I often feel a sense of narcissism being in a gym.
It often strikes me while on the tread mill: All of these people (myself included) in this building, selfishly working on our bodies, furiously trying to run off last night’s brownie or get the perfect six-pack, all in the name of vanity. ‘Shouldn’t we all be volunteering or spending our time more wisely?’, I often wonder.
Then, I realize how good it is for our health and thus our lives to be exercising. I tend to go back and forth like this with myself a bit, only to conclude that narcissistic or not, this is me and this is what I like to do.
My gym is actually a really great place. Though my reclusive self shies away from social situations, my husband and I (my charismatic husband in particular) have made our share of acquaintances there, many of which take time out of their day to ask us how we’re doing or how new baby Sam is. Sweet stuff.
After I workout, I typically come home to prepare either lunch or dinner, depending on what time of the day I go. Oftentimes, for whatever reason, I am craving pizza!
Pizza has had such a bad rep in my adult life, having seen it associated with everything from weight gain to bad skin (pizza face!), so it is still an enigma to me that I can have a healthy version of this terrible food.
If you’ve been reading this blog for any length of time, than you know all about my pizza obsession! From zucchini to cauliflower, eggplant and quinoa, I have literally made a pizza crust out of just about everything.
My latest recipe venture is my current, fleeting favorite…made with coconut flour!
Coconut flour has been a bit hit or miss with my palate, as recipes with it often come out ‘spongy’, due to the high quantity of eggs needed when working with it.
Given that this recipe is flat and contains no leavening agent, ‘sponginess’ hasn’t been an issue.
This has been pleasing palates (and allergies) both young and old around here, and I’m enjoying the fact that I don’t have to squeeze the water out of any vegetables (also eliminating the loathsome stinky dish towels). 🙂
Allergy-friendly coconut flour pizza crust.
- 4 eggs
- 1/4 c. applesauce
- 1/4 c. coconut flour NOTE: coconut flours vary in absorbency; see the below 'notes' for the brand I use
- 1/4 c. grated parmesan
- 1/2 t. oregano
- 1/2 t. basil
- 1/4 t. garlic powder
- 1/8 t. sea salt
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Whisk the eggs with the applesauce until well combined.
- Whisk in the remaining ingredients until smooth and well combined.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Oil the parchment paper a bit to ensure the pizza doesn't stick.
- Spread the 'dough' onto the paper (the thinner the better, but be sure there are no holes).
- Bake the crust for 15 minutes on the bottom rack of your oven.
- Top the crust as desired.
- Bake for another 8-10 minutes (on the bottom rack of your oven) until the toppings are cooked/melted.
- Cool 5-10 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition facts based on using one ounce of parmesan (about 1/4 cup). WW points (new system): 1
Adapted from this recipe
Notes:
This is the coconut flour I use.
I like to use this Homemade Pizza Sauce.
What are your thoughts on the gym?
Shared with: Gluten-Free Friday
Jessica says
This was really good! I will definitely make this agin!
Kayile | Healthy Hacks says
This looks beyond amazing! Totally making this today 😀
Tori says
This was so yum – I used yogurt in place of the applesauce.
Ava says
This is my new go to recipe for pizza. It is the best I have had and it’s super easy. It comes out great every time. Once I didn’t he applesauce so I substituted barlett pear purée and never would have known the difference. Thanks
Tiffany says
I love your recipe! I have have tried a few cauliflower to almond flour. I must say this one is like real pizza! The only thing I did change was replacing the applesauce with Greek yogurt and it was awesome. Thank you so much for this recipe! It’s amazing ?
Lauren says
Thank you Tiffany! 🙂
Sharon says
Thank you so much for this recipe. I’ve come to adore it – not only for pizza, but I make flatbread with it too, for sandwiches (you can even grill them a little bit). It’s so easy to cut in half for either a personal pizza or sandwich bread. It’s more filling and convenient for me than something like oopsie bread.
One thing to note – is that sometimes I use parmesan, and sometimes I use almond flour. I find them to be pretty interchangable. I’ve also forgotten to use applesauce before, and it’s still turned out just fine – but a little dry, but still good.
I find this to be a very forgiving recipe, very easy, it’s pretty much locked into my memory now. I find myself emailing my sister literally every other day bugging her to try it: “No, but seriously, that coconut flour pizza tho…” =D
Lauren says
Aw, thanks so much Sharon, and thanks for sharing your substitution with the parmesan. 🙂
Bethany says
This looks delicious!
Andrea Wyckoff says
This pizza crust looks amazing! And I so agree that different coconut flours vary so much! I like the one you link to from Coconut Secret and I like Tropical Traditions. But I have had bad luck with some of the others.
Cheers to grain free pizza! I look forward to trying your recipe!
Andrea
Izzy says
Your pizzas always look so good!! Pizza is a huge staple in our house, my husband demands it once a week haha, so I always try to come up with ways to make it a little healthier. I always love your creative pizza crusts! I hope you and baby Sam are doing well 🙂
Shannon says
This is awesome! I love working with coconut flour.
Loretta says
First of all, I wanted to congratulate you on your recent bundle of joy.
I don’t kntw how this will turn out, due to using coconut flour, however, to make my daughter’s meals dairy free, when I substitute eggs, I use a flax egg (1 Tbsp flax seed w/3 Tbsp water for each egg called for in a recipe, mix and set in fridge for 15 min b4 using). I also substitute Nutritional Yeast for parmasean. I will try it for her and see how it works and let you know.
Loretta says
I forgot to mention that the flax seeds are ground.
Mike@TheIronYou says
I’m really intrigued by this pizza crust with applesauce and coconut flour. The texture and flavor must be unique.
Definitely on my to-try list!
Lauren says
It is actually quite similar to regular pizza crust, no weird texture or flavor to speak of. Let me know if you try it! 🙂
dawn says
hey Lauren! does the applesauce make this a sweet crust?
i know coconut flour has a slight sweetness to it…
thanks!! this looks YUMMY! you’re a pizza freak like me 🙂
Lauren says
Thanks Dawn! It’s not sweet to me, probably because of the added parmesan and spices. It’s pretty reminiscent of regular pizza crust! 🙂
dawn says
did you use sweet or unsweetened apple sauce?
i’m wondering if i should make my own. do you make your own?
Gracias Señorita 🙂
Lauren says
Yes, unsweetened, and no, I just buy it organic from Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. 🙂
dawn says
thanks girl!
Elisa says
Can I use 1/2 or all egg whites?? Also what I can replace for the parm? Protein powder perhaps? I avoid cheese and dairy. Sounds EXCELLENT! Add it to the ‘to make” this 🙂
Lauren says
Hi Elisa, I’m not certain about either of your questions, as I’ve not tried. The best replacement for the parmesan would probably be almond meal or oat flour. Good luck! 🙂