Whether I’m serving my Naturally Healthy Desserts at a private function or teaching clients how to prepare them at home, convincing others that these desserts are healthy once they have tasted them is a challenge. Even after I explain that my Naturally Healthy Desserts will not sabotage your diet because my ingredients include whole foods with plenty of fiber and healthy fat, it still never fails. The same question always pops up:
“But, how many calories do they have?”
If you are looking for crowd-pleasing Valentines’s Day dessert then look no further! This vegan strawberry cheesecake is all you will need! It is fresh, light and creamy!
Helpful Hint: If you are unable to use fresh fruit, be sure to fully thaw your strawberries before adding them into the filling; otherwise the coconut oil will harden up and create a chunky looking texture.
Everyone needs a little bite of chocolate cake every now and then right? Well, say hello to these naturally healthy, raw, vegan and refined sugar-free black forest cakes! The cake is rich and chocolaty with the texture of a brownie, topped with a smooth and sweet Coconut Vanilla Whipped Cream. So what makes it Naturally Healthy? It is made with only real whole ingredients… meaning this dessert actually has vitamins and fiber. With approximately one date worth of sugar per serving, this is dessert done right!
BITE-SIZE BLACK FOREST BITES
prep time: 10 min
chill time: 1 hour
makes: 20-14
CAKE INGREDIENTS
1 1/2 cup hazelnuts
1/2 cup walnuts
2 cups medjool dates
1/3 cup dried bing cherries
1 cup cacao powder
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash of salt
DIRECTIONS
Process all dry ingredients until flour-like consistency in the food processor. Add remaining ingredients and process until dough forms into large ball. First press mixture into mini silicone mold and refrigerate for 1 hour.
WHIPPED CREAM INGREDIENTS
1 can coconut cream (chilled)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons date paste
20-24 frozen bing cherries (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
Scoop out firm chilled coconut cream from the top of the can. Discard remaining liquid. Add vanilla and date paste. Mix with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Scoop cream into a piping bag.
To finish simply pipe the cream onto the cake bites and top with a frozen bing cherry. Serve and enjoy!
Helpful Hint: If possible do not top your cake with whipped cream until you are ready to serve. If that is not an option then be sure to keep your cake in the fridge until ready to eat to ensure the cream holds its form.
I can’t believe it’s that time of the year again! This time last year, I made it my personal mission to create the first NATURALLY HEALTHY DESSERT COOKBOOK! As I reflect on all the great gifts and achievements of 2015, I wonder what other amazing opportunities await in 2016. At least, the book is officially done and 2016 will be my year to share it with the world!
Now, without further ado, I bring you my latest recipe! Drum roll, please…Chocolate Fudge! This Chocolate Fudge recipe is the healthiest version of fudge you will ever find. It’s the perfect holiday treat to enjoy and share with friends and family!
Happy Holidays,
Laura Marquis
Helpful Hint
I cut these while still frozen to create perfectly square bites. Extras can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or the freezer for up to one month.
