Granola Chocolate Bark (Small Batch with Low Carb Options)

This easy-to-make chocolate nut butter candy will have your heart at first bite! It’s a small batch dessert recipe, but there is plenty to share with your sweetheart (or not)! And, only three ingredients! Visit the 15-sec video HERE!

Treat yourself (and a sweetheart) to this share-sized dessert that features only three ingredients (chocolate, nut butter, and granola)! Easy-peasy, the only ‘cooking’ is melting chocolate chips in the microwave! A fun Valentine’s Day treat, or for chocolate bark any day of the year! Low carb and sugar free options, very flexible.

Rich, creamy, and studded with your favorite granola (use plain packaged granola, a fancy granola with all the fixings, or your special homemade granola recipe).

Treat yourself (and a sweetheart) to this share-sized dessert that features only three ingredients (chocolate, nut butter, and granola)! Easy-peasy, the only ‘cooking’ is melting chocolate chips in the microwave! A fun Valentine’s Day treat, or for chocolate bark any day of the year! Low carb and sugar free options, very flexible.

Basically, a no-bake dessert (except melting chocolate chips in the microwave for about 1 minute), you’ll find this is a quick, easy, and uncomplicated way to soothe a chocolate-lover’s sweet tooth. Plus, you may already have all the ingredients in your pantry!

 This small-batch recipe is featured in my newest book, Cooking for One for Dummies (which can be pre-ordered NOW, and releases March 8, 2023).

In the cookbook, I show the Granola Chocolate Bar spread out thinly, using a silicone sheet or parchment-lined loaf pan or free-form on a lined cookie sheet.

Treat yourself (and a sweetheart) to this share-sized dessert that features only three ingredients (chocolate, nut butter, and granola)! Easy-peasy, the only ‘cooking’ is melting chocolate chips in the microwave! A Low carb and sugar free options, very flexible. Featured in Cooking for One for Dummies by Jennifer Fisher, thefitfork.com

Today, for a Valentine’s treat, I thought it would be cute to do in a heart-shaped ramekin! This creates a “thicker” result. If going this route, use an approximate 10-oz Crème Brulé-style ramekin or two smaller 6-oz low-side ramekins.  I’m kinda a ramekin collector freak, they are so fun and can be used for lots of smaller-scale recipes for one or two; using to hold prepped ingredients while making a recipe; for holding your everyday snacks for portion control.

Approximate macros for sugar-free chip version (will vary some based on nut butter and granola choices): 191 calories, 13g fat, 14g net carb, 3g protein

Treat yourself (and a sweetheart) to this share-sized dessert that features only three ingredients (chocolate, nut butter, and granola)! Easy-peasy, the only ‘cooking’ is melting chocolate chips in the microwave! A fun Valentine’s Day treat, or for chocolate bark any day of the year! Low carb and sugar free options, very flexible.
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PRO TIPS FOR GRANOLA CHOCOLATE BARK

Tip 1: There is so much flexibility, you can mix and match ingredients to suit your dietary preferences (for example there are lots of swaps if looking for low carb dessert ideas):

  • Chocolate: I used sugar-free dark chocolate chips, but feel free to substitute traditional chocolate chips. Also, try milk chocolate, white chocolate, cinnamon chip and all the other flavors out there!
  • Nut Butter: The only real requirement is to use a natural-style nut butter and NOT the solid kind with hydrogenated fats and sugars.  I used a cinnamon-flavored almond butter in my recipe today, but peanut butter, walnut butter, cashew butter, protein-boosted nut butters and most all types of blends will work!
  • Granola: For convenience, use packaged granola from your favorite brand. Of course, homemade granola is excellent too! If you don’t want to use granola, swap in an equal portion of things like coconut shreds, toasted chopped nuts, dehydrated or freeze-dried fruit pieces, little candies of choice, etc.

Tip 2: For less mess making granola bark, it’s highly recommended to oil the ramekin or, if using a baking sheet, use parchment paper or a silicone matt. You can also make in silicone candy molds, but I haven’t personally experiment with that.

