Perfect Fudge Bites
My version of the trending healthy and satisfying treat and so simple to make! Dates, nuts, cocoa, coconut oil and honey – what’s not to love about this!
Dates are an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifungal, a source of protein, fiber and contain no fat. They do contain natural sugar and hence why they are a wonderful sweetener. They contain B vitamins, vitamin K, iron, potassium, zinc, calcium, magnesium and manganese. There are compounds in dates being researched with positive results, thought to help protect and guard the brain due to the anti-inflammatory properties in dates that aid to reduce the oxidative stress in the brain.
Walnuts - High in omega 3 fats, antioxidants, and phytosterols. Walnuts are good for your heart, can help protect against cancer, and are good for your brain aiding in reducing depression and the risk of age-related diseases, such as cognitive decline.
Cocoa – a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidants, rich in magnesium which relaxes the smooth muscles of the body, the heart and the intestines. These are passive muscles that you can’t work out like you can other muscles, like a bicep for example. Cocoa can help with constipation due to stress and anxiety. Both cocoa and cacao contain anandamide and theobromine which are potent neuro benefiting components and help with an overall sense of well-being and calmness, joy and bliss.
Honey – is an antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial, supports digestion and gut health, wound healing with its natural microbial inhibitor components and supports brain health.
As always, when you make this recipe, I would love to see your creation so please post a photo of your Perfect Fudge Bites goodness and tag my IG account #RenataCollective or leave a comment with your thoughts!
Prep Time: 5 Minutes / Makes: ~14 Bites
Ingredients
Base:
1½ Cups Pitted Dates - soaked in hot water to soften (I cover with water and microwave for 90 seconds.)
1 Cup Walnuts or Pecans
2½ Tablespoons Cocoa
Topping
¼ Cup Each Dark Chocolate Chips and Sliced Almonds
3 Tablespoons Coconut Oil - melted
3 Tablespoons Cocoa
3 Tablespoons Liquid Honey
1 Pinch of Course Grain Sea Salt
2 Tablespoons Extra Sliced Almonds - optional
How It’s Made
Base
Prepare a pan by lining it with parchment paper – I use a small loaf pan. You can use half an 8”x8” pan or freeform a rectangle about ½” thick.
Put the softened dates, walnuts and cocoa into a food processor and whirl until it blends and sticks together. If it isn’t coming together, add a tablespoon of water. You want it sticky, not wet.
Press evenly into your prepared pan.
Topping
Sprinkle the dark chocolate chips and the sliced almonds over the base and press down to stick them to the base.
Whisk the melted coconut oil, the cocoa and the honey together until smooth.
Pour the melted mixture over the chips/sliced almonds and spread to cover.
Sprinkle a pinch of course sea salt on top.
Sprinkle with additional sliced almonds (fancy!).
Place the pan in the freezer to set for 2 hours.
When ready to cut into bites, remove the pan from the freezer and let it sit at room temp for 1/2 hour.
Lift the goodness out with the parchment paper and cut into 1” pieces.
Store the bites in the fridge in an airtight container.
Enjoy!
