Holiday Dinner Party Season is approaching and if you’re looking for a new healthy dessert to share that will please all of your guests regardless of dietary preferences – this is it! This simple dessert of sautéed apples and pears with a coconut butter glaze is perfect for vegetarians, vegans, fruitarians, Paleo, Whole30, gluten-free and beyond!
This healthy dessert recipe is packed with nutrition from its four, simple ingredients:
Apples have long been considered a healthy food, and for good reason, they contain antioxidants, dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. Apples are also an energizing food thanks to their natural sugars!
Pears are almost identical to apples in nutrition. Yet for some reason you never hear people say “a pear a day, keeps the doctor away!” This may be because one serving of pear has more sugar than one serving of apple, but pears also have a bit more fiber and potassium!
Coconuts are nutrient-dense and contain healthy fats. Coconuts also have a high smoke point, making it great for cooking. Fat is a very important part of a healthy diet and coconut is high in medium-chain triglycerides, better known as MCTs, which are a type of saturated fat that your body can process into energy, more easily that long-chain fatty acids. In this recipe, we use coconut oil and coconut butter. Coconut butter is different that coconut oil; it is made from the whole coconut flesh, not just the oil. It has a sweet flavor (like frosting) and a creamy texture. Coconut butter works best as a dip, sauce or glaze as opposed to a cooking oil, because the meat can burn if heated too long.
Cinnamon has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. One of its many benefits is its high level of antioxidants. In my opinion, it is a key ingredient in healthier desserts because it adds amazing flavor without the extra sodium, sugar, or calories.
Sautéed Apples & Pears
INGREDIENTS
1 granny smith apple
1 honeycrisp
2 pears (slightly under ripe)
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp coconut butter
INSTRUCTIONS
Wash and dry all the fruit.
Core the apples and pears and slice into wedges about 1/2 inch thick.
Heat a medium, well-seasoned cast iron pan over medium heat and add the coconut oil.
Let the coconut oil warm for about one minute, then add the apples and pears. Cook, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes.
Adjust the heat to low and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Cook for another minute or two until the fruit is all soft and lightly browned.
Drizzle coconut butter over the top and serve!
Note: If your home is cool, you may need to heat the coconut butter before it will drizzle. Serve immediately and enjoy!