Tip 3: Don’t skip the sticking in freezer step to firm up the chocolate bark before eating. Store leftovers in fridge.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Granola Chocolate Bark (Small Batch with Low Carb Options)
Prep Time
5 mins
Total Time
35 mins
 

Treat yourself (and a sweetheart) to this share-sized dessert that features only three ingredients (chocolate, nut butter, and granola)! Easy-peasy, the only ‘cooking’ is melting chocolate chips in the microwave! A fun Valentine’s Day treat, or for chocolate bark any day of the year! Low carb and sugar free options, very flexible.

Course: Dessert, Snack
Keyword: candy, chocolate, holiday, low carb, valentines day
Servings: 4
Calories: 191 kcal
Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips sugar-free, if desired
  • ¼ cup natural-style nut butter peanut, almond, cashew, etc.
  • ½ cup of your favorite granola any type or your own toppings
Instructions
  1. In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips on high in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is melted and smooth.
  2. Stir in nut butter until smooth. Pour the chocolate mixture into a 10 to 12-ounce low ramekin*
  3. Sprinkle granola evenly over the top of the chocolate mixture and press down lightly so that it stays put. Freeze for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the bark has firmed up.
  4. Slice into pieces; store the leftovers in the refrigerator.
Recipe Notes

* Instead of a ramekin, spread chocolate mixture out thinly on a silicone mat (on baking sheet) before topping with granola. After freezing, break up into free-form pieces. You can also use silicone baking and candy molds for a different effect.

Approximate macros for sugar-free chip version (will vary some based on nut butter and granola choices): 191 calories, 13g fat, 14g net carb, 3g protein

Berry White Chocolate Collagen Fat Bombs | Low Carb

Super-berry-low-carb-white-choc-alicious! My Berry White Chocolate Collagen Fat Bombs so pretty in pink and blue, plus easy to make with only four ingredients. Berry White Chocolate Collagen Fat Bombs

With just 1.3 net carbs, these sugar-free treats can work for a variety of diet types including keto, diabetic, Atkins, gluten-free and others. Plus, with plenty of fat and protein in each one, you’ll be satiated as your sweet tooth is soothed. Read on to get the berry fat bomb recipe and all the details.

Great Lakes Wellness discount code THEFITFORK10OFF

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Sugarless, Sugar-Free and Low Sugar Treats for Healthy Christmas Stocking Stuffers

My family’s gifts for a fit Christmas are already wrapped up and under the tree, and I (errr, I mean Santa) have been busy rounding up healthy stocking stuffers. Chocolate, candy canes and sugar plums (what ARE those anyway) don’t really make sustaining fuel for our active lifestyle which collectively includes running, obstacle course racing, hiking, gym workouts, yoga and assorted team sports. So, instead, I’ve rounded up a bunch of Sugarless, Sugar-Free and Low Sugar Treats for Healthy Christmas Stocking Stuffers – check them out for your own family’s festivities.

Sugar Free Treats Snacks and Drinks for Healthy Christmas Stocking Stuffers

Read on to find healthier snacks and drinks suitable for Christmas stockings, some are homemade and others conveniently packaged and ready to go! Continue reading

Apple Walnut Quinoa Crunch + More Healthy Candy Recipes

Apple Walnut Quinoa CrunchReady for a curiously crunchy treat? My recipe for Apple, Walnut & Quinoa Crunch will satisfy sweet crispy cravings while filling you up longer thanks to an unexpected punch of protein from the quinoa and black walnuts– it’s a balanced candy for your “healthy tooth”!

Apple Walnut Quinoa Crunch is a healthy alternative to peanut brittle candy -- it packs a bit of protein from the ancient grain Quinoa and is dairy-free, gluten-free and made without traditional corn syrup (only a touch of coconut sugar and 100 percent apple cider)I like to eat it straight off the baking sheet or break up into shards of sweetness to top my Greek yogurt.

Apple Walnut Quinoa Crunch on Greek Yogurt

Apple Walnut Quinoa Crunch made with apple ciderI almost hesitate to even call this easy-to-make recipe “candy,” although it is a take on old-fashioned “nut brittle.” However, the typical peanut brittle or nut brittle uses a boatload of butter, table sugar and corn syrup – gasp! Instead, my healthy candy recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients like 100 percent juice apple cider, ancient grains, dried fruit and nuts, and just a touch of coconut sugar.

