Not only have I been having some technical difficulties which, I’m sure you’re tired of hearing about by now, but to be honest, I’ve had a really hard time just . . . getting myself together . . .

But, I’m happy to report that I feel like I’m finding my groove again !

Secretly healthy snickers bars to celebrate?!

Guys, these snickers bars are going to rock your world in more ways than one!

Firstly, secretly healthy snickers bars, um, yes please!

World rocked!

Secondly, did you know that snickers bars don’t actually contain any peanut butter?!

Peanuts, yes, peanut butter, not a drop!

Did you know about this?!

I had no idea, I guess I never really looked at the label , back in the day I would just rip them open and devour them without giving the ingredient list a second thought and for some reason I just always assumed there was peanut butter in the mix. Please tell me I’m not the only one?!

But now I’m older , wiser and know a little better . . . mostly just because few weeks ago, when I started this mission to create a better for you snickers bar (that actually tastes good) as per your request, I took a peek at the ingredient list to see get some inspo and I was shook!

Not a drop of peanut butter in sight!

“. . . nougat topped with caramel and peanuts that has been enrobed in milk chocolate . . . ”

Who knew?!

You guys, these secretly healthy snickers bars are straight up money in the bank!

Dare I say better than the original!

And I don’t just mean because they’re made with wholesome, “better for you” ingredients, I mean because they truly taste all kinds of incredible! Also, dark chocolate always wins!

Soft, chewy nougat , check!
Although I tested this recipe at least 4 times if you want a crispier, more shortbread like base, leave a comment or send me an email and I’ll give you the details.

Dreamy (date free) caramel , check!

Choc full of peanuts , check and check!

Enrobed in chocolate, you better believe it! I mean is there any other way to live?!

Super simple to make using just 7 basic ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in 1 bowl with 1 spoon and can be ready to devour in less than an hour – most of which is chill time which in all honesty is THE hardest part about making these bars.

Will waiting be difficult, possibly for some – some people being me

But will it be worth it?! Absolutely, 100%, without question, oh so worth it!

I mean . . . can you even with those layers?!

Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Grain Free – Refined Sugar Free – Low Carb – Keto – Paleo – Vegan Friendly

All natural, quick and easy, secretly healthy, soft and chewy, better for you snickers bars!

1 bowl + 7 ingredients

100% worth it!

And yes, you better believe I’ll be making a fully loaded peanut butter version some time in the not to distant future . . . watch this space!

From my heart to yours, enjoy xo

Enjoy xo

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Question of the day –

What’s your favorite treat?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these healthy snickers bars (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to ox

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The post Healthy Raw Snickers Bars first appeared on Better with Cake.

And yes, all those exclamations points are 100% necessary and maybe just a few more!!!!!!!!!!!

I mean, did you hear me?!

Gingerbread Twix bars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Quite possibly one of my best recipe creations ever! And I mean EVER!

Fun little story for you, many, many years ago, when Eve was just a teeny, tiny baby (although I’m sure that was just last week?!) we were visiting friends and family in the USA for Thanksgiving/early Christmas, wandering around Walmart, as you do, and there they were limited edition gingerbread Twix bars . . . I was smitten!

Guys, these bars?! They were the holiday treat of my dreams!

Every year as Christmas approaches, my eyes scan the supermarket shelves (and I regularly stalk Amazon and target, and Mars websites) in search of my beloved gingerbread Twix bars but they never appear . . .

Finally, it hit me, why not just make my own?!

How have I never thought to do this before?!

You guys . . . I don’t want to toot my own horn or anything but *toot, toot* I totally nailed it!

Deliciously buttery, gingerbread base topped with a layer of (date free) salted caramel finished with a cool, crisp layer of espresso infused dark chocolate!!!

There are few moments in life where words are simply not required and I strongly believe that this may be one of them!

Plus the sooner I stop talking (or typing) the sooner you can start making and the sooner you start making the sooner you can be eating and hear me when I say, you need these in your life like, yesterday!

Made with just 5 ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in 1 bowl with 1 spoon and can be ready to devour in about 45 minutes!!!!

The hardest part about making these bars is waiting for them to set.

Will waiting be difficult? Possibly, for some – some people being me.

But, will it be worth it?

Absolutely, 100% without question, totally worth it!

Hello – healthy {DATE FREE} gingerbread Twix bars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The perfect make-ahead treat for Christmas, that’s if they last until then that is!

Gluten free – Dairy free – Grain Free – Refined sugar free – Low carb – Vegan – Keto and Paleo friendly.

