low-sugar – DessertedPlanet.com

Candy, Desserts, Healthy, No-Bake, Recipes

Peanut Butter Fudge Granola Bites

January 13, 2013 No Comments

There was a time in my life when if you had told I could blend peanut butter and beans in a blender and get DESSERT out of the concoction, I’d have said you are CRAZY. But oh my how true it is. From brownies to cupcakes, beans are an absolute awesome way to make sweet stuff with less fat and tons more fiber! And you don’t have to compromise taste and texture to get the health benefits, which is nice.

When I came up with this recipe I was amazed how much it tasted like peanut butter fudge! So addictive and good. The short list of ingredients and simple instructions make it a win-win for a healthy, quick dessert! We love these things and I know you will too. Just trying to help you stick to those New Year’s resolutions!

Enjoy!

Peanut Butter Fudge Granola Bites

Ingredients

1½ c. (14 oz.) Chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 T. Pure Vanilla Extract
1 c. Organic Peanut Butter (I used one that is only organic peanuts)
⅔ c. Agave (could also use honey)
Pinch of Sea Salt
½ c. Low-Sugar Granola (I used one that is sweetened only with organic apple juice. Try to find one that does not use refined sugar.)

Instructions

Lightly spray a 9x9 pan with cooking spray.
In a food processor, process all ingredients except the granola until completely blended and smooth. Pour into the pan and spread evenly. Cover with foil and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.
Cut fudge into 1½" squares. Working quickly, shape into balls and roll in granola. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

Makes 20 bites.

Wordpress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe

Bars, Desserts, Healthy, Recipes

Dark Chocolate Chunk Toffee Bars

November 30, 2012 No Comments

As mentioned in my post yesterday, I have a great healthy recipe to share with you guys this morning! I was REALLY needing a healthy sweet treat for our house and this recipe from Oh She Glows seemed perfect. I did make a few changes just because I didn’t have the exact things she used but they still turned out perfect, in my opinion. They do indeed taste a little toffee-like although I think I’d omit the cinnamon next time to let the toffee flavor come through more. These are totally wholesome, whole-grain, low-sugar (NOT refined sugar) and like a chewy granola bar. I definitely thought they were better after they had sat overnight, so give them a little time to come to their full potential! Hope you like them as much as we do!

Enjoy!

Dark Chocolate Chunk Toffee Bars

Ingredients

2 c. Thick Cut Oats
¼ c. Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
2 T. Chia Seeds
1 t. Ground Cinnamon (or omit completely)
½ t. Sea Salt (I use pink Himalayan)
1 c. Almonds, chopped and toasted
½ c. Agave
2 T. Butter (I used whipped organic)
¼ c. Sucanat
⅓ c. Almond Butter (I use homemade so the only ingredient is almonds)
2 t. Pure Vanilla Extract
1 Large Egg, lightly beaten
3 T. Dark Chocolate Chunks or Chips (I prefer Ghirardelli 60% Bittersweet)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8x8 pan with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, stir together oats, flour, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt and almonds.
In a medium bowl, stir together the agave, butter, sucanat, almond butter and vanilla, Microwave on high for 45 seconds and stir until smooth.
Add the wet mixture to the dry mixture. Add the egg and stir until everything is combined. Scoop into the pan and spread out the mixture.
Bake for 30 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack and cut into squares.

Notes

Makes 16 squares.

Wordpress Recipe Plugin by EasyRecipe

Desserts, Healthy, Recipes

Healthy Sweet Treats

November 29, 2012 No Comments

As of right now, I’m in recovery stage from Thanksgiving eatings. Is anybody else with me? Lots of fruits, veggies, lean meat and trying desperately to stay away from sweets…at least for the moment. But doesn’t it just seem like you are inundated from Thanksgiving to Christmas (ok, more like Easter) with candy and sweet stuff EVERYWHERE?! At the office, church, cookie exchanges, holiday parties, special holiday treats from local bakeries and ice cream shops…I mean, you’ve only got one month to stuff your face with all these limited time, seasonal treats!!!! No wonder people gain on average 10 pounds from November to December. Sheesh.

I’ve found the best defense is to have a plan of action! I think ahead about what I REALLY want to indulge in and what I can live without. It seems that we think since something is laying out on the kitchen table in the breakroom at work, we might as well eat it, even if it’s really not that good. Save your calories for the things that are AMAZING, not just o.k. I also like to keep fruits and healthy baked treats on hand at our house. That way we already have something to grab in case the sweet tooth kicks in or we want to go out and get that limited-time dark chocolate candy cane shake. Tomorrow morning I’m going to share a recipe for healthy Dark Chocolate Chunk Toffee Bars but for now I thought I’d share some of my favorite healthy treats I’ve done over the past few months. These are all great options and totally delicious.

Enjoy!

Chocolate Chip Quinoa Trail Mix Bars