keepupwithliv

Helping you live your best life

dessert

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies (Paleo, Vegan)

by Leave a Comment

These pumpkin chocolate chip cookies are soft and chewy while being paleo, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free! You can also freeze the dough and make a fresh batch whenever you want. 

pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

What I love about these pumpkin chocolate chip cookies is that they are soft and chewy, with just a hint of sweetness. The pumpkin not only adds moisture but also adds fiber and beta carotene. Plus, you can make a big batch of this dough and freeze it to make at a later time.

pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

Print
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies (Paleo, Vegan, GF, DF)
Ingredients
  • 1 flax egg (1 tbsp flax w/ 3 tbsp water)
  • 3 tbsp almond butter
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
  • 1/3 cup coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 3 tbsp arrowroot starch
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp pumpkin spica
  • 1/2 cup dairy free chocolate chips
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.

  2. Combine coconut oil, pumpkin, almond butter, coconut sugar and vanilla in a bowl. Stir until smooth.

  3. Add in flax egg and mix until combined.

  4. Add in almond flour, arrowroot, baking soda and pumpkin spice. Mix until combined.

  5. Fold in chocolate chips or chunks.

  6. Using an ice cream scoop, scoop out cookie dough into balls and lie them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

  7. Press down each of the balls slightly.

  8. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown underneath.

  9. Allow to cool and enjoy.

If you make these be sure to tag me so I can share! 

pumpkin chocolate chip cookies

Healthy Apple Crisp (Paleo, Vegan)

by Leave a Comment

This is the BEST healthy apple crisp you will ever make! It has a perfectly crisp topping and sweet warm apples. Plus, it is paleo, vegan and gluten free!

healthy apple crisp

This healthy apple crisp will become your new staple fall dessert! Full of warming spices, delicious apples and a crisp topping, you won’t believe it is full of good for you ingredients.

I am also sharing two of my secrets to getting the best healthy apple crisp. First off, by adding arrowroot powder to the apples it helps to absorb any moisture from them. It also helps them become soft and jammy. Second, adding in a sprinkle of grain free granola adds an extra crunch.

healthy apple crisp

healthy apple crisp

Print
Healthy Apple Crisp (Paleo, Vegan)
Ingredients
Filling
  • 4 apples
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tbsp arrowroot flour
  • 1 tsp apple pie spice
Topping
  • 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 1 tbsp coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 cup grain free granola (optional)
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.

  2. Peel and slice your apples into 1/4 inch slices.

  3. Place apples in a bowl and add in lemon juice, arrowroot flour and apple pie spice. Stir until coated.

  4. Add apples to round baking dish or skillet.

  5. In the bowl, add in almond flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar and coconut oil. Stir until crumbles form.

  6. Stir in almonds and granola.

  7. Add topping on top of your apples in an even layer.

  8. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden.

  9. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Pair with a dairy free vanilla ice cream if desired.

If you make this be sure to tag me so I can see! 

healthy apple crisp

Healthy Twix Cups (vegan, paleo)

by Leave a Comment

These healthy twix cups are a great vegan and paleo dessert or treat. They have a cookie layer, covered in caramel and surrounded by chocolate!

healthy twix cup

The layers of cookie, caramel and chocolate make these healthy twix cups the perfect dessert or after dinner treat. Made with good for you ingredients they don’t disappoint.

Store them in the fridge or freezer, as the chocolate can melt depending on how warm your home is. However, they wont last long!

Print
Healthy Twix Cups (vegan, paleo)
Servings: 6
Ingredients
Paleo Chocolate
  • 1/3 cup cacao
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
Caramel
  • 1/2 cup dates (soaked overnight or 1 hour in hot water)
  • 2 tbsp coconut butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla
Cookie Layer
  • 1/4 cup coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1 tbsp maple syurp
  • 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.

  2. Combine all ingredients for the cookie in a bowl and stir until combined.

  3. Using a teaspoon form the dough into balls and flatten into a disc on a silicone lined baking sheet.

  4. Bake for 8 minutes.

  5. To make the caramel: combine all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.

  6. To make the chocolate: combine all ingredients and stir until smooth.

  7. Once cookies have cooled, it is time to assemble.

  8. Start by adding a teaspoon of the chocolate into the bottom of a silicone cup.

  9. Take one of your cookies and push it down to the bottom of the cup

  10. Add a teaspoon of the caramel onto the cookie and smooth out.

  11. Add another teaspoon or so of paleo chocolate until the caramel is covered.

  12. Repeat with all cups.

  13. Place in freezer to set for a minimum of 20 minutes.

If you make these healthy twix cups be sure to tag me so I can see! 

 

healthy twix cups

Healthy Caramelized Bananas (whole 30, vegan, paleo)

by Leave a Comment

These healthy caramelized bananas make the perfect dessert or treat. Plus, it is whole 30, vegan and paleo! 

caramelized bananas

 

What is great about these healthy caramelized bananas is that they come together really quick, and make the perfect sweet treat using whole ingredients. They are good on their own but also as a topping in paleo porridge or smoothie bowls.  I love mine with cinnamon, almond butter and a sprinkle of homemade paleo granola (you can find the recipe here). It adds the perfect crunch.

