There are over 100 reasons that you should get Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry by my dear friend Elana Amsterdam. Two of those are the Paleo Bread recipe and the Flourless Gluten-Free Brownies (Nut-Free) recipe that I’m sharing today–thanks to Elana and her publisher, Ten Speed Press.
![Flourless Gluten-Free Nut-Free Brownies. From Paleo Cooking by Elana Amsterdam (Elana's Pantry). This recipe is worth buying the book in my opinion! [featured on GlutenFreeEasily.com]](https://glutenfreeeasily.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Paleo-Cooking-Elanas-Pantry-Flourless-Nut-Free-Brownies-image-p-116-600x6851.jpg)
Other reasons include the remainder of the nearly 100 recipes in this cookbook and Elana’s 10 years of experience eating paleo and developing wonderful grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free recipes. Recipes you’ve no doubt seen on her website, Elana’s Pantry, and perhaps in one or more of her other terrific gluten-free cookbooks.
Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry
Have you ever looked at some gluten-free recipes and just about cried when you saw all the ingredients and multiple steps? That has never, ever, been an issue with Elana’s recipes.
Her recipes always have just a handful of real food ingredients and that’s what you taste when you eat her main dishes, sides, salads, beverages, and treats. Real food. There’s nothing weird in taste or texture.
I love that fact and I especially love that her recipes show others that living gluten free (and “more free”) doesn’t have to be difficult in any way. While Elana does use a few ingredients that are not ones you can pick up at your average grocery store, they are worth the purchase and will become ones you rely on in the future.
I’ve made only the Paleo Bread and Flourless Gluten-Free Brownies thus far from Elana’s latest cookbook, but my “to make” list is almost as long as the table of contents in Paleo Cooking!
As one who loves flourless recipes of all kinds, I simply had to make Elana’s “Flourless Brownies Made Without Nuts.”
Initially, I made one change based on what I had on hand and personally use most of the time. I subbed in butter for the Spectrum shortening. Another time I used light brown sugar instead of coconut sugar.
These brownies turned out better than even I could have possibly expected. In a word, they are fabulous!
Mr. GFE’s review: “Delicious! Tastes like a real brownie to me.” Again, these brownies are just wonderful and the hardest part of making this recipe is waiting for them to cool so you can sample one! (See the recipe at the bottom of this post.)
I have even more of a reason to love this cookbook than Elana’s previous two cookbooks—The Almond Flour Cookbook and Gluten-Free Cupcakes: 50 Irresistible Recipes Made with Almond and Coconut Flour, which are already favorites. Why? Elana mentioned me and my gfe blog in the introduction to her Upside Down Apple Tartlets recipe!
That was such a nice thing to do—thank you, Elana! I love it when those in the gluten-free community share the “wealth,” so to speak.
Incidentally, you can get the recipe for those lovely Upside Down Apple Tartlets over at Cook IT Allergy Free. (I have linked to the recipe via The Wayback Machine as Cook IT Allergy Free is no longer operating.)
UPDATE: This giveaway is now closed. The winners have claimed their prizes!
Of course, if you didn’t win, you can simply order a copy of Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry via Amazon right now if you like. I recommend that!
Flourless Gluten-Free Brownies (Nut-Free) Recipe
These brownies are simply fabulous! It's so hard to believe that they're flourless and grain free. Recipe reprinted with permission from Paleo Cooking from Elana’s Pantry: Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free Recipes by Elana Amsterdam (Ten Speed Press, 2013). Photos Credit: Leigh Beisch. All the desserts in Paleo Cooking from Elana's Pantry are rated for sweetness. This recipe is rated High.Flourless Brownies (Gluten Free, Nut Free)
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Originally published June 25, 2013; updated November 16, 2024.
Kathryn says
Lovely review Shirley! I keep forgetting to get on Amazon and order this book. I love her first two and I’m sure I’ll love this as much.
I’ve made Elana’s Paleo Bread a few times myself and love it. It’s simple and so delicious and satisfying.
The brownie recipe will be made this week. Looks so chocolately and rich.
Love the shout out you received, too!
kate t says
great review. thanks for the recipes!
