No need to go without Easter Treats – here are my favourite recipes that are full of nutritional goodness – Hot Cross Buns & Chocolate Brownies Gluten Free/Dairy Free.

Both recipes contain some sugar, honey or maple syrup which I only use very rarely but I personally can’t stand artificial sweeteners of any kind. The high protein, good fat content help to keep your blood sugar on an even keel – as long as you don’t eat the whole tray! I have been experimenting with coconut nectar but it is not as sweet. Use whatever you prefer.

Hot Cross Buns with Cinnamon Crosses

2 Tablespoons Gluten free flour

60g Coconut flour

30g Psylliumhusks

2 tsp Gluten Free Baking Powder

2 tsp Mixed Spice

2 tsp Cinnamon

3 tbsp raisins/sultanas/mixed peel

1-2 tbsp of Honey, Maple syrup or Coconut Nectar

4 Large Eggs beaten

Just mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl then add dried fruit,  sugar substitute and mix in eggs until well combined. Mixture can then be spooned into large cup cake or muffin tin and will be enough for 8-10.

Bake 180C/350F for 20-30mins.

When cool you could ice a Cross on top with cinnamon flavoured icing.

Chocolate Brownies

Put 5-6 ozs dairy free chocolate in small bowl over a pan of warm water to melt

In a large bowl place

2 ozs olive oil Margarine or Ghee

2 ozs Coconut Oil

3-4 ozs soft brown sugar or a sugar substitute

1-2 ripe bananas

beat all the above ingredients with an electric whisk or by hand

add 4 ozs Gluten Free Self Raising Flour plus

2 dsp coco powder  alternating while adding 3 eggs so that the mixture doesn’t curdle.

Then stir in the melted chocolate until all combined.

At this stage you could add some nuts – flaked almonds, walnuts or pecans are especially good.

Pour into a deep oblong baking dish or tin and bake at 160C fan oven for  about 30mins until centre bounces back when touched. Do not overcook  as you will loose that nice moist middle. 😋

Happy Easter Holidays!