All natural, quick and easy, deliciously buttery, perfectly spiced,  secretly healthy (date free) gingerbread Twix bars!

From my heart to yours, enjoy xo

For my visual learners, click here for some extra tips & to cook along with me – I also share my hack for how to slice your bars without the chocolate layer cracking!

Note – Bars are best stored in an air tight container in the fridge (can also be frozen)

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Question of the day –

What’s your favorite festive treat? Last minute requests? LMK . . .

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these twix bars (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to ox

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The post {DATE FREE} Gingerbread Twix Bars + video & step by step pics !!! first appeared on Better with Cake.

As another year draws to a close and we prepare to dive head first into a brand new year of deliciousness, I thought it would be fun to take a look at  your favorite recipes of 2019.

We have made a lot of delicious things together this past year and here we have the top 10, most popular recipes of 2019 as choose by you.

So, without further ado – allow me to present you with your top 10 – most clicked, commented on, shared and re-created recipes of 2019 –

1 – No Bake {Date Free} Salted Caramel Slice

2 – DIY Jerk Seasoning

3 – Strawberry and Cream Cashew Cookie Bites

4 – Lemon Berry Muffins

5 – Spicy Tuna and Tomato Burgers

6 – Healthy “Sugar Cookie” Bliss Bites

7 – Blueberry , Apple and Banana Super Smoothie

8 – Date Free Salted Caramel Bliss Bars

9 – Spring Fritatta

10 – Dark Chocolate Double Stuffed Dates

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To all of you who have re-created, commented on, posted and shared in any of my recipes either here on the blog, the Facebook page or Instagram: Thank you so much for sharing your love and appreciation for my recipes not only with me but with others too.

I honestly LOVE seeing you make and enjoy the recipes I share and it makes my heart all kinds of happy knowing that you’re enjoying a recipe that I created.

Seriously you guys, so much love and I can not thank you enough for all the support and encouragement you have shown me over the years.

Insert all of the feel good, happy, loved up emojis here !

Please comment below and let me know if there is anything in particular that you’d like to see more (or less) of in this coming year.

Thank you so much for being here – love you. Mean it!

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Question of the day –

Did your fave recipe make the list this year? If not I’d love to know – what was your fave?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to xo

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The post Top 10 Most Popular Recipes of 2019 – Reader Favorites first appeared on Better with Cake.

You know what that means, it’s time for another round of fit Friday fun and boy are we gonna have some fun today!

Today I’m sharing a short and sharp total body workout that you should be able to get in done in around 15 minutes – with or without equipment, totally your call!

I don’t know about you but, as much as I love my to get my workout on, I don’t like spending hours at the gym and the thing is, you don’t need to! With the right combination of exercises you can have an awesome workout in next to no time at all.

In today’s workout we are going to do just 5 exercises that incorporate most of your major muscle groups, I’m talkin’ quads, glutes, hamstrings, back, lats, delts/shoulders, chest, biceps and abs/core which means you get serious bang for your workout buck!

Just because your workout is short doesn’t mean it’s not effective, trust me. When you’re done with this workout, your heart rate will be pumping, endorphin’s flowing, metabolism firing!

Ah how I love that post workout rush!

So, here’s what we are going to do –

Squat
Curtsy Lunge
Push Up
Mountain Climber
Russian Twist

We will do 10 reps of each exercise  (count reps per side for lunges, climbers and twists) and repeat the entire sequence through for a total of 4 rounds or, as many rounds a pretty in 15 minutes.

The aim here is to move from one exercise to the next with minimal/no rest in between – That being said, I want you to listen to that beautiful body of yours and rest as needed.

Anytime you feel like you need to take a break to catch your breath and grab a little drink then by all means please do so, and take all the time you need. However, if possible try to wait until you get to the bottom of each round to do so but, do what you gotta do, OK?!

Catch your breath, grab a drink then get straight back into it, deal?

For those who are wanting to making things a little more challenging, feel free to grab yourself a weapon of choice – a set of dumbbells, a barbell, your EmPack, kettlebells, some resistance bands or any combination you like. Make sure you choose something appropriate for your strength but, don’t be afraid to challenge yourself.

I want you to really push yourself, the final rep of each exercise should be a challenge!

Although, we want quality not quantity, always! Never compromise your form, ever! If your form starts to fail your done, got it?

Take your time, concentrate, focus and breathe through each and every exercise. You are strong, you are amazing, you have big energy! You’ve totally got this!

And because nothing makes a workout challenge more fun than getting a buddy to join you. Why not grab your BFF or a family member or your fave workmate and have them join you, power in numbers baby!

