The festive season calls for delightful treats that bring comfort and nourishment to the table. These 2-ingredient peanut treats are a perfect blend of flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. Using roasted peanuts and sweet dates, they offer a naturally sweet, nutty flavor without any added sugars or artificial ingredients. With the optional addition of spices like cinnamon or cardamom, these treats embody the warmth and cheer of the holidays.

Peanuts, the star ingredient, are an incredible source of healthy fats, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients like niacin and vitamin E, which are vital for maintaining skin health and energy levels. They also support heart health by providing monounsaturated fats. Dates, on the other hand, add natural sweetness and a wealth of dietary fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, making them excellent for digestion and heart function. Including peanuts in your regular diet is a great way to incorporate good fats and protein, especially for those looking to balance blood sugar levels or follow plant-based diets.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick energy bite, a healthier dessert option, or a festive snack to share with loved ones, these treats have got you covered!

Ingredients

• 1 cup (160 g) roasted peanuts
• 1 cup (150 g) soft dates or store-bought date paste
• ¼ tsp cinnamon or other spice of your choice (optional)
• ¼ cup (40 g) whole roasted peanuts for crunch

Directions

1. If using raw peanuts, roast them at 350°F (180°C) for 12-15 minutes until golden and aromatic. Let them cool completely.
2. Grind the roasted peanuts into a smooth, flour-like texture without making them oily, then transfer to a bowl.
3. Blend the soft dates into a paste (or use store-bought date paste) and combine them with the peanut flour.
4. Mix in spices like cinnamon or cardamom (if using) and whole roasted peanuts for crunch.
5. Use your hands to combine everything until it forms a sticky, moldable mass.
6. Divide the mixture into two portions and roll each into a smooth cylinder about 3 cm in diameter. Refrigerate for 1 hour if needed for easier slicing.
7. Slice the cylinders into diamond-shaped pieces, approximately 1 cm thick.
8. Refrigerate the pieces for 1 hour to set before serving. Enjoy!

Prep Time & Servings

• 20 minutes
• 1-2 hours in the fridge
• Makes approximately 22 pieces

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Energy: 73 calories
• Protein: 2.38 g
• Fat: 4.54 g
• Carbohydrates: 7.05 g
• Fiber: 1.3 g

Storage

• Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks for a firmer texture.
• For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

Notes

• Experiment with flavors by adding orange zest or nutmeg for a festive twist.
• These treats are naturally vegan and gluten-free, making them a versatile option for diverse dietary needs.

You’ll be amazed at how just a few simple, plant-based ingredients can create the most delectable vegan brownies! These treats are irresistibly soft, chocolatey, and naturally sweetened, making them a perfect go-to snack or even a quick breakfast option. With the delightful combination of ripe bananas, creamy peanut butter, and oat flour, you’re looking at a treat that’s not only indulgent but also nutritious, packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats to keep you energized throughout the day.

What makes these brownies truly special is their ability to deliver a wholesome snack with minimal effort, using ingredients you likely already have at home. You can easily whip these up in a pinch, and the results are fantastic every time! Whether you’re in the mood for a quick pick-me-up, or looking to enjoy a more guilt-free dessert, these vegan brownies are bound to become a staple in your kitchen.

