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Smashed Dates with Peanut Butter and Chocolate

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hand holding a smashed date with peanut butter, chocolate, and flaky salt.

I. LOVE. DATES. They’re just one of those snack cabinet staples I can’t live without. I love turning them into 4-ingredient date caramels, healthy snickers, cookie dough date bites, or even enjoying them completely on their own. I’m always on the hunt though for creative ways to dress up my dates, and I just knew these smashed dates would be delicious! There’s just something about getting that perfect ratio of date to peanut butter to chocolate in this smashed dates recipe that makes these – dare I say… the best dates ever?! You also can’t beat that they’re just 3 ingredients and entirely no bake!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 10 minutes of prep and uses only 3 ingredients!
  • Wholesome and Nutritious: Packed with natural sweetness, protein, and healthy fats, these dates are as nutritious as they are delicious.
  • Diet-Friendly: Naturally vegan, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
overhead image of smashed dates with peanut butter and chocolate on a baking sheet.

What You’ll Need to Make Smashed Dates

  • Medjool Dates: These plump and naturally sweet fruits are the star of the recipe, offering a chewy texture and caramel-like flavor.
  • Unsweetened Peanut Butter: Adds creaminess and a protein-packed, nutty richness to complement the sweetness of the dates. Substitute with almond or sunflower seed butter for based on your needs/preferences.
  • Melted Chocolate Chips: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best for a rich topping. Opt for dairy-free or refined sugar-free chocolate if needed, I love these Hu Kitchen chocolate gems!

How to Make Smashed Dates

  1. Prep the Dates: Slice each medjool date lengthwise to remove the pit, then lay them flat on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Smash and Fill: Use the bottom of a glass or your hand to flatten each date. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter over each one.
  3. Drizzle with Chocolate: Melt your chocolate chips, drizzle over the dates, and transfer them to the fridge or freezer until the chocolate hardens.
  4. Enjoy: Sprinkle with flaky salt, serve, and enjoy!
a bite taken out of a smashed date with peanut butter and chocolate.

Topping Options

  • Flaky Salt: A must for balancing the sweetness and enhancing flavors.
  • Chopped Nuts: Add a crunchy texture by sprinkling crushed peanuts, almonds, or pistachios on top.
  • Coconut Flakes: For a tropical twist, sprinkle unsweetened coconut flakes over the chocolate.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Pit Removal Hack: Use a small knife or your fingers to easily remove the pit from the dates.
  • Smashing Technique: If your dates stick to the glass, lightly grease the bottom with a bit of oil or butter.
  • Storage: Store smashed dates in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for 3 months!
hand holding a smashed date with peanut butter, chocolate, and flaky salt.
5 from 1 vote

Smashed Dates with Peanut Butter and Chocolate

These smashed peanut butter and chocolate dates require just three ingredients and minimal effort! With naturally sweet medjool dates, creamy peanut butter, and rich melted chocolate, this recipe is vegan, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free, making it perfect for everyone. A sprinkle of flaky salt ties it all together, creating the ultimate indulgent yet wholesome snack or dessert!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Equipment

  • baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 10 medjool dates
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened peanut butter or any nut/seed butter
  • 1/2 cup melted chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Open up each date, remove the pit, then lay it flat on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Press down on each date to smash it until it’s as thin as you’d like. Then, spread some peanut butter on top of each smashed date.
  • Drizzle melted chocolate over each date, then transfer the dates to the fridge or freezer until the chocolate has hardened. Top with flaky salt and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 150kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 2.5g | Fat: 6g | Sugar: 20g
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Dairy-Free

3-Ingredient Tofu Chocolate Mousse

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silken tofu chocolate mousse in a small ramekin with whipped cream and a raspberry on top.

This tofu chocolate mousse recipe is a dessert game-changer! With just three ingredients, it’s easy, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for anyone following a vegan, gluten-free, or refined sugar-free lifestyle. Indulge in this creamy and satisfying high-protein dessert today!

Overhead image of silken tofu chocolate mousse in a small ramekin with whipped cream and a raspberry on top.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s rich, creamy, and chocolatey while being completely vegan and dairy-free.
  • Made with just 3 simple ingredients, this mousse is easy to whip up in minutes and perfect for any occasion.
  • Packed with protein from silken tofu and naturally sweetened with maple syrup, this dessert is both healthy and indulgent.
  • Gluten-free and refined sugar-free, making it suitable for various dietary needs.