*shared on FB & twitter
Tammy S says
Hi, I’d love to win this because I’ve tried numerous recipes from the emails I receive and they are wonderful and delicious!!! I have to eat grain/gluten free because of health and it can get pretty boring since I’m not great in the kitchen. These recipes break up the monotony of eating the same food over and over. It is also great to share the food with others so they can see that going grain/gluten free is a tasty way to eat! Thank you for all the recipes and I’d love to have the books to go through when I need a recipe!
Angela says
Thanks for your review – that alone makes me want that book! I know that whatever you recommend, it great! I will share on FB right now!
Kristi Zemas says
I am interested in the Paleo Cooking because I have been diagnosed Celiac and just starting to do basic gf baking with a named brand mix to do zucchini bread and would like to expand to other items like the bread and brownies in this review. Thank you for bringing these recipes to all of us.
Chantal says
Recently I’ve made Elana’s Paleo cinnamon breakfast bread again, which I love and I really really hope winning her book. Can’t wait to see her new recipes!!
Corinne says
Great review, love the recipes can’t wait to try them out
Shared on Facebook
Cara says
I have a lot of friends who are Paleo and I would love to learn more about the diet.
SherriS. says
I agree with you Shirley that I love Elana’s cookbooks because of the small list of ingredients! I’ve enjoyed both of her other cookbooks and look forward to trying these recipes as well. Thanks for the chance to win.
Sheilah Miller says
I have been trying to eat Paleo for a year and it is hard to find good cookbooks. I would love to try this one.
Katrina says
I also like he fact that many of her recipes have short ingredient lists as well. I have enjoyed many of the recipes I made from her website. I would love a chance to win the cookbook! Thanks Shirley !
Ina gawne says
Shirley – the brownies and bread look delicious! Does this bread make good toast too? I love how simple the recipes are…a very nice cook book and review!
Shirley says
Ina–I have never toasted it! I always love it just as it is, but it should be perfectly fine for toast. 😉 Thanks for the kind words, dear!
Leslie M. says
Very nice review! I would like to win this cookbook because it sounds like it has something for everyone in my family. My oldest son and I are celiac, and my youngest son has nut allergies. The brownies will be perfect for him, and I can’t wait to make them! It seems like a great book with recipes for eating in a much healthier way, which is what I want for my whole family.
SunnyB@andloveittoo says
Thank you for the mention, lovie! xoxo
Shirley says
Hey Sunny–My pleasure, of course! 🙂
Emily says
Loved your review. I’d love to win.
Dyanne Spease says
I really need to get serious about my diet. Have been “playing with” Paleo and Gluten free here and there but really need to stick to it. I just love the recipes I have gotten from this and other sites and have found Elana’s recipes very tasty. I make and love the above bread recipe. One of my go to’s.
Dyanne Spease says
I have shared this giveaway on FB.
Dyanne Spease says
I have shared this giveaway on G+
Dyanne Spease says
I have pinned this giveaway onto my Pinterest board for giveaways.
Zoe says
Hey, dear Shirley! Not entering the giveaway, but just wanting to say I noticed how you were included in Elana’s cookbook and I think that’s awesome! 🙂
Shirley says
Awww, thanks, Zoe! I thought the mention was very generous of Elana! 🙂
Zoe says
I wonder how many people were introduced to your blog because of that? 🙂 I forgot to mention, also, thank you for linking to my giveaway! It’s a great cookbook.
Melody says
I’ve tried a few of Elana’s recipes and have been pleased. My daughter and I have some health issues and this cookbook would be a great asset to our cooking!
Melody says
Pinned on pinterest, here… http://pinterest.com/pin/263108803203042041/
Melody says
posted on Facebook!
Cindy W. says
I would love to win this cookbook because I have been trying to eat more Paleo but more importantly my oldest daughter is eating Paleo to help with getting pregnant. (: We can learn Paleo together.
Angela says
I would love to win this book. I’ve recently begun changing my (and my family’s) diet to paleo due to health issues and my son’s focus issues. Her recipes look easy and simple which are very important with a family.
Angela says
shared on facebook, twitter, and pinterest
Donna Strickler says
Thanks for sharing these recipes Shirley – I can’t wait to make them both, but especially the brownies – which are one of my favs :-). I have Elana’s almond flour cookbook, and I absolutely love it because the recipes are so easy, and the taste is unbelievable (especially the Carrot Cake :-))!
Alisa says
I have Elana’s book and am excited to dive in. She really knows how to write approachable recipes! Those brownies look awesome Shirley. Must make some of those for sure.
noosh. says
i’m interested in the book because i have to eat paleo/nightshade free and always looking for new options! love her creativity and simplicity!
noosh. says
Shared on Pinterest!
Moriah says
Thanks for the review, the recipes, and the giveaway! I just LOVE Elana’s recipes – as they are simple and simply delicious – and would love to win a copy of her newest cookbook. 🙂
Kerri says
Love Elana’s other cookbooks. I have a teenager with Celiac and type 1 diabetes so goodies made wit almond flour are much better for him!
eileen says
Trying to go Paleo. My son is GFCF. I love Elana ‘s other books, this would be great
Susan says
Elana’s book looks great. It is always so nice to get new recipes — especially ones that don’t have a weird combination of hard to find ingredients! Real food sounds great to me. So glad you were able to share the recipes for bread and brownies. I’ll put them in my “to try” file today!
April says
I’ve been a huge fan of Elana for a long time now. Thanks for the giveaway!
April says
Shared on FB!
April says
Shared on Twitter!
April says
Shared on Pinterest
elaina says
Trying to get my name in the pile to get picked t win one of these copies of Elana’s newest book. Thank you
I posted to Facebook also
jen currie says
The brownie’s sound amazing! I’m in grave need of some hearty paleo meals to please my hubby! This cookbook would be awesome!
Vickie says
It would be great to win one of the cookbooks! I am gluten and dairy free and see that grain is a problem now and wondered if I needed to try Paleo to clear up the problems I am having. Both of you Ladies have great Blogs and I am thankful for you.
dawn says
I began my real food journey 4 years ago, transitioned to gluten free 8 months ago and have had improvement in my health – lost some weight, better blood sugar control, feeling better in general. I feel like transitioning to Paleo will finally eliminate the last of the food-related issues I have have and greatly improve my health. This book would be so helpful since I have much to learn about Paleo cooking and eating.
dawn says
Tweeted
dawn says
Pinned
Clare says
I love Elana’s blog and other cookbooks. This one looks just as wonderful.
Sharon says
I love elanas first cookbook and would love to add this one to my collection as well. I love how simple and easy her recipes are.
Sharon says
Tweeted this giveaway.
Dana says
I love Elana’s blog, and am really interested in learning more about the Paleo movement!
Susan in Salida says
I picked up Elana’s first cookbook when I first went gluten free and have several go-to recipes from that book. Looking forward to seeing the new one!
Felicia Saucier says
I love Elana’s cookbooks and am excited about this latest one, since I have been exploring the paleo movement. Thank you Shirley for the recipes and the opportunity to win this cookbook.
Felicia Saucier says
I pinned this on pinterest~
JANET says
A friend recently told me about Paleo. One of my favorite foods is bread, but every time I eat regular store/restaurant breads or desserts, I get a rash. I would love to try Paleo, because I need to focus on only ONE cookbook that has easy recipes, or it’s just too difficult to stick with it on my busy work schedule.
Heather says
I am new to Paleo and a 14 months strict gluten free. I am excited to find new recipes that are healthy and healthful yet still delicious!! This book is exactly what I’m looking for! Congrats on the Bestseller!!
Kate Myers says
All these recipes look delicious! I would like to enter to won this cookbook because it’s very difficult for me, having a gluten and nut, in addition to seed and coconut allergy, to get the right texture in my cooking.
Heather says
Shared on Facebook!!
Heather says
Pinned on Pinterest!
Diedre Rutherford says
Love your recopies. I have used many of them. I would love to have this book
Courtney says
I need to eat gluten-free for health reasons, and would love to try (and success at) paleo cooking — and her cookbook will help. 🙂
Courtney says
I shared on Facebook & Twitter. <3
Courtney says
Shared on Google+ 🙂
Wendy says
I would love to win this cookbook because my husband has to eat gluten free and we are trying to go dairy free and eat more plant based. I hope I win!
