Dessert for breakfast? Yep! Some scientists think this can help you eat better the rest of the day, so we tried it out.Can this simple lifestyle hack curb snacking? I decided to find out.
Why You Should Eat Dessert for Breakfast—Really!
Updated on Dec. 05, 2022
When you’re trying to eat right, the last thing on your meal plan is dessert, right? What if I told you that was all wrong? That dessert for breakfast is the new way to keep yourself full all day long and prevent excess snacking. I know it’s hard to believe, so I decided to give this dessert-first trend a try myself.
The science: How it all works
Changing the way you eat is a huge move. However, there is some evidence to suggest that eating dessert for breakfast could help stave off hunger for a good part of the day. According to a study from the Endocrine Society, eating a 600-calorie high-carb breakfast including a small dessert such as a sweet cookie or chocolate could help to improve weight loss.
The eight-month trial measured the results of two groups of participants: those who ate a low-carb breakfast and those who ate a high-carb meal instead. Both groups included a sweet dessert-like element in their meals. Those in the higher calorie and higher carb group were able to lose weight and keep it off, unlike the other participants.
The test: Eating dessert for breakfast
My usual morning routine consists of rolling out of bed, pulling on whatever clothes I can find, and drinking a quick coffee before I shoot out the door. Eating is usually the last thing on my mind, especially eating dessert.
In order to ready myself for breakfast—the meal I normally skip—I had to do a little meal planning the night before. I opted for something simple that was both carb-filled and sweet: pancakes, chocolate chips, and a whole load of syrup. I made the pancake mix the night before and kept it in the fridge (psst…do you know which mix was deemed best by our Test Kitchen?). I also set aside a chocolate cookie for good measure. It’s for science!
Get some of the most satisfying chocolate cookie recipes here.
At 7 a.m., when my alarm shook me out of a heavy slumber, I wandered sleepy-eyed to the kitchen not at all enthused by the thought of gobbling down a stack of pancakes. I made the food, all the same, and gave it a go. The first few bites were a little sweet for my taste at that hour, but I soon got past that and finished it all. Then I downed a coffee and headed out.
The results: Curbing my hunger pangs
My everyday workday goes a little something like this: I head to the office, pour some more coffee, and sit down with a biscuit (which is normally my first food of the day). Throughout the day, I eat around every hour, on the hour. Snacks include mini cheese biscuits, chips, fruit, oat bars, chocolate, and whatever else I can get my hands on.
This time around, I headed into the office, poured some coffee and got to work. It wasn’t until 12:35 p.m. that the hunger set it. I had a small lunch of a baked potato and beans and then got back to work. Surprisingly, the day went fast and I hardly thought about snacking (except in one weak moment when a co-worker offered me some chips; I had three). Aside from that, I didn’t feel the need to eat until I got home and made my dinner.
Conclusion
Of course, it could have been the placebo effect: Throughout the day, I was very aware of the fact that I’d had a huge, sugary breakfast. However, having dessert for breakfast certainly had a major impact on my eating habits. I no longer felt the need to constantly fill up and eat anything I could get my hands on. Instead, I stuck to actual meals and got on with my day. For me, at least, this experiment was a huge success.
Will it be something I’ll do regularly? Well, if I can manage to pull myself out bed early each morning, yes.
