As we fast approach the season of endless desserts, it’s easy to feel like healthy eating takes a backseat. The solution? Secretly healthy freezer fudge. Whether you’re looking for a healthy way to satisfy your sweet-tooth or trying to fit more fruit into your child’s diet, this date-based recipe is a must-try. Not to mention, vegan, gluten-free, and incredibly simple.
Dates boast a wide range of health benefits from reducing cancer risk to improving skin quality . They are relatively inexpensive, versatile, and full of natural sugar. At the risk of sounding like the lady who gives out raisins on Halloween: dates are nature’s candy, and you should be eating them right now. Especially if you turn them into delicious freezer fudge… Why? Because the only thing better than nature’s candy is actual candy.
Ingredients:
- 300g pitted dry dates
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ peanut butter
- Water (for soaking)
- Toasted walnuts (optional)
Note: I don’t use natural peanut butter for this recipe. If you do, I recommend adding a pinch of salt.
Instructions:
- Place the dates in a medium bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for 30 minutes.
- Strain the dates and conserve the soaking liquid.
- Place the dates in a food processor (if they are still semi-hard, you can rough-chop them first).
- Add the cocoa powder and peanut butter.
- Process at high speed until a ball of fudge forms. If the dates were particularly dry, the mixture might form smaller’ pebbles.’ If so, add the soaking liquid teaspoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
- Line a 6×6 inch square pan with plastic wrap and press the mixture inside evenly.
- Press toasted walnuts into the surface (optional).
- Cover and freeze for at least one hour (do not attempt to cut before setting).
- Enjoy!