Linda S says
I’d love to win this cookbook because I really want to learn more about Paleo cooking and I love simplicity, too. Thanks so much for sharing, Shirley!
Jen a says
I would loves this, wee at are dairy, soy, and gluten free because of alllergies.
runy lin says
i’d love to have a copy of Elana’s cookbook.
Maria says
Love the recipes! I am going Paleo to improve my skin, wish me luck <3
MIchele says
I would love a copy of Elana’s book simply because she is awesome! I have her other books and she has opened my eyes to a whole new world of cooking.
kathy butz says
I cook gluten free and would love to try paleo. cookbook looks great!
Elizabeth Helm says
I am very interested in feeding my family better. I have been disagnosed Celiac and gluten free for about 4 years but would love to learn more on how to cook/bake GF and Paleo.
Ann says
I love her recipes – they’ve been vital to knowing how to be gf AND healthy – two things that don’t always go together.
Also – I’ve never won a giveaway! 🙁
Suzanne Barrett says
I’ve been Paleo/gluten-free since last November and have enjoyed better health as well as losing 28 pounds. This is a lifestyle for my family and we’re always looking for great new recipes since we love to cook. Elana’s Pantry has been an inspiration from the outset. I would love to win her cookbook.
Lana says
Just getting started on a Paleo lifestyle, would love this cookbook 🙂
Theresa Kulbaga says
I loved Elana’s first cookbook! As a gluten-free vegan, I find it difficult to find good cookbooks. I can’t wait to try the recipes from this one!
Carolyn says
More Paleo recipes! Yes, I need these recipes.
Kris Conway says
I have to eat paleo due to medical conditions and have loved Elana’s cookbooks so far. I can’t wait to see her new book soon.
Suzie says
I’ve recently started a gluten free diet due to some health issues, so I’m a beginner and need some easy recipes. Would love to win this cookbook! 🙂
Nicole M. says
I have been trying to follow more closely to a Paleo lifestyle lately, in the interest of my family’s health. Elana always has great recipes and I would love to win her new cookbook to try more!
Manon Ruel says
I came to a gluten-free (and paleo) way of eating when I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. I am always on the lokk for new recipes to try 🙂
Sharon Joy says
Pinned, tweeted and liked and shared 🙂
I need this book…newly gluten intolerant and still in denial 🙁
Manon Ruel says
shared on Pinterest 🙂
Frances says
I have been paleo for a couple of months and I feel soooooo much better! I’ve used a lot of Elana’s recipes that I’ve seen on Facebook or that I’ve found other places on the Internet…..but would so love to have her cookbook!!!
Emily says
I jus recently started eliminating grains & feel so much better! I’m excited to try Elana’s recipes! 🙂
Tammy says
I love the Almond Flour cookbook – my favorite recipe is the Almond Flour Chocolate Chip scones… I’ve made them for my neighbors and they love them too. Now, they ask me for them! Two and 1/2 years ago, I was diagnosed with RA – and since wheat and sugar cause inflammation, I’m trying to give up both. Not an easy task but this cookbook is amazing. I’m going to order her other two soon.
Scott Smith says
i love elana’s almond flour cookbook and i can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
Mariam says
Just starting on our journey of Paleo cooking and this book would be a great help.
Tammi says
Would love to win this cookbook. I’ve been following Elena for a while. I’m the only one celiac in our house, but we are all trying to eat more healthily. Thanks for the review and recipes.
Michelle Maynard says
I found Elana’s site with a google search and have tried a couple of her recipes. I am sold on her recipes. I had Lap Band surgery 6 years ago and had gotten out of touch with the proper way of eating. Her recipes help me greatly with eliminating all the regular white flour and adding healthy options. I am changing my ways.
I have shared this giveaway on facebook.
Kendra M. says
Went to naturopotic doctor (saved up on teacher’s salary) and was told to try dairy free, gluten free diet for my two year old son. Specifically told to try Paleo diet. Not sure what to feed my family now. This cookbook looks awesome. I won’t feel so lost in my own kitchen.