Don’t forget to come back and let me know how you did once you’re done. Either leave me a message in the comments below, or you can give me a shout on the Facebook page or tag me (@EmSwanston) on Twitter , or Instagram (@emsswanston) . I mean it, I wanna hear how you did!

Ok enough chit chat time to work –

Short & Sassy
Full Body Workout

As always make sure you are nice an warm before you start your workout – Run on the spot, do jumping jacks, jump rope, dance around your living room, anything to get you warm then it’s time to get serious.

Finish with a nice little cool down and stretch, maybe take a walk or something anything to help bring your heart rate down. Finish with a few of your fave stretches. Please don’t skip the stretch people, its like dessert for the body.

Now onto our smoothie recipe . . .

How does a nice tall, creamy, dreamy, subtly sweet, perfectly spiced, iced vanilla chai latte sound?

Oh, you guys, this smoothie . . . insert all of the heart eyed emojis !!!

The dreamiest chai latte you’ll ever have and I promise you, it’s anything but “vanilla”.

It literally tastes like chai spiced soft serve!!

It’s luscious and creamy, spiked with a hint of vanilla and the perfect heart and belly warming hum of chai inspired spices.

It’s the ultimate nice cream!

Decadent to enjoy as a late night dessert but healthy enough to serve for breakfast! Ice cream for breakfast = living your best life!

Oh and , I should probably mention that not only does our delicious, nutritious, pretty little latte taste like straight up heaven in a cup but, it also happens to be Dairy free (if you want),  BANANA FREE, DATE FREE,  Sugar free, Low Carb, Vegan, Keto and Paleo friendly – so much to love I tell you and love it you will!

It really is simply divine, the perfect way to treat yo’ self on this fabulous Friday.

Creamy Iced Vanilla Chai Latte
{Dairy Free – Sugar Free – BANANA FREE – DATE FREE – Gluten Free – Grain Free – Low Carb – Paleo – Keto – Vegan }
Makes 1 creamy, dreamy, subtly sweet, deliciously indulgent, secretly healthy, perfectly spiced chai latte

Ingredients –

1/2 cup vanilla yoghurt

1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (or milk of choice) – more to desired consistency

1/2-1 teaspoon of chai spice mix – more or less to taste

1 teaspoon of vanilla

1 Tablespoon of cashew butter – sub 2 Tablespoons of raw cashews, soak in boiling water for 10 minutes before blending if you don’t have a high powered blender

1/4-1/2  cup of ice – more or less to desired consistency.

Optional add ins;

 

Dark Chocolate, melted – Antioxidants?! To swirl your glass with happiness.

1/2-1 cup cauliflower or zucchini (pre-steamed & frozen works best)  – a great way to get an extra (undetectable) serve of veg & make your smoothie extra thick

1 teaspoon of maca – for hormone balance

1 teaspoon of uplift food – daily dose of prebiotics

1 teaspoon of flaxmeal – ground flax- healthy fats & extra fiber

1-2 scoops of collagen – for  gut healing goodness

1 scp protein powder – for extra protein (vanilla, or unflavored would work best here)

Method –

1 – Place all smoothie ingredients into your blender and process until smooth, creamy and well combined.

2 – Pour into a chilled glass or mason jar then top with toppings of choice – I use coconut shreds, cacao nibs (or a shaving or dark chocolate) always.

Enjoy xoxo

Don’t forget to give me a shout out when you’re done – hit me up in the comments below via the Facebook page on Twitter or on Instagram

Now go, and remember;

and have yourself a killer day xoxo

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Question of the day –

What’s your fave way to workout? Upper Body? Lower Body? Total Body?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make this smoothie (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

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The post Creamy Iced Vanilla Chai Latte & A 15 Minute {No Equipment} Full Body Workout first appeared on Better with Cake.

Subtly sweet, deliciously buttery, spiked with a gentle hum of cinnamon and bursting with juicy blueberry flavor!

When you’re craving pie but can’t be bothered making a pie because of all that sifting, rolling, kneading, chilling, rolling, blind baking, filling, re-baking,  mouth burning, I mean pie cooling . . .

Ain’t no body got time for that

But quick and easy DATE FREE no bake blueberry pie bites . . .

That we can do!

Made with just 5 ingredients that I bet you have an hand already and can be ready to devour in less than 20 minutes!

No kneading, No rolling, No burning, I mean baking,  Nada !

Simply throw your ingredients in to your trusty ol’ blender or food processor and let it do the work for you!

