4 Baked Goods That Will Make You Love Whole Grains Even More

By Merritt Watts

By now, almost everyone knows that whole-grain foods are a nutritional step up from dishes that revolve around refined carbs. But if you’re starting to get the feeling that good-for-you grains are spending just a little too much time on their healthy high horse, remind them of their tasty roots by baking them into one of these whole-grain treats.

A wholesome take on the traditional Dutch baby, this giant pancake is a brunch-worthy indulgence that pleases both the cook and the crowd: It serves four people, no pancake flipping required. The layer of caramelized apples and a light dusting of powdered sugar only sweeten the deal.

Nothing compares to freshly-baked chocolate chip cookies. Let whole grains in on the action with this recipe for chewy-crispy chocolate chip cookies. Applesauce is used to shave off some of the calories, so each cookie clocks in at just 110 calories a pop.

Alert: You are now entering the scone zone! And, once you try these whole-grain pumpkin scones, there’s no going back. Studded with dried cranberries and spiced up with a pumpkin pie spice blend, they’re the kind of treat that can do double duty as breakfast or dessert.

Whole-grain flour, fruit and bran — true, these all sound like signs of something a little too healthy food-y. But these tender banana muffins are still sweet enough to squelch that late-afternoon candy craving.

Merritt Watts is a writer and eater in San Francisco, where strawberries are almost always in season.

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