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This substantial Wellness Fudge has been a treasured sweet in my family for years. It takes common pantry items and turns them into a nourishing, fulfilling treat that shows you can enjoy something tasty and good for you. The rich blend of nuts and chocolate makes squares of delight that never stay around long in our home.
I stumbled upon this gem while flipping through my mother's old handwritten recipe book when craving something sweet but healthy. Now I bring it to every get-together when I want to offer something tasty with hidden nutritional benefits.
Ingredients
- Sunflower seed butter: Brings a gentle nutty taste and smooth consistency while offering good fats and protein
- Natural peanut butter: Adds depth and familiar taste that works wonderfully with the chocolate elements
- Honey: Works as a pure sweetener that binds everything with just the right stickiness
- Cacao powder: Offers deep chocolate flavor with healthy compounds missing in regular cocoa
- Sesame seeds: Give a light crunch and come loaded with calcium and nutrients
- Chia seeds: Supply omega 3s and roughage while making the texture more interesting
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: Adds exotic hints and nice chewiness
- Chopped nuts: Such as warmed walnuts and pecans, make texture varied and supply heart-friendly oils
- Dark chocolate chips: Partly dissolve into the mix creating spots of intense chocolate throughout
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Warm up the seed spreads:
- Using a medium pot over low-medium heat, mix the sunflower butter, peanut butter and honey. Keep an eye on it and mix often to stop burning. The blend should get smooth and runny, taking roughly 3-4 minutes. It'll look similar to warm toffee sauce.
- Mix in the chocolate component:
- Take the pot off the heat and right away put in the cacao powder. Mix hard until it's fully combined with no dry spots. This part makes the rich chocolate base for your fudge. Don't forget to scrape down the pot sides to mix everything in properly.
- Throw in the crunchy bits:
- While still warm, add all seeds, coconut, cut nuts and chocolate chips. Stir everything well to spread evenly. The warm mix will partly melt the chips, making chocolate swirls throughout. Keep stirring until you get a thick, even mixture.
- Set it up and cool down:
- Put parchment paper in a bread pan with extra hanging over for easy lifting later. Pour in your mix, pushing down hard with a spatula for an even top. Sprinkle more chocolate chips and cut nuts over it, pressing lightly so they stick. Put in the fridge for at least 2 hours until it's fully set.
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You Must Know
I really enjoy the surprise crunch from the warmed walnuts in this treat. My mom always took time to toast nuts first, which I thought was just extra work until I tried it. Those few minutes of toasting really bring out amazing flavors that make this fudge truly stand out.
The Perfect Texture Balance
Getting just the right fudge feel means watching your nut butter choices. Go for natural kinds where the oil hasn't split too much. If your nut butters seem too dry, throw in another spoon of honey to keep things moist. If things look too wet, add a bit more cacao or coconut to soak up extra liquid. This flexibility means the recipe works even when using different brands.
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Creative Variations
What's great about this treat is how easily you can change it up. Try almond butter instead of peanut for a milder taste. Switch honey for maple syrup to get a different kind of sweetness. Add a tiny bit of sea salt to boost the chocolate flavors. Mix in dried fruits like cherries or cranberries for tangy chewiness. My relatives have tried countless versions through the years, even a holiday one with mint extract and crushed candy canes on top.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Every chunk of this fudge gives you amazing health perks. The seed mix offers plant protein, fiber and important fats. The dark chocolate and cacao have compounds that help your heart. Unlike regular fudge made mostly of sugar and butter, this version gives you lasting energy instead of a quick high followed by tiredness. I often tuck a piece in my lunch or gym bag for that perfect afternoon pickup when my energy starts to drop.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why is this fudge considered healthy?
The recipe uses natural items like nut butters, honey, seeds, and dark chocolate, containing fewer processed sugars and better nutrients.
- → Can I switch nut butters in the recipe?
Of course! Almond butter or tahini can be swapped in for other options like peanut or sunflower butter.
- → Where’s the best spot to store it?
Keep it in a sealed container at room temperature for 7 days, refrigerated for 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- → Are substitutions or extras possible here?
Sure! Toss in dried fruits, extra nuts, or even sea salt for a fun twist.
- → Is there a way to make this 100% vegan?
Yes, switch out honey for something like agave syrup or maple syrup to match vegan preferences.