Chocolate Pizza with a Cocoa Cauliflower Crust | Clean Eating with a Dirty Mind

I know. Finally, right? How long have you guys been waiting for me to post this recipe?! Okay it’s been like a month or so, but that’s like FOREVER in Paleo time! Fooorrreevvvvvvveeerr…(Sandlot voice). So this recipe is pretty much two of life’s greatest offerings combined into one…chocolate and pizza. I had never attempted a Paleo Pizza before because to me, honestly, pizza is just not pizza without cheese…or a big fat heaping doughy gluteny crust. There I said it! But, dessert pizza on the other hand, now we’re talking. I had always seen people making pizza crusts out of cauliflower so I knew that was the direction I wanted to go in, but now to make it chocolate and not taste like cauliflower, that was where the challenge lay. I attempted 3, yes 3 crusts before I was happy with the outcome. They were either too breakable, not chocolatey enough, or too cauliflowery. Apparently the third time’s the charm because the crust came out awesome possum. Yes people say awesome possum and yes by people I mean me. Do you want this recipe or not? Then you have to put up with my blabber. Or just scroll down. Fine. Go ahead and scroll, we’ll chat later.

Paleo Chocolate Pizza with Cocoa Cauliflower Crust

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of cauliflower puree
1/4 cup blanched almond flour
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1.5 ounces of dark chocolate 60% cacao or higher
3 tablespoons 100% pure maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil, liquid
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons smooth almond butter or nut butter of choice
1 organic cage-free egg
1 banana sliced
1/4 cup chocolate chips (Enjoy Life Mini Chips, Cocoa Nibs, or anything you prefer)
A handful of shredded coconut
chocolate drizzle* (See directions below)

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 425 F.

2. In a food processor pulse the florets of half a small cauliflower until you get a rice like size and texture, this should be about 1/2 cup. Then transfer the cauliflower rice to a large microwave safe bowl and microwave for 5 minutes.

3. Use a paper towel to soak up any excess moisture from the cauliflower. Let cool.

4. When the cauliflower has completely cooled use the same large bowl to combine the cauliflower puree, almond flour, salt, and cinnamon and stir until combined.

5. In a separate small bowl, put the chocolate, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla. Melt using the double boiler method, stirring frequently until completely melted and combined. *Set aside 2 tbs. of this chocolate mixture to drizzle on top of your completed Paleo Chocolate Pizza at the end. After you have set this aside, add the 2 Tbs. of almond butter and the egg to the chocolate mixture in the bowl, make sure it’s cool enough that it won’t cook the egg, and then continue to stir until thoroughly mixed. You should have a chocolate like pudding texture and consistency at this point.

6. Then fold the chocolate mixture into the large bowl with the cauliflower puree and dry ingredients to create your cocoa cauliflower dough. Mix until well combined.

7. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour the cocoa cauliflower dough into the center of the parchment paper and use a spoon to spread the mixture out evenly into a circle that is about 1/4″ thick.

8. Bake for 10 minutes. Let completely cool. Then spread the 1/4 cup of almond butter on top of the cocoa cauliflower crust. Now you can add the rest of the toppings, the sliced banana, chocolate chips, shredded coconut and the 2 Tbs. of chocolate mixture you set aside earlier. For a fancy chocolate drizzle just put the 2 Tbs. of the chocolate mixture into a ziploc bag, cut a small hole in the corner and then squeeze moving your hand across the top of the pizza to create a drizzle pattern. Enjoy!

There you have your recipe. Now back to me. So I had the best weekend ever! EVER! But I can’t even tell you about it. Doesn’t that suck. I’m sort of under a verbal NDA. But when the thing that happened this weekend actually happens, then I can tell you all about it! So make a mental note, you didn’t hear it here first. Well you did kinda. You will LOVE it. I promise. I want to tell you so bad! But I can’t, I’m so torn. Moving on.