What You’ll Need to Make Tofu Chocolate Mousse

Silken Tofu: The base of the mousse, silken tofu creates an irresistibly smooth and creamy texture while adding a healthy dose of plant-based protein. Remove your tofu from the fridge at least 30 minutes before making this recipe, since you’ll need it at room temperature before combining it with the other ingredients!

Chocolate Chips: Melted dark chocolate chips are the star of this recipe, adding a rich and luxurious chocolate flavor. Opt for dark chocolate to keep the mousse vegan and naturally lower in sugar.

Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that balances the dark chocolate’s richness while adding a hint of caramel-like sweetness.

How to Make Tofu Chocolate Mousse

  1. Add the melted chocolate, silken tofu, and maple syrup to a blender or food processor.
  2. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
  3. Divide the mousse into four small bowls or ramekins, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.
  4. Serve chilled with your favorite toppings, such as fresh berries, coconut whipped cream, or a sprinkle of cocoa powder.
Close up image of silken tofu chocolate mousse in a small ramekin with whipped cream and a raspberry on top.

Switch Up the Flavors

  • Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
  • Mix in a pinch of sea salt to enhance the chocolate notes.
  • Sprinkle crushed nuts or shredded coconut on top for added texture.
  • Stir in a touch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you taste the tofu in this chocolate mousse?

Not at all! The chocolate and maple syrup completely mask the tofu flavor, leaving you with a rich and creamy mousse.

Can I use firm tofu instead of silken tofu?

It’s best to use silken tofu for the smoothest texture. Firm tofu may result in a grainy mousse.

Can I substitute the melted chocolate for cocoa powder?

You can, but the mousse may lack the richness that melted chocolate provides. If using cocoa powder, add extra maple syrup or a touch of coconut oil for creaminess.

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store the mousse in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze the mousse in individual portions for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before serving, or enjoy it as a frozen treat straight from the freezer.
silken tofu chocolate mousse in a small ramekin with whipped cream and a raspberry on top.
No ratings yet

3-Ingredient Tofu Chocolate Mousse

This tofu chocolate mousse recipe is a dessert game-changer! With just three ingredients, it's easy, nutritious, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for anyone following a vegan, gluten-free, or refined sugar-free lifestyle. Indulge in this creamy and satisfying high-protein dessert today!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or high speed blender
  • 4 small bowls

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips melted
  • 1 (12-ounce) package silken tofu drained and patted dry (at room temperature!)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions

  • Add all ingredient to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. 
  • Pour the chocolate mousse into four small bowls, then cover each bowl with plastic wrap and transfer the mousse to the fridge.
  • Leave the chocolate mousse to firm up in the fridge for at least 1 hour, and up to 8 hours before serving.

Notes

Please make sure your silken tofu is at room temperature before combining it with the other ingredients. If the tofu is cold, it will cause the melted chocolate to harden and create a grainy texture in your chocolate mousse. Therefore, to avoid that, remove the tofu from the fridge at least 30 minutes before making this recipe!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 10g | Sugar: 10g
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Dairy-Free

4 Ingredient Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

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Hand holding a piece of 4 ingredient peanut butter cup cookie dough bark.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy and Fast: Made with minimal ingredients and no baking required, this recipe comes together in minutes.
  • Healthier Dessert: Sweetened with maple syrup and packed with healthy fats from peanut butter and almond flour, this bark satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping it wholesome.
  • Customizable: You can switch up the flavors, toppings, and even the type of nut butter for a bark that’s truly your own.
Close up image of 4 ingredient peanut butter cup cookie dough bark.

What You’ll Need to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

For the Cookie Dough Base:

  1. Almond Flour: The foundation of the bark, almond flour provides a soft, cookie-dough-like texture and is naturally gluten-free.
  2. Unsweetened Peanut Butter: Adds richness and flavor while binding the ingredients together. Make sure to use a drippy, natural peanut butter for the best results.
  3. Maple Syrup: Acts as the natural sweetener, giving the cookie dough a perfect touch of sweetness.

For the Chocolate Layer:

  1. Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate creates a decadent top layer. I use Guittard Extra Dark Chocolate Chips in most of my recipes because they’re dairy-free, but rich and not-too-sweet.
  2. Chopped Peanuts (Optional): Add a delightful crunch and extra peanut flavor to the bark.

