Can we have our cake and eat it too? Unfortunately, having the cake often results in inflammation, aches, pains, and even wrinkles. In fact, a diet high in sugar will make you look and feel older than you are.
The good news . . . there are powerful ingredients you can sneak into your diet that heal your body from the inside out. These blondies are full of healthy fats, collagen, and antioxidants that nourish your hair, nails, and skin. Additional benefits you won’t see in the mirror include healing your digestive system, improving brain function, and keeping your joints healthy.
If you want to learn more about which types of collagen will help you achieve particular health benefits, head over to the previous post “The Right Type of Collagen to Reach Your Goals”.
One ingredient you may not be as familiar with is cacao butter. It is the pure oil of the cacao bean and loaded with anti inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Found in the natural food section, it is high in nutrients and antioxidants. It is solid at room temperature and must be melted in this recipe. You could possibly make this recipe by substituting coconut oil or butter, but you would night get quite as much of a chocolatey taste in the final product.
With those power ingredients I like to call these “Beauty Blondies”.
Gluten free, grain free, dairy free, no added sugar, low carb, high protein.
Ingredients:
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1/4 cup Cacao Butter
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3/4 cup Almond Butter (no sugar or oils added)*
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2 Eggs, at room temperature
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1/2 cup Monk fruit Sweetener (or other granulated sweetener of your choice)
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1/4 cup Coconut Flour (omit for a more gooey center)*
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1/2 cup Unflavored Collagen Powder**
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1 tsp Vanilla Extract
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1/2 tsp Baking Soda
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2 tbs Walnuts, chopped
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2 tbs Stevia Sweetened Dark Chocolate Chips (I use Lily’s Brand)
Instructions:
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In a small saucepan, melt cacao butter and almond butter, stirring until smooth.
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Meanwhile, beat eggs and sweetener until creamy with an electric mixer.
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Pour melted butters into egg mixture and beat until smooth.
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Stir in remaining ingredients until combined.
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Pour into 6 inch cast iron skillet and bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
*Use coconut flour for a more cake like Blondie. If you desire a more gooey center, omit the coconut flour and increase almond butter to 1 cup.
**Due to various additives many companies add to their collagen powders the measurement may vary or it may not bake well. If you want to try the collagen powder I use – with no artificial ingredients or additives – contact me amanda@peakpotentialpt.com and I will send you a coupon.