Vanilla Pecan Blondies
These Vegan Vanilla Pecan Blondies are a low-glycemic, nutrient-packed snack designed to fuel your body without spiking your blood sugar. They’re perfect for meal prep and ideal for anyone embracing an anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory lifestyle.
Why it’s Cancer Conscious
This recipe features a powerhouse of nutrient-dense ingredients:
- Chickpeas: High in fibre and plant-based protein, they help maintain blood sugar balance and support gut health.
- Pecans: Rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and vitamins that combat oxidative stress.
- Monk Fruit Sweetener: A low-glycemic sweetener option to avoid blood sugar spikes.
- Cinnamon: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- Almond Butter: Provides healthy fats and a creamy texture without needing processed oils.
These blondies satisfy your sweet tooth without using refined sugars or harmful additives linked to cancer risk, making them a delightful guilt-free indulgence.
The Glycemic Load
Total GL for the entire recipe:
• Chickpeas (1.5 cups): ~21 GL
• Arrowroot powder (1 tbsp): ~3.5 GL
• Almond butter (1/4 cup): ~1.25 GL
• Plant-based milk (1/2 cup unsweetened coconut milk): ~0 GL
• Monk fruit sweetener (optional): ~0 GL
• Crushed pecans (1/2 cup): ~1.0 GL
• Cinnamon, salt, protein powder: ~0 GL
Total GL = 26.75
GL per serving (16 squares):
26.75 ÷ 16 = 1.67 GL per square
What Does This Mean?
A glycemic load under 10 is considered low, making each square of these blondies a blood-sugar-friendly, cancer-conscious snack choice. Enjoy them as a healthy, sweet treat without worrying about energy crashes!
What’s Essential & What Can Be Swapped
Essential Ingredients:
These form the foundation of the recipe and provide structure, flavour, or binding:
Cooked Chickpeas: The base for a smooth, creamy blondie texture. Cannot be omitted, but white beans (like cannellini) can substitute.
Plant Milk (unsweetened coconut, almond, or cashew): Needed for blending the batter to the right consistency.
Arrowroot Powder: Acts as a binder. Tapioca or cornstarch are viable swaps.
Almond Butter: Provides richness and moisture. Cashew butter or sunflower seed butter can work too.
Pecans: Essential for crunch. Swap with walnuts, and almonds, or omit them for a smoother blondie.
Optional Ingredients:
Monk Fruit Sweetener: Adds sweetness, especially if using unsweetened protein powder. Can be swapped with stevia, maple syrup (adjust liquid), or omitted entirely.
Cinnamon: Adds warmth. Feel free to replace it with nutmeg, cardamom, or pumpkin spice.
Protein Powder: Enhances protein content. Can be omitted or replaced with other vanilla-flavoured protein powders.
Why Pressure Cook Chickpeas?
Cooking With Intention
As you blend, stir, and bake these blondies, visualize nourishing your body and those you love. Infuse the process with gratitude and positive energy, knowing each ingredient supports health and healing. ⓘ Why is this important?
Vanilla Pecan Chickpea Blondies
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas
- 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons monk fruit sweetener
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder
- 1/4 cup almond butter or cashew butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup crushed pecans
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
- In a food processor, blend the chickpeas, protein powder, monk fruit sweetener (if using), plant milk, arrowroot, almond butter, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.
- Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
