Who wants cake? And up go my hands! Yes, I like cake as much as I did when I was younger or before I decided to go Paleo. Even today, I search for recipes for cakes that are Paleo diet approved. And going to events that offer the right Paleo diet desserts, including cakes, can be a little tricky. Good thing the event we attended was very considerate to all participants and prepared foods and desserts that were Paleo approved.
The best desserts that caught my attention were the variety of cakes we were served. The ingredients for the cakes were carefully chosen and the best alternatives for making cakes were used. The desserts were all exceptionally scrumptious, and the cakes were truly heaven sent. But one particular cake melted my heart the moment it touched my lips. The gluten-free orange-almond cake from By The Way Bakery in New York left a lasting impression on me and inspired me to make this cake.
When I got home, all I could think of was making a similar cake. The sweet and sour taste of the cake was a perfect mix and does not leave an acidic aftertaste. When I started checking the items I had in the fridge and the cupboard, I figured I’m missing a few ingredients for the cake. I had to improvise and saw the pineapple in the corner. So why not make a pineapple upside down cake instead? And I did and it was just as fruity, delicious and lovely as the cake at the event!
- 16 Oz (473 g) Pineapple (fresh is always better!)
- 5 Eggs
- ¾ Cup (178 ml) Honey (Organic or Raw if possible)
- 2 ½ Cups (592 g) Almond Flour
- 1 Tablespoon (15 g) Baking Soda
- ½ Teaspoon (2.5 g) Cinnamon
- ½ Teaspoon (2.5 g) Salt
- Strawberries – For Garnishing (Optional)
- • Preheat your oven to 350° F (177° C) and prepare a spring form baking pan. Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray and line with circular liner. Set your spring form pan aside.
- • In a large bowl, mix the almond flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set this aside.
- • In a different bowl and immersion blender, combine the egg and the honey. Mix the ingredients well.
- • Once the honey and eggs are mixed, add ¾ of the pineapple and mix until pureed. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a food processor instead. Process the pineapple first then add to the egg and honey mixture.
- • Get the mixed dry ingredients and add them into the wet ingredients bowl. Mix until it becomes a batter.
- • Chop the remaining pineapple and mix into the batter.
- • Get the pan and pour the batter in the pan.
- • Place the pan in the oven and bake for approximately one (1) hour. Use a toothpick to check when the cake is done. Poke a toothpick on the cake and check if the toothpick comes out clean or not. If it is, then your cake is done.
- • Allow the cake to cool in the pan, this will take around 20-30 minutes. Score the sides of the pan before releasing the spring.
- • Garnish with slices of strawberries (or any Paleo berries!) or you can serve the cake as is! Enjoy your cake!
The taste of the pineapples, especially when fresh, is a refreshing twist for this lovely cake. The moist cake and sweet and sour taste of the pineapple blends in well and creates a cake that is not overpowering. Fresh pineapple will also make the cake refreshing and provides a lot more than just a better flavor for your cake. Choosing fresh pineapple is the best way to go, for a lot of reasons. The Paleo diet recognizes fresh foods as the best option for anyone, whether they are practicing this diet or not.
Pineapples also known as Ananas Comosus is a tropical fruit. Although the plant is most common for the fruit, there are some countries that also use the leaves for textile production using the leaf fibers. Pineapples can be eaten raw, cooked or preserved and is also known to be a refreshing drink. Many recipes, not just desserts, include and is not complete without pineapples. If you still find canned pineapples your best option, then these benefits from opting for fresh pineapples might actually change your mind.
Provides Raw And Better Nutrients
No matter how you look at it, having a fresh pineapple to be eaten raw, juiced or cooked still provides the best amount of nutrients for the body. Canned pineapples go through a method of preservation which can strip away some of the valuable nutritional content of the fruit. Though companies are using methods that can retain as many nutrients as possible. Getting the full amount of nutrients can still be done with fresh pineapples and which are on all Paleo diet food lists. Here are just a few of the valuable nutrients that you can have when you choose fresh pineapples:
Vitamin C
Pineapples are one of the best sources of Vitamin C, providing 131% of your daily needs with just one cup of chunks. Vitamin C is known to boost your immune system, keep your cardiovascular system healthy and helps you achieve a natural, glowing skin.
Vitamin A
Another vitamin that can boost the immune system is Vitamin A, but it is also known for its positive effect on the eyes. Vitamin A helps the eyes stay healthy and the eyesight better.
Magnesium
If you want to calm your nerves and anxiety or relieve your body from spasms and muscle aches after a busy day, then eating a pineapple can help. Magnesium, which is present in pineapple, helps you achieve all these and even helps absorb and regulate calcium, potassium, and sodium from the other foods you eat.
Calcium
Strong bones are a big advantage for many, no matter their profession and daily activities are. Calcium helps you have stronger, healthier bones that can withstand the activities you have.
Iron
Iron does not just keep you from getting anemic it also eliminates different causes of fatigue. This helps you feel better every day and less prone to getting tired easily. If you are also pregnant or have a young child, having enough iron is essential for helping your little one grow.
Refreshes The Body
Pineapples have a good amount of water and dietary fiber, and these are better achieved when the pineapple is fresh. The water in pineapple helps your body feel fresh and cool down, especially on those hot, humid days. The dietary fiber in pineapple also helps your body remove toxins, excess fat, and free-radicals that can make you feel fresh from within.
Keeps You Away from Diseases Better
The vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients that fresh pineapples offer helps you maintain a healthy body with an immune system that can withstand diseases. Fresh pineapples also help the body discard of toxins that can make the body go haywire. If you also want to lessen any chance of cancer, heart problems, and weight gain, then having a fresh pineapple in your list is a must
It Is Still Cheaper Than Canned Pineapples
You might think you are saving when buying canned pineapples, but you are wrong. Canned pineapples eliminate your chance of maximizing the use and health benefits of pineapples. Canned pineapples are also charged with many manufacturing and production costs which can be lessened if you buy fresh pineapples, not to mention the help of buying fresh pineapples can give to local farmers.
Pineapples and this dessert recipe is truly a delight, which makes Paleo a diet that is worth your effort and time. This is one of those Paleo diet recipes that can make your guests, families, and friends drool no matter what diet they follow. So enjoy every bite and know that you are having one of the healthiest desserts a man can imagine!