Everybody got time for that!

And you guys, I honestly can’t believe how much these pretty little bliss bites actually taste like pie!

One bite and you really truly, pinky promise, totally get that blueberry pie vibe!

Buttery cashews, toasted almonds, juicy blueberries, creamy almond butter, a splash of and a gentle heart and belly warming hum of cinnamon . . .

So good! I’m talking soul food baby!

And would you just look at how pretty they are?!

Now, although they are all kinds of delicious enjoyed simply as they are in all their freshly rolled glory, if you have the time and are feeling a little extra then I strongly suggest you pop some finely shredded coconut into a bowl  ( I also used some beet powder because, colour) then . . . roll some of your blissfully delicious, no bake pie bites, in a little of each.

Like I said, it’s totally not necessary but the contrast in both flavor and texture takes the experience to the next level.

An extra 5 mins but 100% worth it!

Crispy on the outside, soft and chewy in the middle – next level deliciousness my friend!

5 ingredients + 15 minutes in the making

Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Grain Free – DATE FREE  – Refined Sugar Free – Low Carb – Vegan – Keto – Paleo .

The only thing that’s left to decide is which will you devour first?!

Original, beet or coconut?!

No Bake, DATE FREE Blueberry Pie Bites

Vegan – Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Refined Sugar Free – Low Carb – Keto – Paleo

Makes approx 20 {bite size} subtly sweet, soft & chewy, deliciously buttery, perfectly spiced, blissful bites of deliciousness!

Ingredients –

1/2 cup raw almonds

1/2 cup raw cashews

1/2 cup dried blueberries

1 Tablespoon of vanilla

2 Tablespoons of almond butter

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

A pinch of salt

Optional add ins;

1 teaspoon of maca powder – For hormone balance

2 scoops of collagen (1 tsp bone broth concentrate) –  for gut healing goodness

1-2 scoops of protein powder –  (vanilla or unflavored would work best in this recipe)

1 Tablespoon of Uplift food – pre-biotocs

1 teaspoon of reishi – to help calm the nervous system & my busy brain

Optional for serving –

Finely shredded coconut flakes

Beet powder

Method –

1 – Optional but highly (HIGHLY) recommended – Place your almonds and cashews on to a lined baking tray and roast at 175’C/350’F for 5-10 mins until lightly toasted, gloriously golden and deliciously fragrant.

2 – While your nuts are toasting – place your dried blueberries in to a small bowl and pour over enough boiling water to ensure they are all fully submerged. Set aside for 2-3 minutes.

3 –  Once your nuts are nice and toasted, place into your food processor/blender and pulse until crumbly, you want there to still be a few bigger chunks to give the bites some nice texture.

4 – Drain your dried blueberries, add to your food processor and process until the mixture starts to come together into a sticky “dough”.

5 – Add vanilla, cinnamon, salt along with any optional extras you’re using, then process again until combined.

6 –  Using your hands, roll approx 1 Tablespoons worth of dough into bite size balls then set aside
 – FYI – I like to make my bites on the smaller side. You would probably need 3 of mine to make up one of those golf ball size bites you buy at cafe’s or in stores.

7 – If you are going to coat your bliss bites simply place your beet powder & coconut shreds into a small bowl or zip lock bag and gentle press/shake until nicely coated. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Enjoy xo

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Question of the day –

Tell me, what’s your favorite kind of pie??

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these bliss bites (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to ox

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The post {No Bake} DATE FREE Blueberry Pie Bites first appeared on Better with Cake.

I almost can’t even handle the deliciousness !

Have you ever imagined what it would be like if a snickers and a twix had a beautiful little baby bar?!

These are the places my mind go when I’m trying to get to sleep at night . . . please tell me I’m not the only one who dreams of such things?!

Well, if you haven’t had that delicious little dream yet, now that I’ve planted the see you most certainly will but,  lucky for you I’m not one to plant a seed and leave you waiting because today, my friend, I am delivering the peanut butter, caramel filled goods!

Cinnamon spiked short bread base, seriously peanut buttery (aka – the best kind) DATE FREE, salted caramel studded with lightly roasted peanuts, all tucked under a layer of cool, crisp, rich dark chocolate.

I mean can you even . . .

Layer, upon, layer of deliciousness!!

No doubt in my mind, this, right here, is the stuff that dreams are made of.

It’s super simple to put together, I know it may look like a lot of steps, more than I would normally ask you to do but hear me when I say you can absolutely do this!

Honestly, hardest part about making these bars is having the patience to wait for them to set. Let me tell you, the struggle is real friends but also, 100% worth it.

