AIP ORANGE ZEST BLONDIES

Anyone who has ever done any gluten-free or allergy-friendly baking knows that getting the right texture of baked goods can be a challenge. Well, these AIP blondies are one of those magical gluten-free and egg-free recipes that give you the perfectly moist mouth-feel you crave. They pack the perfect touch of citrus into an amazingly soft cake and have gotten rave reviews from everyone who has tried them.

AIP ORANGE ZEST BLONDIES RECIPE

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup tiger nut flour

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla powder

  • 1 and 1/2 tbsp arrowroot flour

  • 1/8 tsp sea salt

  • 1/4 tsp baking soda

  • 3/4 tbsp gelatin

  • Zest of half an orange + more for garnish

  • 1/2 cup olive oil + more for greasing

  • 2 tbsp honey + more for (optional) whipped cream topping

  • 2 tbsp orange juice + more for (optional) whipped cream topping

  • Can of coconut cream chilled in the fridge (optional)

Directions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit

  • Grease a small (8 x 8 inch) brownie pan with olive oil

  • Combine all dry ingredients (tiger nut flour, vanilla, arrowroot, sea salt, baking soda, gelatin, and orange zest) in a large mixing  bowl

  • Mix all wet ingredients (olive oil, honey, and orange juice) in a separate mixing bowl until thoroughly combined

  • Add wet ingredients into dry ingredients and combine

  • Pour batter into greased brownie pan and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes (or until toothpick comes out almost clean)

  • Allow to cool completely before cutting

  • For optional whipped cream topping: place the solid cream from the top of the coconut cream can in a mixing bowl and, using a hand mixer, whip the coconut cream with added honey and a splash of orange juice (to taste)

  • Spread whipped cream over cooled blondies

  • Garnish with orange zest

  • Enjoy!

Many people are aware of the vitamin C content of oranges and its positive effect on immunity, but there are also lesser known benefits of this delicious, juicy orange fruit: Oranges contain hesperidia, a flavonoid, or natural plant pigment, that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Oranges are a great source of fiber, which is great for gut health and can help you feel full. Oranges also contain folate, which is an important B vitamin aiding in detoxification processes in the body among other benefits. Oranges are also a good source of potassium, which is a key electrolyte and may help manage blood pressure.

NUTRITION NOTE