I did not realize how difficult it would be to go sugar-free.
Even though I'm still incorporating fruits into my diet, all I really want is a freakin' chocolate bar!
At least these take the edge off a bit...
I've been making good use of fruit to sweeten recipes though! Below are some examples:
- Date Puree: I put 1/2 cup of dates in 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan over high heat, and once it comes to a boil, I remove the pan and allow the dates to sit for 15-30 minutes. I then just mash them with a fork (you could also puree the mix in the food processor, but I'm just too lazy). This can be used in recipes that call for other liquid sweeteners, such as maple syrup, in smoothies, on top of oatmeal, etc. You can also use dried apricots, figs, prunes, or raisins if you dislike dates or if you just want a variety.
- Apple Honey: This delicious recipe that I posted back in October is a perfect alternative for sweetening! It's also vegan and paleo-friendly. I have been letting it reduce a bit less time and it comes out more syrupy, which is perfect for topping pancakes and making granola (sugar-free granola recipe to come!).
- Baby Food: You would not BELIEVE how convenient these jars are. They have various fruit purees (Pear-Raspberry and Prunes are two of my faves) ranging from apples to bananas to apple-blueberry that are perfect for adding to recipes to give them moisture and sweetness....I also like to freeze them and eat them like sorbets! 🙂
- Stevia: An obvious choice, but far down on my list, as I seem to be sensitive to large amounts of it! 🙁 I recently purchased it in its natural (green, yes GREEN) form. The color is a bit off-putting, but I'm hoping to tolerate it better!
Today's recipe is one of my favorite breakfasts, as of late. Due to our sugar reduction, overnight oats are not topping the list, as I usually add a tablespoon or two of honey to the mix....and using all stevia is just NOT good, so these babies are frequenting our bellies...
Packed full of fresh grated apple and whole grain flour, these make a filling (and tasty) breakfast, and they don't weigh you down like some pancakes.....
....their doughy yet fluffy texture reminded me of fat-boy apple dumplings...so they are aptly named. 🙂
Sugar-Free Apple Dumpling Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 c. gluten-free or whole wheat flour if you use whole wheat, subtract 1 tablespoon from the 1 cup
- 1 t. baking powder
- ¼ t. salt
- 1 t. cinnamon
- ¼ c. applesauce baby food works!
- ½ c. milk I use almond, but any kind will work
- 1 egg lightly beaten (flax, psyllium, and chia eggs work too!)
- 1 T. oil or melted butter I've used walnut, olive, coconut, and almond with good results
- 1 T. plain yogurt I use greek, but any type will work
- ½ t. vanilla
- 10 drops stevia or 1/16 t. powdered stevia extract
- ½ c. fresh apple grated (I like a sweeter variety)
- butter or oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, powdered stevia (if using)).
- Mix the wet ingredients in a separate bowl (applesauce, milk, egg, oil, yogurt, vanilla, liquid stevia (if using)).
- Mix everything together until combined.
- Stir in the grated apple.
- Melt a couple of tablespoons of butter or coconut oil in a non-stick skillet.
- Dollop a few tablespoons for each cake.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes each side.
- Cool and serve!
Notes
Nutrition
Jules
We make this recipe gluten-free by subbing Pamela's pancake and baking mix for the flour. These are absolutely amazing! By far our favorite recipe on the site! Thank you so much!
Lauren
That's great Jules, thanks for your comment!
Jorien
Hi,
Your key says there is a vegan option for these. I see the egg options, but don't see what to use instead of greek yogurt. Please share, thank you!
Lauren
Hi Jorien,
Any dairy-free yogurt will work! 🙂
Cara T
These are DELICIOUS!! 3 picky eaters 7 yrs. & under give them a thumbs UP...and I can enjoy a delicious breakfast with my family in spite of strict diet restrictions. THANKS! 🙂
Lauren
That's great Cara, thanks for trying them! 😀
Melissa Schollaert
I am curious as to how the green stevia is working out for you?
Lauren
I didn't notice much in the way of tolerating it better, and it takes a bit more to sweeten recipes, as it is not as concentrated. I still have/use it though, and feel that it is more 'complete' in its form, which subsequently makes me feel healthier! 🙂
Gabby @ the veggie nook
YUM! I think these looks amazing and the apple honey sounds like the perfect compliment! You are so creative on your no-sugar diet, I'm impressed 🙂
freshlifefindings
Yum, yum, yum! These look amazing. I nanny and the baby food always looks tempting 🙂
Lauren
Haha, you should indulge! When you freeze them, they make a nice and healthy treat. 🙂
jodye @ chocolate and chou fleur
I used date paste most often to sweeten my baked goods (and other savory dishes), but I'm going to have to try your apple honey - it looks wonderful! As do these apple dumpling pancakes!
Tonia
I also am curious how you know that you cannot tolerate large amounts of Stevia. What happens? I am very sensitive to many products and am wondering if this may be causing some breakouts I have been encountering.
Thanks!
Lauren
Hi Tonia! I actually get sharp headaches and fatigue within minutes of eating certain brands. It can also then affect my mood for the rest of the day (I'm prone to depression). I've noticed some brands add other ingredients to their stevia (maltodextrin, natural flavors), and I wonder if it's those ingredients that are bothering me.... I have found that the NOW brand powdered stevia extract affects me the least, and it has no other additives! 🙂 I hope that helps!
Chris
May I ask how you are sensitive to stevia? What type of "reaction" do you get and how do you know it is from the Stevia? Thanks for sharing. I have many allergies, too.
Lauren
Hi Chris! With certain brands, I get immediate headaches, fatigue, and a mood 'down-swing'. I have been wondering if it's the additives that some companies put in their blend, so I try to buy ones that are only stevia. The NOW brand agrees with me the best, but I've been using the more unprocessed 'green' stuff, and I really feel the best on that. 🙂
Lauren
I just wanted to add that I have eaten the same foods with and without the stevia, and I only get the above reactions when I add the stevia. I've had so many allergies as well and am at the point where I'm really methodical in finding out what's giving me trouble.