I’m already into Week 3 of FIT4MOM DuPage County Body Back, and let’s be real: The weekends are TOUGH. As a working mom, I’m out of the house 5 days a week, so I pack all the food I need while I’m gone, and leave all the temptations behind.
But on the weekends, the temptations are everywhere. There are date nights and birthday parties and other get-togethers and even just an endless parade of Goldfish crackers and Scooby Snacks grahams (my actual downfall) that fortify my children all weekend long.
I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen to find a few new “clean sweets” that I can make as a treat for myself while others are enjoying their cupcakes, cookies, and/or wine. Here’s a quick and easy recipe that I created (single serving only to avoid binges!) that does the trick as my chocolate fix.
It’s so decadent and rich, you’ll only need just one — I promise.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure policy for all the boring details.
Salted Chocolate Stuffed Dates
No refined sugar | Vegan | Paleo | Keto-friendly
Ingredients
- 1.5 tsp creamy cashew butter
- 1/2 tsp pure maple syrup
- 1 pitted Medjool date
- 2 squares unsweetened chocolate (Try Montezuma’s Absolute Black with Cocoa Nibs)
- Himalayn pink salt or other flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
-
In a small microwavable bowl, combine 1.5 tsp creamy cashew butter (Trader Joe’s is my favorite) and 1/2 tsp pure maple syrup. Microwave 15 seconds to soften and stir.
-
Split pitted Medjool date in half and stuff both halves with cashew butter mixture. Rejoin halves.
-
In same bowl, add two squares unsweetened chocolate and microwave to melt. Mix to combine melted chocolate with cashew butter residue.
-
Dip and roll stuff date in melted chocolate mixture. Transfer date to wax or parchment paper, and spread remaining melted chocolate on top to fully cover.
-
Sprinkle with a dusting of Himalayan pink sea salt and place in freezer to harden chocolate.
-
Enjoy frozen or remove to refrigerator before eating. Savor the complex flavors while satisfying your chocolate fix in a naturally sweetened way.
Recipe Notes
- This recipe is a single serving sweet. I find it’s best not to have too many sweets available, so I make one of these when I need a treat. To make a batch of these, multiply recipe accordingly.
- The Montezuma’s Absolute Black 100% Cocoa Solids Chocolate bar (also found at Trader Joe’s) is hands-down the best unsweetened chocolate I have tried. It has a more palatable taste and texture than unsweetened baking chocolate, and when mixed with the remnants of the maple syrup-cashew butter mixture, develops a complex flavor with just the right hint of sweetness. Bonus points that it’s vegan!
- Even if you’re not a salty-sweet fan like I am, add the tiniest dash of sea salt on top. It enhances the flavor of the chocolate. If you do love sweet-and-salty (ooh, me), add a little more sea salt on top.
These stuffed dates have quickly made their way to the top of my list along with Oreo protein bites, coconut-toffee protein bites, and chocolate peanut butter ‘nice cream’ for healthy-ish treats that feel indulgent.
Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for daily ideas and inspiration, including more clean sweets and healthy recipes!
