Learn about baobab benefits and try this incredible superfood in this sweet, easy dessert!
Often called “Africa’s best kept secret,” baobab (pronounced BAY-oh-bab) is a unique African fruit and the new darling on the list of superfoods you’re going to want to add to your daily routine.
Baobab fruit comes with amazing weight loss, beauty and health benefits. Sold in powdered form, it has recently become more readily available in the US.
Just check out these stats about baobab:
Baobab Benefits
- Six times the antioxidants per serving of blueberries, cranberries and blackberries
- Double the antioxidants of goji, and more antioxidants than açaí and pomegranate
- More iron than red meat, spinach and lentils
- Twice as much calcium as milk
- Six times more potassium than bananas
- Four times more Vitamin C than oranges
- Five times more magnesium than avocado
- Over 50% natural fiber, higher than all superfruits
TIPS FOR USING BAOBAB
What does baobab taste like?
Overall it has a bright, tropical and citrusy flavor. Think sour mango, pineapple, melon with strong citrus notes.
What is the best baobab powder to buy?
Shop for pure, certified organic, non-GMO and gluten-free baobab sourced sustainably in Africa. (African baobab has been shown to have higher antioxidant levels than baobab grown elsewhere.) New brands are always popping up on Amazon, but I’ve tried and trust LIVfit Organic Baobab Powder by BetterBody Foods (around $10 for 6oz + prime shipping) and Terrasoul Baobab powder (around $15 for 12oz + prime shipping).
How to use baobab?
Baobab is a no-brainer addition to fruit-flavored smoothies, but it can also be added to yogurt, oatmeal and baked goods. For a quick fix, it can even be mixed into plain water. It’s a versatile, powerful powder!
Related: How to Drink Baobab Powder
When is the best time to take baobab?
Baobab is energizing, but because it does not contain caffeine or have a stimulant effect, it can be enjoyed any time of day. Many people enjoy it in the morning to kickstart their day, and its electrolyte content makes it a perfect all-natural workout drink during exercise or post-workout to rehydrate.
EASY BAOBAB RECIPE
In this easy baobab dessert recipe, we pack all of baobab’s incredible health benefits into a frozen, creamy dessert bark. Because I’m a glutton for superfoods and eating my vitamins (vs supplementing) when I can, this Baobab Bark is topped with raspberry and chia seeds. Plus, it makes this dessert so, so pretty!
This recipe was inspired by the Singing Canary Truffles by Trim Healthy Mama. I prefer preparing this as a break-apart bark, but it can also be rolled into single-serve truffles.
Note: I don’t follow Trim Healthy Mama (THM), but their cookbook Trim Healthy Table is one of my go-to resources for unique and healthy recipes. Many of the recipes feature baobab, including one of my all-time favorites, a low calorie, dairy-free “cheesecake” shake (Cheesecake Shakedown).
I’ve written over 50 honest and to-the-point reviews of Trim Healthy Table recipes and put them together in one convenient post –> Check it out and see if the cookbook is for you.
THM recipes are full of nutrition, high in protein and offer a full range of options whether you’re looking for low carb or a filling, but low calorie, meal. You really don’t need to follow THM to get a lot benefits out the recipes! Click to shop the book on Amazon.
Related: The Best Trim Healthy Mama Recipes from Trim Healthy Table
Baobab Bark with Raspberry and Chia
Ingredients
- 1.25 tsp gelatin
- 1 tbsp cool water
- 6.5 tbsp off-boil water (1/3c + 1T)
- 10 tbsp coconut oil (1/2c + 2T)
- 2 pinches sunflower lecithin optional
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 tbsp baobab powder
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 2 pinches mineral salt
- juice of one lemon
- 1 tbsp truvia
- 1/2 cup frozen raspberries coarsely chopped
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Line a small glass dish or toaster oven-sized cookie sheet with foil so that the foil goes up the sides.
- In a mug, dissolve gelatin in 1 Tbsp of cool water. Add the off-boil water, stir well, then pour mixture into a blender. Blend gelatin mixture for a few seconds, then let cool until lukewarm. (Keep mixture in the blender.)
- To the blender, add the coconut oil, sunflower lecithin (if using), vanilla, baobab, turmeric, salt, lemon juice and truvia and blend until creamy.
- Pour your bark mixture into your dish/pan prepared with foil and smooth to about 1/4" thickness with a spatula.
- Evenly sprinkle the bark with chopped raspberries and chia seeds and place in the freezer.
- Once firm, break into pieces and enjoy!
Notes