So I’m totally excited for you guys to make this chocolate pizza. It would be so cool to bring to a potluck for dessert or just to have on girls wine/chick flick night! Whenever I host one of those we never even watch the movie, we’re too busy eating and gabbing to pay attention. Anyway this pizza is good. You know what else is good? Mimosas. I drank a lot of those this weekend during the stuff I can’t tell you about yet. Mmmmmm Champagne. When Dom Pérignon discovered champagne he said, “Come quickly, I’ve tasted the stars.” Isn’t that amazing. It says everything about champagne all in one sentence. I like that. If I had to say something that would capture this chocolate pizza in one sentence I would say, “Come quickly, before I eat it all.”

June 24, 2013 | 58 Comments

58 Comments on Chocolate Pizza with a Cocoa Cauliflower Crust

Lexi's Clean Kitchen
June 24, 2013 at 3:34 pm (10 years ago)

Amazing idea!!! I am definitely inspired!
Reply
- cleaneatingwithadirtymind
  June 24, 2013 at 9:43 pm (10 years ago)
  
  Yay Lexi! I’m happy to know you’re inspired! Thanks for reading 🙂
  Reply
This Sydney Life
June 24, 2013 at 4:05 pm (10 years ago)

But… but… I haven’t even made my trifles yet. Slow down, Possum!
Reply
- cleaneatingwithadirtymind
  June 24, 2013 at 9:40 pm (10 years ago)
  
  Haha trifle away and then make this! You have a week until the next one! 😉
  Reply
vdidaskalou8@hotmail.com
June 25, 2013 at 1:23 am (10 years ago)

what if you dont use a microwave? how do you suggest to cook the cauliglower?
Reply
- cleaneatingwithadirtymind
  June 25, 2013 at 7:20 am (10 years ago)
  
  I guess you would just have to boil it until it became soft.
  Reply
Charlotte
June 25, 2013 at 3:06 pm (10 years ago)

yuuuum…sounds unreal.

http://charlottelawrence.wordpress.com/
Reply
Carole
June 26, 2013 at 9:33 am (10 years ago)

Have you tried something besides bananas or ever left them out? My family is not crazy about them and they are too high in sugar for me…..type 2 diabetic.
Reply
- cleaneatingwithadirtymind
  June 26, 2013 at 10:13 am (10 years ago)
  
  You can leave them off or feel free to add whatever fruit you like, I’m sure strawberries would be wonderful.
  Reply
Charis
July 3, 2013 at 6:46 am (10 years ago)

any substitution for the almond flour? i just bought coconut flour; do you think that would work?
Reply
- cleaneatingwithadirtymind
  July 3, 2013 at 9:25 am (10 years ago)
  
  Coconut flour should be fine, it may come out a little softer and a little more chewy but shouldn’t make too much of a difference flavor wise. Let me know how it works!
  Reply
primalgirk
August 18, 2013 at 12:20 am (10 years ago)

Just wanted to let you know I made this for a dinner night with friends and it was amaaazzzing! Everyone loved it. I topped mine with strawberries and banana, and the base turned out perfect! I’ve tried a few cauliflower bases before and they always stick.So if you find a savoury version as good as this, please let me know! 🙂
Thanks for the awesome recipe
Reply
- cleaneatingwithadirtymind
  August 18, 2013 at 1:26 pm (10 years ago)
  
  Ya buddy! So great to hear, glad it was such a hit! Strawberries sound divine, what a great idea! I will definitely keep you in mind if I find a savory crust! 🙂
  Reply
Lior Mor
August 20, 2013 at 9:51 am (10 years ago)

wait, does this require 0.5 cup cauli puree PLUSE half cuali head, riced? i’m confused and want to make this so bad 🙁
Reply
- cleaneatingwithadirtymind
  August 20, 2013 at 10:49 am (10 years ago)
  
  Sorry about that, that was a bit confusing! I just updated the recipe to be clearer. It’s just 1/2 a cup of puree, but to yield the 1/2 cup it will probably take about 1/2 of a small cauliflower head. 🙂
  Reply
  - Lior Mor
    August 20, 2013 at 1:11 pm (10 years ago)
    
    thank you! you are awesome 😀
DKG Rose
August 25, 2013 at 6:04 pm (10 years ago)

