These orange cardamom bites are a perfect pick-me-up midday, or a quick breakfast treat. They just happen to be gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free too.
It’s no secret that I adore dessert. So, that first week of my sugar cleanse was torture! I went cold-turkey as in NO dessert whatsoever and I experienced sugar withdrawal. No lie. So, I decided to come up with a few sugar-free “treats” to trick my mind and taste buds.
And the first ones that came out of my kitchen that not only tricked my mind and taste buds, but my daughter’s as well, were these no-bake orange cardamom bites.
Cardamom is an extremely popular spice in Sri Lankan cooking, with its pods being used in a variety of savory curries and fragrant rice pilafs and biryani.
When I was younger and I happened on one of those pods in one of my mom’s savory curries or rice dishes, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t totally appalled as those pods were not appealing to my young taste buds. Now, however, I adore cardamom (almost as much as I adore desserts) whether it’s in a savory or sweet dish.
And, I was surprised to learn that cardamom isn’t just known for its aromatic smell. In fact, cardamom, one of the most expensive spices here, is a powerful anti-inflammatory, an antispasmodic, an anti-coagulant, a blood pressure regular, a breath refresher and immunity booster! It also comes with a fair share of fiber and vitamin C! All in such a small pod!
Combined with orange zest in these gluten free, dairy free bites, cardamom packs a mighty flavor punch, distracting from the fact that these treats are free of any refined sugar! If you happen to be watching your sugar intake or just want a fuss free, healthier, no bake bite to enjoy during the 2 pm afternoon slump or even a quick breakfast, then mix yourself up a batch of these and enjoy!
This recipe first appeared on FoodFanatic – Please check out FoodFanatic for more recipe ideas and inspiration!
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It’s great to eat this cake. The good idea when adding a little orange peel aboard them – looking very nice!
I love cardamom Shashi! And I had no idea all the health benefits. You’re a wealth of info. my friend. These are beautiful snacky treats and would trick even my sugar lovin’ tastebuds! I hope you’re well and having a super week. Almost FriYAy! Love ya! XO
I even cannot imagine a sugar-free diet. And let’s be honest – I even don’t want. But I do like cardamom, and I’m surprised to find out how beneficial for our health it is. Thus, since it’s a season of cold and other nasty things, I’m going to be proactive and make cardamom donuts, cardamom ice cream, cardamom hot chocolate, cardamom cookies, cardamom marshmallows, and definitely these cardamom orange treats. I can even send all these things to you, Shashi! Oh, you’re not allowed to have your sugar yet so next time:)
I haven’t made BITES in a long while, but I love them so – and NEED to change that. NEED TO. But the problem is, then I make like 20 of them and eat 10. WHOOOOPPPSSS!
Oh these look delicious and cardamom, I just love the look and imagine these melting in my mouth.
Reading about this and your description of the benefits and properties of this wonderful spice reminds me of our time in Zanzibar and out visit to the spice farm, wonderful and enlightening!
Thanks Shashi. 😀
I have been sharing this recipe everywhere already as I know by just looking at your ingredient list that this is winner. Love cardamon and right now those little mandarin oranges are everywhere so might just exchange with those due to convenience. I never used to have a sweet tooth but I have noticed as this weather has gotten cooler and damp that I am craving something a little sweet at the end of the meal. this is the perfect solution.
Love that these little bites are healthy! Perfect afternoon snack! And Orange and cardamom is such a great combination!
I love cardamom, but I certainly didn’t when I was younger either. And I have ZERO clue it had SO many health benefits!! Guess I need to add a healthy dose of cardamom to ALL the things, huh? 😉 Or I could just eat these bites on the daily! These look fabulous, Shashi!! Love the cardamom and orange pairing here! Who needs sugar when you can have these, right?! Cheers, friend – to a week as fabulous as you! xo
I had no idea cardamom had so many benefits!! These sound (& look) completely delicious! Love the orange in there too. I bet they are so good that you don’t even miss the sugar 🙂 Can’t wait to try these! Pinned! Have a great week!
These sound and look so amazing! Perfect for our holiday baking day this year 🙂
What a nice treat that isn’t baked! Love it.
These sound so delicious and I love all the healthy ingredients.
These look so good, Shashi. I wonder what kind of coconut flour you used here..is the defatted one or the ground desiccated coconut flakes?
Dear Shashi, what a fabulous breakfast treat…I just love the flavors of these little bites. One of the best recipes I’ve seen for healthier snacks. Saving for later and adding to Flipboard! xoxo, Catherine
They’re absolutely gorgeous, so you’ve got that covered right off the bat. I’m not all that familiar with cardamom, so I am anxious to taste this!
You have me sold with these festively flavored bites!
I had no idea cardamom had so many useful qualities! It is a really awesome addition to sweet recipes, and I can almost taste these bites. And good for you for sticking with the no sugar thing…you should be getting close to your 30 days, huh? I hope so! Laura and I have really cut back (not entirely out..) sweets lately in an effort to lose Robbie weight…but that means our freezer is overflowing with treats. I need somewhere to send them! 🙂 Either that, or I need a lil Shashi in school nearby! Hah!
This looks like such a delicious healthy snack! I love the flavors, they are so different. Can’t wait to make these.
Absolutely love the flavor combinations here!!
I love to snack on little bites like these and the orange cardamom combination sounds amazing!