Made with no refined flours or sugars using just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in a matter of minutes!

Gluten free – Dairy free – DATE FREE – Refined sugar free – Low carb – Vegan – Keto and Paleo friendly.

But most importantly it really is a little slice of heaven right here on earth and you need it in your life because, yummmmmm

It’s snickers meets twix !!!!!

You. Are. Welcome!

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

{DATE FREE} Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Bliss Bars

Gluten Free – Dairy Free – Refined Sugar Free – Low Carb – Vegan – Keto – Paleo

Makes 4 large, 6 medium or 9 bites of blissful deliciousness

Ingredients –

For the shortbread base –

1/4 cup almond meal/flour

1/4 cup coconut flour

1 1/2 Tablespoons of coconut oil, melted

1 Tablespoon of maple syrup

1 pinch of ground cinnamon

1 pinch of salt

For the peanut butter caramel filling –

1/2 cup peanut butter – or nut seed butter of choice

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon of vanilla

A generous pinch of salt

1/4 cup of peanuts

For the chocolate topping –

1/4 cup (1/2 a block) of good quality dark chocolate

1 teaspoon of coconut oil – optional

A pinch of salt + extra for serving

Method –

1 – Preheat oven to 175’C/350’F

2 – Line a small rimmed baking dish or loaf pan (I used a 5 x 5 inch square baking dish) + 1 small baking tray with non-stick parchment paper and set aside.

3 – Place peanuts on to the baking tray and roast for 5-10 minutes until lightly toasted. Sprinkle with salt, set aside.

4 – Place all ingredients for the base into a small bowl and stir until well combined.

5 – Press shortbread base in to your prepare baking dish (or loaf pan) and press down into one nice smooth even layer.

6 – Bake for 8-10 minutes until it’s lightly golden.

7  – Place all ingredients for your peanut butter caramel in to a small sauce pan, stir and gently heat until well combined.

9 – Set aside to cool.

10 – Once your caramel has cooled slightly, pour 1/2 of the caramel over your shortbread base, smooth to the edges.

11 – Top with roasted peanuts then pour and smooth over remaining caramel.

12 – Place in the fridge (or freezer) to set.

13 – Once set, melt together chocolate and coconut oil, if using, by your preferred method. Allow to cool for a minute or two then pour over your peanut studded caramel-shortbread base smoothing to the edges as you go.

14 – Place back in to the fridge to set for 5.

15 – Slice, sprinkle with sea salt and devour!

Enjoy xo

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Question of the day –

What was or is your fave snack/candy bar?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these bliss bars (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to ox

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The post {Date Free} Salted Caramel Peanut Butter Bliss Bars first appeared on Better with Cake.

Me?

Well, it looks like I may have figured out why my laptop keeps freezing and crashing and freezing and crashing and freezing and crashing. . . turns out my storage disk is full so . . .  guess Ima have to go try figure that out . . .

Looks like I’ll be needing lots of snacks  . . .

And coffee . . .

And chocolate . . .

HELP MEEEEEE!

Luck I have just the thing!

Question for you . . .

Are bliss bites still a thing?!

Please tell me they’re still a thing?

Or, did I miss the memo and they’re totally not cool anymore?

For me, cool or not, they will always be a thing!

You and I both know your girl here loves a snack.

And bliss bites are just so easy to make.

Not to mention they’re oh so delicious!

And versatile!

The ways you can change the flavors by adding chocolate (always a good idea)  or spices, or using different nuts and seeds, so many options  . . .

Safe to say for me they will always be a thing, and if I missed the memo and they are no longer a thing I think they are about to make a very real and very big come back in the form of these date free, black forest bliss bites!

Aka my current obsession!

Decadent and rich (but not too rich), subtly sweet, soft and chewy, seriously chocolatey, coconut infused bliss bites spiked with a gentle hum (or loud rev if you prefer) of espresso.

It’s everything I love in life all served up in one delicious little mouthful!

Coffee – Only as I live and breathe!

Chocolate – Do you even have to ask?!

Coconut – Fixes everything!

Cherries – Soooooo good!

Using dried cherries in place of the more traditional dates to make these bliss bites = best idea, ever!

They still have that soft and chewy texture we all know and love but those slightly tart chewy cherries balances out the richness of cacao and sweetness of coconut just perfectly. It totally takes the flavor profile to a whole new level!

Plus, those cheeky cherries add an extra nutritional boost!

Did you know that cherries are rich in antioxidants, can help to regulate blood sugar, are a natural anti-inflammatory, can increase brain function, boost memory and reduce your risk of diabetes and cancer?!

