So what the heck is cauliflower rice? Essentially, when you pulse a head of cauliflower in the food processor, it breaks up into teeny weeny pieces that resemble couscous or rice. You can then swap your carb-heavy starches for the low cal faux-rice in dishes like stir-fries, salads and curry.
But what else could you possibly use those little low-carb crumbles for? I bet you weren’t thinking dessert.
When the Marilyn Denis Show called me and asked for a few recipes using cauliflower rice, dessert wasn’t exactly my first thought, either. But then I remembered the epic internet obsession of 2014 with cauliflower pizza crust and ta da, a sweet dessert pizza recipe was born.
Now, admittedly, I have never read a recipe for a DESSERT cauliflower pizza, so I was going to be taking a bit of a risk. But I had faith that as long as I was using good quality ingredients and trusting my senses on texture and consistency, that I could nail this pizza crust without the dreaded #PinterestFail.
Cauliflower Pizza? For Dessert?? WHAT?!
While most savoury cauliflower pizza crusts are held together by copious amounts of shredded cheese, I wanted to keep things even healthier and of course, make it sweet. So I used a combination of cauliflower rice, yummy almond flour (gluten free), egg, honey and cocoa powder. Woot woot- a delicious chocolate pizza crust was born. And yes, it really does stay together.
Next, I had some fun layering on some lightly warmed natural almond butter (so it spreads smoothly), melted dark chocolate, sweet sliced fruit and some toasted almonds and coconut. The cauliflower really helps cut those calories and carbs, while all of those almonds deliver the hunger crushing combination of fibre, protein and healthy fats. Trust me, you’re not going to be looking for a snack right after you eat this cauliflower pizza.
The result is a decadent looking gluten free cauliflower pizza dessert that’s so healthy, you can legitimately eat it for breakfast. And if you want it a little more sweet (because neither the chocolate, nor the almond butter is sweetened), you can finish things off with a little drizzle of honey.
You can bet your boots I did a little happy dance in the kitchen after nailing (and inhaling) this cauliflower pizza.
Have you tried making cauliflower pizza? What miraculous comfort food would you like to see me make with cauliflower rice? Leave me a comment below and share this recipe in any of your favourite social media outlets!
This recipe is proudly part of #TheRecipeRedux, so check out some other nut-filled recipes!
Gluten Free Cauliflower Pizza with Chocolate, Almonds & Berries
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 2 lb head of cauliflower cut into florets
- 3/4 cup almond flour
- 2 tsp natural cocoa powder
- 1 egg beaten
- 1 tbsp honey
- Pinch salt, cinnamon and nutmeg pinch of each
Toppings
- 3 tbsp natural almond butter
- 1 oz dark chocolate finely chopped
- 1/4 cup banana sliced
- 1/4 cup strawberries sliced
- 1 tbsp shaved coconut toasted
- 1 tbsp almond slices toasted
- Honey if desired
Instructions
Crust
- Preheat oven to 450 F. Line a baking sheet with a silpat or nonstick mat.
- Put your cauliflower into a food processor and pulse until it breaks up into small pieces that resemble rice.
- Measure out 3 cups and transfer to a microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 2 minutes on high. Allow to cool, then squeeze the moisture out of the cauliflower rice.
- To the cauliflower, mix in the almond flour, cocoa powder, egg, honey, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Roll into a ball, then press into a round pizza crust, about 1/4 inch thick. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the centre is dry and the edges begin to brown.
Toppings
- In a small microwave safe bowl, heat the almond butter in 30 second increments, stirring between each time, until soft and very smooth.
- In another small microwave safe bowl, add the chocolate shavings and microwave on high for 30 second increments, stirring between each time, until melted and smooth.
Assembly
- Spread the almond butter onto the crust, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the outsides. Top with the sliced fruit, almonds and coconut.
- Dip a fork into the melted chocolate and drizzle it over the pizza. If you want to make the pizza sweeter, add a little drizzle of honey on top. Cut into slices using kitchen scissors, and enjoy at room temperature.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: The preceding recipe was developed in paid partnership with Almond Board of California, however, as always, all opinions are genuine.
Updated on October 4th, 2021
Abbey Sharp is a Registered Dietitian (RD), regulated by the Ontario College of Dietitians. She is a mom, YouTuber, Blogger, award winning cookbook author, media coach specializing in food and nutrition influencers, and a frequent contributor to national publications like Healthline and on national broadcast TV shows.
Sara says
Love this salad!
Don says
use it for a crust in apple pie
Abbey Sharp says
great idea!