For years, dates have been my No. 1 go-to ingredient to use in my no bake sweet snacks and desserts. Even though they are high in sugar (like most fruit is), I would prefer to eat a date than a spoon of sugar. It’s like the argument that fruit juice is as bad as drinking fizzy drinks just because fruit juice is high in sugar.

It may be high in sugar, yes, but it’s also high in vitamins and antioxidants, which fizzy drinks are not. So if you are going to drink one or the other, of course fruit juice is better for you!

Like fruit juice, dates are made up of more than just sugar. They contain fibre, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and some B vitamins. They may also not be the healthiest fruit, but they work really well in a variety of desserts – fudge being one of them. I love to use dates as a base in most of my snack balls, no-bake bars, or if I need a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars. You don’t need many dates to make something sweet!

I. LOVE. DATES. They are just one of those snack cabinet staples I can’t live without. Dates are a great snack on their own and they are high in fiber, rich in antioxidants, great for heart health and they provide a little energy boost thanks to the natural sugars. The dried fruit has a caramel-like sweetness that can also help reduce cravings for sugary snacks. I’m always on the hunt though for creative ways to dress up my dates, and I just knew these smashed dates would be delicious!

It’s no secret that no-bake recipes are my favourite. I feel that it’s so much easier to make healthier desserts that are no-bake. Healthier baking with less sugar can easily result in something not so tasty and can have a dramatic impact on the texture too. Also, it’s so much more difficult to mess up a no-bake treat, especially if you’re just starting out as a home baker.

As well as being really easy to make, these fudge bites are healthier than your average treat as they are made with wholesome REAL food ingredients. With the added protein powder it makes them more balanced than the traditional high carb recipes. Old fashioned recipes always have tons of sugar, carbs and fats. The new modern way it to add protein making the recipe more balanced and healthy.

Ah…Fudge, but not as you know it. Made with healthier ingredients and boosted with protein and a bonus of no cooking involved!

Eating protein-rich foods has many health and fitness benefits, including:
Speeding recovery after exercise and/or injury
Reducing muscle loss
Building lean muscle
Helping maintain a healthy weight
Curbing hunger

A well-balanced diet with proper ratios of macro nutrients (protein, healthy carbs and fats) provides all of the: energy you need to keep active throughout the day. nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness.

When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this recipe by the addition of healthy protein.

The idea was to improve the macro balance (protein, carbohydrate, healthy fats). This is not about calorie counting: It’s about paying attention to key nutrients and taking in the daily recommended portion your body needs to maintain your energy levels and overall wellbeing.

Protein is king when it comes to diet…

Most people will enter nutrition coaching to upgrade the quality of their food and understanding. If we were only allowed to give one lesson on nutrition; it would be to increase your protein intake and get adequate amounts. This will immediately have an impact on your total caloric intake and have you eating less of the undesirable food.

This means it’s a good idea to get some protein in at each meal and snack throughout the day so you meet your needs.

Here are some great reasons why you should do this:

1. Protein Can Increase Your Metabolism (“Calories Out”) Digesting and metabolising protein burns calories.

This isn’t going to make up a massive amount of your daily calories, but the simple act of digesting protein will require some caloric burn – anywhere from 100– 300+ extra calories burned a day just from choosing protein over the other two macros.

2. Protein Reduces Appetite, Cuts Cravings and Reduces Desire for Late-Night Snacking.

If you’ve ever had a late-night craving hit (and if you are a human, you most certainly have) then you know they are just about impossible to resist. One of the best tools for this is adequate protein consumption, particularly in the early part of the day. Set yourself up for a winning evening by getting your protein in early

3. Protein Increases Muscle Mass, Helps Prevent Muscle Loss, and Supports Soft Tissue Recovery.

Food and nutrition isn’t just about losing weight, despite what the media wants you to think. Don’t get fooled into thinking less is more. In fact, one thing we coach is that by eating more high quality food you will have more energy to move your body, train, and live a life of vitality.

This includes building quality muscle tissue, which is proven to increase your health span, metabolism, and quality of life. So, use protein as a tool to keep that tissue healthy, recovering quickly, and pain free.

Its all about setting yourself up for success and so you can make yourself strong and healthy.

Almond Date Protein Fudge Bites

These almond date bites are chewy, rich, not too sweet and use only 6 ingredients. Seriously fudgy and decadent this protein fudge recipe is totally customisable and naturally sweetened.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword almond date fudge recipe, almond date protein fudge bites, chocolate protein fudgesicles, clean eating candy recipe, clean eating dessert or snack, clean eating fudge, healthy date fudge, no cook date fudge

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 3/4 cup almond butter or nut/seed butter of choice
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Chocolate Coating

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• Flaky salt

Instructions

• Add the dates, almond butter, protein powder and vanilla to a food processor and blend until you have a smoothish fudge like mixture. A few bits of dates remaining is fine as it add to the texture.

  You can either press the mixture into a loaf tin lined with baking paper, or press into silicon moulds. I used a silicon mini muffin tray to create the round cup like shape in the recipe image.

  Freeze for 2 hours, then dip into the melted chocolate.

Chocolate Coating

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 30 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.

  Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.

  Remove the fudge bites and after checking they are firm and set, remove from pan using the parchment paper handles and cut into10-12 bars or more smaller squares or pop out of molds.

  Once chocolate is melted use two forks to hold each fudge bite and one by one, dip into the melted chocolate, and roll around until fully coated, then place on a parchment lined tray or dish.

  Or hold each one with a fork over the melted chocolate and spoon it over letting the excess drip back into the bowl. 

  Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired, then chill until chocolate has set.

  Transfer to the fridge to allow the chocolate to set (around 10 minutes).

  Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites