If you are anything like me, you have a sweet tooth, but you still want to eat healthy. Maybe you have a restricted diet like gluten free, keto, vegan, paleo, dairy free, sugar-free, the list goes on…
So what’s a girl to do?!
Is it eating insanely delicious (but secretly healthy) desserts and snacks? Yesss, me too!
How can such a insanely decadent sweet treat like this recipe be healthy I hear you asking. Well….for starters we swap the less desirable ingredients for natural, REAL-food. You would never guess this fudge is actually *good* for you and you can eat it and still fit into your jeans 😉 #winning
This is a recipe for super silky, almond chocolate fudge that is loaded with healthy ingredients. Sounds too good to be true. But it’s REAL. People trying to reduce their sugar intake often complain about the lack of sweets in their quest to get healthier. That’s because a low-carb way of eating is very focused on eliminating harmful sugar from your diet. But there are options for that lingering sweet tooth in your life.
Hence this healthy fudge is both low-carb and packed with healthy fats and antioxidants. Eating more healthy fats is a great way to help satisfying your sweet cravings without the sugar. Not only is this fudge insanely delicious and easy to prepare, it also comes with some surprising health benefits. From vitamins and minerals to plenty of healthy fats that support hormone health and neurotransmitter production, these little delights are the perfect addition to any healthy eating plan.
This fudge candy is super rich, uber-decadent – but secretly healthy and guilt-free! Yup, that means no butter, no white sugar and no sweetened condensed milk… just pure, fudgy, nutty, chocolatey goodness. It is my family’s favorite and I know you will love it too. It’s refined sugar free, gluten free, dairy free and absolutely delicious!
There’s just something about the chocolate/nut butter combo that’s irresistible, right? I was OBSESSED with PB cups when I was a kid, and all things Reeses in general. When it comes to making chocolate fudge, it’s sort of hard NOT to go the extra step and add something nut-buttery into the mix.
Sometimes I look at my recipe blog/site and laugh that I dedicate so much of my time to a never ending stream of chocolate based snacks. I have zero issue with this achievement, nor do I plan to change it. Why would I? Chocolate is just the best and it deserves to nourish us in snack form.
Plus, chocolate isn’t just good for the soul. It can be good for us nutritionally speaking, too. Don’t get me wrong – fudge is fudge, and I definitely place it in the snack category…but choose yourself a good quality chocolate and pair it with whole food ingredients and some protein and you have yourself ‘healthier’ more nourishing fudge.
If you are looking for a super easy, speedy and delicious healthier treat that only calls for a handful of ingredients, you need to try this recipe! And once you try it you will want to make it time and time again. Whip up a batch in 15 minutes, freeze to harden, and store leftovers in the fridge so they are ready at a moment’s notice. Whether it’s for a pre-or post-workout energy boost or to satisfy that 3 o’clock snack craving these little bites are the golden ticket. It’s truly rich and delicious, and a little goes a long way.
As it turns out (and obviously I never doubted this!) vanilla honey almond fudge tastes even more amazing layered over almond-butter laced chocolate fudge! Plus, this is one of those healthier-fudge recipes that healthy eaters and kids can get on board with. In fact, this is all of my grandkids’ hands down favorite fudge recipe that I make!
When you look at what goes into it, it’s easy to see why. It’s pure creamy (no nuts, although you can easily add some if you want!) rich, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth yumminess. As far as texture goes, many fudge recipes are best in the freezer, however this one I prefer when stored in the refrigerator. The top layer is just a bit softer than the chocolate layer and perfect with that level of “chill” if you ask me.
That said, if you store it in the freezer it will have a firmer candy consistency, so do what you like best! At room temperature, it will hold for maybe 30 minutes or so before it starts to melt – so act fast – and keep refrigerated until you’re ready to serve. Let’s do it!
Almond Butter Protein Fudge
Ingredients
Bottom Chocolate Layer
- 1 3/4 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Top Almond Butter Layer
- 1 1/2 cups almond butter
- 1/2 cup coconut oil melted and cooled (not hot)
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Chocolate Drizzle
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Line an 7 x 5-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.
Bottom Chocolate Layer
- Make the chocolate layer first. Melt the chocolate chips, coconut oil and almond butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring.Once creamy, stir in the honey and vanilla, then remove from heat and spread the melted chocolate mixture over the bottom of the pan. Chill in the refrigerator while you make the top layer.
Top Almond Butter Layer
- To make the almond butter layer, use an electric hand mixer to cream together all the top layer ingredients in a large bowl. You should also be able to whisk the mixture together by hand if you don't have a hand mixer.Layer the almond butter mixture on top of the chilled chocolate layer (doesn't have to be totally solid.)
Chocolate Drizzle
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 15 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.Once melted, drizzle over the bars with a spoon. Cover the fudge and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours until firm, or in the freezer for about 1 hour. Once firm and set, remove from pan and cut into small cubes or squares.I recommend storing the fudge in the refrigerator for the perfect creamy texture, however, you can freeze it as well if you prefer a very firm texture.Will keep up to 1 week in fridge or up to 3 months in freezer.Recipe Notes:*You can add any additional toppings prior to chilling such as chopped nuts, a melted chocolate drizzle (pictured) or mini chocolate chips.
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
