There are some classic cake and biscuit recipes that shouldn’t be tampered with. Has anyone heard of healthy version of the traditional shortbread? Meh, me neither and I tried, I really did, to make a healthier version of one of my favourite biscuits but I failed epically.
Luckily, there are some classic recipes that can be adjusted and tweaked to create something as equally as good but also full of nutritious. Gingerbread, chocolate brownies, red velvet cake and apple pie have all been changed up into healthier versions and morphed into different baked goods from the original. I tried my hand at Cherry Bakewell Granola, which worked really well. With the release of the new and elusive Bakewell Nakd bar, I thought I would have a go at making my copycat version with a bit of a twist.
- 8 pitted medjool dates
- 1/4 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 tsp almond extract
- melted dark chocolate
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In a food processor add the dates, dried cherries, chopped almonds and almond extract and whizz up until a crumb consistency forms.
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Take tablespoon lumps from the mixture and roll into a ball and place on some parchment paper.
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Flatten the balls with the palm of your hand and make a well in the middle of each cookie with your thumb.
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Allow the cookies to firm up in the fridge for a couple of hours.
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Melt the dark chocolate for a few minutes in the microwave and fill the thumbprint wells with the melted chocolate.
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Let the chocolate set and enjoy with a cup of tea.
These are seriously easy to make and ready in 10 minutes with the exception of the firming up time in the fridge. In fact, if you can’t wait that long to try them you could just make them in to snack balls and forget the last steps. For a simple homemade snack these are great to have on the go. I think even the novice bakers among you will be tempted to make these delights as there is no baking involved and only 5 ingredients.
I managed to get 8 cookies out of these because I scaled them to large Jemma size portions, but you could easily get 12 smallish cookies out of these. I love that these are gluten-free and low in sugar too. To make these completely raw you could use raw dried fruit and almonds and make your own raw chocolate, which would also make the recipe vegan too (or use dairy free chocolate).
These will store well in the fridge or the freezer if you can’t keep your hands off them!
Do you have a favourite snack bar? Which of your favourite cakes/biscuits would you like to see made into a healthier form?
These looks great! I’m rubbish at baking but I reckon even I could do these! Great recipe! x
It’s such an easy recipe, I’m sure you can make these without any hassle. 🙂
So true about shortbread! Sad but true anyway 😉 these however look amazing! I’ve got a secret addiction to glacé cherries so I may have to sneak one of those on top too (less healthy but so good!)
I think a cherry on top is a great idea to add to that Bakewell goodness. 🙂
I do love healthier versions of cakes…but honestly, I prefer the real deal. It’s nice to just have a big fat sugar-laden slice of cake to put a smile on my face! That being said, you cant eat them all the time so a healthy cake can bide the time in between ;-P
Ha! I totally agree and love your honesty. Sometimes only the real deal will suffice. 🙂
I love the sound of these!
I know what you mean about shortbread. I have tried so hard to make a healthier version of it, but it just needs a lot of butter.
I am going to share this on Twitter 🙂
Thanks for sharing Dannii! 🙂
Yum, loving making snacks like these.
Same here, so easy to do as well.
These look so good! I’m definitely a novice baker (and I don’t have an oven in my flat so no bake really is the extent of my baking) but I definitely could attempt these! x
These would be perfect for you then, having no oven and all! 🙂
Wow they look great! may have to try them.
Sophie
xx
http://www.pocockins.co.uk
Thanks Sophie!
Yum! These look delicious. Dates and almonds are life savers for those with a sweet tooth trying to curb their cravings. I’ll be making these this week 🙂
Oh fab! Please let me know how you get on! 🙂
I am currently working on making a healthier yule log as i managed to nail the Christmas cake last year. I love how easy raw food is to make and it is so often absolutely delicious!
I’ve never actually tried eati9ng a Yule log before, but maybe this year I will give it a go. 🙂
Wowie these look amazing, they look so yummy!
Thanks! 🙂
I’m addicted to the new Bakewell Nakd bars do I am sure to love these!
They are lovely, but so hard to find! 🙂
They’re so cute. I love how you’ve only used 5 ingredients and chocolate and cherry is always a winning combo.
These sound really good- chocolate, cherry and almond is such a good combo 🙂
I really love making fudge as gifts, but none of the healthy / healthier fudge recipes have the right texture.