They also help reduce muscles soreness, and improve sleep quality?!

Plus they taste all kinds of incredible!

Chocolate + coffee + cherries + coconut = blissful deliciousness!

If you’re looking for an excuse to eat more snacks then look no further friend, I gotchu!

Made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and can be ready to devour in around 15 minutes!

Toast – Blend – Roll – Devour!

Gluten Free – Dairy free – Grain free – Refined sugar free – Paleo – Keto &  Vegan friendly !

7 ingredients – 15 minutes in the making

The only thing that’s left to decide is which will you devour first?!

Original, cacao or coconut?!

Cacao (and a double espresso) for me please!

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

Notes –

*  Keto/ low carb lovin’ friends & those of you who have trouble digestive dates –  soak/ferment your dates in coconut water keifr or kombucha overnight and you should be ready to roll. How you ask?! Well, apparenely adding beneficial bacteria to them in the way of coconut yoghurt or coconut kefir or kombucha removes all the sugar in the fruit! You cab read more about how/why it works here

** if your dates are a little dry/ you’re not using fresh juicy dates (or fermenting them first), soak in boiling water for 10 mins to help re hydrate them & bring them back to life. Then just drain & proceed with the recipe as written.

*** I before you speak coffees chocolate collagen complex – EMS10 = 10% off if you want to give it a try. I guarantee it will change your life!

**** I use Macro Mike’s clean treats vanilla almond protein  but, the white chocolate would work great here too you could also just leave it out but, the extra flavour, hit of protein + pre & pro biotics really do take these bites (& your life by extension) to a whole new level!

All of Macro Mike’s products are plant based, gluten free, dairy free, sugar free, boosted with pre & probiotics & truly tastes all kinds of incredible. Its hands down without question the smoothest, most delicious, elite tasting protein power (plant based/dairy free or otherwise!!) I have ever tried. And I have tried A LOT!  Use AMB-EM to get an extra cheeky discount of you want to try it & believe me, you do!

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Question of the day –

Are you a fellow bliss bite lover? What’s your favorite flavor combination?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these bliss bites (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to ox

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The post {DATE FREE} Black Forest Bliss Bites first appeared on Better with Cake.

Raw, date free, pecan pie bites . . .

Everything you love about a big ol’ slice of pecan pie, no baking required!!!

The buttery base, the deliciously sticky, pecan studded, caramel infused filling  complete with a dollop of whipped (coconut) cream and generous dusting of cinnamon, . . .

OOooOOOOo yes!

I don’t know about you but me, as much as I love a big ol’ piece of pie, I rarely ever make it because ;

1 –  I almost always ( ← read I actually ALWAYS, no almost about it!)  burn my mouth because I can not for the life of me wait for it to cool before I dive on in – will I ever learn?!  Then I can’t taste the delicious pie I slaved over, or anything else or that matter,  because my taste buds are now burnt to smithereens!

2 – I cut into it too soon and it all collapses into a giant mess, a delicious mess but still not the pretty pie I was hoping for –  again an issue with patience, clearly something I need to work on!

3 –   All that kneading, rolling, chilling, rolling, blind baking, pre-baking, re-baking, cooling . . . ugh – ain’t nobody got time for that!

But this . . .

These deliciously simple, no-bake pecan pie bites, this I can do!

Made with just a handful of ingredients that I bet you have on hand already and come together in a matter of minutes.

Simply;

Toast Blend Press Chill Drizzle/sprinkle/dollop (if you want) Devour

So good!

Honestly, I don’t know what more there is to tell you . . .

I mean, would you look at those layers!!!

Vegan Gluten Free Dairy free DATE FREE Grain free Refined sugar free Paleo Keto delish

All natural, quick and easy, subtly sweet, deliciously buttery, soft and chewy, cinnamon spiked, DATE FREE pecan pie bites . . .

Like all things in life, best served with a cheeky drizzle of dark chocolate and sprinkling of flakey sea salt . . . extra cinnamon (or pumpkin spice) for me please!

7 main ingredients, 10 minutes in the making . . .

Stop what you’re doing, this needs to happen right, MEOW!

The the festive fun begin!!!!!

Make them. Eat them. Love, love, love them.

No-Bake {Date Free}  Pecan Pie Bites

{Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free, Keto & Paleo Friendly}

Makes approx 9 –  All natural, quick and easy, subtly sweet, deliciously buttery, soft and chewy, cinnamon spiked, DATE FREE pecan pie bites – no baking required!!!

