A healthy, raw chocolate dessert—in 20 minutes!

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a sweet tooth.  And I’ve always been a passionate chocolate lover.  The problem? Chocolate is not exactly the healthiest things to eat, at least not conventional chocolate.

When I switched to raw-vegan diet, I thought the hardest thing for me would be to stop eating chocolate, but to my surprise, I didn’t have to do that!

I can be a raw vegan and still enjoy my chocolate treats! And these treats are not only a great feast for the taste buds, but are also healthy and good for the waist line.

Here is my favorite recipe for a raw, vegan chocolate treat that is easy and fast to make, as well as delicious and enjoyable!

Raw energy balls for chocolate lovers.

Ingredients (makes about 12 balls):

• 3 cups coconut flakes

• 1 ¼  cup raw cacao powder

• ½ cup coconut sugar, powdered in a spice grinder

• ¼ cup raw agave syrup

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1/3 c.  coconut oil (melted)

• 12 cashew nuts

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix all the ingredients (except cashew nuts) and stir well to combine. Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, place one cashew nut in the center of each spoonful of dough.  Roll the dough into balls using your hands and coat in coconut flakes.  Place on a clean tray and refrigerate to firm.

Enjoy this feast for your taste buds without guilt; they’re good for your health!

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Assist Ed: Katherine Spano/Ed: Sara Crolick