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30 Minutes or Less

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

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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Dairy-Free

5 Ingredient Brownie Batter Bark (vegan and gluten-free!)

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holding a piece of brownie batter bark

My 4 ingredient cookie dough bark recipe went crazy viral a few weeks ago, which inspired me to make this 5 ingredient brownie batter version! I pretty much combined that recipe with my double chocolate gluten-free edible cookie dough recipe to make this better-for-you brownie bark. It’s no-bake, vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, and even refined sugar-free! It’s also totally DELICIOUS.

What Makes This the BEST Brownie Batter Bark

The magic of this bark lies in its simplicity and clean ingredients. With just five ingredients, you get all the rich, chocolatey flavor of brownie batter without the baking, refined sugar, or dairy. The almond flour gives it a perfectly soft texture, while the maple syrup adds natural sweetness. This recipe is also incredibly versatile—you can switch up the ingredients or add mix-ins to create your perfect treat!

close-up image of brownie batter bark pieces

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

  • Almond Flour: This grain-free flour gives the bark its brownie-like texture. It’s light, slightly nutty, and keeps the recipe low-carb and gluten-free. I purchase my almond flour in bulk because I use it in so many of my healthier dessert recipes! You can substitute with oat flour if needed, but start with a smaller amount since it absorbs less liquid.
  • Cocoa Powder: This is what gives the bark its deep chocolate flavor. Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to keep the recipe lower in sugar. You can also use cacao powder for an extra boost of antioxidants.
  • Coconut Oil: This healthy fat adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together. It also gives the bark a lovely, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Refined coconut oil is best if you want to avoid a coconut flavor, but unrefined works great, too.
  • Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that complements the chocolate and almond flavors perfectly. You can swap it for honey or a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit syrup if desired.
  • Chocolate Chips: Melted chocolate chips create a luscious, glossy coating for the bark, adding a satisfying crunch when set. You can use dark, semi-sweet, or even dairy-free chocolate chips to suit your dietary needs.
brownie batter bark pieces stacked on top of each other.

Is This Brownie Batter Bark Safe to Eat?

Yes! Since this recipe is no-bake and made without eggs, it’s completely safe to eat. Plus, with no refined sugars or artificial additives, it’s a cleaner dessert option that everyone can enjoy.

Storage Tips

Store your brownie batter bark in an airtight container in the freezer. It keeps well for up to two months, making it a great make-ahead treat. If you prefer it slightly softer, let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes before eating.

Switch Up the Flavors

  • Add Nut Butters: Swirl in some peanut butter or almond butter for a rich, nutty flavor.
  • Mix in Nuts or Seeds: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch.
  • Sprinkle Toppings: Top with flaky sea salt, coconut flakes, or sprinkles for an extra fun twist.

This brownie batter bark is a quick and versatile treat that’s sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it solo, it’s the perfect healthy indulgence that everyone will love!

holding a piece of brownie batter bark
4.25 from 32 votes

5 Ingredient Brownie Batter Bark (vegan and gluten-free!)

This 5-ingredient brownie batter bark is the ultimate treat for brownie lovers. It’s vegan, gluten-free, low-carb, and low in sugar, making it a guilt-free dessert option! Perfect for parties, gifting, or just indulging in a healthier sweet snack, this bark is easy to make and so delicious. No need for an oven—just a few ingredients, a little bit of mixing, and some time in the freezer!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

  • Mix together the almond flour, cocoa powder, coconut oil, and maple syrup in a bowl. Add in ½ cup of chocolate chips and mix again to combine.
  • 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 brownie batter bark.
  • Melt the remaining 1 cup of chocolate chips, then pour the melted chocolate over the brownie batter 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 brownie batter bark from the freezer and either cut or break into large pieces. Enjoy right away or store leftover bark in the freezer for later!
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30 Minutes or Less

4 Ingredient Cookie Dough Bark (vegan and gluten-free!)

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4 ingredient gluten free cookie dough bark piece with sea salt on top.

I’m here to give the people what they want, and it’s become very clear that the people want MORE COOKIE DOUGH! So here we go, vegan, gluten-free, no-bake chocolate chip cookie dough bark. I basically took my gluten-free edible cookie dough recipe and combined it with my no-bake healthy cookie cough bars to create this delicious sweet treat!

This cookie dough bark is an indulgent yet healthier dessert that combines the classic taste of cookie dough with the ease of a no-bake treat. And like I said before, it’s gluten-free, vegan, low-carb, and low in sugar, making it perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet tooth without compromising on dietary needs. Plus, it only requires four simple ingredients and a few minutes of preparation time, setting in the freezer instead of the oven!

close-up image of 4 ingredient healthy cookie dough bark.

What You’ll Need to Make This Recipe

Almond Flour: Almond flour is a gluten-free, grain-free alternative to traditional flour. It adds a slightly nutty flavor and provides a sturdy base for the cookie dough, making it perfect for creating a delicious bark. I buy this bulk bag of almond flour on Amazon, it’s a pantry staple in my home!

Melted Coconut Oil: Coconut oil acts as the binding agent and helps the ingredients meld together. It also keeps the cookie dough bark vegan and dairy-free. However, if you don’t have coconut oil, you can use melted butter instead (do not use vegetable oil!)

Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds a rich, caramel-like flavor to the cookie dough. It’s a healthier alternative to refined sugar and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Chocolate Chips: Using dark chocolate chips keeps the sugar content low and ensures the bark remains vegan. The melted chocolate forms the layers that sandwich the cookie dough, creating a delightful crunch with each bite.

Is This Cookie Dough Bark Safe to Eat?

