I have cracked the gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free muffin and this weekend I attempted a slice that said decadent yet had no gluten, dairy or sugar. It was quite a mission and I had to gather together a few different ideas from recipes I had seen around the food blog world but none eliminated all three elements so I had to experiment and I have succeeded in making something rather wonderful. You do have to like banana, coconut and chocolate but if you do, this is your new best friend. I got the idea for the middle layer from The Life of Clare.
This is not a low Fodmap recipe.
- 4 tbsp unsalted peanut butter (with no added sugar)
- 4 tbsp coconut butter
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup walnuts
- ¼ cup dried coconut
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 9 soft dates
- ½ tsp teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup cacao nibs
- 1 soft banana
- 1 banana
- 100mls coconut cream
- ¾ cup peanut butter
- 2 tbsp date puree
- 2 tbsp cocoa powder
- A few grains salt
- Place everything in a food processor and blend well.
- Spread over the base of a lightly oiled baking dish. (I lined it with parchment paper but it wasn't necessary.)
- Place in the freezer for 15 minutes.
- Place everything except the cacao nibs in the food processor and blend very well.
- Add the cacao nibs and mix.
- Spread over the bottom layer and place in the freezer for another 15 minutes.
- Mash the banana in a bowl and add all the other ingredients except the peanut butter. Whip with egg beaters until the mixture thickens.
- Add the peanut butter and beat until a thick fluffy mixture develops.
- Spread over the other two layers and place in the fridge.
- Once it is chilled, cut into slices and keep in the fridge.
Note 1: You can make your own coconut butter by placing a packet of shredded coconut in a food processor and processing for about 10 minutes.
Note 2: The base is quite soft but holds together. It could be a bit messy if left out of the fridge too long before eating it but it won’t fall apart. I will work on this element in the weeks to come so it is less like a dessert and more like a very firm slice. But the delicious factor outweighs any messiness – perhaps use a spoon.
The Life of Clare says
This looks and sounds delicious! I love that its also pretty low cal! Thanks for linking back to me.
admin says
It worked out really well, Clare but took some experimenting.
Suzanne
Hotly Spiced says
I love how this is gluten and dairy free. And sugar-free too! Who would have thought. It certainly looks decadent! xx
admin says
It tastes decadent too, Charlie.
Suzanne
Linda Gilmore says
I love your ideas and recipes and have shared on Facebook and friends.
admin says
Thanks so much, Linda. Much appreciated.
Suzanne
Nik@ABrownTable says
These look wonderful, Suzanne.
admin says
Thanks, Nik.
Suzanne
Gluten-free Gadabout says
Suzanne, you’ve done it again: your mouth-watering recipes and food photography have captured my gluten-free fantasies. This Chocolate, Banana, Coconut Slice – sugar, gluten & dairy-free dessert is perfect for the holidays and something I’d love to feature (with credit to you, of course) on my own website ( ). Thanks and keep up the great work.
admin says
That would be fine to feature the slice on your website but would you mind not duplicating the recipe there but just put a link for it. Thanks.
Suzanne
kitchenriffs says
I’m a babe in the woods when it comes to gluten, sugar, or dairy-free cooking. I really admire all the work you’re putting into perfecting your recipes. This looks just excellent- thanks.
admin says
I am learning too as I go along. It does take a bit of work but it’s ultimately rewarding to be able to produce something for the family that is healthy for them while indulging the need for something sweet tasting.
Suzanne
Kelly @ Inspired Edibles says
I love the use of healthful, whole ingredients in place of processed sugars in recipes like this. Your bars look smashing – I just made something very similar… !
admin says
I will trot over and have a look at what you have produced, Kelly.
Suzanne
Angela @ My Golden Pear says
These look so good. Let us know if you find a way to store them out of the refrigerator as they would be perfect for the kids lunch boxes.
admin says
I will definitely post it on here, Angela, when I sort it. I have some ideas I will be trying next weekend.
Suzanne
Frank @ Kraemers Culinary Blog says
I love everything with peanut butter and coconut. You have described this recipe so nice it’s hard to resist. You even made your own coconut butter. I like the idea of combining chocolate, banana, peanut butter and coconut. Best of all it’s very healthy. Well done.
admin says
This sounds like the perfect recipe for you then.
Suzanne
Spencer says
Looks absolutely amazing. I would so love to try some!
admin says
Unfortunately you might have to make it yourself as posting it might be messy. LOL.
Suzanne
tania@mykitchenstories.com.au says
Wow this is coconut heaven. Very clever
admin says
It is very flavourful and coconut is just one of the flavours.
Suzanne
CJ at Food Stories says
I love your ingredient list – So healthy & yummy 🙂
admin says
The slice is both healthy and yummy.
Suzanne
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I love the flavors in your slice, the layers are so pretty!
admin says
Layers are always pretty but these could have been straighter.
Suzanne
Sandra's Easy Cooking says
Whoa…those looks incredible! I am loving this combo and pictures are delicious!!!!
admin says
Thanks, Sandra.
Suzanne
Jennifer @ Delicieux says
Oh wow, that slice looks divine!! You are on a gluten free and sugar free roll. I love chocolate and banana. Such a winning combination.
admin says
It is a direction I am exploring in the hope that I feel better in my health – not that my health is bad. I just feel I could have more energy and I want to see if that’s possible.
Suzanne