Are you tired of the same boring snacks that leave you feeling uninspired and unsatisfied? Well, I’m shaking up your snack game with some seriously delicious and nutritious treats — say hello to my cherry ripe bites!
There’s nothing quite like the taste of nostalgia. Remember the joy of biting into a chewy muesli bar after school or savouring the sweetness of a favourite childhood chocolate bar? Nostalgic treats tap into cherished memories and transport us back to simpler times.
Before we dive into the recipe for these scrumptious cherry ripe bites, let’s talk about why healthy snacking can be beneficial. If you think of healthy snacks as your secret weapon against the dreaded afternoon slump and niggly hunger pangs that seem to strike at the most inconvenient times, it will give you permission to enjoy them guilt-free. By choosing snacks that are packed with solid nutrients, you can keep your energy levels steady, boost your mood and fuel your body with the goodness it deserves.
While reaching for a bag of chips or a chocolate bar may seem convenient, it often can leave you feeling sluggish and unsatisfied. Instead, why not opt for healthier alternatives that can bring extra nourishment and a feeling of satiation?
These irresistible cherry ripe bites are a delightful combination of cherries, coconut and cacao that will please even the pickiest of eaters. One of the best things about my cherry ripe bites is that they’re suitable for all ages. Whether you’re packing them in your child’s lunchbox or enjoying them as a mid- afternoon snack at the office, these tasty treats are going to be a hit with everyone in the family.
Not only are they absolutely delicious, but they’re also packed with all sorts of goodness. Cherries are bursting with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. They contain quercetin, which is an antihistamine-rich food that may help alleviate allergy symptoms and reduce inflammation. Catechins are a type of antioxidant found in cherries, known for their role in promoting cardiovascular health and supporting weight management, while coconut provides healthy fats to keep your brain happy and tummy satisfied.
One of my favourite things about this recipe is that I always have the ingredients on hand. I use cherries from the freezer and the rest of the ingredients are my go-to pantry staples. I hope you enjoy the plump, juicy cherries wrapped in a blanket of coconut goodness and dipped in rich, velvety chocolate. Are you drooling yet? I sure am!
From the joy of revisiting cherished childhood memories to the satisfaction of nourishing our bodies with wholesome ingredients, nostalgic healthy treats offer a little something for everyone.
Cherry ripe bites
2 1⁄2 cups desiccated coconut
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp coconut cream
2 tbsp Love Your Gut powder
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 cup pitted, frozen cherries
Chocolate coating
2 tbsp coconut oil
2 tbsp cacao butter
2 tbsp raw cacao powder
2 tbsp maple syrup
In a food processor, combine the coconut, coconut oil, coconut cream, Love Your Gut powder and maple syrup until it forms a deliciously coconutty mixture. Add in the frozen cherries and give it a whirl until everything is nicely combined.
Using your hands, roll the mixture into little balls and place them on a tray. Put them in the freezer for a couple of hours to set.
While your cherry ripe bites are chilling in the freezer, whip up the chocolate coating by melting together the coconut oil, cacao butter, raw cacao powder and maple syrup. It’s like a chocolatey dream come true!
Once your chocolate mixture is melted, it’s time to give your cherry ripe bites a dip. Carefully coat each bite in chocolatey goodness and place them back on the tray. Try not to eat them all before they make it back to the freezer.
After a quick stint in the freezer to set the chocolate, your cherry ripe bites are ready to enjoy! Store them in the fridge in an airtight container — if they last that long!
