does for you and your body, I was able to heal that relationship. You never have to restrict yourself but rather find healthier alternatives that truly benefit and fuel your body.
No need to go to the pumpkin patch to enjoy the sweetness of pumpkin treats! This is the perfect fall dessert and the easiest to bring for Thanksgiving dinner (also a great excuse to enjoy pumpkin flavor) or to enjoy at home with your coffee (maybe a pumpkin spice latte perhaps?). You will definitely want to make this one over and over again. It has spongey, moist, fluffy cake like texture for the roll and a sweet vanilla cream cheese filling inside.
Pumpkin Cake Dough :
Vanilla Filling :
Gluten Free : This Pumpkin Twinkie recipe is Gluten Free! If you'd like to add some gluten though, feel more than welcome to sub out GF flour with regular flour!
Extra Hungry? The current recipe makes about 10 Pumpkin Twinkies, but feel welcome to double the recipe for more to love, share, and (pumpkin) spice it up!
Adjust the oven rack to the middle. Pre heat oven to 350F.
Line a 10 x 15 inch baking sheet with parchment paper.
Using a stand mixer or hand mixer. Use whisk attachment. Whisk the eggs and sugar together until pale, thick and fluffy. About triple the volume. This should take about 4-5 minutes on a high speed setting (you’ll know).
Add the pumpkin puree and whisk for about 30 seconds until it's mixed in to the batter.
In a separate bowl sift together your oat flour, gluten free flour, xanthum gum, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger.
Add the dry sifted ingredients to the egg / pumpkin mixture and whisk for about 30 seconds until there are zero flour clumps. Scrape down sides of the bowl and remix so there aren’t any unmixed patches.
Transfer the pumpkin cake batter into the lined baking sheet and smooth it out into an even layer, tap the baking sheet on the counter a couple of times to help it settle / spread out.
Bake at 350F for about 10-11 minutes or until well risen, golden on top, spongy to touch and inserted tooth pick comes out clean.
Take out the pumpkin cake of the oven and allow to cool at room temperature.
Now it's time to make the frosting! Use a hand mixer or stand mixer, use the whisk attachments.
In a large bowl whisk together the whipping cream and confectioner sugar until soft peaks form. YUM.
In a separate bowl whisk cream cheese until smooth.
Add all vanilla filling ingredients together and whisk again for about 40 seconds until well combined and soft peaks form.
Once the sponge part has cooled, leave the pumpkin sponge cake in the baking sheet and slide it onto the counter, CAREFULLY.
Cut off any loose, awkward ends around the pumpkin sponge cake.
Spread an even layer of vanilla icing all over the top of the pumpkin sponge cake, all the way to the edges.
Turn the pumpkin sponge cake so a short edge is close to you. So carefully start rolling it. Be mindful with this part. I’ve made this recipe a couple times now and haven’t had an issue but was still super gentle. Make sure to roll the pumpkin sponge cake fairly tight to avoid holes in your roll. Your pumpkin roll should be roughly 10 inches, the size of the baking sheet.
Dust the pumpkin roll with some confectioner sugar.
Cut the pumpkin roll in about 1 inch slices, wiping the knife in between each cut.
Serve these tasty little Pumpkin Twinkies and enjoy!
Especially this time of year, our sweet tooth definitely comes out! We hope you love this Pumpkin Twinkie Roll recipe and that it kicks your sweets craving without all the additional sugars.
Cozy up and enjoy the Pumpkin Twinkie Rolls with it's perfect warm beverage match - a Pumpkin Spice latte (or if you prefer tea, Rooibos Chai)!
I have such a passion for baking and sharing recipes with you all. Whenever I get down in the kitchen I think of the good old days where my Oma and I would spend hours in her kitchen baking the tastiest desserts. I don’t know how much help I was at the time or if I was just the sampler. Regardless I was lucky enough to be sitting on a stool, helping at times, watching, licking the spoons, making a bigger mess then she needed and getting to try all the delicious things she made. I owe to her for a lot of my baking inspiration. These are memories I cherish forever and remember when I’m baking away in the kitchen.
Mahalo for checking out this Crimson tavernorlando x Aly Marie recipe! For more on Alyssa, check out her Instagram @alymariee._ and Lifestyle Blog for recipes and more!
Growing up I had an extremely unhealthy relationship with food, which then affected my self esteem and body image. As I got older, it became apparent that healthy relationships in all aspects of life come from smaller, smarter choices. I started creating all my unhealthy favorites into healthier recipes, with whole food ingredients, less sugar and higher protein. This later on has translated into my own healthy baking business, Blooming In Health.
