Easy Sourdough Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins Recipe | Moist & Delicious Fall Treat

Are you new to sourdough? If so I'm sure you have been hearing about discard recipes. When I first started my sourdough journey I was pretty confused about this discard stuff. 

Doesn't discard mean the stuff you throw away? 

Well I quickly came to realize that discard did not need to be wasted by throwing it in the trash - instead sourdough discard is a common ingredient in so many amazing recipes! Sourdough discard is a game changer by adding that little something extra (amazing flavor) to so many recipes. 

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Today I'm going to share with you one of my new favorite sourdough discard recipes, Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins! 

These little treats do not last long around my house which made it such a challenge to get a few pictures before all that was left were empty cupcake wrappers. I wish you could smell these muffins when they are fresh out of the oven, oh wait, you CAN - fire up your oven, gather the following ingredients and bake a few dozen yourself! 

Sourdough Discard Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Muffins

These soft, moist pumpkin muffins are a great way to use up extra sourdough discard. They're packed with warm cinnamon flavor and plenty of mini chocolate chips—perfect for breakfast, snacks, or lunchboxes.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (280 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 1½ teaspoons (10 g) baking soda
• 2 teaspoons (8 g) baking powder
• 1 teaspoon (6 g) salt
• 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon (9 g) ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs (150 g), room temperature
• 1 (15-ounce/425 g) can pure pumpkin puree
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 heaping cup (260 g) sourdough discard
• 1½ cups (270 g) mini chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners or lightly grease the pan.

2. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.

3. Mix the wet ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin puree, melted butter, and sourdough discard until smooth.

4. Combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Do not overmix.

5. Add the chocolate chips. Fold in about 1¼ cups of the mini chocolate chips, reserving the rest for topping.

6. Fill the muffin cups. Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the tops.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.

8. Cool. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips

• Makes approximately 18 standard muffins (bake in batches if needed).
• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freeze cooled muffins in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.

Homemade Cherry Cinnamon Rolls

There’s something magical about pulling a pan of freshly baked cinnamon rolls from the oven. The sweet aroma of cinnamon, sugar, and butter fills the kitchen, and suddenly, everyone seems to gather around the table a little faster. 

Cinnamon rolls are one of those timeless treats that feel just as perfect on a lazy weekend morning as they do during the holidays, served warm with coffee or hot cocoa.

This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Also, Paradise & Pennant Food Co. provided me, free of charge, with samples of their sweetened real fruit products to test. The opinions and recipes are all mine!

This recipe makes soft, pillowy rolls with a gooey cherry and cinnamon-sugar swirl and a vanilla sugar glaze that melts into every crevice. While they do take a bit of time with the rising and rolling, the process is part of the charm—it’s a recipe that invites you to slow down and enjoy the steps along the way.

Whether you’re baking these for family brunch, a special celebration, or simply because you deserve a cozy homemade treat, these cinnamon rolls will be worth every minute. Plus, you can prep them the night before and bake them fresh in the morning, making them an excellent make-ahead option.

A Twist on Traditional Cinnamon Rolls

Using sweetened real fruit red cherries in these cinnamon rolls puts a little extra flavor and color in these rolls! The bright red diced cherry pieces look so festive and the cherry aroma while baking is just out of this world good. 

If you have never used sweetened real fruit before I highly recommend you use Paradise Fruit Co. They have a huge variety of fruits and flavors that add so much color and flavor to your baking. Also, their website contains tons of delicious recipes you will have to try!!  

So grab your mixing bowl and mixer, warm up the oven, and let’s make the kind of cinnamon rolls that disappear almost as quickly as you set them on the table. Here’s a cozy, classic recipe for Homemade Cherry Cinnamon Rolls that are soft, fluffy, and full of gooey cherry cinnamon-sugar filling.

Homemade Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 1 cup warm milk (about 110°F)

• 2 ¼ tsp (1 packet) active dry yeast

• ½ cup granulated sugar

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted

• 2 large eggs, room temperature

• 4 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus extra for rolling)

• 1 tsp salt

For the Filling:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed

• 2 ½ tbsp ground cinnamon

• 1 8oz container Paradise Fruit Co. sweetened real fruit red cherries, diced 

For the Vanilla Sugar Glaze:

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• 2–3 tbsp milk (to thin, if needed)

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Instructions

1. Make the Dough

   • In a large bowl, combine warm milk and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.

   • Mix in sugar, melted butter, and eggs. Stir well.

   • Add flour and salt gradually, mixing until a dough forms.