Jen says
I love Elana’s blog…such great recipes. Her new cookbook would be well loved here!
Tracy Davis says
Trying to have a healthier eating lifestyle. Paleo is something I’m very curious about and would love to try her recipes!
Linda says
I Love eating Paleo and love sharing recipes with others to help them realize you can eat paleo and still enjoy food and while taking good care of yourself….it demystifies the idea and encourages others to try too!
Alaina H. says
Elana’s blog was my first paleo blog that I followed on a daily basis. I started off by “going gluten free” and eventually moved to the more serious tier of “going primal” with paleo, and never looked back!
Every week (and yes, I mean EVERY week) since September, I make Elana’s “breakfast bread” (with a few tweaks). I absolutely love this recipe and recommend it to anyone looking for new breakfast options. The banana bread is always a hit at parties and of course, the kale chips have earned me a few strange glances at work when I take a snack break!
Kim says
Would love this book! I have been GF for a long time but would like to start mixing in more paleo into our family diet.
Chelsea says
I started Paleo almost a month ago and have been following recipes from Elana’s website! Lovelove
Stephanie LaFond says
I have been following Elena’s blog for a little while now. Such great recipes. I would love to win a cookbook.
Marcey says
OH, I have Elana’s other two books and love them! I’ve been Paleo for a couple years now and I’m always on the lookout for more inspiration.
Kim says
I am starting my family on a wheat free lifestyle to better our all around health. This cookbook would help me with the transition.
Ruby Lin says
Love to have a copy of Elana’s cookbook. I have been cooking gluten free for over 3 years and use a lot of Paleo recipe. This cook book would come in handy.
Rachel says
I recently found Elana’s website online and frequently make the recipes she has posted. I would do love a copy of this book because every time I make one of her recipes I am amazed at how well they turn out!
Ruby Lin says
I tweeted https://twitter.com/rubydouble/status/352248023302144000
Jen says
Shared giveaway on Facebook.
Randi says
Would love a copy of her book.
Cindy says
I love Elana’s no-nonsense, simple, but delicious recipes, and I’ve yet to have one that failed on me.
Kim Geisler-baker says
I shared this on Facebook
Judy Wall says
Paleo cooking definitely seems the way to go! I have tried a few of Elana’s recipes and they are delicious. Feeling so much better without grains. Would love to win Elana’s book – please pretty please. 🙂
Indre says
I love paleo foods, paleo recipes, baking, cooking paleo because I feel the best with Paleo!
Ashley Breton says
I’ve loved Elana’s recipes!
Meredith Larson says
Wonderful, wonderful recipes!! Would love to have a copy of this book!
Erin says
I have loved all of the recipes that I have tried of Elena’s so far and am looking forward to her help with my journey on being a creative paleo mom!
Erin says
Re-tweeted giveaway!
Erin says
Shared in Facebook!
Melanie M says
Started Paleo a few months ago. Could not have survived without Elana’s recipes! Love the granola! Would LOVE a copy o9f this book!!!
Eileen says
Shared on FB. I love all the recipes that Elana Amsterdam shares and have followed her for a couple of years now. Gluten-free seems to be the way to go, for me anyway. I have her Almond Flour cookbook and love it! Would really like to own her new paleo book as well. 🙂
Manon Ruel says
shared on Twitter also
Geralyn says
I am interested in Elana’s cookbook and Paleo cooking due to health reasons. I love Elana’s recipes though because they are so simple!
Ernie Sanchez says
I enjoy eating Paleo and have made several recipes from ER website. I can’t wait for more recipes!
Chana says
My husband eats completely paleo now, and has gotten me into it. I always feel better when I follow the paleo life style and I would love to learn more about it.
Melanie Binkley says
I would really love to win because it is fun too win! Also for the sheer joy as this book has been on my “wish list!”
My biggest challenge in staying paleo is the breads and desserts! Its funny I feel so much better on Paleo/Ancestral lifestyle and you think that would be enough… alas I am a lover of breads and bread products and brownies.
When I jump off the wagon now I go GF right away but even then it is a slippery slope to regular products sort of as a rebellion!
