Are you looking for a snack that’s going to hit that sweet spot but not ruin your healthy goals? I hear you. There are times where you just need a hit of chocolate or something sweet to satisfy that sweet tooth or hit that sweet spot. Without proper planning though, you run the chance of ruining whatever healthy goals you have for yourself. So here I am to help a girl out!
These snacks won’t break the calorie bank, and they range from easy to make to more time consuming, but all of them will help you hit that sweet spot you’re craving. I’d suggest having some containers on hand (like these) that can store the extras so that you have some when you really need them.
Recipe 01: Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
Let’s be honest, these folks have pretty much created perfection with the peanut butter cup. But what about taking health into account? That’s where these come in!
Ingredients:
- 1 c. creamy nut butter of your choice, divided
- 1/2 c. confectioners’ sugar
- 4 1/12 tsp. softened butter
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 milk chocolate candy bars, chopped
Process:
Begin by mixing 1/2 c. of the nut butter with confectioners’ sugar, butter, and salt until the mixture is nice and smooth. If you prefer a little crunch, go for it! Then in your microwave, melt the chocolate chips, candy bars, and remaining nut butter in 30 second increments. Continue to stir each break until you have a smooth mixture.
Next drop 2 teaspoonfuls of the chocolate mixture into paper-lined muffin cups. Then drop a teaspoon of the nut butter mixture into the middle of the cup before topping with another teaspoonful of the chocolate mixture. Last, put the cups in the fridge and allow them to cool and set completely.
Recipe 02: Chocolate Chip Dip!
It’s healthy and delicious. Serve it with graham crackers or serve it with apple slices!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 c. chickpeas or white beans (drained and rinsed)
- 1/8 tsp + 1/16 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp. baking soda
- 2 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/4 c. nut butter of choice
- 1/4 c. milk
- sweetener of choice (2/3 c. brown sugar/agave/maple syrup/etc.)
- 1/2 c. chocolate chips
- 2-3 Tbsp. flax meal
Process:
To make this dip, toss all the ingredients except for the chocolate chips into a food processor (don’t have one? Try this one) and blend until really smooth. Trust me when I say that a food processor is the only way to do this, a blender just won’t give you the same consistency. When the mixture is thoroughly combined, mix in the chocolate chips. Serve with sliced apples or graham crackers and enjoy!
Recipe 03: Peppermint Patties
I know that this one has a ton of sugar, so it isn’t “healthy” per se. But I can usually only eat one or two peppermint patties before I’m satisfied and happy, so these make a great sweet snack to save.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. softened cream cheese
- 1 tsp. peppermint extract
- 9 c. confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 c. milk chocolate chips
- 1 1/2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
- 3 Tbsp. shortening
Process:
Begin by mixing the cream cheese and extract until perfectly smooth. When the mixture is ready, slowly add the confectioners’ sugar, making sure to beat well as you go. When the mixture is fully combined, shape 1-in balls and place on parchment paper.
After shaping all of your cream cheese mixture, flatten them into patties (I like to cover them with parchment paper and flatten with a cup) that are about 1 1/2 inches wide. Then cover and put them in the fridge for about an hour.
When the patties are ready, begin melting the chocolate chips and shortening. You do this by putting the chips and shortening into a microwave safe bowl and microwave in 30 second increments. In between each microwave session, mix the chocolate well. Continue to melt chocolate until you have a smooth uniform mixture. Before proceeding onto the next step, allow the chocolate to cool slightly or it will melt the patties.
When the chocolate mixture is ready, dip the patties one by one into the chocolate and allow the excess to drip off. Place the finished patty back on the baking sheet and allow to set.
Recipe 04: Frozen Chocolate Banana Bites
The best part about this recipe? You can totally do it with just about any fruit!
Ingredients:
- 2 large bananas
- 3/4 c. melted coconut oil
- 3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4 Tbsp. maple syrup
- 1/4 c. sunbutter (or nut butter of choice)
- sea salt flakes
Process:
First, slice your banana into 1/4 inch slices or coins. Then place them on a parchment covered baking sheet and freeze them for at least an hour.
Second, spread a little nut butter on the top of each banana and put back in the freezer for another half hour or so. While the bananas are freezing again, go ahead and whisk the melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, and maple syrup together until well mixed.
Last, coat each frozen banana in the chocolate mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Then place them back on the parchment paper and sprinkle with a little sea salt. After, place them back into the freezer for another half hour. Then serve and enjoy!
Recipe 05: Grilled Sweet Pineapple
In the mood for something sunny and sweet? I’ve got you covered. You can add as little or as much sweetener as you’d like. No judgement here.
Ingredients:
- 1 pineapple, peeled and sliced (but not cored)
- 3/4 stick of unsalted butter
- 3/4 c. brown sugar
Process:
Begin by melting your butter in the microwave in 20-30 second increments until fully melted. Then whisk in the brown sugar until fully combined and absorbed. When the mixture is ready, go ahead and heat up your grill to a medium-high heat.
Next, grill your pineapple for 3-4 minutes or until grill marks begin to appear. Then flip and continue grilling for an additional 3-4 minutes. Lastly, remove the pineapple from the grill and brush with the butter mixture on each side and serve warm!
Happy snacking! Hopefully these help you hit that sweet spot.
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