   • Knead on a floured surface for about 8 minutes (or with a dough hook for 5 minutes) until smooth and elastic.

2. First Rise

• Place dough in a greased bowl, cover with a towel, and let rise in a warm spot for 1–1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.

1. Prepare the Filling

• Mix softened butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon in a small bowl until spreadable.

• Dice the sweetened real fruit cherries into small bits

1. Shape the Rolls

• Punch down risen dough. Roll out into a large rectangle (about 16x12 inches).

• Spread the cinnamon filling evenly over the dough. Then sprinkle the diced sweetened cherries over the dough.

• Starting from the long side, roll dough tightly into a log. Slice into 12 even pieces.

1. Second Rise

• Place rolls in a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Cover and let rise for 30–45 minutes until puffy.

1. Bake

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

• Bake rolls for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.

1. Make the Glaze

   • Mix the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. If too thin add more powdered sugar.

2. Frost and Serve

   • Spread glaze over warm cinnamon rolls. Serve immediately!

PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD

Optional Overnight Rolls

For overnight cinnamon rolls, prepare up to the second rise, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, let rolls sit at room temp for 45 minutes before baking.

These Cherry Cinnamon Rolls did not last long in our house!! This treat was definitely TEEN BOY Approved!!

10+ Mouthwatering Summer Desserts To Serve At Your Next Cook-Out

Looking for easy summer dessert recipes that don’t require you to fire up the oven on a hot summer day? No problem! These tasty treats are easy to make, whip up quickly, and will satisfy any sweet tooth, keeping you and your guests cool all summer long. 

One of my favorite things about summertime is the desserts. Warm sunny days are perfect for outdoor grilling, and in our family, we believe a cookout isn’t complete until dessert is served.

This post contains affiliate links (Amazon) which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more info please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

To me, summertime desserts should be light and refreshing, unlike the dense baked goods we crave in the fall. With an abundance of fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries, blueberries, watermelon, and peaches, your summer dessert recipes can be taken to the next level of deliciousness.  

Some of my fondest summer memories are helping my children build their own custom s’mores while enjoying a bonfire. My oldest insists on smothering a thick layer of creamy peanut butter onto the graham crackers before adding a piece of dark chocolate and a warm, gooey marshmallow, while my youngest prefers his s’more plain and simple. 

Whether you are gathered around an evening campfire assembling s'mores or digging into an ice cream sundae, summer desserts are sure to become some of your favorite memories. To help you stay cool this summer, I am sharing 10 of the best summer dessert recipes for you to try at your next cookout or party. Many of these dessert recipes are easy enough that your kids can help make them too.

10+ Summer Dessert Recipes To Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Prepare these cool ice cream treats ahead of time and serve them right after dinner. 

Ice Cream Desserts

1. Cookies & Creme Frozen Pudding Pops

This kid-friendly dessert recipe is perfect for all ages. Simple pantry staples combine to make a cool summer treat.

Mix crushed Oreo cookies, thawed Cool Whip whipped topping, and chocolate pudding together until blended. Spoon the mixture into small paper cups and insert a wooden popsicle stick or plastic spoon into the center. Freeze at least 6 hours or until firm. Remove the paper cup before serving. 

2. Ice Cream Cake

This cake is a great alternative to the traditional birthday cake if you are hosting a summer birthday party. 

Whisk together ½ cup fudge ice cream topping with 1 cup of cool whip and a package of chocolate-flavored instant pudding. Unwrap 4 ice cream sandwiches and place them side by side on a sheet of aluminum foil. Spread a layer of the chocolate pudding mixture. Repeat until you have three layers. Frost the top and sides with the remaining Cool Whip, then loosely cover with more aluminum foil. Freeze for 5 hours before serving.

3. Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches

This recipe is a twist on the traditional ice cream sandwich. Keep a few extras in the freezer to serve to unexpected guests who pop in for a visit this summer. 

Spoon 2 tablespoons of softened vanilla ice cream onto one chocolate chip cookie. Place a second cookie on top of the ice cream. Roll the edges in chopped peanuts. Place them in the freezer until hardened (1-2 hours). 

4. Orange Creamsicle Layered Dessert

A refreshing and creamy dessert guaranteed to become one of your favorites.  Be warned, you will want to make it again and again!

Line a loaf pan with aluminum foil. Spread 2 cups of softened orange sherbet into the bottom of the pan. Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 1 can of sweetened condensed milk and ½ cup orange juice together. Sir, in 8 ounces of Cool Whip topping. Pour over the sherbet in the pan and freeze for 4 hours. To serve, invert the pan onto a plate, remove the foil, and slice into pieces. 

