Can I make this dessert in advance?

Absolutely! These desserts can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Simply bring them to room temperature before serving for optimal taste.

Are naturally sweetened desserts healthier than traditional desserts?

Yes, they often contain fewer refined sugars and more nutrients, making them a healthier option for those mindful of their sugar intake.

What natural sweeteners can I use?

Besides maple syrup and honey, other natural sweeteners include coconut sugar, dates, and stevia.

Naturally Sweetened Desserts That Taste Indulgent

Name: Delightful Naturally Sweetened Desserts for Health-Conscious Indulgence
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Healthy
Ingredients: 1 cup almond flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 cup pure maple syrup; 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon sea salt; 2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option); Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans; Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins; Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips; Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Delightful Naturally Sweetened Desserts for Health-Conscious Indulgence

Print Recipe

Naturally sweetened cocoa almond bars that are rich, fudgy, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Made with almond flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil, they’re the perfect healthy treat for any occasion.

Author: Mia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9 bars 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Healthy

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan option)
Optional: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins
Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Optional: 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Whisk together until evenly distributed.
In another bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and eggs until well blended.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in any optional add-ins like nuts, dried fruits, or chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Allow the dessert to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Once cooled, slice into squares and enjoy!

Notes

Use melted coconut oil at room temperature and high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor. Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the texture soft and fudgy. Lining your pan with parchment paper helps for easy removal and clean slicing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bar
Calories: 180
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 90mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: healthy dessert, cocoa almond bars, naturally sweetened, gluten-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://www.eatbrightly.com/naturally-sweetened-desserts/