I also choose to use Black Walnuts instead of standard english walnuts. Why? The black walnut has the most protien of any tree nut and imparts a more intense, earthy, nutty flavor to recipes. I discovered this news I can definitely use at the Produce Marketing Associations recent Fresh Summit in Orlando when, I auspiciouslly bumped into Hammon Black Walnuts on my way out the door to fly home.

As far as sugars go, coconut sugar (derived from Palm) is a much healthier sweetener in moderation as it doesn’t spike blood sugar as dramatically as traditional sugars. Also, if a concern for you are a loved one, this recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

I originally made this recipe for Litehouse Foods and used the Honey Crisp Apple Cider, you can find it in the produce section this time of year. This Cold Pressed, 100 percent pure apple juice has a unique tart taste that is wonderfully balanced with sweet. It’s perfect poured straight from the container, served hot or cold, and also makes a great ingredient in recipes where you would prefer natural sweetness.

Some things to note when making this recipe — you need to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, your oven temperature may vary affecting the overall cook time. Also, it will be soft when removed from oven — give it plenty of time to set up and harden, stick in the fridge to expidite. If it still doesn’t seem crispy, then you can put it back in the oven for several minutes at a time until done.

jennifer fisher - thefitfork.com - chocolate date candy barsAnother healthier “candy” I’m pulling from the archives to share with you today is my recipe for Sweet Date Chocolate Candy Bar Bites. These are so yummy and I love how the dates provide extra iron in my diet.

Hazelnut Pecan Protein FudgeI also like to make a batch of my Hazlenut Fudge Protein Balls to stash in the freezer and thaw out one at a time to quell my dessert cravings. These no-bake energy bits are ideal for a healthy little dessert or as pre and post workout fuel.

now-foods-ingredients-for-quinoa-crunch-candyIn addition to the Honey Crisp Apple Cider from Litehouse Foods, which you can conveniently find in your market’s produce section this time of year, here are some other ingredients used in my Quinoa Crunch.a

Do you have a “healthy” candy recipe? What is your go-to when you are craving something sweet? Please share in the comments – XOXO, Jennifer

Apple Walnut Quinoa Crunch
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
50 mins
Total Time
1 hr
 
This healthier alternative to candy is easy to make and packs a bit of protein thanks to the ancient grain Quinoa.
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 4 servubgs
Ingredients
  • 1/3 cup uncooked quinoa I like the "tri-color" from NOW foods
  • 1/2 cup chopped black walnuts can use regular walnuts
  • 1/2 cup dehydrated baked apple chips, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup rolled or instant oats processed in gluten-free facility
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 1/2 cups apple cider
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar aka palm sugar
  • 1 teapsoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper (or use a silicone baking liner as I did)
  2. Using a fine-mesh sieve, rinse the quinoa well under cold running water and spread out on a paper towel to dry. This will prevent bitterness.
  3. Add quinoa, walnuts, oats, crumbled dehydrated apples, and salt to small mixing bowl, stirring to combine.
  4. To a small saucepan, 1 ½ cups apple cider and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for approximately 20 minutes, until volume has been reduced to ½ cup liquid. Add coconut oil, coconut sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg and simmer for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. Pour apple cider “syrup” over the dry ingredients and stir to thoroughly coat. Arrange on parchment-lined baking sheet and spread into a uniform layer with a metal spoon. Uniformity in thickness will promote even cooking and keep edges from burning.
  6. Bake for approximately 30 minutes, rotating the pan around on the oven rack at the halfway point. When removing from oven, color should be deep golden brown in color. Allow to cool completely so that it hardens up before breaking into bite-sized pieces.
  7. If you realize, after cooling that still soft in the center, you can return it to the oven for another 5 to 10 minutes, keeping a close eye.
  8. Store leftovers in a sealed bag or container at room temperature up to one week, or in the freezer for up to three months.

Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge

Sponsored post: Check out the new Signature family of brands from Randalls and Albertsons, with more than 4,000 Signature products available and a 100% money-back guarantee.

Today I’m sharing my recipe for Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge Balls, a healthier dessert option for those days when the sweet tooth is acting up (pretty much all the time with me). This no-cook protein-powder recipe is quick and easy and fits into my healthy, busy lifestyle so nicely – my family and I enjoy it as a more balanced option to candy – it has no added refined sugars, only honey. Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge Balls make a healthier dessert option and are great for workout fuel and recovery.

With an approximate 3:1 carb-to-protein ratio, these energy protein balls also make a nice little workout recovery snack or race fuel to eat on the course.

Hazelnut Pecan Protein FudgeIt’s been my experience that the success of a no-bake recipe can only be as good as the quality of the ingredients that found within. I was a national name brand devotee in the past, but have found that many of the store-label products are just as good (if not better) than the items I grew up with. Randalls and Albertsons grocery stores are making it easy to tackle my shopping list and keep whipping up healthy recipes with their new, exclusive line of Signature products. From coffee to juice, soup to cereal, fresh fruits and veggies to fried chicken and other yummy pre-prepped foods, there are more than 4,000 different products available that help make my life tastier, easier and all-around neater (that’s because they also stock all my must-have home staples like paper towels and cleaning products)!   Oh, and I’m saving money, too! Whoohoo! Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge Balls = with Randalls Signature Select

I used Signature Kitchens Chopped Pecans, Signature Kitchens Clover Honey and Signature Select Hazelnut Chocolate Spread from Randalls in this yummy, easy protein snack recipe.

Randall Signature Select CoffeeSeriously, I can’t express my love for Randalls enough, and not just for the Signature line. When they opened a location at the front of my neighborhood a few years ago, I literally cried from sheer joy– I’m not kidding! Prior to this, “a quick trip to the store to grab a few things” was a 1 to 2 hour time commitment depending on the time of day.  I would have to drive about 10 miles one-way to make an emergency coffee restock for the morning or to pick up ingredients that were left off my list. Because of this, we often did without! Imagine the horrors and distress this created for me, an unorganized food blogger!

Randalls supporting my neighborhood fun run!

Randalls supporting my neighborhood fun run!

The staff at my neighborhood Randalls rock! The cashiers and managers know me personally, always take the time to smile and say hi, and answer my questions if I can’t find a particular product I need for a recipe. If I ever have a problem with a purchase (a rarity), it’s always resolved immediately — Randalls stands behind their 100% money-back guarantee on the Signature line of products. Management at this nearby location supported my oldest son’s Eagle Scout Project with a huge donation of bottled water and bakery cookies and promote health, fitness and an active lifestyle as sponsors of an annual fun run in the neighborhood. I am always the first one over to their tent to pick up water and goodies!

randalls signature spaghette

Dinner super quick, easy and yummy with go-to pantry items in the Signature line!

Find out what I’m raving about yourself! I buy my Signature products here in Austin at my local Randalls and Albertsons stores, but they are also found in the whole family of Albertsons Companies grocery stores including ACEM, Jewell-Osco, Vons, Pavilions, Safeway, Tom Thumb, Shaw, Star Market, United Express, United and Carrs/Safeway.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Hazelnut Pecan Protein Fudge Balls
Prep Time
10 mins
Total Time
10 mins
 
Course: Dessert, Worout
Servings: 18 balls
Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Hazelnut Chocolate Spread (Signature Select)
  • 1/2 cup Clover Honey (Signature Kitchens)
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Pecans (Signature Kitchens)
  • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
  • 1 cup chocolate flavored protein powder of choice typically 3 scoops
Instructions
  1. In medium bowl, mix together hazelnut chocolate spread and honey.
  2. Stir in chopped pecans and chocolate chips.
  3. Stir in protein powder until beginning to ball up. Use hands to knead mixture until smooth.
  4. Divide “dough” into 18 equal parts – about 1 tablespoon each. Roll between hands to form into ball.
  5. Eat! Store leftovers in refrigerator to maintain firmness.