Super Indulgent Breakfasts You Need to Try
German PancakesPiping hot and puffy from the oven, this golden pancake made a pretty presentation for a skier's theme breakfast I hosted. Served with homemade buttermilk syrup, it's an eye-opening treat. Make several German pancakes if you're feeding a crowd, and keep in mind that my easy syrup tastes great on waffles and French toast too. —Renae Moncur, Burley, Idaho
Croissant Breakfast CasseroleWho says you can’t have it all for breakfast? This savory dish combines flaky croissants, eggs, sausage and Gruyere cheese for the ultimate breakfast (or brunch) casserole. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Eggs BenedictLegend has it that poached eggs on an English muffin started at Delmonico’s in New York. Here’s my take on this brunch classic, and don’t spare the hollandaise. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia
Caramel RollsThese irresistible rolls are perfect as an Easter brunch idea! - Louis Jacobsen, Dallas, Wisconsin
The Best Quiche LorraineNestled in a buttery, rustic crust, this quiche is filled with sweet onions, bacon bits and cheese. It's truly the best quiche Lorraine recipe. —Shannon Norris, Cudahy, Wisconsin
Elegant Smoked Salmon StrataThis fancy overnight egg bake is ideal for guests. In the morning, you can simply let it come to room temperature and whip up side dishes as it bakes. Then get ready for compliments! —Lisa Speer, Palm Beach, Florida
Lemon Ricotta PancakesI'm a firm believer that rhubarb recipes cannot be too plentiful. Here, it is featured in the sauce for lovely lemon pancakes. These are yummy for brunch.— Marilyn Rodriguez, Spark, Nevada
Bananas Foster French ToastMmm…bananas Foster for breakfast! This yummy baked French toast serves up all the taste of the spectacular dessert in fine fashion. —Laurence Nasson, Hingham Massachusetts
ShakshukaShakshuka is a dish of poached eggs with tomatoes, onion and cumin. I learned about it while traveling through Southeast Asia, and it's been my favorite way to eat eggs since. —Ezra Weeks, Calgary, Alberta
Banana Bread Cinnamon RollsThe moist texture of banana bread combines with the warm spices of cinnamon rolls in this unique recipe. Finished with a topping of sweet cream cheese frosting, this will quickly become your new favorite treat. —Margaret Knoebel, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Pumpkin French Toast CasseroleOur pumpkin French toast casserole combines cinnamon-raisin bread, cream cheese and fall spices with canned pumpkin. Prep the casserole in the evening so you can pop it in the oven when you wake up.
Crab QuicheChopped green onions and sweet red pepper bring a bit of color to this golden entree. The creamy filling features imitation crabmeat and Swiss cheese. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Million-Dollar BaconThese spicy-sweet bacon strips aren't only delicious; with their maple syrup glaze, they're also pretty. Baking them in the oven in a foil-lined pan makes cleanup a breeze. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Puff Pastry DanishEven though they're simple to make, these jam-filled pastries are right at home in a holiday brunch spread. They were my dad's favorite, so the recipe will always be close to my heart. —Chellie Helmke, Jackson Center, Ohio
Creamy Banana CrepesMy husband and I enjoy taking turns fixing weekend breakfasts. These crepes are frequently on our menus. The sweet-and-sour banana filling is delicious. You'll want to serve them for lunch, dinner and dessert!
Coconut-Granola Yogurt ParfaitsI prepare homemade granola ahead of time—it makes these yogurt treats special.
—Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Croque-MadameThe croque-madame is a classic French bistro sandwich that you can easily make in your own kitchen.
Japanese PancakesThere's nothing quite like a freshly made Japanese pancake. They're fluffy, custard-y and even a little bit jiggly. —Megan Barrie, San Jose, California
Orange Ricotta PancakesThese popular pancakes are likely to spark a craving. For a different twist, switch the citrus ingredient to lime or lemon juice.—Brehan Kohl, Anchorage, Alaska
BeignetsThese sweet French doughnuts, inspired by the ones found in Cafe du Monde in New Orleans, are square instead of round and have no hole in the middle. They're a traditional part of breakfast in New Orleans. —Beth Dawson, Jackson, Louisiana
Fancy Breakfast Ideas FAQs
What fancy breakfast ideas can I serve for a special breakfast?
Fancy breakfast ideas to serve for a special breakfast can include crepes, French croque-madames, layered parfaits, all kinds of quiches and homemade croissants.
What is considered a gourmet breakfast?
A gourmet breakfast takes a little more effort (and has a lot more luxury) than your average bowl of cereal or buttered toast. Gourmet breakfasts can include thoughtful recipes, artisan-made ingredients and a memorable dining experience.
What easy breakfast recipes are fancy?
Easy breakfast recipes that are fancy can include French toast, German pancakes, parfaits and crepes. You can also skip the labor and buy bakery-made croissants and danishes.
