Chocolate Covered Caramels

Try making these healthy Chocolate Covered Caramels for your next dessert option! Dates are packed with many nutrients including iron, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. Maca powder offers a long list of health benefits including balancing hormones, improving mood, strengthening bones, and improving memory. Tahini will help add a nutty flavor to these caramels while also supplying your body with many antioxidants. Sea salt helps promote hydration, and as a result, improves skin health. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of dates, soaked and drained

• 3 tbsp tahini

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp maca powder

• ½ tsp sea salt

• 1 cup dairy-free chocolate chips

• 1 tsp coconut oil

• Extra sea salt for topping

Instructions:

1) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2) Add all ingredients, except the chocolate chips and coconut oil, to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Take breaks to scrape the sides with a spatula.

3) Transfer mixture to a bowl and place in the fridge for 20 minutes. Once hardened, shape 1 tbsp of the caramel into candy pieces.

4) Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a saucepan and melt over low-medium heat. Coat the caramels with the chocolate and line on the prepared baking sheet.

5) Top with extra sea salt and place in the freezer. Allow to freeze for at least one hour and enjoy!

Banana Pudding

Try making this Banana Pudding for your next healthy dessert option! Bananas are rich in many nutrients including fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. Cashews support weight loss, healthy bones, and help regulate blood sugar levels. Coconut helps boost energy levels and is a well known anti-microbial. Serve this banana pudding with your favorite gluten-free and dairy-free toasted cookies and enjoy!  

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups raw, unsalted cashews (soaked and drained)

• 13 oz can full-fat canned coconut milk (only the solid top portion, discard the liquid)

• ⅓ cup dairy-free yogurt

• ½ cup maple syrup

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• 4 bananas, sliced

• Gluten and dairy-free toasted cookies, crushed

• Dairy-free whipped cream

Instructions:

1) Add the cashews, solid portion of coconut milk, yogurt, maple syrup, vanilla extract, coconut oil, and sea salt to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth.

2) Prepare about 5 mason jars. Layer in the jars as follows: crushed cookies, pudding, bananas, whipped cream, repeat.

3) Store in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving and enjoy!

Chocolate Almond Bark

Try making this Chocolate Almond Bark for your next dessert option! Almonds are an excellent source of both protein and antioxidants. They also aid in blood sugar control and help lower cholesterol levels. Coconut oil helps boost energy levels, promotes healthy skin, protects against hair damage, and improves oral health. Chocolate is rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, both of which act as antioxidants. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups dairy-free chocolate chips

• 1 tsp coconut oil

• ½ cup raw unsalted almonds, chopped

Instructions:

1) Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

2) Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a small saucepan and cook over low-medium heat. Stir while chocolate is melting and be careful not to let the chocolate burn.

3) Remove from heat and mix in the chopped almonds. Pour mixture onto the lined baking sheet and spread out evenly.

4) Place in the freezer and allow to chill for about 20 minutes. Remove from the freezer and allow the bark to sit until it reaches room temperature.

5) Break apart the bark with your hands or transfer to a large cutting board and cut with a knife.

6) Store the bark in an airtight container and keep in the freezer. Enjoy!

Frozen Lemonade

Try making this Frozen Lemonade for your next summer dessert option! Lemons support heart health, prevent kidney stones, and protect against anemia. Coconut cream serves as an excellent source of protein, antioxidants, and potassium. Honey promotes healthy, glowing skin and protects against cancer. Serve this refreshing frozen lemonade on a hot summer day and enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 3 large lemons, juiced (about ⅓ cup)

• One 13 oz can of coconut cream, solid portion only

• ½ cup honey

• ½ cup coconut milk

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 cups ice

Instructions:

1) In a blender, combine all ingredients and blend until well combined.

2) Pour into two separate glasses and enjoy immediately!