Rum Balls (Gluten & Grain Free, Paleo)

Rum Balls (Gluten & Grain Free, Paleo)

These gluten & grain free Rum Balls are the perfect way to get the party started during the holidays! Chocolate and rum come together in this recipe to make a rich and soul warming treat! Enjoy this healthy spin on rums balls any time of the year–not just the holidays.

My love for rum balls dates back to my little Jen days. My Nonna (a.k.a. Ma) use to make them for the family around Christmas time. Not sure who inspired her to make rum balls since they’re not a traditional Italian recipe, BUT I’m glad she did because they were delish!

Since my craving for rum balls is still strong, I decided to put a healthy spin on this popular treat which can be enjoyed any time of the year–not just the holidays.

Most traditional rum ball recipes are packed with low-quality and inflammatory ingredients like vanilla waffers, confectioners’ sugar and corn syrup.

Instead of using vanilla waffers, I use a combo of almond flour and shredded coconut, which creates a great gluten free base. I also kicked nasty corn syrup and confectioners’ sugar out and replaced them with a natural and pure sweetener, maple syrup.

The combination of coconut, rum and chocolate makes this a delicious treat you’ll crave all year round. Give this easy, no-bake recipe a try!

For a alcohol free and kid friendly version, omit rum and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup.

Rum Balls Gluten Free Paleo

What you need for Rum Balls

Looking for more delicious & healthy holiday treats? You’re going to love these …

Rum Balls Gluten Free Paleo

Rum Balls

These gluten & grain free Rum Balls are the perfect way to get the party started during the holidays! Chocolate and rum come together in this recipe to make a rich and soul warming treat! Enjoy this healthy spin on rums balls any time of the year--not just the holidays.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Snack/Treat
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Paleo, Plant-Based
Servings: 25 balls

Ingredients
 

  • 1.5 cup almond flour
  • 1 cup shredded coconut, unsweetened
  • 1/4 cup dark rum
  • 1/4 cup raw coconut oil, melted & cooled
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/8 tsp sea salt
  • 1-2 tbsp coconut palm sugar, to coat balls (optional)
  • 1-2 tbsp shredded coconut, to coat balls (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, whisk together dark rum, maple syrup and coconut oil.
  • Mix in shredded coconut, cocoa powder, almond flour and sea salt.
  • Add an additional almond flour (1 tbsp. at a time), if needed for a thicker consistency.
  • Using a teaspoon, scoop batter and roll into balls.
  • Optional: To coat balls, roll in coconut palm sugar or shredded coconut.
  • Store balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Notes

For a alcohol free and kid friendly version, omit rum and increase maple syrup to 1/2 cup.
Keyword almond flour, chocolate, christmas, cocoa, coconut, healthy treats, holiday recipes, rum, shredded coconut
Healthy Trail Mix (Paleo, Plant-Based)

Healthy Trail Mix (Paleo, Plant-Based)

This Healthy Trail Mix contains the perfect combination of tastes and textures. From nutty & crunchy to fruity, chocolatey & chewy–you’ll never get bored of this healthy snack. This trail mix is plant-based, paleo, low-carb & delicious!

Trail mixes make for a great snack when you’re on the go. They’re easy to carry around in a zip-lock bag or small container and the right mix will do a solid job of satisfying a hungry belly in-between meals.

BUT beware … many trail mixes on the grocery store shelves contain nuts that have been roasted at high temperatures, low-quality oils, excess salt, and/or high amounts of sugar from dried fruit.

Since it’s not easy to find a squeaky clean trail mix, I like to make my own. They’re real easy to put together and you have full control over what goes in them. You can get super creative or keep it simple – you’re the boss of your trail mix!

What you need for this Healthy Trail Mix

It’s super easy to put together trail mixes… Just add all ingredients to a bowl or glass container, mix and voila!

Looking for more healthy snack ideas? Check out my list of healthy on-the-go snacks!

Healthy Trail Mix

Healthy Trail Mix

This Healthy Trail Mix contains the perfect combination of tastes and textures. From nutty & crunchy to fruity & chocolatey, you'll never get bored of this healthy snack. This trail mix is plant-based, paleo, low-carb & delicious!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Plant-Based

Ingredients
 

  • 1/4 cup raw walnuts
  • 1/4 cup raw almonds
  • 1/4 cup tiger nuts
  • 1/4 cup toasted coconut chips
  • 1/4 cup dried mulberries, or other dried fruit
  • 1 85% + dark chocolate bar, chopped into small pieces

Instructions
 

  • Add all ingredients into a bowl and mix with a large spoon.
  • Store in a zip-lock bag or air tight container.
Keyword almonds, coconut chips, dark chocolate, healthy snacks, mulberries, tiger nuts, trail mix, walnuts

 

Creamy Matcha Bars (AIP, Plant-Based, Paleo)

Creamy Matcha Bars (AIP, Plant-Based, Paleo)

These no-bake Creamy Matcha Bars are delicious and so easy to make with only 5 ingredients needed! They are perfect for a mid-day snack or end of a meal treat. Best part is, you can feel good about enjoying these creamy matcha bars since they’re naturally sweetened with honey.

