Valentine’s Day is a great time to enjoy a treat or two with your favorite person. And while we all love comfort food, this holiday doesn’t mean you have to completely derail your health and nutrition goals. This year, skip the box of chocolates and try one of these healthy Valentine’s Day recipes. All three make a great addition to any romantic dinner.
Raw chocolate strawberry cake pops
When you hear the words “cake pops,” you probably don’t think of healthy treats. But this recipe lets you indulge without the guilt.
Packed with antioxidants and dense nutrition, these raw cake pops are gluten-free and easily adaptable to create the flavors you crave. The cake is light and fluffy, and the cacao coating tastes great. One bite and you’ll agree – Cupid’s got nothing on these healthy treats!
To make these cake pops:
First, soak half a cup of raw cashews for at least one hour. Drain them and add them to a food processor or high-powered blender along with:
- 1/2 cup coconut flour
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or raw honey
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of raw cacao powder
Process until the cake batter is combined and holds together when you mold it. If it crumbles, add more water. Roll one tablespoon of batter into a ball with damp hands. Repeat until you’ve used all the batter, arranging the cake balls on a baking sheet. Freeze them for 30 minutes until the cake is firm.
While the cake sets up, make the coating by melting one-fourth of a cup of cacao butter. Add it to the blender or food processor along with:
- 1/4 cup soaked, drained cashews
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of raw vanilla
- 2 tablespoons of strawberry powder (you can make your own by grinding freeze-dried strawberries!)
Take the cake out of the freezer and press a lollipop stick into each ball. Then, immerse each one in the coating, swirling to finish without drips.
The pops will keep for up to three days in a cool spot.
Frozen yogurt fruit cubes
No need to buy ice cream when you can easily make a healthier alternative right in your own kitchen. Best of all, these treats can be enjoyed by kids and adults alike!
To make them, mix one-and-a-half cups of plain Greek yogurt with 1/4 cup of milk. Whisk in one teaspoon of vanilla extract and two to three teaspoons of honey, agave or maple syrup.
Add blueberries and raspberries to each cube of an ice tray. Alternatively, add cut up pieces of whatever fruit you prefer.
Pour or drizzle the yogurt over the fruit to fill the molds evenly. Add a popsicle stick, if desired, and freeze the frozen yogurt fruit bites for five hours or until each cube is solidly frozen.
Strawberry beet muffins
Red is the color of Valentine’s Day, which makes these antioxidant-rich treats a perfect choice.
To make them, peel and grate fresh beets and dice a 16-ounce package of fresh or frozen strawberries. Mix three cups of strawberries with one cup of beets and set aside.
In a small bowl, beat two eggs before mixing in:
- 3 cups of unsweetened applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 cup sugar
Then, stir in the strawberry mixture.
From there, in a separate bowl, mix three-and-a-half cups of whole wheat flour with a tablespoon of baking powder, two teaspoons of baking soda, one teaspoon of cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg and one teaspoon of salt.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones, fill a muffin tray three-fourths full and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 to 25 minutes.
These healthy Valentine’s Day recipes are a delicious way to show love to yourself and the people you care about.
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