How to Make Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a medium bowl, mix together the almond flour, peanut butter, and maple syrup until a soft dough forms.
  2. Shape the Bark: Line a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. Place the dough on the paper and spread it evenly with your hands to form a large, flat rectangle.
  3. Melt the Chocolate: Heat the chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals or over a double boiler, stirring until smooth.
  4. Assemble the Bark: Pour the melted chocolate over the dough, spreading it evenly to cover the entire surface. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on top, if desired.
  5. Freeze and Serve: Place the bark in the freezer for at least 1 hour. When ready to enjoy, remove from the freezer and break or cut into pieces.
Overhead image of 4 ingredient peanut butter cup cookie dough bark cut into large pieces.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store the bark in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Freezer: Keep leftovers in the freezer for up to 1 month. Simply remove pieces as needed and let them sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before eating.

Switch Up the Flavors of This Recipe

  • Add a Drizzle: Drizzle melted peanut butter or caramel over the chocolate layer before freezing for added flavor.
  • Toppings Galore: Sprinkle with flaky sea salt (I love this Maldon Flaky Sea Salt), crushed pretzels, or cacao nibs for a fun twist.
  • Different Nut Butter: Swap peanut butter with almond or cashew butter for a subtle flavor variation.
5 from 1 vote

Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Dough Bark

This peanut butter cup cookie dough bark is a quick and easy treat that’s not only delicious but also healthy! Made with just 4 simple ingredients, it’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, and sweetened with maple syrup. It’s perfect for when you’re craving something sweet and indulgent yet wholesome. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this bark is sure to be a hit!
Print Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freezing Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Equipment

  • 1 small bowl
  • 1 small baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 3/4 cup chocolate chips melted
  • chopped peanuts (optional) for topping

Instructions

  • Mix together the almond flour, peanut butter, and maple syrup in a bowl.
  • Line a small baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper, then place the cookie dough mixture on top of the parchment paper. Spread and flatten the mixture with your hands to form a large piece of cookie dough bark.
  • Melt the chocolate chips, then pour the melted chocolate over the bark. Spread the chocolate into an even layer, then place the bark in the freezer for at least one hour.
  • When ready to eat, remove the peanut butter cup cookie dough bark from the freezer and either cut or break into large pieces. Enjoy right away or store leftover bark in the freezer for later!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 21g | Sugar: 14g
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Dairy-Free

The BEST Almond Flour Brownies (gluten free & dairy-free!)

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close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.

Perfectly rich and chocolatey almond flour brownies! Super easy to make with just one bowl and 8 ingredients. These brownies are my all-time favorite grain-free, dairy-free, and healthy dessert recipe!

overhead image of almond flour brownies.

What You’ll Need to Make Almond Flour Brownies

Almond Flour – Duh! Almond flour is the star of this show. I highly recommend blanched super-fine almond flour for these gluten-free brownies. I use and love this Bob’s Red Mill Almond Flour in all of my almond flour recipes!

Sugar – I used coconut sugar in my almond flour brownies to make them refined sugar-free. Coconut sugar is just as sweet and tasty as regular sugar, but less processed! However, you can totally use whatever kind of sugar you have on-hand.

Chocolate Chips – Plenty of chocolate chips for these double chocolate brownies! You’ll melt one cup and beat them into the batter, then add 1/2 cup of whole chocolate chips in at the very end. The result is ultra rich and chocolatey brownies, YUM!

three almond flour brownies stacked on top of each other.

Tips and Tricks

  • Beat the eggs and sugar together until super light and fluffy. This is what gives us that crisp, crackly brownie top!
  • Serve these almond flour brownies warm with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream! I just LOVE turning this dessert into brownie sundaes, such a delicious and decadent treat.
  • Go ahead, add a handful of chopped walnuts to these brownies if you’d like! I personally don’t see anything wrong with walnuts in brownies, so have fun and make these your own.
close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it Vegan: Simply swap the eggs for your favorite vegan egg substitute. I haven’t tested this option myself just yet, so if you do let me know how it works in the comments!

Make it Paleo: For paleo brownies, use coconut sugar in this recipe, and use either paleo chocolate chips or a chopped paleo chocolate bar. I recommend Hu Kitchen Chocolate Baking Gems!

Don’t Forget to Try These Almond Flour Recipes!

close-up overhead image of almond flour brownies.
4.70 from 13 votes

Almond Flour Brownies

Perfectly rich and chocolatey almond flour brownies! Super easy to make with just one bowl and 8 ingredients. These brownies are my all-time favorite grain-free, dairy-free, and healthy dessert recipe!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 16 brownies

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sugar, I used coconut sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided
  • 1/2 cup olive oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and line an 8×8-inch pan with parchment paper.
  • In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and eggs with either a hand or stand mixer. Continue beating for 3-5 minutes, until super light and fluffy.
  • Add the almond flour, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until everything is just combined, careful not to over-mix.
  • In a separate small bowl, add the olive oil and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until chocolate chips are fully melted.
  • Pour melted chocolate chips and olive oil into the brownie batter, and stir to combine. Then, fold in the remaining chocolate chips.
  • Pour brownie batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is just barely set. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into squares.