When my daughter asked me to make this for her birthday I just wanted to scream. I didn’t have half of the ingredients and I didn’t have a double boiler. I substituted coconut flour(1 heaping tablespoon) for the almond flour,made chocolate chips from the left over chocolate bar, bought a few things and melted the chocolate in the microwave.It was amazing. I would make it again in a heart beat. Maybe someday I’ll go Paleo too!
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  August 25, 2013 at 6:20 pm (10 years ago)
  
  That’s so awesome! Look at you just throwing stuff together, I love it! Truth be told I don’t have a double boiler either, I just heat a pot of water on the stove and put the bowl with chocolate over it until it melts. 😉 I’m sooooo happy to hear it was such a success, thanks for sharing!
  Reply
littlesonshine79
January 7, 2014 at 7:57 pm (9 years ago)

Oh my goodness! I can’t believe I found this recipe on here! You are so awesome! My mom and I used to have a tradition of making that candy pizza for Christmas. You know, the kind that has those nasty green and red cherries. And chocolate drizzle, and white chocolate, and SUGAR FILLED things. Not to mention all the dyes and preservatives. My mom was just asking me where that recipe was and wondering if I could adapt it. You took all the work out of it for me! I will have to find a substitution for the almond, but that is not such a big deal. I am pumped that I found this! Wait till I tell my mother! 🙂
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  January 8, 2014 at 8:42 am (9 years ago)
  
  Yay! I’m glad that you now have a clean eating option for such a treasured family treat! 🙂
  Reply
  - Lizbeth
    January 10, 2014 at 10:31 pm (9 years ago)
    
    Me too, and guess what? I’m going to make it for a surprise at my son’s birthday tomorrow. I am also making two other dessert recipes (one other from your site). My mother will be impressed. I haven’t made a dessert pizza since I was a kid! I even bought raspberries for “pepperoni” and I am going to add paleo caramel drizzle. So yum!
  - Vanessa Barajas
    January 11, 2014 at 6:49 pm (9 years ago)
    
    Yum! Raspberries and caramel drizzle sound delicious! Have fun! 🙂
Caitlin
April 5, 2014 at 4:01 pm (9 years ago)

Can I sub coconut flour for almond flour
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  April 5, 2014 at 8:17 pm (9 years ago)
  
  Yes, but I would use less because coconut flour works differently than nut flours. I would start with 2 tablespoons and go from there.
  Reply
Toni
June 29, 2014 at 6:54 am (9 years ago)

How many serves would this produce I’ve a joint birthday party with 19 children and 13 adults any idea how many pizzas I would need and how long beforehand I can make it?
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  June 29, 2014 at 3:18 pm (9 years ago)
  
  It’s probably about the size of a small pizza, you could get maybe 6 small slices out of this and 4 large ones. You could probably make the crust ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for a day or two. Hope that helps. If you are looking for a recipe with more yield, the Rocky Road Cupcakes are a personal favorite and one batch makes 12 so you could make 3 batches. You will only need to make one batch of marshmallow fluff though since you only need a tiny bit, then maybe just double the buttercream frosting.
  Reply
Babydoll
July 12, 2014 at 2:58 am (9 years ago)

Oh my goodness ! This Sounds absolutely amazing! You are a genius !!!!!! Would love to make this… Just one question, do you think I could replace the egg with a flax egg !?! Thank you so much for your amazing blog & recipes!
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  July 14, 2014 at 1:34 pm (9 years ago)
  
  Hey there! I’m sure you could do the flax egg replacement, I haven’t played with an egg free version but I’m sure it would be fine. It might make the dough taste a little bran-ish (flax meal tastes like bran to me? haha) but other than that I think it would be fine. Let me know how it goes!
  Reply
Laura
October 5, 2014 at 10:27 pm (9 years ago)

Do you think I can use Honey instead of Maple syrup in you chocolate pizza recipe?
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  October 6, 2014 at 9:36 am (9 years ago)
  
