I was about to head off on a travel adventure and knew it would be at least a day without much food so I decided to make myself a little snack to take with me and tide me over.

This was the birth of these little fudgy delights. I wanted something that would not melt in the bottom of my bag if it got a bit warm. I knew coconut butter has a much higher melting point then coconut oil so used that as the base of my personal goodie bag.

Then I added some cashew butter, almond flour, desiccated coconut, protein powder, cocoa, honey, some chopped dried strawberries and some chocolate chips that I found in my pantry. They turned out beautifully and taste like candy, but they are many levels above that with the nutrition in them.

While yes, candy is…..candy, this doesn’t mean it can’t still be rich in nutrients and void of unhealthy ingredients found in most traditional store bought treats (think refined sugars, chemical additives, artificial flavours and colours, inflammatory oils and so on.)

Here are a few reasons why this healthy candy recipe is a much healthier option than store bought sweets.

No refined sugar – Instead of using processed sugars like cane, corn syrup, maltodextrin, agave or artificial sweeteners that can spike your blood sugar and mess with your gut microbiome, this healthy candy bar recipe uses only a small amount of honey, dried strawberries and vanilla extract to sweeten.

A high quality protein source – Incorporating protein powder into this recipe is one of my favorite health hacks to minimize a blood sugar spike, which in turn wreaks havoc on your hormones.

I love using bone broth vanilla protein powder (20g protein per serving) for a gut-healthy protein boost, or whey or collagen powder for a super healthy  alternative.

High in nutrients – One of the reasons why candy has been deemed “unhealthy” is because it typically lacks nutrients that work to keep our blood sugar balanced, hormones happy and provide an overall feeling of satiation, hence why most of the time we are still hungry after consuming.

This healthier coconut, cashew protein fudge/candy recipe sneaks in a ton of nutrients to help keep us satisfied. It has an optimal balance of macro-nutrients (protein, healthy carbs and fats + fiber) unlike pretty much all store bought candy. Zero, nada, nothing but empty or sugar laden calories there.

I was so pleased that my little snack recipe turned out velvety, smooth, coconutty with pops of dried strawberries that look a picture of yum! This recipe makes it easy to create homemade candy with no candy thermometer needed! Its the perfect treat if you love coconut like I do.  I’m obsessed with coconuts, they are my favorite ingredient in desserts and healthy snacks. There is coconut in two different forms in this recipe.

The world is going coconuts. Following the popularity of coconut water, a broad spectrum of foods derived from the humble coconut is available. It now comes in a variety of forms from water to milk, cream, butter, sugar, oil, flour, fine or coarse shredded allowing for a variety of creative ways to add coconut to a healthy diet.

Coconut contains a unique type of medium chain saturated fat called lauric acid that research shows raises HDL or “good” cholesterol levels, which lowers overall heart disease risk.

As a plant food, coconuts also contain disease-fighting phytochemicals or antioxidants. Research suggests that coconut products helps boost metabolism which is helpful if excess body fat needs to be lost.

Just one scoop of coconut oil delivers a wide-range of healing properties. Produced in its most natural state, coconut oil will benefit you, your children and your pets. I put some into my dogs dinner regularly.

Whether you have chronic fatigue, weight problems, digestive or skin issues or just want to give your body a good cleanse and boost your energy, coconut in any of its forms is so good for you. 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 candy 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.

Yes siree, this healthy 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.

Coconut Cashew Protein Bites

Creamy, silky, fudgy bites of berry, coconutty deliciousness.  They are sweet, they are addictive and they come in an adorable little package.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword cashew coocnut protein bites no bake, cashew protein bites, clean eating dessert or snack, clean eating fudge, coconut cashew protein bites, no bake cashew protein bites

Servings 12

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/4 cup coconut butter – store bought or homemade healthy recipe below in notes
• 1/4 cup cashew (or any other nut or seed) butter
• 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup any dried fruit, chopped, berries, apricots, pineapple, raisins
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 scoop protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons chocolate chips for topping garnish

Instructions

• If you wish to make your own coconut butter, make this first so its ready when you want to make these protein bites. Recipe below in notes.

  Place coconut butter, cashew butter and honey into a small bowl and gently heat in the microwave in 20 seconds bursts. Or place in a small saucepan over a very low heat and gently melt these ingredients.

  Once melted, add almond flour, coconut, dried fruit, protein powder and cocoa and mix well to combine.

  Spoon out into a candy mold or a 7x 5-inch loaf pan or dish lined with parchment paper for easy removal.

  Let the mixture cool before you add chocolate chips as a topping or they will melt.

  Place in fridge for an hour or so to set then remove from mold or cut into 12 or more smaller squares.

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

Notes

Homemade Coconut Butter

If you are anywhere near the health food or fitness circles, you have no doubt heard of coconut oil by now. But have you ever heard of coconut butter? Oh my gosh is it good. It tastes like the most delicious, decadent, oh-so-bad-for-you treat. Except, it’s not. It’s actually good for you. In fact, coconut butter packs a boatload of benefits:

It’s rich in lauric acid, which boosts immunity and destroys harmful bacteria, viruses, and funguses.

It actually boosts your metabolism, which aids in weight loss and increases energy levels.

Its a superb ingredient for protecting and replenishing the hair and skin

It’s packed with healthy fats, so you feel full longer.

It’s full of essential amino acids, calcium, and magnesium.

Basically, coconut butter is just plain awesome. It’s so creamy, buttery, naturally sweet and full of nutrients, and it’s hard to believe that this tasty Homemade Coconut Butter from Scratch is made with one ingredient! You may not know this, but a jar of high-quality coconut butter can be expensive.

Yes, that is one of the reasons that you should make you own - it’s unbelievably easy. Besides being incredibly good for you, coconut butter greatly enhances the creamy texture of desserts, smoothies, ice creams, fudge and hot beverages. Even a spoonful out of the jar is not a bad thing.  😊

Once you start using it, you'll find many other ways to sneak it into your diet.

Go here for the recipe:  Homemade Coconut Butter 

 

 

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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