Discover a delightful, nutritious dessert that’s not just delicious but also packed with wholesome ingredients. These vegan rice cake chocolate bites are the perfect guilt-free treat for health-conscious food lovers.
Ingredients
- 6 plain rice cakes
- 1/2 cup (80g) pitted dates
- 1/2 cup (80g) natural peanut butter
- 2.8 oz (80g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Date Paste:
- Remove pits from dates
- Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes
- Drain and blend into a smooth paste
- Prepare Rice Cakes:
- Lay out rice cakes on a clean surface
- Ensure rice cakes are at room temperature
- Spread Peanut Butter:
- Evenly spread natural peanut butter on each rice cake
- Use approximately 1-2 tablespoons per rice cake
- Add Date Layer:
- Spread date paste over the peanut butter
- Create an even, thin layer
- Chocolate Coating:
- Melt dark chocolate using a double boiler
- Alternatively, microwave in 15-second intervals
- Stir until smooth and glossy
- Final Assembly:
- Drizzle or fully coat rice cakes with melted chocolate
- Place on parchment paper
- Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes until chocolate sets
Nutritional Information
Per Rice Cake Bite:
- Calories: 150-180
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chilling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6 bites
Health Benefits
- Dates: Natural sweetener, rich in fiber and minerals
- Peanut Butter: Protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients
- Dark Chocolate: Antioxidants, mood-boosting properties
- Rice Cakes: Low-calorie, gluten-free base
Cooking Tips
- Use natural, unsweetened peanut butter
- Choose dark chocolate with minimal added sugar
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
- Can be frozen for up to 1 month
Variations and Substitutions
- Nut Butter Options: Almond butter, cashew butter
- Chocolate Alternatives: Raw cacao, carob chips
- Toppings: Crushed nuts, coconut flakes, chia seeds
- Sweetener: Replace dates with maple syrup or stevia
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are these truly sugar-free? Dates contain natural sugars, but no added refined sugar.
Q2: Can I make these nut-free? Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Q3: How long do they keep? Refrigerated, they last 5-7 days.
Q4: Can I use milk chocolate? For vegan version, use dairy-free dark chocolate.
Q5: Are these suitable for kids? Yes, a nutritious snack with parental supervision.
Storage and Preparation Tips
- Refrigerate in an airtight container
- Best consumed within 5-7 days
- Can be frozen for longer storage
- Thaw at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving
Enjoy these delectable, nutrient-packed rice cake bites that prove healthy eating can be absolutely delicious!