Ingredients –

For the base –

1/4 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup raw cashews
1 Tablespoon of hemp seeds – optional
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon of filtered water
1 Tablespoon of coconut oil
1 pinch of salt

For the “pie” filling –

1/4 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup raw cashews
1/2 cup raw pecans
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 Tablespoons of maple syrup
2 Tablespoons of coconut oil
1 Tablespoon of hemp seeds – optional
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 pinch of salt

Optional add-ins ;
1 teaspoon of maca – for hormone balance
1-2 scoops of Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides optional for an extra boost of protein and gut healing goodness – omit if vegan (or sub marine collage if pescatarian)

Optional for serving –

Dark chocolate for drizzling
Whipped vanilla coconut cream – or vanilla spiked cashew cream

Method –

For the base –

1 – Optional – lightly toast cashews and almonds – either on a lined baking tray at 175’C/350’F for 5-10 mins or just throw them into a dry fry-pan/skillet (make sure you toss them around occasionally so they don’t catch and burn on one side)  until lightly golden and deliciously fragrant.

2 – Place almonds and cashews into your food processor or blender and process until they break down into a fine, sandy looking crumb.

3 – Add vanilla, coconut oil, water, hemp seeds (if using)  and a pinch of salt salt then process again until a sticky “dough” forms.

4 – Press base mixture into a lined dish then pop it into the freezer while you make your filling.

Note – I have a little 13x13cm dish that was the perfect size) – or, if you don’t want to have to bother with cutting your slice you could just spoon it into little chocolate moulds or even line a mini muffin tin with paper cupcake cakes – either will work just fine.

For the filling –

1 – Again, Optional – lightly toast your nuts – either on a lined baking tray at 175’C/350’F for 5-10 mins or just throw them into a dry fry-pan/skillet (make sure you toss them around occasionally so they don’t catch and burn on one side)  until lightly golden and deliciously fragrant.

2 – Place nuts into your food processor or blender and process until they break down into a fine, sandy looking crumb.

3 – Add  vanilla, maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon , salt along with  hemp seeds, collagen, maca , if using, and  process again until a sticky “dough” forms.

4 – Press on to your base then pop it in the fridge or freezer to set.

5 – If adding the chocolate drizzle, melt chocolate by your preferred method – I like to do mine over the stove, double broiler style, drizzle over your pecan base, sprinkle with sea salt

6 – Slice – Devour – Enjoy xo

Note – this slice is best  kept refrigerated and  will keep well for at least  7-10 days ,although I highly doubt it will last that long, and can be frozen for 3-6 months.

The post No Bake {Date FREE} Pecan Pie Bites first appeared on Better with Cake.

The moment you’ve all been waiting for . . .

Date free bliss bites . . .

You guys have been demanding politely requesting more and more date free, raw treat recipes lately and what can I say, you ask, I deliver.

I aim to please, friends

Honestly though, why have I never thought to do this before?!

Subbing dried mango in place of the usual medjool dates to make our beloved bliss bites = best idea ever!

Talk about a game changer!

Look out world!!!!

You guys know how much I adore my beloved bliss bites (and I know you love them as much as I do – great minds baby) but, this has opened up a whole new world on the snack/bliss bite front!

I mean, Ive added other dried fruits to change up the flavors before but never completely swapped out the dates entirely . . . I wasn’t really sure how they were going to turn out but one bite and I was hooked!

Buttery cashews and almonds combined with a splash of vanilla, the subtly sweet, mellowed out, moorish mango and that glorious, golden spice mix (think turmeric, cinnamon and ginger) + a cheeky pinch of salt – a little bite of heaven!

Soft, chewy, subtly sweet, deliciously nutty, perfectly spiced, simply divine!

Nowhere near as sweet as their traditional cousins but boy are they tasty!

I’m talking seriously addicting , or is it addictive?!

Either way, yummmmmmmmmm

And would you just look at that colour?!

How pretty are they?!

Insert all they heart eyed emoji’s here!

Honestly though, I’m really trying hard to find words that do justice in describing just how amazing these mango and coconut bliss bites are but I’m struggling . . .

In the last 3 days I’ve started to write this post more times than I can count and each time I find myself staring at my computer screen, drooling over these incredible moorish mango coconut bliss bites  but my mind draws a blank . . .

I got nothin’ . . .

But, to be honest, that’s kind of what happens when you bite into these beauties . . .

The noise of the world disappears as you lose yourself in the edible, awesomeness you just created.

