If you’re following a paleo diet, you might often miss indulging in some of your favorite desserts, like those creamy and delicious puddings and custards. But guess what? You don’t have to say goodbye to these delightful treats. With a bit of creativity and the right ingredients, you can make paleo-friendly versions that are just as satisfying. In this article, I’ll guide you through making your very own paleo puddings and custards that are not only simple to prepare but are also mouthwateringly good.
Why Go Paleo?
Before we dive into the sweet stuff, let’s quickly talk about why someone might choose a paleo diet. The paleo diet focuses on eating foods that our Paleolithic ancestors supposedly ate, meaning lots of whole foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, meats, and fish while avoiding processed foods, grains, and dairy. The idea is that this way of eating is more aligned with our genetics and thus better for our health, leading to benefits like improved energy levels, weight loss, and reduced inflammation.
Getting Started with Paleo-Friendly Ingredients
The key to making delicious paleo puddings and custards lies in choosing the right ingredients. For most traditional recipes, you’d need milk, cream, and sugar – all of which are not paleo-friendly. But don’t worry; there are excellent paleo substitutes:
- Milk/Cream Alternatives: Coconut milk and almond milk are fantastic substitutes for dairy milk and cream. They bring in a rich, creamy texture that’s perfect for puddings and custards.
- Sweeteners: Ditch the refined sugar for natural sweeteners like raw honey, pure maple syrup, or even dates. These provide a wonderful sweetness without the processed sugar.
- Thickeners: Instead of cornstarch or flour, use arrowroot powder or tapioca flour to thicken your desserts without going off-track from your diet.
Simple Paleo Pudding Recipe
Now, let’s get to the fun part by making a simple yet delicious paleo vanilla pudding. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of full-fat coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons of raw honey (adjust according to preference)
- 2 tablespoons of arrowroot powder
- A pinch of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
Instructions:
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Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot powder and ¼ cup of coconut milk until smooth.
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Heat: Pour the rest of the coconut milk into a saucepan over medium heat. Add the honey and sea salt, stirring until well mixed.
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Thicken: Once the coconut milk is warm (not boiling), add the arrowroot mixture to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens and just begins to bubble.
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Flavor: Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
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Chill: Pour the mixture into serving dishes and let it cool down for a few minutes. Then, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
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Serve: Enjoy your paleo vanilla pudding as is, or top it with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra treat!
Easy Paleo Custard
Custards are another classic dessert that you can easily make paleo-friendly. They require a bit more patience but are definitely worth the effort.
- 1.5 cups of full-fat coconut milk
- 4 large eggs
- ¼ cup of maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Get a large baking dish ready by filling it halfway with water to create a water bath.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk the eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Heat Milk: Gently warm the coconut milk in a saucepan until it’s hot but not boiling.
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Combine: Slowly pour the warm coconut milk into the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
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Pour and Bake: Strain the mixture into ramekins or a baking dish. Place the ramekins in the prepared water bath. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set but still jiggly in the center.
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Chill: Let the custards cool before refrigerating. Once chilled, sprinkle with nutmeg before serving if desired.
Now, armed with these recipes and knowledge, creating paleo-friendly puddings and custards is within your reach. Not only will you satisfy those dessert cravings, but you’ll do so in a way that aligns with your dietary choices. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to make these recipes your own. Enjoy the process and, of course, the delicious results!