No-Bake Desserts

Easy no-bake pies come together quickly and are the perfect summer dessert to share.

5. Chocolate Mint Grasshopper Pie

The refreshing and classic cool mint flavor of this pie is hard for anyone to resist. 

Mix 1 ½ cups milk with one package of pistachio flavor instant pudding & pie filling until well blended. Fold in 1 ½ cups of cool whip topping. Spoon into prepared chocolate cookie pie crust, then spread 1/2c cup of cool whip over it. Drizzle chocolate syrup over the top and freeze for 2 hours until firm. 

6. Strawberry Lemonade Cheesecake Pie

Lemonade and strawberries are two popular summer flavors, and when combined in this pie, they become a real sweet treat. 

Beat 8 ounces of cream cheese with ½ cup thawed frozen lemonade concentrate. Whisk 2 cups of Cool Whip into the lemonade mixture. Spoon the lemonade mixture into a prepared graham cracker pie crust. Refrigerate for 4 hours until firm. Before serving, spread 1 cup of cool whip over the pie, then top with 1 ½ cups of fresh sliced strawberries.

Delicious Non-Traditional Summer Desserts

7. Gourmet S’mores

Let’s crank this dessert up a notch from the classic graham cracker + chocolate + marshmallow to a more edgy gourmet version. Try a strawberry shortcake s’more by using sugar cookies + white chocolate + sliced fresh strawberries + marshmallow. These delicious gourmet s’more combinations are addicting!

8. Pineapple Angel Lush Cake 

Tropical and light, this dessert will satisfy your sweet tooth on a hot summer day. 

Mix 1 package of dry vanilla instant pudding & pie filling with 1 can of crushed pineapple, undrained. Fold in 1 cup of cool whip topping. Cut a prepared round angel food cake horizontally into three layers. Place the bottom layer on a cake plate, then spread with one-third of the pineapple mixture. Repeat the layers two more times. Refrigerate for one hour. Before serving, top with fresh sliced strawberries and blueberries. 

9. Berry Cheesecake Parfaits

You worked hard to get your body swimsuit ready, but you still crave something sweet now and then. This dessert is a good compromise between healthy and sweet, so you can enjoy every bite. 

Add 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt, ¼ cup whipping cream, 2 teaspoons lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 tablespoons sugar, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract to the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium speed until light and fluffy. Divide yogurt mixture evenly into 4 parfait glasses, top with fresh sliced fruit, and drizzle with honey.

10. Fruit Granita

A traditional Italian dessert, with a texture similar to a snow cone, granitas are loaded with fruity summer flavors that are easy to make and will keep you cool and refreshed on a hot summer day. 

For each of the flavored granitas below, add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the mixture into a shallow baking pan, cover it with foil, and freeze for one hour. Scrape the mixture with a fork to make individual ice crystals and freeze for an additional 2 hours. Scrape the granita again, then break it up into chunks to serve. 

Watermelon Granita:

• 4 cups cubed watermelon chunks 

• ⅓ cup lime juice 

• ⅓ cup sugar 

Blueberry Granita:

• 4 cups fresh blueberries

• ½ cup grape juice 

• ⅓ cup sugar

 Lemon Granita:

• 4 cups water

• ⅔ cup lemon juice

• zest from one lemon

• ¾ cup sugar

Strawberry Granita:

• 4 cups sliced strawberries

• ⅓ cup sugar

• 1 cup water

• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

The best summer desserts are those you share with friends and family. Whether you are grilling out at a backyard cookout or gathering around a bonfire, make your summer memorable and extra special with one of these tasty dessert recipes.

15 Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for Busy Parents

Balancing work, family, and personal time demands can be challenging for busy parents. One way to ease the daily stress of meal planning and ensure your family eats healthy is through meal prepping. Preparing meals in advance saves time during the week, reduces food waste, and makes nutritious choices easier. 

In addition to meal prepping another big help is having the right containers to keep your pre-made homecooked meals in so they are ready to feed your family. 

This post contains affiliate links which means if you click on a link and make a purchase I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more information please see my Disclaimer page. Thanks!

Here are 15 healthy meal prep ideas that are perfect for busy parents

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1. Quinoa & Veggie Stir-Fry

Quinoa is a fantastic base for a quick, nutrient-packed meal. Cook a large batch of quinoa and mix it with sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. If you are really short on time toss a bag of frozen stir-fry veggies into the microwave for 5 minutes to use as your veggie. Add a simple sauce of low-sodium soy sauce and sesame oil for flavor. Divide into containers for easy lunches or dinners.

