If you want your house to smell like banana bread without actually baking banana bread, make this granola.

This granola is pretty rad, and provides yet another way to use up overripe bananas; serious score in my book.

The ingredients you need are likely in your pantry RIGHT THIS SECOND. WHOA. EVEN the wet ingredients: coconut oil, agave nectar or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a big ol’ ripe banana.

Banana Bread Granola from Minimalist Baker →

I remember the first time I tried a black bean brownie (circa 2012).

My eyes almost crossed I was so perplexed. I immediately thought, “Oh my goodness, this can’t be real.”

A brownie made with wholesome ingredients that tastes like the real thing? Sounds too good to be true, but believe me, it’s not.

Since sharing my original recipe on the blog, I’ve revamped the ingredients to make this version naturally sweetened, while remaining entirely vegan and gluten free.

Refined-Sugar-Free Turtle Brownies (GF) from Minimalist Baker →

I still remember the first time I walked into a coffee shop as a complete newbie and feeling totally dumbfounded as to what to order.

My choice in the colder months was hot chocolate – obviously. But once summer hit, I ventured into blended frozen drink territory.

Enter: my love for the frappuccino.

I don’t order frappuccinos anymore at coffee shops. As I’ve said before, they have enough calories and sugar to sink a boat and I’m honestly more into almond milk lattes and straight up drip coffee these days.

Cold Brew Caramel Frappuccino from Minimalist Baker →

Last summer I struck a serious love affair with mangos. They’re so creamy, satisfying and naturally sweet (and super healthy), and lend themselves perfectly to smoothies, sorbet, and Popsicles!

Yep, it’s about that time. Summer is almost here and it already feels like it in the Midwest. I’ve already started setting my alarm to get up early so I can squeeze in my morning walk/run without burning up.

Around this time I start craving cold things in the morning like cereal and smoothies.

Mango Green Tea Pops from Minimalist Baker →