As I wandered through the bustling farmer’s market one sunny Saturday morning, my eyes landed on a vibrant display of fresh ingredients. Among them was a bag of quinoa and a jar of golden tahini. In that moment, an idea sparked in my mind for a delightful sweetbread that not only satisfies the sweet tooth but also nourishes the body. This Nutty Quinoa Sweetbread with Maple Tahini Drizzle became a centerpiece at my next gathering, sparking conversations and smiles around the table.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour
  • ½ cup almond flour
  • ½ cup coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 2 eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan option)
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ½ cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts (or any preferred nuts)
  • ½ cup dried fruits (like cranberries or raisins)
  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, almond flour, coconut sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well to combine.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs (or flax eggs), applesauce, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix.
  • Fold in the cooked quinoa, chopped walnuts, and dried fruits until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • While the bread is baking, prepare the maple tahini drizzle. In a small bowl, mix together tahini and maple syrup until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of almond milk to reach your desired consistency.
  • Once the sweetbread is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  • Once cooled, slice the sweetbread and drizzle with the maple tahini mixture before serving. Enjoy!

This Nutty Quinoa Sweetbread is not only a delicious treat but also packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Every bite tells a story of the fresh ingredients that inspired me to create this wholesome dessert. Whether enjoyed at breakfast, as a snack, or at a gathering, it never fails to bring joy and nourishment to those who partake.