A non-chocolate treat? Who am I?? Hehe… well this Vanilla Tahini Fudge is a delicious reason to set that chocolate aside. I love the toasty tahini flavor, the familiar vanilla, and the creamy coconut. It is an easy treat or snack, to keep stashed away for …well, any reason!
Tahini, the main ingredient, is pure sesame seed paste, which adds a slightly bitter, nutty flavor. Combined with the sweetness of honey and the properties of coconut oil, mixing these together allows the fudge to harden up in the freezer, becoming a chewier texture that you can enjoy as dessert!
This recipe has a higher protein content. 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.
Eating more quality protein along with more healthy fats has become popular with the keto movement. No longer is eating a mouthful of fatty goodness frowned upon. After decades of playing the villain, humans once again embraced healthy, real food fats. Incredibly healthy foods with fats like tahini and coconut join forces in this soft, salty-sweet fudge. No baking or cooking needed, made with wholesome ingredients and so darn simple to make.
Coconut features in this recipe as it is considered the most nutritionally complete food source in the world, making it a wonderful addition to your healthy eating. This recipe is 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.
The world is going coconuts. Following the popularity of coconut water, a broad spectrum of foods derived from the humble coconut are available. It now comes in a variety of forms from water to milk, cream, sugar, butter, oil, flour, dried and 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.
Pair coconut with the other nutritional powerhouse tahini and you have a match made in heaven. The little sesame seeds that tahini is made from are certainly not small fry when it comes to packing a nutritional punch.
Tahini (aka liquid gold) is made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds. It’s smooth, nutty and rich, with a slightly bitter finish and a mouthfeel similar to almond or peanut butter. Tahini contains all the essential amino acids, making it a high quality protein, plus it is rich in lecithin, vitamin E and calcium.
It is easily digestible because its high alkaline mineral content and because of its non-acid nature, tahini is an ideal protein source for people with weak digestive systems, invalids and young children, and is an excellent source of quick energy for active people and athletes.
Whip up a batch of this super healthy fudge in 10 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, this fudge is the golden ticket.
Vanilla Tahini Protein Fudge
Ingredients
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 1/3 cup tahini (sesame seed paste) well stirred
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- Pinch salt
Instructions
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.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. Or you can use a silicone candy or bar mold.When ready to make the fudge, open chilled coconut can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.In a small sauce pan combine tahini, coconut cream, honey, vanilla and salt. Stir continuously over very low heat until just starting to melt. Do not overheat, just enough to melt the ‘melty’ ingredients.Remove from the heat and add in protein powder and whisk until well combined and the mixture cools a bit and is creamy. Lastly mix in chocolate chips, first making sure the mixture has cooled enough so they don't melt.Scoop mixture out into the loaf pan or mold and freeze for 1 hour or until completely firm.If using a loaf pan, lift up with parchment paper and cut into 10-12 squares depending on your size preference. Store in the 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