Yes, this cookie dough bark is safe to eat. The recipe uses almond flour instead of raw flour, eliminating the risk of contamination. Additionally, it’s egg-free, which means there’s no risk of salmonella from raw eggs. This makes it a worry-free indulgence for cookie dough lovers!

Storage Tips

Store the cookie dough bark in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.

4 ingredient cookie dough bark on a baking sheet with milk on the side.

Switch Up the Flavors of This Cookie Dough Bark

Personalize your cookie dough bark by adding various mix-ins. You can stir in some chopped nuts, coconut flakes, or sprinkles for added texture and flavor. For a fun twist, sprinkle some crushed pretzels or M&M’s on top of the melted chocolate before it sets. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try adding a spoonful of peanut butter or a dash of cinnamon to the cookie dough mix.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Vegan: Uses plant-based ingredients like coconut oil and almond flour.
  • Gluten-Free: Almond flour replaces traditional wheat flour.
  • Low-Carb: Almond flour and dark chocolate keep the carb content low.
  • Low Sugar: Naturally sweetened with maple syrup and uses dark chocolate chips.
4 ingredient gluten free cookie dough bark piece with sea salt on top.
3.81 from 216 votes

4 Ingredient Cookie Dough Bark

This 4 ingredient cookie dough bark is the ultimate no-bake sweet treat! It’s gluten-free, vegan, low sugar, and totally delicious.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1 cup chocolate chips, divided

Instructions

  • Mix together the almond flour, coconut oil, and maple syrup in a bowl. Add in 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and mix again to combine.
  • 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 remaining 3/4 cups of chocolate chips, then pour the melted chocolate over the cookie dough 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 cookie dough bark from the freezer and either cut or break into large pieces. Enjoy right away and store leftover bark in the freezer for later!
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30 Minutes or Less

Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

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summer rolls on a serving platter with peanut dipping sauce and a fresh lime on the side.

These summer rolls are loaded with fresh, crunchy vegetables and served with a savory peanut sauce! In just 20 minutes you’ll have a fun and healthy lunch or snack.

overhead image of peanut dipping sauce on a serving platter with sesame seeds on the side.

What are Summer Rolls?

Summer rolls are a traditional Vietnamese side dish. They’re an assortment of vegetables wrapped in rice paper. Think of them like a sushi roll, but instead of rice and seaweed, you just wrap everything up in a thin sheet of rice paper.

Summer rolls are most commonly served (and best served) with a side of savory peanut dipping sauce. The peanut sauce is honestly my favorite part. I could drink that stuff straight up. Creamy peanut putter, soy sauce, and fresh ginger come together in the most incredible, flavorful way possible! Dipping these summer rolls loaded with crisp, fresh veggies into luscious peanut sauce is nothing short of a dream come true. Guys, you gotta give this recipe a try. They’re vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free!

summer rolls being dipped into peanut sauce.

What You Need To Make Summer Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Rice Wrappers – You’d be surprised by how easy rice wrappers are to find! I often locate them in the ethnic/asian aisle of my grocery store. And if all else fails, I can always find them at my local asian markets. If you’re not familiar with rice wrappers, they look sort of like a thinner tortilla. When you remove them from their packaging you’ll find that they’re dry and stiff. Though they simply need a bit of water to help rehydrate them for this recipe. Try not to overthink the process, follow the steps in the recipe below to prepare your rice wrappers.

Tofu – Tofu is an incredible source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids! It also just sort of takes on the taste of whatever else you’re eating it with. In this case, the tofu soaks up the peanut sauce, which is DELICIOUS. Not only is tofu super easy to come by these days, but it’s super cheap too.

Peanut Butter – To me, peanut butter is typically only ever associated with sweet recipes. Though we turn the tables here by adding savory ingredients such as soy sauce and rice vinegar to create this peanut butter-based sauce. I prefer creamy peanut butter for a smoother sauce, though chunky works too. Just please, whatever you do, make sure the peanut butter you use has NO added sugar! Any sugar in the peanut butter would completely throw off the balance of flavors in this delicious sauce.

summer roll sliced in half on a plate, with cucumber, carrots, and tofu inside.

Adjust This Recipe

  • Make it Nut-Free: For a nut-free sauce, replace the peanut butter with tahini.
  • Add Shrimp: Make my shrimp spring rolls recipe instead!
  • The types and amounts of vegetables and herbs are simply suggestions – you can swap or remove anything you like!
summer rolls with peanut dipping sauce on a plate.
5 from 1 vote

Summer Rolls with Peanut Dipping Sauce

These summer rolls are loaded with fresh, crunchy vegetables and served with a savory peanut sauce! In just 20 minutes you’ll have a fun and healthy lunch or snack.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 12 spring roll rice wrappers
  • 14 ounces extra firm tofu, sliced into about 12 sticks
  • 1 cup julienned carrots
  • 2 cups julienned cucumber
  • 1 cup napa cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onion, sliced

For the peanut sauce:

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, optional
  • 1 garlic clove, grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2-3 tablespoons warm water

Instructions

  • Fill a shallow bowl with warm water, submerge one sheet of rice wrapper in water for about 5 seconds then transfer to a clean, damp dish towel.
  • Place filling in the center of wrapper and fold the end closest to you over the filling, then tuck sides in and towards the center, finish rolling to create a sealed summer roll. Repeat with remaining rice wrappers.
  • Make the sauce by adding all ingredients to a bowl and whisking until completely smooth.
  • Serve summer rolls with peanut dipping sauce and enjoy!

Notes

  • Change up the filling ingredients however you’d like, use up whatever leftover fresh veggies you have on-hand!

    • Nutrition

    Calories: 300kcal

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