Craving a sweet treat, but dreading the sugar crash and artificial ingredients? I have been there! Late-night cravings used to lead to regret-filled mornings. That's why I'm so excited to share DIY Candy Versions with you. These aren't just healthier alternatives; they are quick to make, packed with flavor, and use ingredients you can actually feel good about. Trust me, your taste buds (and your body) will thank you! Let's jump right into the world of homemade goodness with DIY Candy Versions.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandmother used to say, "Life's too short to skip dessert, but long enough to make it yourself." She always had some sort of homemade confection on hand, usually inspired by whatever fruits were in season. This recipe for DIY Candy Versions is a nod to her philosophy – satisfying our sweet cravings with real ingredients and a touch of love. Every bite reminds me of her cozy kitchen and the joy she found in simple pleasures.
Ingredients
-
Base:
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
-
Optional Mix-Ins:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prep Dates: Soak the pitted dates in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them. Drain well.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the softened dates, cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
- Process Until Smooth: Pulse until the mixture forms a smooth, fudge-like consistency. You might need to scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times.
- Add Mix-Ins (Optional): Stir in your choice of chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or chia seeds for added texture and flavor.
- Form Shapes: On a parchment-lined baking sheet, drop spoonfuls of the mixture or shape them into small balls or bars.
- Chill Set: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow the DIY Candy Versions to firm up.
- Enjoy! Store your DIY Candy Versions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
DIY Candy Versions
A healthy and delicious alternative to traditional candy, made with simple ingredients you can feel good about.Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Soak the pitted dates in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them. Drain well.1 cup pitted dates
- In a food processor, combine the softened dates, cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, and sea salt.1 cup pitted dates, 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, Pinch sea salt
- Pulse until the mixture forms a smooth, fudge-like consistency. You might need to scrape down the sides of the food processor a few times.
- Stir in your choice of chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dried cranberries, or chia seeds for added texture and flavor.1/4 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), 1/4 cup shredded coconut, 1/4 cup dried cranberries, 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- On a parchment-lined baking sheet, drop spoonfuls of the mixture or shape them into small balls or bars.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to allow the DIY Candy Versions to firm up.
- Store your DIY Candy Versions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Enjoy!