Bloom is ultimately a reflection of me, I love my treats and sweets but without all the added calories, gluten and sugar. We have proudly sold over a million protein donuts in Canada. We are also launching a gluten free 1 to 1 flour coming soon, so be on the lookout for that.
One thing I have learned through my personal journey is obstacles and hurdles arise almost on a daily basis. Everyday is a new opportunity to work on yourself with the right education and support. I want to help those around me create healthy meals and treats. After being through it all, I have learnt that health and fitness is about so much more than just looking, eating or training a certain way. It’s about our physical and mental health. It’s about finding what works best for you as an individual. It’s about being strong, being active, consuming foods that are going to nourish our body and fuel our lives. It’s about having a healthy relationship with food and most importantly, being able to love and accept yourself at every stage, every step of the way. This is why I will continue to share my recipes, what works for me, and spread positivity.
About 4 years ago I became a Brand Ambassador for Crimson tavernorlando. A couple years later, here I am, sharing my recipes and tips on their blog. Creating my own recipes and seeing others create them for themselves, friends and family is something I am super passionate about. I am grateful for the opportunity to share them, not only on my own platforms, but through the Crimson tavernorlando community as well. I hope it inspires others to get creative with your own recipes and live a healthier lifestyle without limiting your favorite foods.
I don't know about you guys, but I am weak when it comes to child hood treats. They are so delicious. I grew up eating pop tarts! If you're a 90s kid, you probably have too. As I got older and got into more of a healthy lifestyle, I haven't really had pop tarts since. This recipe I am about to share with you is unbelievably easy to make - almost as easy as unboxing a pop tart and putting it in the toaster.
Making my favorite unhealthy recipes into healthier recipes that accommodate to my adult dietary needs is something I am super passionate about. So the gluten free and sugar free options are not necessary, but for myself I prefer it. I have a gluten sensitivity and I try my best to keep my sugar intake low.
These pop tarts only require TWO ingredients, they quickly air fry to golden flake-y perfection, and then get drizzled in a super simple, classic sweet icing. Oh. And don’t forget the sprinkles.
2 packages of Gluten Free refrigerated pie crusts
16 tablespoons pie filling (or preserves) - I used a strawberry stevia sweetened jam.
1 cup powdered sugar - I used swerve confectioner ( sugar free )
2 Tablespoons Milk
Sprinkles
Choose your flavor. I did strawberry jam filling for these pop tarts but there is so many variations you can do. Use any type of Fruit, cherries, apples (omg the McDonald's apple baked pies are also so easy to replicate), blueberries, raspberries, any type of jelly! You can use any type of pie filling as well, just keep in mind to not use any fillings that are too watery. Chocolate chips and Nutella are also great for both filling and icing for the top. Make yourself a Nut Butter flavor using peanut butter and jam, almond butter blueberry crumble etc. For a Brown Sugar Cinnamon tart, use cinnamon, a little flour and brown sugar - mix together for a filling - SO GOOD. For icing, you can also mix it up using cream cheese.
Gluten Free : This recipe is Gluten Free! If you'd like to add some gluten though, feel more than welcome to sub out GF refrigerated pie crusts with regular ones!
Vegetarian? This sweet treat is Vegetarian-friendly!
Extra Hungry? The current recipe makes about 6 pop tarts, but feel welcome to double the recipe for more to love!
Roll. To get started with these gluten and sugar free pop tarts, roll out the two pie crusts to about a quarter of an inch thick onto a lightly floured surface. You may have to add a little of your own gluten free flour if its sticky and wet.
Cut. Then, slice the pie dough into four rectangles or into equal squares.
Fill. Next, spoon out two heaping tablespoons of tart filling in the middle of half of the dough rectangles but leave ½-inch around the edges.
Crimp. Immediately lay one of the other rectangles on top, crimping the edges with a fork to seal the edges. Put two small holes in the top of each tart to release steam.
Preheat. Meanwhile, set the air fryer to 360 degrees F to preheat.
Spray. Then, spray the basket of the fryer with cooking spray and place each tart inside, leaving room on each side for air to circulate.
Fry. Finally, arrange each tart in the air fryer basket in a single layer without touching each other. Then, cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the edges are a golden color. After that, transfer to a cooling rack.
Mix the icing. Last, use a small bowl to mix the ingredients for the icing.
Cool. Let the tarts sit for about 30 minutes to cool completely before icing them.