Quinoa freezes well so to save time in the future you can double your batch, add the veggies, and pop it into the freezer to use for another day.

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2. Chicken & Sweet Potato Bowls

Roast chicken breasts and sweet potatoes together on a sheet pan make my mouth water just thinking about it. Add a side of steamed green beans or spinach. Sweet potatoes provide complex carbohydrates, and chicken offers lean protein, making this a balanced meal option. 

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3. Turkey & Veggie Muffins

Mix together cooked ground turkey with finely chopped vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and onions. Prepare a box of Jiffy cornbread muffin mix as directed on the box then stir in the meat and veggie mixture. Grease a muffin tin and divide the mixture evenly into each well. Bake in muffin tins for convenient, protein-packed muffins that are great for snacks or quick meals on the go.

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4. Greek Yogurt Parfaits

Layer Greek yogurt with fresh berries and a sprinkle of granola in mason jars. Check out this amazing cinnamon orange granola recipe to use in this meal prep plan. 

These parfaits are high in protein and perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. You can prepare several jars at once for easy grab-and-go options.

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5. Chickpea Salad

Combine a can of chickpeas with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and a simple lemon-tahini dressing. This salad is rich in protein and fiber, making it a filling and nutritious option for lunch or a light dinner.

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6. Beef & Veggie Stir-Fry

Cook lean beef strips with a variety of colorful vegetables like snap peas, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Serve over brown rice or cauliflower rice. This meal is packed with protein and fiber, and it stores well in the fridge. 

Did you know that rice freezes well? I always double it when I make rice and freeze half for later. Just another time-saving trick when life gets busy!

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7. Egg Muffins

Whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, spinach, tomatoes, and a bit of shredded cheese, then pour into greased muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes. These egg muffins are easy to make in advance and provide a protein-rich breakfast or snack option.

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8. Italian Sausage & Lentil Soup

Make a big pot of this Italian sausage and lentil soup with carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Portion the soup into individual containers for easy reheating throughout the week. This recipe also freezes well so make sure to double it so you can enjoy it again later on.

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9. Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fill bell peppers with a mixture of cooked turkey, brown rice, and vegetables. Bake until the peppers are tender. These are great for making ahead and can be easily reheated for a nutritious meal.

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10. Salmon & Asparagus Foil Packs

Season salmon fillets and asparagus with herbs and lemon, then wrap in foil and bake. These foil packs are easy to prepare and clean up, and the salmon provides healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

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11. Overnight Oats

Combine oats with milk or a dairy-free alternative, chia seeds, and your favorite fruit or nuts. Let it sit overnight in the fridge. This easy breakfast option is perfect for busy mornings and can be customized to your taste.

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12. Chicken Fajita Bowls

Cook chicken with fajita seasoning and mix with sautéed onions and bell peppers. Serve over brown rice or quinoa with a side of black beans and avocado. These bowls are flavorful and can be portioned for several meals.

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13. Vegetable & Hummus Wraps

Spread hummus on whole-wheat tortillas and layer with fresh vegetables like spinach, cucumbers, and shredded carrots. Roll up and slice into pinwheels for a quick, nutritious lunch or snack.

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14. Baked Ziti with Spinach

Prepare a batch of whole-wheat ziti with marinara sauce, ricotta cheese, and spinach. Bake until bubbly and portion into individual servings. This dish combines whole grains, veggies, and protein in a family-friendly meal.

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15. Fruit & Nut Energy Balls

Mix oats, nut butter, honey, and dried fruit or nuts, then roll into balls. These energy balls are great for a quick snack and can be stored in the fridge for easy access throughout the week. Get the printable recipe here for my no-bake oatmeal peanut butter energy bite recipe! 

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Tips for Successful Meal Prep

• Plan Ahead: Choose a day each week to plan and prepare your meals. Sunday works well for many families.

• Batch Cooking: Cook large quantities of staple ingredients like grains, proteins, and vegetables that can be used in multiple dishes. Freeze any extra to use for the next time you meal prep.

• Storage: Invest in quality containers that are microwave and dishwasher-safe. Glass or plastic containers work well.

• Variety: Mix up your meals to avoid boredom and ensure you're getting a range of nutrients.

• Helpers: Encourage your kids to help with your weekly meal prep! Not only will they get to spend time with you but they can learn how to make healthy meals too!

By incorporating these meal prep ideas into your routine, you’ll find that managing family meals becomes much more manageable. Healthy eating doesn’t have to be time-consuming—it's all about preparation and making smart choices. Happy prepping!

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