"Healthy" Fudge

"Healthy" fudge may seem like an impossible dream, but for the most part this is about as healthy as any candy can get. Using a few, good ingredients that I happen to have on hand all of the time, I was able to satisfy my sweet tooth and not feel really terrible about it to boot.

I found this recipe on Pinterest, which lead me over to Creating Naturally and this recipe. It;s really simple and pretty perfect for summer, since the fudge/candy needs to stay frozen because of the coconut oil. The candy is pretty rich, so a small piece will do the trick. Oh, who am I kidding- rich or not this doesn't last long for me at all!

This recipe uses just 4 ingredients and they are all pretty darn tasty on their own, so combined it's really a treat. Healthy coconut oil is used here, do we need to talk about the benefits of coconut oil? It's one of the healthiest fats out there and I think everyone should be including it in their diet. It's stores easily and has such a lovely, slight coconut flavor. I should mention that this recipe has been linked to some Paleo eating websites, they have just changed the peanut butter out with almond butter. Whether that is for the diet itself, or a preference, I have no idea....just thought I would mention it.

"Healthy" Fudge

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter (I used peanut butter)
• 1/4 cup raw honey or pure maple syrup (I used honey)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (Make your own! It's easy and cheap)

In a small saucepan, heat the coconut oil and cocoa powder together. When the oil is melted, take it off the heat and stir in the honey, peanut butter and vanilla. Stir to combine. (I didn't stir until all of the peanut butter was melted and incorporated, but instead I stopped when there were small lumps still left. This made it much more like a peanut butter cup. Um, yum!). I poured mine into a parchment lined loaf pan, but you could use a silicone muffin tin, a muffin tin with paper liners or anything else you desire. Just be sure you are going to be able to get it back OUT of the pan. Place it in the freezer for 10-20 minutes to firm up. 

Because coconut oil melts at room temperature, you should keep these in the freezer. I'm sure they would work in the fridge too, but the fudge is so good straight out of the freezer, frosty cold, that I haven't tried it any other way. This is fast, delicious, satisfying and pretty darn healthy as far as treats go. Try some today! 

I won't blame you if you hide it in the garage freezer so the kids won't find it. I *maybe* have experience doing just that same thing! :)