Frost. Last but not least, frost each pop tart and add some sprinkles! ENJOY!!
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Be sure to allow space between each pop tart so the circulating air can cook the pop tarts evenly. If you need to, cook the tarts in batches.
Leave an Edge: You’ll want to make sure you leave an edge so that you can seal your pop tarts properly. You don’t want the filling oozing out all over the air fryer.
Storing Leftovers: Keep leftovers in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Freeze for up to 4 months. To reheat, thaw the frozen air fryer pop tarts. Place in the air fryer at 360 degrees for 3 minutes.
Know Your Air Fryer: As with all appliances, no two air fryers are exactly alike. It’s important to know how your air fryer cooks. Feel free to adjust the temperature and time as you see fit. This is a starting point. Keep an eye on the first batch you make to see how your air fryer bakes these incredible pop tarts.
Poke the Dough: Be sure to poke holes in the dough before you air fry the pop tarts. This allows the steam to escape from inside and keeps the dough from bubbling up, which allows the crust to cook more evenly.
Mahalo for checking out this Crimson tavernorlando x Aly Marie recipe! For more on Alyssa, check out her Instagram @alymariee._ and Lifestyle Blog for recipes and more!
Growing up I had an extremely unhealthy relationship with food, which then affected my self esteem and body image. As I got older, it became apparent that healthy relationships in all aspects of life come from smaller, smarter choices. I started creating all my unhealthy favorites into healthier recipes, with whole food ingredients, less sugar and higher protein. This later on has translated into my own healthy baking business, Blooming In Health.
Bloom is ultimately a reflection of me, I love my treats and sweets but without all the added calories, gluten and sugar. We have proudly sold over a million protein donuts in Canada. We are also launching a gluten free 1 to 1 flour come August 2022, so be on the lookout for that.
One thing I have learned through my personal journey is obstacles and hurdles arise almost on a daily basis. Everyday is a new opportunity to work on yourself with the right education and support. I want to help those around me create healthy meals and treats. After being through it all, I have learnt that health and fitness is about so much more than just looking, eating or training a certain way. It’s about our physical and mental health. It’s about finding what works best for you as an individual. It’s about being strong, being active, consuming foods that are going to nourish our body and fuel our lives. It’s about having a healthy relationship with food and most importantly, being able to love and accept yourself at every stage, every step of the way. This is why I will continue to share my recipes, what works for me, and spread positivity.
About 4 years ago I became a Brand Ambassador for Crimson tavernorlando. A couple years later, here I am, sharing my recipes and tips on their blog. Creating my own recipes and seeing others create them for themselves, friends and family is something I am super passionate about. I am grateful for the opportunity to share them, not only on my own platforms, but through the Crimson tavernorlando community as well. I hope it inspires others to get creative with your own recipes and live a healthier lifestyle without limiting your favorite foods.
OK guys, I take my guac very very serious. I have made tons of different guacamole and have come to realize the most authentic guac is the best. This is for real the only recipe you will need.
Avocado is a staple food in our house and has been for years now. It's also a really good way to get your healthy fats in. I love adding avocado to smoothes, avocado toast, eggs, fajitas, tacos. I for sure have avocado in one way or another daily. This recipe is best to snack with fresh veggies and tortilla chips, but also pairs wonderfully with a meal! Add to your at-home tacos and burritos - or on my personal favorite - Avocado toast with some eggs and extra sprouts and radishes!
Having this recipe as a base you can easily add in corn, spice for spicy guac, if you wanted to add some heat.
So in this particular recipe we held off on cilantro, not everyone in our household is a fan unfortunately for me because I am cilantros number one fan.
I hope you enjoy this guac as much as we do!
2 Ripe Avocados
1/4 Diced Red Onion (optional)
1/2 Diced Pepper (optional)
Gluten Free : Current Guac Recipe is Gluten Free! Just grab some GF Tortilla Chips or veggies to dip.
Dairy Free: Current Guac Recipe is Dairy Free!
Vegan or Vegetarian? Current Guac Recipe is Vegetarian and Vegan friendly!
Extra Hungry? Double the recipe, or pair with tacos, a burrito, or any protein for a filling meal.
Mix it up! Some optional add-ins that we think you may love - cilantro and/or corn!
Turn up the heat! Add in some cayenne pepper or spicy pepper to turn this mild guac up a couple notches to medium or spicy!
This guac is best enjoyed fresh.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Peel the avocados and cut out the pit. Dice the avocado. I honestly prefer it a little chunky but its your personal preference.
Finely chop or, better yet, press the Garlic using a garlic press.
