Coconutty Chocolate Fudge

 
This may be the best HG fudge ever! Okay, maybe it’s tied with my Nutty for Peanut Butter Fudge Bites
here. Both are incredible!

120th of pan: 51 calories, 1.5g total fat (1g sat fat), 109mg sodium, 9.5g carbs, 2.5g fiber, 3g sugars, 2g protein

You’ll Need: 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan, nonstick spray, 2 small bowls (1 microwave-safe), food processor

Prep: 25 minutes • Cook: 40 minutes • Cool: 1 hour • Chill: 2 hours

¼ cup pitted dried dates

One 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed

½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

⅓ cup canned pure pumpkin

¼ cup unsweetened applesauce

¼ cup egg whites (about 2 large eggs’ worth)

2 tablespoons coconut flour

2 tablespoons Truvia spoonable no-calorie sweetener (or another natural brand about twice as sweet as sugar)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon coconut extract

¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons mini (or chopped) semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 tablespoons unsweetened shredded coconut

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray an 8-inch by 8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray.

2. Place dates in a small bowl with ½ cup warm water. Soak until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Drain excess liquid.

3. In a food processor, combine dates with all remaining ingredients except chocolate chips and shredded coconut. Puree until completely smooth and uniform.

4. In a small microwave-safe bowl, microwave chocolate chips at 50 percent power for 1½ minutes, or until melted.

5. Add melted chocolate to the food processor, and puree until completely blended.

6. Fold in 1 tablespoon shredded coconut. Spread batter into the baking pan, and smooth out the top.

7. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tablespoon shredded coconut, and lightly press to adhere. Bake until a toothpick (or knife) inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, 30 to 35 minutes.

8. Let cool completely, about 1 hour.

9. Cover and refrigerate until completely chilled, at least 2 hours. (This fudge tastes best when chilled overnight; it’s even good slightly frozen!)

MAKES 20 SERVINGS

Chew on This …

A tiny island in Michigan considers itself the fudge capital of the world, with upwards of a dozen fudge shops within 3.75 square miles. Who’s up for a trip to fudge island?!

Freeze It: Fudge Edition

To Freeze: Tightly wrap each cooled serving in foil or plastic wrap. Place individually wrapped treats in a sealable container or bag, seal, and store in freezer.

To Thaw: Before eating, let thaw for about 20 minutes, or until desired texture is reached.