Notes

  • These almond flour brownies will stay fresh in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to 1 week. That is… if they last that long!

    • Nutrition

    Serving: 1brownie | Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 4.5g | Fat: 16g | Sugar: 20g
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    Dairy-Free

    Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt Bites

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    cookie dough frozen yogurt bites cut in half

    I’ve seen variations of these frozen yogurt bites all over social media. But I haven’t seen a cookie dough version yet! And because cookie dough is like kinda my thing (see: gluten-free edible cookie dough, healthy cookie dough bark, no-bake cookie dough bars) I figured I’d take it upon myself to develop one.

    cookie dough frozen yogurt bites on a plate.

    Why You’ll Love This Recipe

    These Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt Bites are a perfect combination of creamy, rich coconut yogurt and crunchy chocolate chips, all wrapped in a smooth chocolate coating. They’re incredibly easy to make, gluten-free, dairy-free, and can even be made vegan! The perfect bite-sized treat to enjoy any time of day, whether you’re craving a sweet snack or a healthy dessert alternative.

    What You Need to Make These Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt Bites

    Coconut Yogurt: A dairy-free alternative that provides a creamy base for the frozen bites. Rich in probiotics and perfect for those looking for a non-dairy option. I use and love Cocojune plain unsweetened coconut yogurt!

    Cashew Butter: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and a creamy, thick texture to the yogurt mixture. You can substitute it with almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.

    Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the yogurt mixture without refined sugar, keeping the recipe healthy and low-glycemic.

    Mini Chocolate Chips: Provide the “cookie dough” flavor with their slight crunch and delicious chocolate flavor. I recommend Enjoy Life’s dairy-free mini chocolate chips in this recipe!

    Chocolate Chips & Coconut Oil: The melted chocolate forms the crunchy outer shell, with coconut oil helping to make it silky and smooth for easy dipping.

    holding a cookie dough frozen yogurt bite sliced in half.

    Tips and Tricks For the Best Frozen Yogurt Bites

    • Make sure to freeze the yogurt bites completely before dipping them in the melted chocolate to prevent them from melting.
    • Use a cookie scoop to ensure evenly sized bites that are easy to dip and eat.
    • For a thicker chocolate coating, dip each bite twice, allowing the chocolate to harden between dips.

    Switch Up The Flavors

    • Try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to the yogurt mixture for a peanut butter cookie dough twist.
    • Substitute the mini chocolate chips for white chocolate chips or chopped nuts for a different texture and flavor.
    • Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the dipped bites to balance the sweetness with a salty kick!

    Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

    • Vegan Option: Ensure the yogurt and chocolate chips you use are dairy-free.
    • Nut-Free Option: Swap the cashew butter with sunflower seed butter or another nut-free alternative.
    cookie dough frozen yogurt bites cut in half
    5 from 1 vote

    Cookie Dough Frozen Yogurt Bites

    This cookie dough frozen yogurt bites recipe is made with just a few wholesome ingredients. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and free of refined sugars, making it a healthy, delicious snack option!
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Freezing Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
    Servings: 8 servings

    Equipment

    • small bowl
    • baking sheet

    Ingredients

    For the frozen yogurt:

    • 1 cup non-dairy yogurt plain and unsweetened
    • 2 tablespoons protein powder optional
    • 1/4 cup cashew butter or any nut/seed butter
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

    For the chocolate coating:

    • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
    • 2 tablespoons coconut oil

    Instructions

    • Add all frozen yogurt ingredients except the mini chocolate chips to a bowl and mix until smooth and combined. Then, stir in the mini chocolate chips.
    • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and use either a medium-large cookie scoop to scoop dollops of the frozen yogurt mixture onto the making sheet, slightly spacing each one apart.
    • Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer and freeze for at least 1 hour, or until the yogurt is completely solid.
    • Melt together the chocolate chips and coconut oil in either the microwave or over a double boiler, until completely smooth. Remove the frozen yogurt bites from the freezer and dip each one into the melted chocolate to coat, then transfer back to the baking sheet.
    • Once all frozen yogurt bites have been dipped in chocolate, return to the freezer for at least another 30 minutes, or until chocolate has hardened. Either store in the freezer for enjoy later on, or take one out to enjoy right away!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 185kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Sugar: 11g
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