Add in Red Onion, Tomato, Peppers diced.
Add Salt.
Squeeze Lime all over.
Mix it up, garnish / add Cilantro if desired.
Pair the final guac with your favorite chips, veggies, or meal! Enjoy!
Mahalo for checking out this Crimson tavernorlando x Aly Marie recipe! For more on Alyssa, check out her Instagram @alymariee._ and Lifestyle Blog for recipes and more!
I think my absolute favorite thing about creating recipes is the challenge I get when I take an old unhealthy one and remake it with a healthy twist.
My biggest weakness is my sweet tooth. I am big on creating healthy treat recipes that taste amazing, but don’t sway me from my goals. I also like to keep things simple; having recipes that are super straight forward that don’t require 347 different ingredients is nice too!
With this Banana Cream Pie Recipe, we love that it's as sweet as it is health-conscious! There's options to sub out the ingredients for various options that best suit your tastes and preferences, but at the end of the day, you don't have to omit the yummy flavor of pie out of your diet to feel healthy.
Have no regrets about indulging your sweet tooth with this guilt- free, 100 calorie per serving Banana Cream Pie recipe!
In the mood to mix it up? An amazing twist on strawberry shortcake can also be accomplished by simply replacing the bananas with fresh strawberries!
We used Gluten Free, Low Fat, and Sugar alternatives with these ingredients, but feel welcome to change these out with others if that suits your tastes better!
This recipe is about 100 calories per serving!
Combine 1 pack of Sugar Free Vanilla Pudding and 1.5 cup coconut milk. Mix with an electric hand mixer on medium for 2-3 minutes. Until thick pudding consistency.
In a separate bowl, combine 3/4 cups Graham Crumbs + 1/4 cups Melted Butter (or Coconut Oil) and mix.
Take 4 small jars or two bigger ones or even use bowls, honestly whatever you have! Start by layering the graham crumb mixture at the bottom, then layer with pudding.
Cut Banana into small slices, then layer on top of the pudding.
Add Cool Whip to the top with a little sprinkle of graham crumbs.
Mahalo for checking out this Crimson tavernorlando x Aly Marie recipe! For more on Alyssa, check out her Instagram @alymariee._ and Lifestyle Blog for recipes and more!
This delicious Chicken Fried Rice is like having authentic version but without all the extra grease and calories. Here's our healthy take on it, so easy to make with the benefit of also having the most amazing flavor layers.
Ever since I can remember, I've always ordered the chicken fried rice on the menu of my favorite Chinese Restaurants. I absolutely LOVE it. This is a staple in our home, we for sure have it once a week. Busy lives means easier dinners but keeping them healthy.
This recipe is easy enough to sub out chicken for shrimp, tofu etc. or add in for extra protein! You can also swap the rice for cauliflower if you are wanting a lower carb meal. Lastly if you want to add in more veggies, feel free to do so!
Also a little pro tip for you.. in a hurry or exhausted from a long day of work, buy a cooked whole chicken from the grocery store. They are nearly the same price as raw chicken breasts/thighs and taste just as good. I do this about 50% of the time just depends on what my days are like. SAVES EVEN MORE TIME!!!
Gluten Free : Sub a generic Soy Sauce with a Gluten Free version
Dairy Free: Current Recipe is Dairy Free!
Vegan or Vegetarian? Omit the meat entirely, sub out for more veggies or Tofu!
Not in the mood for Chicken? Sub the chicken out for Steak, Shrimp, Tofu, or omit it entirely!
Extra Hungry? Double the recipe, add extra veggies, or more protein!
Cook chicken and rice separately, cut cooked chicken into pieces, set aside.
In a large skillet or wok, preheat olive oil over medium heat and add onion and garlic. Cook until onions are soft, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the garlic from burning.
Add peas and carrots and cook until partially thawed, 1 to 2 minutes.
Turn the heat up to medium-high and add cooked rice. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until rice is nice and hot and starts to brown. Add in cut up chicken pieces. Reduce heat and push rice, veggies, chicken to the sides of the pan, making a hole for the eggs.
Crack the eggs into the middle of the pan and scramble. Once eggs are cooked, stir them into the fried rice.
Mix soy sauce and sesame oil together and pour over rice. Stir until fried rice is evenly coated with sauce.
Top with chopped green onions and/or cilantro, optional.
Mahalo for checking out this Crimson tavernorlando x Aly Marie recipe! For more on Alyssa, check out her Instagram @alymariee._ and Lifestyle Blog for recipes and more!