Honey (and maple syrup) is a great alternative to refined sugar and artificial sweeteners when you’re looking to create healthy desserts, treats or snacks.

Did you know consuming high amounts of refined sugar and artificial sweeteners can contribute to IBS and other digestive system disorders.

Most artificial sweeteners cause symptoms of indigestion, including gas, bloating, cramping and constipation.

A big step you can take towards creating a healthier gut and supporting digestion is to remove refined sugar and artificial sweeteners from your diet and use small amounts of unrefined natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup instead – if needed.

Now it’s time to give these creamy and super satisfying bars a try!

Pair these Creamy Matcha Bars with a hot matcha latte or cold matcha latte for a morning or mid-day boost!

AND if you love these bars, you’ve got to try my Coconut Lemon Bars!

Creamy matcha bars AIP Paleo Plant-Based

Here’s what you need for Creamy Matcha Bars:

Looking for more healthy treats or snacks? Check out these recipes …

Creamy Matcha Bars

Creamy Matcha Bars

No-bake Creamy Matcha Bars are delicious and so easy to make with only 5 ingredients needed! They are perfect for a mid-day snack or end of a meal treat. Best part is, you can feel good about enjoying these creamy matcha bars since they're sweetened with honey.
Gluten, grain & dairy free. AIP, paleo & plant-based.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Refrigerate/Freeze: 1 hour
Course: Snack/Treat
Cuisine: AIP, Paleo, Plant-Based
Servings: 12 medium bars

Ingredients
 

  • 3 cups shredded coconut, unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 cup coconut butter/manna, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tsp. matcha green tea

Instructions
 

  • Line an 8 x 8-inch or 8 x 10-inch pan or glass tupperware with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix into a thick batter. If it's too crumbly, add a little extra honey or a tiny bit of water.
  • Pour the mixture into the lined pan/tupperware. Using your hands or a spoon, press firmly into place. Refrigerate or freeze until firm (1-hour or so).
  • Cut into bars and enjoy! Store leftovers in the fridge.
Keyword bars, coconut, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, matcha, sugar free

creamy matcha bars AIP Paleo

 

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding (Plant-Based, Paleo)

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding (Plant-Based, Paleo)

You can now enjoy the taste of delicious pumpkin pie without all the work. It takes less than five minutes to prepare this plant-based & paleo Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding! It makes for a great breakfast, snack or dessert during the autumn.

DID YOU KNOW? Chia seeds are high in several nutrients that are important for bone health, including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and protein.

One ounce (28 grams) of chia seeds contains 18% of the RDI for calcium. Gram for gram, this is higher than most dairy products, making chia seeds a good source of calcium for people who don’t eat dairy.

However, it’s important to know that chia seeds also contain phytic acid, which reduces calcium absorption to some extent.

“What is phytic acid?” – you might be wondering. According to Stephan Guyenet:

“Phytic acid is a small molecule found in seeds like grains, beans, and nuts that binds (chelates) certain essential minerals—particularly calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc—and reduces their absorption from food. What this means is that the nutritional value of these foods isn’t as high as you might expect if you looked them up in a nutritional database. Many traditionally-living cultures with grain-heavy diets used techniques such as soaking, grinding, and fermentation that reduce phytic acid levels and increase mineral availability.” (Learn more about phytic acid here).

Now get those chia seeds soaking so you can try this delicious autumn-inspired chia seed pudding. 

Pumpkin Pie Chia Seed Pudding

What you need for Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding:

  • Coconut milk
  • Chia seeds
  • Pumpkin puree
  • Maple syrup
  • Pumpkin pie spice
  • Vanilla extract

Craving more wholesome pumpkin recipes? You’re going to love these:

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding

Pumpkin Pie Chia Pudding makes for a great breakfast, snack or dessert during the fall months. You can now enjoy the taste of delicious pumpkin pie without all the work. It takes less than five minutes to prepare this plant-based & paleo pumpkin pie chia pudding!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Course: Snack/Treat
Cuisine: Paleo, Plant-Based
Servings: 3

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup coconut milk, or nut milk of choice
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch sea salt
  • Pecans and pumpkin seeds for garnish, optional

Instructions
 

  • Whisk all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
  • Store in a glass container or jar in the fridge. Let sit for a minimum of 1-hr before consuming. The longer you let the chia seeds soak the more delicious this pudding becomes (I like to soak them overnight).
  • Garnish with chopped pecans and pumpkins seeds before serving.
Keyword autumn, chia seeds, fall, pudding, pumpkin

Like this pumpkin pie chia pudding recipe and want more like it?

Check out my chocolate chia pudding and chocolate banana chia pudding recipes.

Tiger Nut “NOatmeal” (Nut & Grain Free, Paleo)

Tiger Nut “NOatmeal” (Nut & Grain Free, Paleo)

Tiger Nut “NOatmeal” is a delicious nut & grain free version of oatmeal. This nutrient-packed breakfast is the perfect way to start your day!

Despite what the name might have you believe, tiger nuts are not actually nuts, but rather small tubers.

They’re rich in a variety of nutrients and have been linked to several health benefits — including improvements in gut health.

