4 delicious low-calorie chocolate treats for Valentine’s Day
If you’re on a low calorie eating plan, but want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with the true love of your life – chocolate, we have just what you need! These treats are low in calories, but full of chocolatey goodness. If you normally buy your Valentine’s Day treats, why not try making them this year instead?
No matter how dedicated you are to reaching your goal weight, you may every now and then want to treat yourself to something rich and decadent. There are a million recipes to be found for “treats” that are low in calories, use more natural, nutrient-rich ingredients and are packed with flavour! Because you’re making them yourself, they’re also free from additives like preservatives and artificial flavours and colours.
By making the simple switch to healthier, homemade options, you can still have your treats, but at the same time lower your calorie intake and use more nutritious ingredients.Our suggestion for Valentine’s Day is to choose your favourite from these four recipes and give it a go!
Chocolate avocado mousse (6 Servings)
This easy recipe makes a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, with no dairy and no refined sugar. It will surprise you with its deliciousness!
Ingredients
2 large avocados
1/4 cup high quality cocoa powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp maple syrup
1/3 cup coconut cream
150g dark vegan chocolate (70%), melted
Extra grated dark vegan chocolate for serving
Method
- Cut each avocado in half, remove the stone and scoop the flesh into a large food processor bowl, add the cocoa powder, vanilla, maple syrup and coconut cream and process for 10 seconds. Scrape down the sides and process for another 10-15 seconds.
- Add the cooled, melted chocolate and process for another 10-15 seconds or until creamy and smooth. Spoon or pipe into your serving dishes or glasses and chill in the fridge for an hour or so before serving with fresh raspberries and grated dark chocolate.
Low calorie brownies (12 Servings)
These are rich and yummy. Rather under-cook than overcook them – they should still have a gooey centre when cooled.
Ingredients
3/4 cup non-fat Greek yoghurt
1/4 cup skim milk
1/2 cup good quality cocoa powder
1/2 cup raw rolled oats
1/2 cup natural/stevia-based sweetener (that pours like sugar)
1 egg
1 tsp baking powder
1 pinch salt
1/2 cup good quality dark chocolate chips or nibs
Method
- Preheat the oven to 180°C and grease a square baking dish.
- Combine all the ingredients (except the chocolate chips) into a food processor or a blender, and blend for around 60 seconds or until smooth.
- Transfer to a mixing bowl and lightly fold in the chocolate chips before pouring into the prepared dish and baking for 15 minutes.
- Allow them to cool completely before cutting into 9 or 12 squares.
100-Calorie chocolate mug cake (1 Serving)
This yummy mug cake is made with common ingredients and is ready in 30 seconds!
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
1 1/2 tbsp no-calorie sweetener (or regular sugar, which adds 72 calories)
2 tsp quality cocoa powder
1/4 tsp baking powder
2 tbsp skimmed or almond milk
1 tsp coconut oil
1 drop of vanilla extract
Combine the flour, sweetener, cocoa powder and baking powder in the mug. Whisk gently until smooth. Stir in the milk, coconut oil and vanilla. Bake in the microwave on high for 30 seconds - the cake will continue cooking for the next minute as it sets.
Cool for a few minutes before sprinkling icing sugar over. Serve with your choice of berries.
Peanut butter bars (20 Servings)
We had you at peanut butter didn’t we…?
Ingredients
1 cup natural peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
1/2 cup natural/stevia-based sweetener (that pours like sugar)
1 cup wholemeal flour
1 tsp bicarbonate soda
1 cup raw rolled oats
2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
100g dark chocolate (70%), melted
1 tsp vegetable oil
2 1/2 tbsp salted roasted peanuts, finely chopped or blitzed for a couple of seconds
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C and grease and line a large (20cm x 30cm) baking pan.
- Whisk the peanut butter and vanilla in a large bowl until combined.
- Stir in the sugar until combined, then sift the flour and bicarbonate over the peanut mixture, add the oats and milk and until just combined.
- Scrape into your prepared pan and level with your hands.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean and then be patient and let it cool in the pan completely before moving onto the next step.
- When your bars are cool, whisk the melted chocolate and oil in a small bowl, and then spread or pipe it over the slices and sprinkle with peanuts. Let it stand for an hour or two before cutting into 20 pieces.
Leave a comment and let us know which recipe you tried! Happy Valentine’s day!