Now, let’s talk about the key ingredient: oats. Oats are a wonderful grain to incorporate into your diet regularly. Rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber, oats can help lower cholesterol levels, improve heart health, and provide long-lasting energy without spiking your blood sugar. They are also a great source of essential vitamins and minerals like manganese, magnesium, and iron. For anyone dealing with iron deficiency or looking to boost their iron intake, oats are a solid plant-based option to support a healthy, balanced diet. Incorporating oats into your diet is a smart choice for sustained energy and overall well-being.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas (320 g)
• 1/3 cup (90 g) unsweetened peanut butter
• 4 tbsp (20 g) sifted cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup (25 g) oat flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• 20 g chocolate chips (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, mash the ripe bananas with a fork until they’re fully puréed and smooth.
3. Add the unsweetened peanut butter and sifted cocoa powder, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Add the oat flour and baking powder, and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
5. Prepare your mini-cake cups by lining them with parchment paper.
6. Spoon equal amounts of the batter into the prepared mini-cake cups. Use the back of a spoon to smooth the tops of the batter.
7. If desired, sprinkle some chocolate chips on top of the batter for extra richness.
8. Place the mini-cake cups in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid over-baking to keep the brownies soft and moist.
9. Once baked, remove the brownies from the oven and transfer them onto a cooling rack.
10. Let the brownies cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite beverage!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Energy: 170 calories
• Protein: 5.85 g
• Fat: 7.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 23.48 g
• Fiber: 2.9 g

Storage:

• Store the brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 7 days.

Notes:

• You can customize this recipe by adding chopped nuts or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.

Is there anything more satisfying than a homemade treat that’s both healthy and indulgent? Today, we’re diving into a simple yet incredibly delicious recipe—Pumpkin Seed Chocolate Bars. With just two core ingredients, dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds, this treat brings together the richness of chocolate and the crunchy, nutty flavor of seeds to create a perfect snack or dessert.

Dark chocolate, the star of many of our dessert recipes, is a powerhouse of antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which are known to boost heart health. Not only does it taste good, but dark chocolate also contains essential minerals like iron, magnesium, and zinc, supporting various functions in the body, from blood production to muscle health. So, if you ever feel guilty about eating chocolate, remember that with dark chocolate, you can indulge a little more consciously.

Then we have pumpkin seeds, tiny but mighty. Packed with magnesium, zinc, and healthy fats, pumpkin seeds are fantastic for maintaining strong bones, boosting immune function, and even helping regulate blood sugar levels. Including them regularly in your diet means adding essential nutrients that support heart health, skin, and metabolism. Whether sprinkled over salads, eaten as a snack, or combined with chocolate (like in this recipe), they offer plenty of benefits.

This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and the best part? You can customize it to your taste with different add-ins like other seeds, nuts, or spices. Let’s dive into this fun, festive, and nutrient-packed treat!

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (100 g) pumpkin seeds
• ¾ cup (100 g) dark chocolate
• ⅛ tsp kosher salt (optional)
• 5 g chocolate curls (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spread the pumpkin seeds on a baking tray. Roast them for 10-12 minutes until golden and fragrant. Allow them to cool completely.
2. You can use raw pumpkin seeds if that what you prefer. Roasting the seeds adds both crunch and flavor without much affecting their nutritional benefits.
3. While the seeds cool, melt the dark chocolate using either a microwave in 30-second intervals or a double boiler. For smoother chocolate, you can stir in 1 teaspoon of coconut oil (optional).
4. Once melted, allow the chocolate to cool slightly, but keep it in liquid form.
5. Stir the cooled pumpkin seeds into the melted chocolate. Add a pinch of salt if desired and mix well.
6. Spoon the mixture into bar molds (or any preferred shape) and distribute it evenly.
7. Gently tap the molds on the counter to remove any air bubbles and spread the chocolate-seed mixture evenly.
8. Sprinkle chocolate curls on top for decoration if you like.
9. Place the molds in the fridge for at least 1 hour to set.
10. Once the bars are firm, remove them from the molds and enjoy your homemade chocolate treats!

Prep Time & Baking Information:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Baking Time: 12 minutes
• Setting Time (Fridge): 1 hour
• Servings: 9 bars

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 132
• Protein: 4.27 g
• Fat: 10.42 g
• Carbohydrates: 6.55 g
• Fiber: 2 g

Storage Recommendations:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• These bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Additional Notes:

• For a personalized twist, you can substitute pumpkin seeds with other nuts or seeds or try different types of chocolate.
• These bars make excellent homemade gifts when wrapped in festive paper or placed in a cute gift box.