 

Print
Healthy Caramelized Bananas (whole 30, vegan, paleo)
Cook Time
5 mins
 
Servings: 1
Ingredients
  • 1 banana
  • sprinkle cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp almond butter
  • 2 tbsp paleo granola
Instructions

  1. Heat a non stick pan to medium heat and spray with coconut oil.

  2. Slice banana lengthwise and lie face down in pan.

  3. Cook 3-4 minuted per side or until golden.

  4. Transfer to plate and sprinkle with cinnamon.

  5. Add desired toppings such as almond butter and granola.

If you make these healthy caramelized bananas tag me on Instagram so I can see!

Healthy Chocolate Donuts (Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)

by Leave a Comment

These healthy chocolate donuts are paleo, gluten free, dairy free and covered with a delicious chocolate glaze! You won’t believe how tasty they are. 

healthy chocolate donuts

These healthy chocolate donuts are the answer to your dreams. Not only are they paleo, gluten free and dairy free but they are also free of refined sugar. What they are full of is chocolatey goodness and enrobed in a delicious glaze. They are also freezer friendly, so any that you don’t eat the first day I recommend popping them in the freezer!

healthy chocolate donuts

 

healthy chocolate donuts

Print
Healthy Chocolate Donuts (Paleo, Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
Servings: 6
Ingredients
  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 3 eggs
  • 3 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 3 tbsp coconut flour
  • 1/3 cup cacao
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
Chocolate Glaze
  • 2 tbsp coconut butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp cacao
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.

  2. Combine coconut oil, eggs, maple syrup and vanilla into a bowl. Stir until combined.

  3. Add apple cider vinegar, cacao, almond flour, coconut flour and baking soda. Stir until just combined.

  4. Scoop out into 6 silicone donut molds.

  5. Bake for 15 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

  6. Allow to cool completely before topping with glaze.

  7. For glaze: combine all ingredients and stir until smooth.

  8. Dip each donut into glaze and allow to glaze to set.

 

 

 

If you make these be sure to tag me, @keepupwithliv, on Instagram so I can see! 

 

Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Skillet Cookie (Paleo)

by Leave a Comment

Pumpkin has become one of my favourite things to cook and bake with this season. So naturally, I made a spin on my classic skillet cookie with this healthy pumpkin chocolate chip skillet cookie. It is paleo and free of refined sugar but still has that warm gooey comforting cookie feel.

So why do I love pumpkin? Here are the health benefits of pumpkin.

Immune Boosting

Pumpkin is rich in carotenoids which is great for keeping the immune system strong and healthy. It is also loaded with zinc which helps boost the immune system.

Anti- Inflammatory

The beta-carotene in pumpkin is a great anti-inflammatory.

Fiber

Pumpkin is loaded with fiber, 7g per cup, which keeps your bowels healthy.

 

pumpkin skillet cookie

Print
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp himalayan salt
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp pumpkin spice
  • 2 handfuls dairy free chocolate
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. 

  2. Combine almond flour, baking soda, Himalayan salt and pumpkin spice. 

  3. Add in pumpkin, coconut oil, maple syrup, egg and vanilla.

  4. Stir until combined. 

  5. Fold in chocolate chips. 

  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes. 

  7. Drizzle with more dairy free chocolate if desired.

If you make any of these be sure to tag me, @keepupwithliv, on Instagram!

 

 

 

pumpkin chocolate chip skillet cookie

Healthy Apple Spice Skillet Cookie (Paleo)

by Leave a Comment

You guys know how much I love my classic skillet cookie, it is something I make all the time. I put a fall spin on the classic to make a healthy apple spice skillet cookie that is super cozy and delicious. It turns out super moist and has all the great warming spices.

Warming spices help the body during the colder months. They help your immune system and to keep your body physically warm by increasing circulation. What is even better is you can get it from dried spices as well as their fresh versions.

I finished it off by drizzling coconut butter on top which feels super decadent but gives you all the benefits of healthy fats. Win-win.

apple spice skillet cookie

Print
Healthy Apple Spice Skillet Cookie
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 
Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp himalayan salt
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 tbsp almond butter or any other nut or seed butter
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 egg or flax egg if vegan, 1 tbsp ground flax with 3 tbsp water
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 tsp apple spice or cinnamon
  • 1 apple
  • 2 tbsp coconut butter
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.

  2. Combine almond flour, baking soda, apple spice and Himalayan salt in a bowl. 

  3. Add in almond butter, egg, maple syrup and vanilla.

  4. Mix until combined. 

  5. Chop apple into small cubes and divide in half. 

  6. Mix in half of the apple into the batter.

  7. Grease an iron skillet or round pan.

  8. Add the batter to the pan, spreading evenly.

  9. Bake for 25 minutes. 

  10. While it is baking, combine other half of the apple with more apple pie spice and cook on the stovetop at medium heat until soft.

