Chocolate lovers rejoice - there's a new treat on the block that not only satisfies your sweet tooth, but also offers numerous health benefits: healthy Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters.
These delectable goodies combine the rich flavor of dark chocolate with the crunch of nutrient-dense nuts, making them a guilt-free indulgence.
Get ready to indulge without the guilt and learn about the power of healthy dark chocolate nut clusters.
These Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters are an easy, no cook, vegan, low sugar, "hide from the kids in the vegetable drawer" type of treat.
Or am I the only mom that hides the good chocolate from her kids? Well, these are actually good for them too. If you want to share.
Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate
Chocolate in it pure form is nutrient rich. But, here in the US, we tend to load it up with sugar and fat making it less healthy.
Nutrients in chocolate:
- vitamins: C, A, E and D, B6 & B9
- minerals: iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, zinc, and selenium.
- antioxidants: polyphenols, flavanols and catechins.
These items may help lower cholesterol and improve blood flow, protect against high cholesterol, reduce insulin resistance, and even protect your skin from the sun. (source)
Health Benefits of Nuts
- vitamin E:
- minerals: magnesium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, selenium
- antioxidants: polyphenols
Nuts can combat oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals and may lower cholesterol and triglycerides. Even though nuts are high in fat, studies have shown consuming them can actually aid in weight loss. (source)
Ingredients for Dark Chocolate Nut Clusters
For the chocolate, I used a combination of cocoa powder, coconut oil and liquid sweetener whipped up in the blender. No cooking needed.
The drawback is coconut oil starts liquifying above 70 degrees, so these are best kept in the fridge.
The alternative is to use some dark chocolate candy melts (my favorite brand) and melt in the microwave or in a pan on the stove. Or you could temper dark chocolate, which I always find tricky.
For the liquid sweetener I used honey. Maple syrup or agave syrup are my go to substitutes. Or you could use sugar or your favorite sugar replacement.
For the nuts, go nuts! I used pecans and almonds. You could use any nut or combination you prefer.
Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup coconut oil
- ½ cup honey, agave or maple syrup (or other liquid sugar replacement)
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup nuts (halves, quarters or large pieces) (pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc.)
Instructions
- In a blender combine coconut oil, honey, cocoa powder and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour into a bowl and fold in nuts.
- Line mini muffin tin with liners. Add a spoonful of chocolate mixture to each one.
- Refrigerate until set, about 2 hours. It is best to store these in the fridge until ready to eat.
Sound fabulous? Share it!
Liz @ Books n' Cooks
This recipe reminds me of one of the candies my mother-in-law makes for the holidays. She brings them as desserts, but these would make awesome holiday gifts for neighbors, teachers, etc.