Baking is a beloved tradition in many European cultures, with each country offering its own unique treats, from French croissants to German strudels and Italian tiramisu. But as we become more health-conscious, it’s essential to rethink how we bake, especially if we want to keep things wholesome and nourishing. Luckily, European-inspired baking doesn’t have to be unhealthy. By focusing on clean, plant-based, and nutrient-dense ingredients, we can create delicious bakes that fuel the body and avoid unhealthy fats.
One of the key aspects of healthy European baking is using simple, high-quality ingredients. Choosing clean-label products – like coconut milk and organic oils – ensures that your baked goods are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and unhealthy fats.
Baking with healthy ingredients
When it comes to baking, choosing the right ingredients is crucial. For instance, instead of reaching for refined oils or processed dairy products, opt for clean baking options.
Coconut oil, in particular, is a fantastic fat to use in plant-based baking. As a healthy ingredients distributor, FoodGrid offers premium coconut milk and coconut oil that can replace dairy milk and butter in many recipes, adding richness and a subtle tropical flavor.
Europeans have long relied on natural sweeteners and whole grains in their bakes, and these options are key to making your baking healthier. Healthy vegan chocolate is another essential ingredient for those with a sweet tooth. At FoodGrid you can find high-quality, allergen-free chocolate to use in your recipes.
When it comes to flour, try incorporating whole wheat or even gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or coconut flour. These flours are higher in fiber and provide more sustained energy compared to regular white flour.
Here are 5 simple, healthy recipes to get you started with your European-inspired baking:
1. German Apple Strudel with Coconut Oil and Vegan Chocolate
Ingredients:
- 1 package of phyllo dough (or homemade pastry dough)
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup vegan chocolate, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix the apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, raisins, walnuts, and melted coconut oil.
- Lay out the phyllo dough sheets on a clean surface, brushing each layer with a little melted coconut oil.
- Place the apple mixture along the length of the dough and sprinkle with chopped vegan chocolate.
- Carefully roll up the dough, folding in the edges as you go, and place it on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden and crispy. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.
2. Italian Coconut Milk Risotto
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups Arborio rice
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until soft.
- Add the rice and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If using, add the wine and cook until the liquid evaporates.
- Gradually add the vegetable broth and coconut milk, stirring constantly, until the rice is tender and creamy (about 20-25 minutes).
- Stir in nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper.
- Serve garnished with fresh basil.
3. French Vegan Chocolate Tart
Ingredients for the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups almond flour
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- A pinch of salt
Ingredients for the filling:
- 1 cup vegan chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine almond flour, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and salt in a bowl. Press the mixture into the base of a tart pan.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden. Let it cool.
- For the filling, melt the vegan chocolate and coconut oil in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water.
- Once melted, stir in the coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Mix until smooth.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Garnish with fresh berries or vegan sprinkles for a decorative touch.
4. Spanish Churros with Coconut Oil and Vegan Chocolate Dip
Ingredients for the churros:
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 cup flour (use whole wheat or gluten-free flour)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Ingredients for the chocolate dip:
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
Directions:
- In a saucepan, bring the water and coconut oil to a boil. Add the flour, salt, and cinnamon, stirring to form a dough.
- Let the dough cool slightly, then pipe it into hot coconut oil for frying. Fry until golden brown.
- For the dip, melt the vegan chocolate and coconut milk in a heatproof bowl over simmering water.
- Serve the churros warm with the chocolate dip.
5. Dutch Vegan Pancakes with Coconut Oil
Ingredients:
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup whole wheat flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh berries for topping
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the coconut milk, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until smooth.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat, then pour the batter to form pancakes.
- Cook each pancake for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Serve with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.
By focusing on clean, plant-based ingredients like those offered by FoodGrid, you can recreate traditional European bakes while keeping them healthy and nourishing. Happy baking!
