It's January, and we're being bombarded (and bombarding you!) with healthy meals to help us get over the excesses of the festive season. It's the same every year, isn't it? We stock up on kale and quinoa and all the fruits and vegetables we can fit in our fridges, and come February we're slowly reintroducing the odd packet of crisps or bar of chocolate. We tell ourselves that we deserve it, and that one pack won't hurt, but deep down we feel guilty. It's silly really. Why not just eat a balanced diet that includes a guilt-free treat every now and again? We do deserve it. (Yes, I am going to eat this entire giant Toblerone, and I'm not going to feel one bit guilty about it.)
Finding a better way
Of course, there's nothing actually wrong with eating healthily. We're all for it, as long as it tastes good. Kale chips might be good for you, but what's the point in eating them unless you actually like them? (We're divided here. I prefer my kale sautéed with garlic but some of us could eat our bodyweight in kale chips. Yep, they like them that much.)
There's definitely a better way of doing things. You can have your cake and eat it too. We've chosen 6 of our favourite healthy recipes that will satisfy any chocolate craving, and yes, there is cake involved.
Cacao Bliss Balls
Medjool dates have been the go-to ingredient for the last few years for anyone looking to make healthy versions of their favourite treats. Here, Niamh Browne uses them to add a sweet chewiness to her Cacao Bliss Balls. Raw cacao powder adds the chocolate hit you're looking for. Even better, pop a little tub of these moreish treats into your bag and you have the perfect snack for when you're on the go.
Find this recipe here.
Chocolate Raspberry Peanut Butter Cups
Peanut butter cups are a classic American snack, but trust us when we tell you that these ones are even better than the real thing. Juicy raspberries pair perfectly with rich peanut butter to take these snacks to the next level. They're super cute too, and simple to make. Once you have your chocolate mixed, it's simply a matter of layering them up.
Find this recipe here.
Chocolate Date Bars
If you've ever had a Meridian Nut Bar (and you should) then these Chocolate Date Bars will be right up your street. Like the Cacao Bliss Balls recipe, dates make these bars deliciously chewy, while cashew nuts add texture. These are the perfect chocolate treat to help you beat the 3 o'clock slump and to keep you full until dinner.
Find this recipe here.
Chocolate Cupcakes
We told you there would be cake! If you've ever doubted that cupcakes could be both delicious and healthy, then one bite of these change your mind. Ground almonds and coconut oil take the place of flour and butter in this healthy recipes without compromising the texture, and avocado creates a silky smooth icing.
Find this recipe here.
Sin-Free Fruit and Nut Chocolate Triangles
This no-bake recipe is like a chocolate biscuit cake minus the biscuits. Packed with fruit and nuts, these are the perfect treat to serve at a kid's birthday party. (They melt quite easily though, so have plenty of napkins to clean sticky fingers!) Best of all, these delicious chocolatey snacks will last for up to 3 weeks in the fridge, so you don't have to eat them all in one go! (We won't judge you if you do though.)
Find this recipe here.
Chocolate Coconut Bites
These Chocolate Coconut Bites are so good that they managed to convert a coconut-hater into a coconut-lover. You might not think that you're a fan of Bounty bars (they're a divisive snack) but these are much nicer, and you'll love them. Coated in dark chocolate and packed with desiccated coconut and coconut oil, there's no mistaking the flavour! We tried these little bites out recently (we made ours into bars - see the picture above) and they were a huge hit. We're pretty proud of how they turned out!
Find this recipe here.
We hope you love these healthy chocolate recipes as much as we do. And remember, you deserve a treat!