  Sure! I think it would be fine.
  Reply
Marissa
February 12, 2016 at 6:00 pm (7 years ago)

Is blanched almond flour different from almond meal?
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  February 17, 2016 at 7:12 pm (7 years ago)
  
  Sort of, almond meal tends to be a lot courser than a blanched almond flour. Blanched just means the skins have been removed from the almonds before grinding. You really want to look for a fine-grain blanched almond flour like Honeyville Brand. If the only one you can find is Bob’s Red Mill, that’s fine, just be sure to sift it a few times first. Hope that helps.
  Reply
fatimah
June 3, 2016 at 11:37 am (7 years ago)

your funny! love it!
Reply
Goni Selsky
November 30, 2016 at 9:23 am (7 years ago)

Hey! i just made these and instead of almond flour i put coconut flour, i also think you must mention that the cauliflower shouldnt be like rice, it should be almost be like tiny tiny crumbs so there won’t be little cauliflower chuncks in the pizza… my pizza tasted like cauliflour and i didn’t like it but i think it will taste a whole lot better when the cauliflower has couscous texture.
Reply
Tammy
April 30, 2017 at 12:56 pm (6 years ago)

Approximately what is the diameter of the crust?
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  May 1, 2017 at 2:46 pm (6 years ago)
  
  I’d say about 8 inches or so. 🙂
  Reply
Tammy
May 1, 2017 at 6:39 pm (6 years ago)

Has anybody tried doubling the recipe and making a bigger pizza?
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  May 2, 2017 at 9:30 am (6 years ago)
  
  No that I know of or have commented on at least. I would just make sure you had a surface large enough to put it on when baking. You could also just make two separate ones and then play around with different toppings on each.
  Reply
Tammy
May 2, 2017 at 9:17 am (6 years ago)

Does this need to be stored in the refridgerater?
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  May 2, 2017 at 9:33 am (6 years ago)
  
  I think it would be fine if left out covered at room temp. If refrigerated it might make the crust and almond butter too firm?
  Reply
Roselyn
January 20, 2018 at 1:12 am (5 years ago)

Hi! A friend is asking me to make desserts with hidden veggies and I found your site. I made the crust and used peanut butter instead of almond butter as that was what I had. The taste wasn’t too bad. The teenagers in our house ate them without knowing what the secret ingredient was. However, I didn’t know how the crust is supposed to be. Is it supposed be crisp? Mine ended soft and cakey. The “dough” was a tad runny so I put it in an 8-inch round pan so it won’t spread. I spread chocolate ganache on top instead of almond butter and took a cue from one of the commenter and added strawberries to the banana toppings. Overall, this was an interesting project. Thanks for this idea! Looking forward to your answer so I can make the appropriate adjustments.
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  January 23, 2018 at 11:56 am (5 years ago)
  
  Hi Roselyn! Your crust should not be crispy, but soft so it seems like it came out fine. It could have been a tad runny from the extra water in the cauliflower, but it sounds like you came up with an excellent solution! Way to think outside the box! Also, great idea using ganache in place of the almond butter, YUM!!!!! Another hidden veggie recipe you make like are the dairy-free cheesecakes on my site. I use peeled zucchini in them to make them extra creamy! 🙂 I’ve got a Strawberry one, Chocolate, Reese’s, and Pumpkin for the Holidays. 🙂
  Reply
  - Roselyn
    January 26, 2018 at 6:15 am (5 years ago)
    
    Thanks very much for your reply. I really want to make this again. I’ll check out your suggested recipes. Thanks again!
Carla
October 15, 2018 at 6:48 am (5 years ago)

OMG! You are like so hilarious 😂 I can’t even! I was looking for peanut butter cups made with cauliflower! Can you like help?
Reply
- Vanessa Barajas
  October 15, 2018 at 4:29 pm (5 years ago)
  
  Hi Carla! Wait what?! Peanut butter cups made with cauliflower? I had no idea that was even a thing!
  Reply