Review: Paleo Indulgences

I was excited to receive my copy of the new Paleo recipe book “Paleo Indulgences” by Tammy Credicott”.

Unlike many of the Paleo cookbooks in existence, this is most definitely not an every day book. This book is for those occasions when you might otherwise be tempted to go non-Paleo. Birthdays, celebrations and all of those special occasions marked by food.

There’s a great introduction about Paleo, what should and shouldn't be eaten and where to find the ingredients used for the recipes in the book.

The book has a great thumbnail contents pages – making it easy to find exactly which recipe you want to cook.

Paleo Indulgences has lots of baked recipes, such as cookies, scones, bread and cakes; sweet treats; ice cream and restaurant recreations.

The sweet treats contain Paleo friendly ingredients such as almond and coconut flour. Whilst you wouldn't want to eat these everyday, they are clearly far better alternatives to their SAD equivalents.

I tried out the meatball recipe and the tomato sauce to go with them, both from the “Restaurant Recreations” chapter.

The recipe was easy to follow and tasted great. I made up a large batch to take care of several meals in advance.

There were quite a few ingredients I didn’t have, such as Coconut Nectar, Coconut Crystals and Arrow Root Powder which I have now ordered – I’m looking forward to trying out more of the recipes when the rest of the ingredients arrive!

This book would be great for families trying to feed their children Paleo nutrition – but without feeling like they were missing out on SAD treats.

Why “Paleo Indulgences” Fills an Important Gap

Most Paleo cookbooks tend to focus on clean eating, quick meals, and the kind of food that forms the backbone of an ancestral lifestyle. But what’s been missing from the landscape — until books like Paleo Indulgences — is a way to honour special occasions without completely abandoning your food values. Whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or a long-overdue celebration, this book offers a collection of indulgent yet grain-free, dairy-optional, and refined sugar-free alternatives that allow you to celebrate without the gluten hangover.

That’s what makes this book so useful. It doesn’t try to reinvent everyday basics. Instead, it fully embraces the need to recreate those beloved treats — from pies and brownies to cinnamon rolls and even doughnuts — in a way that’s aligned with your Paleo or Primal lifestyle.

The Value of Having Indulgent Recipes at Your Fingertips

Let’s be honest — avoiding processed food is relatively easy during the week, when routine helps you stay on track. But social events and emotional triggers are where many of us slip. That’s when having a dedicated stash of Paleo indulgent recipes makes a difference. You’re far less likely to reach for the supermarket cheesecake or bakery bread rolls if you already have a trusted, tried-and-true recipe for a grain-free cake or a savoury biscuit that satisfies the craving without wrecking your gut health.

Paleo Indulgences gives you this option, while keeping the recipes achievable and the ingredients logical — especially once you’ve stocked up on a few pantry staples like coconut crystals, blanched almond flour, and arrowroot powder. It’s a great long-term investment for anyone who wants to feel prepared for every birthday, brunch, or dinner party.

Best Sections in the Book for Everyday Inspiration

Even though this isn’t an everyday cookbook, there are several recipes that could easily become regular favourites — particularly the savoury bakes and restaurant recreations. The Paleo flatbread, grain-free crackers, and spiced meatballs all hold their own in a weekly meal rotation and can be used for lunches, snacks, or as part of a shared grazing board.

One of the standout features of the book is how it balances sweet and savoury. Yes, there are indulgent dessert-style bakes, but they’re grounded in whole ingredients that give you energy, not a crash. Recipes often suggest optional toppings or ingredient swaps, making them suitable for those who follow a stricter version of Paleo or are trialling autoimmune protocols.

Ingredient Prep and Pantry Staples

If you’re new to grain-free baking, the ingredients list might seem unfamiliar at first. But once you’ve sourced a few items, like coconut flour or arrowroot powder, you’ll find these pop up across many recipes, making it well worth the initial pantry investment.

The author also includes useful tips on storage and shelf-life, which is incredibly helpful for those who like to batch cook or plan ahead for events. For instance, many of the baked goods freeze beautifully, meaning you can prep for Christmas or a party weeks in advance — no last-minute sugar-laden bakery runs required.

Who This Book Is Perfect For

There’s a good reason why Paleo Indulgences has become a staple in so many real-food kitchens. It’s ideal for:

• Families with kids who want festive, lunchbox-friendly options without processed junk.
• People who are new to Paleo and need a safety net during special occasions.
• Seasoned Paleo eaters looking to expand their dessert and baking repertoire.
• Hosts who want to provide inclusive treats for guests with dietary restrictions.

It’s also great for anyone who loves experimenting in the kitchen. The recipes are creative but not overly complicated, and they invite you to try something new — whether it’s recreating a restaurant-style dessert or nailing a grain-free dough that actually works.

Try These First: Recipes Worth Bookmarking

If you’ve just received your copy and are wondering where to begin, here are a few top picks:

• Spiced Apple Muffins: These are great for breakfast, snack time or entertaining with a cup of tea.
• Herbed Crackers: Perfect for charcuterie boards, dips, or a crunchy snack on the go.
• Cinnamon Doughnuts: A nostalgic treat that tastes like a bakery classic — without the wheat or sugar crash.
• Caramel Sauce: Made with coconut sugar and vanilla, this is a brilliant topping for just about everything.
• Pizza Crust: Yes, there’s a grain-free pizza crust that actually holds up and tastes delicious.

Final Thoughts

While most of us don’t need indulgent recipes every day, having a resource like Paleo Indulgences in your kitchen gives you peace of mind. It proves that you can celebrate and treat yourself without compromising your commitment to health and whole-food living.

So whether you’ve got a celebration coming up or just want a weekend baking project that won’t derail your diet, this book deserves a place on your virtual Paleo bookshelf. Once your pantry is stocked with the essentials, you’ll be surprised at how easy (and satisfying) it is to create treats that taste as good — if not better — than their conventional counterparts.

Have you tried any of the recipes from Paleo Indulgences? I’d love to hear what you thought — and if you’ve got a favourite treat you’d like to see Paleo-ised, let me know in the comments below!