Chocolate Almond Hearts

Great No BAKE Valentine's Day Healthy TWIX recipe

If you’re like me, you know that indulging in a little treat now and then can truly be a form of self-care. What if I told you you could enjoy a delicious dessert and stay on track with your wellness goals? These decadent delightful combos of crunchy shortbread, creamy cashew butter caramel, and rich dark chocolate, all with a protein boost. And the best thing, is they require no baking!

These are guilt-free and offer a satisfying balance of healthy fats, protein, and a touch of sweetness that will curb cravings. Whether you’re whipping them up for a special occasion or treating yourself after a workout, these hearts will surely hit the spot. Bonus, my boys love them too, and think they are homemade Twix bars.

Ingredients:

For the Shortbread:

• 1 cup Almond Flour (the base for our crumbly, delicious shortbread)

• 1/4 cup Vanilla Protein Powder (a lean, protein-packed option)

• 1 Tbsp Melted Coconut Oil (healthy fats)

• 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup (you can reduce this a bit if you want, but it adds a lovely sweetness)

For the Caramel:

• 1/3 cup Cashew Butter (or use reduced-fat peanut butter or light almond butter)

• 1 1/2 Tbsp Maple Syrup (depending on how sweet you like it you can add more)

• 1/2 Tbsp Melted Coconut Oil (just enough to help with texture)

• 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract (adds a rich flavor)

For the Coating:

• 1/4 cup Dark Chocolate (or you can use cacao nibs)

• 1 tsp Coconut Oil (just enough to help melt the chocolate, or use less)

Instructions:

1. Make the shortbread layer:
   In a mixing bowl, combine your almond flour, vanilla protein powder, melted coconut oil, and maple syrup. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should be dough-like and slightly sticky. Press this mixture into the bottom of heart-shaped molds (or a mini muffin tin if that’s what you’ve got) to form the shortbread layer. Pop these into the freezer while you work on the caramel.

2. Whip up the caramel:
   In a small bowl, mix the cashew butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and creamy. If you want to balance out the sunflower butter’s earthiness, feel free to add a tiny drizzle of more maple syrup for sweetness!

3. Assemble:
   Once your shortbread layer has firmed up a bit in the freezer, pour the caramel over the shortbread. Be sure it covers each piece evenly. Pop the hearts back in the freezer for at least 30 minutes, or until the caramel is set and firm.

4. Chocolate coating:
   Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together in a small bowl, either in the microwave in short bursts or on the stove over low heat. Once it’s nice and smooth, take your hearts out of the freezer and pour the chocolate over the top. of each (you can sprinkle them with a little flaky sea salt on top if you’d like as well).

5. Let them set:
   Freeze one last time for about 15–20 minutes, or until the chocolate has hardened.

Why You’ll Love These:

• Satisfying & Guilt-Free: These hearts are a delightful balance of protein, healthy fats, and just the right amount of sweetness. They’re low on sugar but still totally indulgent.

• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch and keep them in the fridge or freezer for a quick grab-and-go snack throughout the week. They’re also great as a pre-or post-workout treat.

• Customizable: You can swap out the sunflower butter for almond butter, add a dash of cinnamon to the shortbread, or even drizzle with a little extra dark chocolate if you’re feeling fancy. The possibilities are endless!

Makes 7-8 hearts

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving) :

• Calories: 160

• Fat: 9g

• Carbohydrates: 14g

• Protein: 8g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 7g

• Sodium: 50mg

A Little Heartfelt Tip

Remember, self-care isn’t just about what you do for your body—it’s about enjoying the little things in life. These Chocolate Almond Protein Hearts are the perfect reminder that treating yourself doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your health. So grab a heart (or two) and savor the moment.

Let me know what you think once you’ve made them. I’d love to hear how they turned out and any fun tweaks you added. Don’t forget to share your creations with me!

With love,
Kristin

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