It’s like your own, personal, bite size, time machine that can whisk you away, at a moments notice, to your own private, tropical oasis to just, sit, savor and bask in the glory.

Yes, they really are THAT good!

And not only do they taste like an absolute dream but they also happen to pack a serious nutritional punch!

They are rich in antioxidants, a natural anti-inflammatory, great for digestion, great for heart health, will help stabilize blood sugar, lower your risk of diabetes, improve brain function and boost your immunity! 

Just in case you needed an excuse to eat more snacks, I got you covered friend.

Now, although they are all kinds of delicious enjoyed simply as they are in all their freshly rolled glory, if you have the time and  feel like getting a little fancy then you might want to go ahead and crumble up some freeze dried mango into a fine looking powder, and while you’re at it, pop some finely shredded coconut into a bowl then . . . roll some of those glorious, golden blissful bites of deliciousness, in a little of each.

It’s totally not necessary but the contrast in both flavor and texture kind of takes the experience to the next level.

All natural, soft and chewy, subtly sweet, perfectly spiced, incredibly moorish, delicious, nutritious, mango & coconut bliss bites !

Gluten Free Dairy free DATE FREE Grain free Refined sugar free Paleo Keto & Vegan friendly

5 main ingredients, 10 minutes in the making . . .

Close your eyes, take a bites and experience the magic for yourself

Date Free Golden Spiced Mango & Coconut Bliss Bites
{Vegan, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Refined Sugar Free, Keto & Paleo Friendly}
Makes approx 20 {bite size} all natural, subtly sweet, soft and chewy, perfectly spiced,  incredibly moorish, delicious, nutritious, mango & coconut bliss bites !

Ingredients –

1/2 cup raw almonds

1/2 cup raw cashews

3/4 cup dried mango* – Keto/ low carb lovin’ friends  –  soak/ferment your fruit in coconut water keifr or kombucha overnight and you should be ready to roll

4 Tablespoon of shredded coconut

1 Tablespoon of cashew or coconut butter – optional but recommended – sub 1 tsp of filtered water & 1/2 teaspoon of coconut extract

2 teaspoon of vanilla

1 teaspoon of turmeric

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger

1 pinch of salt

1 teaspoon of filtered water

1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper – this is important as the chemical compound in the black pepper is what helps and enables the body to absorb all of those incredible nutrients in the turmeric! You can’t taste the pepper, promise.

Optional add ins;

1 teaspoon of maca powder – For hormone balance

2 scoops of collagen ( I nutra organics &   Vital proteins unflavored collagen peptides – or Further food you can use EMS10 to get 10% off any further food products ) –  for an extra dose of protein and gut healing goodness

2 Tablespoons of hemp seeds – for extra protein + vitamins & minerals

1-2 scps protein powder – vanilla or unflavored would work best in this recipe – for extra protein

Optional for serving –

Freeze dried mango, crushed to powder

Finely shredded coconut flakes

Method –

1 – Optional but highly (HIGHLY) recommended – Place your nuts on to a lined baking tray and roast at 175’C/350’F for 5-10 mins until lightly toasted, gloriously golden and deliciously fragrant.

2 – Once toasted, place your nuts into your food processor/blender and pulse until crumbly, you want there to still be a few bigger chunks to give the bites some nice texture.

3 – Add mango and process until the mixture starts to come together into a sticky, loose “dough”.

4 – Add vanilla, spices, coconut oil, hemp seeds, maca and collagen (if using) then process again until combined.

5 – Using your hands, roll approx 1 small Tablespoons worth of dough into bite size balls then set aside
 – FYI – I like to make my bites on the smaller side. You would probably need 3 of mine to make up one of those golf ball size bites you buy at cafe’s or in stores.

6 – If you are going to coat your bliss bites in simply place your mango powder & coconut into a small bowl or zip lock bag and gentle press/shake until nicely coated. Store in the fridge until ready to serve.

Enjoy xo

• If you find your mango is super dry you could try soaking it in some warm water for 10 mins before you begin, then drain and rinse and make as normal.

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Question of the day –

Are you a fellow bliss bite lover? What’s your favorite flavor combination?

Feel free to share recipes, or links to your fave recipes in the comments below or on the Facebook page and please for the love of all that is good in this world when you do make these bliss bites (or any of the recipes you find on this blog of mine) go ahead and snap a pic and share it either on the Facebook page, or tag me on twitter or Instagram. Sharing is caring remember.

Do it, do it You know you want to

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The post {DATE FREE} Golden Spiced Mango & Coconut Bliss Bites first appeared on Better with Cake.