We are in the summer doldrums. Here in Texas it is consistently 100 degrees and sunny every day. What better way to cool down than taking a dip in the pool and eating cold desserts? One of the best ones to eat are homemade dark chocolate fudgesicles.
Who doesn’t like popsicles? Some of us, adults, perhaps haven’t eaten them in some time. But why not, when made properly, they can be keto-like superfood-laden “missiles” perfect to eat in the park or in the backyard.
We know the commercially-made fudgesicles are full of harmful additives, food dyes, and artificial sweeteners. Most boast high fructose corn syrup as well. Making anything homemade is better since we can control the ingredients. It is no different with dark chocolate fudgesicles.
{Read about the harmful effects of food dyes and artificial sweeteners.}
Dark Chocolate is loaded with polyphenols, “good” fats, and fiber.
The key ingredient are dates. As I mentioned in the Best Non-sugar sweetener article and podcast episode, dates are at the top of the list. They are nutrient-dense, sweet, and most importantly, full of fiber. This fiber, unlike the other sweeteners that are highly processed and derived, are ingested. Fiber helps slow down the shock of sugar when absorbed by the body by allowing for a slower release of insulin (not to mention all the digestive health benefits).
Peruse the other ingredients. Nuts, cacao nibs, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, coconut milk. et al. All are minimally-processed and full of nutrients. Cacao Nibs are the least processed part of the cacao bean. (Learn more in our article Cacao vs. Cocoa.)
Choose your nuts! All great in unsaturated fats and fiber.
The same may be said for the nut of your choosing as well as the coconut shavings and pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds are arguably the most nutrient-dense seed on the planet. (Some would argue the chia but you can’t chew on those in your mouth all day.) Adding the pumpkin seeds, coconut shavings, cacao nibs and alike bring a nice visual aesthetic to your dark chocolate fudgesicle.
This recipe will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but keep you satiated with the high level of good monounsaturated and saturated fats in it. Plus your kids and the newly-found kid in your will love them!
Purchase the following ingredients via Amazon.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup of Medjool dates (approximately 5-6 large dates)
- 1 can of full-fat coconut milk (canned version preferred over refrigerated)
- 3 tablespoon unsweetened (raw) cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon coconut shavings
- 1/4 teaspoon assortment of chopped nuts and cacao nib.
- 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 ounces 80% dark chocolate
Instructions
Put dates in a bowl with hot water for 15-20 minutes. Drain and add to blender.
In the blender with dates, add coconut milk, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt. Blend well.
Pour into popsicle molds, insert sticks, and freeze for 4-6 hours.
Once fudgesicles are frozen solid, melt dark chocolate on very low heat on saucepan, stirring often.
Remove fudgesicles from molds (running molds under warm water will make it easier).
Dip the fudgesicles into the dark chocolate. Sprinkle or roll around fugesicles onto pumpkin seeds, coconut shavings, nuts, and nibs to your liking.
Sprinkle cinnamon over fudgesicles.