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Now that Halloween is behind us, and hopefully your children’s candy (and any treats you picked up along the way) have been stashed away, it’s time to enjoy a healthy, vegan treat that you don’t have to feel guilty about.
I’ve always been a fan of chocolate and peanut butter. It’s probably because my mom’s favorite ice cream is Ben & Jerry’s Peanut Butter Cup and we always had it lying around when I was a kid, but to this day I jump for joy when presented with a choco-peanut butter dessert.
But lately, with the release of my book swiftly approaching, I’ve been eating my fair share of dessert, and my waistline has been feeling the extra love. To combat that little bit of pudge that seems to be sitting comfortably on my hips, I needed a treat that was healthy, but still tasty.
You see this is where the problem lies, I have an insane sweet tooth. I love all things about dessert, and always have (thanks, Dad!). As soon as dinner is done each night, I can think of nothing more than a steaming cup of mint tea, accompanied by a scrumptious bite of sweetness.
Enter my favorite combo: peanut butter and chocolate.
I’ve made raw cookie balls before and they always turn out great. What’s so great about raw cookie balls is they’re 1) naturally gluten-free, 2) vegan, 3) comprised of super healthy ingredients and 4) come together in about 5 minutes. How can you go wrong with a dessert that’s super healthy, tastes great and is easy to make?
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 5 – 6)
- ½ cup sunflower seeds
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup raw carob chips (or chocolate chips of your choice)
- 1 – 2 tablespoons water (as needed)
- Process the dates in a food processor fit with the metal s-blade until finely chopped.
- Add the sunflower seeds, coconut and peanut butter and pulse until a dough starts to form.
- Add the chocolate chips and pulse to combine.
- Add the water, 1 tablespoons at a time, until the dough starts to come together and you can form it into balls with your hands.
- Roll the dough into 1-inch balls with your hands and place them in the freezer until set, about 10 minutes.
- Store balls in the freezer for the best texture.
This post was shared on: Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays
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mmm those bits look delicious. i never had a date though. I need to try them!
Danielle @ itsaharleyyylife recently posted..October Recap
Oh Danielle, dates are so yummy! They’re a natural sweetener and add a great caramel flavor to things. Many raw desserts use them and I definitely think you should give them a try
Oh yum these look soo amazing! I love little cookie balls like this. I think I have everything for these with a few substitutions, I know what I am making later today!
thanks
Beth @ Tasty Yummies recently posted..Pasta with Roasted Pumpkin, Peppers and White Beans – Gluten-free + Vegan
Yay! Let me know what you come up with, I’m always looking for new ideas for raw desserts
These looks delicious! I can’t wait to try them out.
Thanks Julia. Let me know how they turn out for you!
These are right up my alley! I may need to make them for a mid-morning snack to go with tea
Alisa recently posted..Confetti Quinoa Salad
These look yummy. I am going to give them a try. I saw them over at Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays. I hope you will share these at my holiday cookie exchange: http://www.tumbleweedcontessa.com/blog/2012-cookie-exchange-cookies-and-memories/
Tumbleweed Contessa recently posted..Texas Sheet Cake
Thank you!! Let me know if you enjoy them. I’ll be sure to check out the cookie exchange – great idea!
Raw carob chips? Can you give an example of a brand. I am super curious about that!
Hi Dawn – I’m not sure about the specific brand. I actually buy mine in bulk at my local food store and they recently changed the label to unsweetened. In doing a quick internet search, it looks like this company has some! http://www.sunspire.com/unsweetened-carob-chips
Hope that helps! xx Alyssa
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