Coconut Cream Protein Cookie Sandwich

Lately I have been on a coconut kick and can't get enough of its creamy, delicious taste. This morning I wanted to make something quick, easy and relatively healthy. Something which was gluten-free, low in sugar and filling. Thats when these coconut cream protein cookies were brought to my attention and I knew I had to make them. They are made with all-natural sweeteners and are packed with protein from my favorite Vega protein powder. 

Also, this recipe is vegan, making them perfect for anyone. The coconut cream filling gives these cookie sandwiches the perfect sweetness and makes them fun to eat. They're the perfect anytime snack or for breakfast or an after workout snack. 

Lastly, these protein cookie sandwiches take less than 20 minutes to make with only a handful of ingredients required. The recipe calls for sunflower seeds, but I didn't have any in my pantry so I added pumpkin seeds and walnuts instead. You can find the recipe here. 

To make the Coconut Cream filling, you need 1 can of coconut cream, 1/2 cup of coconut flakes (or enough to thicken the coconut cream mixture), 1/4 c. maple syrup and 1 tsp. of vanilla. 

Zucchini Bread

Today is going to be a good day, because I successfully made one of the best zucchini breads ever. Well, it was the only time I've made zucchini bread, but it turned out perfectly! I found the recipe from Domestically Blissful, and it couldn't be any easier to make. There's under 10 ingredients and most of those ingredients are all thrown together and combined into one bowl! Talk about an easy clean up!! 

First, the most time consuming thing you will have to do is grate the zucchinis. I only used two whole zucchini and that was more than enough for the required two cups for this recipe. Make sure that you are grating the zucchini and not spiraling or chopping it, because you want it to mix easily into the batter. 

Once you've finished grating the zucchini, mix the sour cream, sugar and three eggs in a bowl until creamy. You will slowly add in all of the remaining ingredients, starting with the zucchini first, then flour, etc. Make sure all of the ingredients are combined very well and then... you're done! What? That's it? Yes, like I said, this is one of the easiest recipes ever and incredible tasty too! 

Transfer your batter from your mixing bowl to a bread loaf pan, which has either been lined with parchment paper or well greased. Throw into the oven at 325 degree for an hour. I left my zucchini bread in the oven for slightly over an hour to make sure it was baked completely through. 

If you know me, I love trying new things and taking on new challenges, so I I couldn't believe how amazing this bread was after trying it, with all of that zucchini throughout it. This bread is chewy, moist, dense and incredibly flavorful. Oh and look and the beautiful toasted brown color to it! Its definitely a perfect item for Fall. 

Again, you know the drill, share some love on social media with me if you make it and don't forget to tag me @oliviasobjectsofobsession

Pumpkin Maple Pecan Granola (GF)

Since its officially Fall, I have seriously been craving anything to do with Pumpkin. Pumpkin spice, pumpkin seeds, pumpkin pie, pumpkin patches...pretty much anything that involves pumpkins! Therefore, this week for our Motivation Monday recipe, I have decided to focus on an easy, homemade Pumpkin Maple Pecan granola. It not only has roasted pumpkin seeds, but also pumpkin puree in it. 

This recipe is so easy, it takes only about 30 minutes and 25 of those are in the oven! It also only uses a handful of ingredients and since its homemade it isn't overloaded with sweetness and extra sugary ingredients. It tastes like Fall on a spoon and a burst of flavors in your mouth. Its crunchy, not too sweet, light, pumpkin-ey, nutty and all around amazing! I found this incredible recipe here, so make sure to check it out, on how to make. 
 

Make sure to note, that even if you do not believe the granola is done in the oven, remember that it continues to crisp when it is cooling.  

This granola is the perfect thing to put on your yogurt or to bring to work with you as a snack and since it is filled with healthy fats, proteins and fiber, it will keep you feeling full and satisfied throughout the day. 

If you do end up making this amazing granola, and how could you not, make sure to tag me on Instagram @oliviasobjectsofobsession and @minimalistbaker where I found the recipe!! 

Happy Fall!