Kick-off Fall With My Favorite (Healthy) Sweet Treat
By
- Ann Hutyra
By Ann Hutyra, MHH Lead Biological Health Coach, CGP, IIN, MHHCP Health Coach
The Fall Season is just around the corner, and it’s one of my favorite times of the year for creating in the kitchen. I just love all of the fall flavors and spicy notes in both sweet and savory foods. Pumpkin, cinnamon, clove, and anise – not to mention all the squash and gourds at farmers markets and in the grocery store. All of these seasonal foods are packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
Below is one of my favorite go-to recipes that I use every Fall Season, along with some of the amazing benefits. I hope you enjoy it!
Pumpkin: Rich in fiber, contains beta carotene, high in antioxidants, high in vitamins A & C
Cinnamon: Can help manage blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, and slows signs of aging
Clove: Can boost digestion, helps remove unwanted organisms from the gut
Ginger: Natural anti-inflammatory, can help with weight loss, helps with stomach upset
Nutmeg: Rich in essential minerals, helps with bloating, fights bad bacteria
Allspice: Can help manage menopause symptoms, aids in digestion
Healthy Cinnamon Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic pumpkin puree
- ½ cup full-fat coconut milk
- 4 eggs
- 1/3 cup raw honey or grade A maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup tapioca or arrowroot starch
- ½ cup + 3 tablespoons of coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Additions – you can add gluten free/dairy free chocolate chips, pecans, sliced almonds, raisins, or any toppings of your choice
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a loaf pan with parchment paper (I use a glass pan and coat with coconut oil)
- Combine all of your dry ingredients and set aside
- In a separate bowl, combine all of the wet ingredients and mix well
- Fold your dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, and stir in any optional add-ins
- Transfer the batter to your baking pan and evenly spread the batter with a spatula (it will be thick!)
- Top your batter with any toppings
- Bake for 50-65 minutes, checking to see when the center is baked through