So for me the contents of this book offer me hope and good strategies to not even leave my Paleo/Ancestral eating lifestyle!
I have purchased commercial Paleo bread before and frankly I would rather chew on the leg of my chair! But I trust Shirley rather implicitly and so I am so anxious to give the bread a go and for the thrill and pure joy it would be to win a “longed for” item to cherish and bring joy to my days!
Thanks for the great opportunities!
Melanie
Melanie Binkley says
FB shared!
Melanie Binkley says
Tweeted!
Melanie Binkley says
Pinned on Pinterest!
Melanie Binkley says
Google +!
Petra Prochazkova says
I love Elana’s recipes. I’ve tried many of them and would love to have a copy of her cook book. I am also celiac and paleo diet is just great for me. I feel so much better to eat grain free diet.
Christianne Madona says
I am already gluten free, dairy free and grain free(except quinoa), I am leaning more toward paleo for more protein and healthy fats. I would love to have Elana’s new cookbook. I need all the help I can get! Thanks for showcasing!
Dawn says
I would love a copy of Elana’s cookbook. I have been following her blog and have recreated many of her recipes, which never fail to please. We eat paleo/gluten free because we feel so much healthier, but also because of food sensitivities which all of my kids and husband suffer from.
Kathy Kilbourne says
I would love to win this book. Eating paleo after having some health problems and feeling so much better. Would love to get some paleo recipes. Elana’s recipes are delicious!! Sharing on facebook.
Becky M. says
I would like to win this book because I’m trying to follow a Paleo lifestyle. I’m enjoy cooking and trying new recipes. This would be a great addition to my collection! Thanks!
Leta says
Would love a copy! I use her recipes all the time. She is so talented! I shared on Facebook.
Leta says
Would love to win! Her recipes are so good! Very talented lady!
Joni Owada says
We are trying to eat Paleo for health reasons.
Joni Owada says
shared on FB
Joni Owada
Carolyn says
I won! Thank you Shirley, winning put a bright spot in my day! I can’t wait to try out the new recipes.
Heather says
I’m so excited that I won! I can’t wait to dig into this book and start making healthy Paleo meals that are yummy!! Thank you so very much, Shirley!!
Melanie Binkley says
Yaaaaaaay for you Heather! I would rather it had been me hehehehe but yaaaaaay for you! Wooooopeeeee! Congratulations! Hope you enjoy it!
Judy Miller says
To late to win the cookbook, but will definetly try these recipies. GF is hard to find a good tasting bread.
Carolyn says
Yeah! I received my cookbook in the mail today. Can’t wait to try out the new recipes! Thanks, Shirley!
Maria says
Both recipes look marvelous! Can the bread recipe be made without the apple cider vinegar? Can lemon juice be substituted?
Shirley says
Hi Maria–Welcome to gfe! 🙂 I read your comment the other day, went off to investigate, and got sidetracked! 🙁 The ACV provides the acidity to activate the baking soda, so the lemon juice *might* work in that regard, but I can’t be sure. However, I was reading about one person who made this bread leaving out the ACV and although it didn’t rise, the bread still tasted good. My point is that even if you try the lemon juice and it doesn’t work in activating the baking soda and causing the bread to rise, you won’t completely “lose” your loaf of bread. If you give it a try, please let us know your results! 🙂
Shirley
Maria says
Thank you Shirley. I was told to avoid vinegars for candida but I can’t imagine that 1 TBS in a loaf of bread would be that bad. Nonetheless, it’s helpful to know what purpose it serves. The kale chips I’m making this morning seem a lot less intimidating than baking bread!
Shirley says
Maria–It’s interesting, because I know that many on the candida diet do avoid vinegar, but I’ve heard of at least one candida plan that allows small amounts of raw Bragg’s organic apple cider vinegar. I don’t know how much of the sugar in the vinegar would remain after baking. It seems like the amount would be much smaller than say using ACV in salad dressing, but I don’t know for sure. As far as being intimidated, there’s absolutely no reason to be intimidated with Elana’s bread recipe. It’s easy … and good! Non-yeast breads are super easy to make! 🙂 But kale chips are always delicious, too. 😉
Shirley