Here are a couple of ways tiger nuts can support gut health …

FIBER

Tiger nuts are high in insoluble fiber, which passes through your gut without being digested. Insoluble fiber adds bulk to your poop and helps food move through your gut easily, reducing the likelihood of constipation.

In addition, insoluble fiber captures toxins, waste, fat and cholesterol particles and expels them from your system.

Tiger nuts contain more fiber per serving than many other recommended high-fiber foods, like quinoa or chia seeds. One serving of tiger nuts contains 10 grams of fiber, providing you with almost half of your daily requirement.

RESISTANCE STARCH

Tiger nuts contain resistant starch, a type of prebiotic fiber that can feed the friendly bacteria in your gut, helping your digestion run smoothly.

It’s a good idea to introduce resistant starch prebiotics into your diet gradually. This can help you avoid any temporary gas or bloating you could experience otherwise.

Tiger Nut “NOatmeal” (Nut & Grain Free, Paleo)

What you need for Tiger Nut “NOatmeal”

Want more tiger nut recipes? You’re going to love these …

Tiger Nut “NOatmeal” (Nut & Grain Free, Paleo)

Tiger Nut “NOatmeal” 

Tiger Nut "NOatmeal" is a delicious nut & grain free version of oatmeal. This nutrient-packed breakfast is the perfect way to start your day!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: Grain Free, Nut Free, Paleo
Servings: 2

Ingredients
 

  • 1/2 cup tiger nuts, soaked overnight
  • 2 tbsp cacao nibs
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 3 pastured eggs
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1 banana
  • 2 tbsp coconut manna (for nut free "NOatmeal"), or nut butter of choice

Optional toppings:

  • Fresh fruit, cacao nibs, shredded coconut

Instructions
 

  • Add drained tiger nuts, cacao nibs and cinnamon into food processor and process until everything is finely ground. Tigernuts may take a bit of time to break down, so just run the processor until you get the right consistency.
  • In one bowl beat eggs and milk together.
  • In another bowl, mash banana and coconut manna together with a fork.
  • Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Turn heat to medium-low heat and begin mixing ingredients together using a spatula.
  • Cook for 5-minutes or longer, stirring regularly so "NOatmeal" doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Cook for less time if you want a more runny consistency or cook longer if you want a more dense consistency.
  • Feel free to top your "NOatmeal" with fresh fruit, cacao nibs or shredded coconut!
Keyword gluten free, grain free, healthy breakfast, oatmeal, peanut free

 

No-Bake Coconut Lemon Bars (AIP, Plant-Based, Paleo)

No-Bake Coconut Lemon Bars (AIP, Plant-Based, Paleo)

No-Bake Coconut Lemon Bars are creamy, refreshing & delicious! Only 4 simple ingredients needed to make this easy no-bake recipe. The perfect high-fiber and healthy snack for those following a plant-based, AIP, paleo or keto diet.

3 ways coconut meat can support gut health

1. Coconut meat is high in insoluble fiber (meaning that it doesn’t get digested), which helps bulk up your stool and supports healthy and regular bowel movements. Just 1 cup (80 grams) of shredded coconut provides 7 grams of fiber, which is over 20% of the DV.

2. Coconut meat is high in healthy fat which helps you absorb fat-soluble nutrients, including vitamins A, D, E, and K.

3. The MCTs in coconut meat have been shown to strengthen your gut bacteria, which may protect against inflammation and conditions like metabolic syndrome.

Now it’s time to give these no-bake and super satisfying bars a try!

Pair Coconut Lemon Bars with hot Lemon Ginger Tea or cold Lemon Hibiscus Tea.

AND if you love these bars, you’ve got to try my Creamy Matcha Bars!

No-Bake Coconut Lemon Bars AIP Paleo Plant-Based

What you need for No-Bake Coconut Lemon Bars:

Want more healthy treats & snacks? You’re going to love these …

No-Bake Coconut Lemon Bars AIP Paleo Plant-Based

No-Bake Coconut Lemon Bars

No-Bake Coconut Lemon Bars are creamy, refreshing & delicious! Only 4 simple ingredients needed to make this easy no-bake recipe. The perfect high-fiber and healthy snack for those following a plant-based, AIP, paleo or keto diet.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Course: Snack/Treat
Cuisine: AIP, Keto, Low-Carb, Paleo, Plant-Based
Servings: 12 bars

Ingredients
 

  • 3 cups shredded coconut, unsweetened
  • 1 cup raw coconut oil, melted
  • 1/4 cup honey, replace with a low-carb sweetener for keto bars
  • 4 drops lemon essential oil (food grade), OR 1 tsp. lemon extract

Instructions
 

  • Line an 8 x 8-inch or 8 x 10-inch pan or glass container with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, add all ingredients and mix into a thick batter. If it's too crumbly, add a little extra honey or a tiny bit of water.
  • Pour the mixture into the lined pan/container. Using your hands or a spoon, press firmly into place. Refrigerate or freeze until firm. Cut into bars and enjoy!
Keyword coconut, dairy free, gluten free, grain free, healthy snacks, healthy treats, lemon