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 vegan, paleo, gluten free, keto, 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, I’m all in! But….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 rich, creamy fudge is so delicious It has been a viral hit doing the rounds of the internet so I had to bring an updated version back. Now we have a recipe for super silky, chocolate caramel swirled 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. 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. You can choose sugar free chocolate or use a quality dark chocolate with little sweetener. This recipe is my family’s favorite and I know you will love it too. There’s just something about the chocolate/nut butter combo that’s irresistible, right?
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 desserts and 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.
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. Rich, smooth, squares of fudge bursting with wholefood goodness. That’s what we have going on here today, my friends.
Count. Me. In!
Salted Caramel Date Protein Fudge
Ingredients
Base Fudge
- 1 1/2 cups dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond or cashew butter) or tahini (nut-free)
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Date Caramel
- 1 1/2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water
- Flaky salt
Chocolate Topping
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
Base Fudge
- 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 fudge out easier for cutting.Place chocolate chips in medium 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 the chocolate is melted, turn the heat off and add in the nut-butter of choice, protein powder and vanilla extract. Stir until well-combined.Then, pour the chocolate mixture into the lined pan and smooth out evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon. Set aside.
Date Caramel
- Add dates to a food processor and process until broken down into a sticky paste. Add water a tablespoon at a time until it is a spoonable texture. Its ok to have small bits of dates remaining. Be sure to only add enough water to form a paste – too much and it will be too liquidy. Amount will depend on your machine and size/moistness of dates.Leave as is, or add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor (optional). Pour directly onto the chocolate mixture and swirl it around into the chocolate mixture using a knife.Place in the fridge while you melt the chocolate topping.
Chocolate Topping
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 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, pour over the caramel layer and spread out evenly with a spatula or back of a spoon.Sprinkle with flaky salt if desired and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Remove the parchment paper from the tin and slice or break apart the fudge into 10 or more smaller pieces. Keep stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1 week or freezer for up to 3 months.
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