  11. Drizzle cookie with almond butter once done and top with the softened apples. 

If you guys make this recipe tag me, @keepupwithliv, on Instagram!

 

healthy apple spice skillet cookie

Cinnamon Rolls (Paleo & Refined Sugar Free)

by 4 Comments

Mmm cinnamon rolls, such a classic but also known to be on the unhealthier side. Well, look no further. I have perfected these cinnamon rolls to not only be healthy but paleo and refined sugar-free too! I know what you’re thinking, too good to be true? Nope. These guys are moist, decadent and totally guilt-free.

What you’ll need

Almond milk. 
Apple Cider Vinegar. Regulates blood sugar levels and aids digestion.
Coconut Oil. A MCT that boosts metabolism, promotes nutrient absorption and protects bones.
Almond Flour. One of my favorites when it comes to paleo baking. Loaded with healthy fats and vitamin E.
Xanthum Gum. Helps to bind ingredients in gluten-free baking.
Coconut Sugar. My go-to unrefined sugar that’s granulated. A pantry staple.
Baking Soda. 
Baking Powder. 
Himalayan Salt. Loaded with 84 minerals and helps to balance pH.
Coconut Butter. Full of healthy fats and tastes creamy in the icing.
Maple Syrup. Boosts your immune system and has a lot of antioxidants.
cinnamon buns
Print
Ingredients
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 4 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2 3/4 cup almond flour
  • 3 tbsp coconut sugar (plus extra for inside)
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp himalayan salt
  • 1 tbsp cinnamon (plus extra for inside)
Icing
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 tbsp almond milk
  • 1/4 cup coconut butter
Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Combine apple cider vinegar and almond milk and set aside.

  2. Combine dry ingredients.

  3. Add coconut oil to the apple cider vinegar and milk mixture.

  4.  Add wet to dry.


  5. Mix until combined.

     

  6. Roll out the dough, careful it will be sticky. Use tapioca flour underneath to prevent sticking.


  7. Sprinkle coconut sugar and cinnamon on the inside, I used about 3 tbsp of coconut sugar and 2 tbsp of cinnamon.


  8. Carefully roll the dough together, as tightly as you can.


  9. Using a knife cut the log into 2-inch rolls.


  10. Place in a greased baking pan.


  11. Bake at 400C for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten Free & Dairy Free)

by Leave a Comment

Sometimes, you need a good chocolate chip cookie, or in this case double chocolate chip cookies. YUM. This cookie has all of the fudgey yumminess with none of the guilt.

By the way, if a chocolate chip is more your thing I do have a recipe here.

This one uses aquafaba, which is the brine you get from canned chickpeas. It is crazy because it acts just like egg whites but is a great vegan alternative. Make sure you get a can that is BPA free by the way.

 

chocolate cookies_

17882417_1357912277588712_874542344618115072_n

Print
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
 
Servings: 8
Ingredients
  • 4 tbsp aquafaba or egg whites
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
Instructions

  1. Whip egg whites or aquafaba on high until stiff peaks form.


  2. Fold in the rest of the ingredients.


  3. Bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes or until edges are set.

Whats your favourite cookie? Let me know in the comments!

Dairy-Free Ice Cream In Under 2 Minutes!

by Leave a Comment

With warmer weather comes cravings for a treat that is both yummy and will cool you down. Unfortunately, ice cream can be loaded with sugar and additives that are less than healthy, both for you and your family. But here is the good news, I’m going to show you a way to make delicious dairy-free ice cream in under 2 minutes, that EVERYONE will love.

 

So what are we waiting for? Let’s get into it!

19120243_851183871699664_9032818210675621888_n

Strawberry, Chocolate Peanut Butter and Mint Chocolate Chip

The “ice cream” uses a base of 2 bananas plus whatever additions you want to twist it up! Here are the recipes for my three favourite flavours of dairy-free ice cream, but feel free to experiment with your own! P.S. I am also playing around with a chocolate chip cookie dough one so stay tuned for that!
peanut butter choco

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER

  • 2 bananas
  • 2 tbs cocoa powder
  • splash vanilla extract
  • heaping tbs coconut milk
  • 1 tbs natural peanut butter
mint chip_

MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP

  • 2 bananas
  • heaping tbs canned coconut milk
  • 1 tsp peppermint extract
  • 10 drops chlorophyll (just for color)
  • 1/4 cup dairy free chocolate chips

strawberry

STRAWBERRY

  • 2 bananas
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • splash vanilla extract
  • 1 heaping tbs coconut milk

For all these recipes, add the ingredients to a blender, and blend until fully combined. It’s important to use a powerful blender or food processor here to make sure you get the consistency of ice cream. I have linked my favourite below because it is super powerful and affordable (less than $35)!

 

These flavours will have the consistency of soft serve when you first blend them, so if you like a little harder ice cream, just pop them into the freezer for 30-60 minutes. Voila! Perfect dairy-free ice cream for you, your friends, and family!

What is your favourite summer treat? Let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to subscribe to stay in the look with the latest healthy recipes.