Would you believe me if I said this chocolate cake is not only full of amazing benefits, taste good, and is also dairy-free, gluten-free, AND has no added sugar? I promise it’s true!
First off let’s talk about the nutritional benefits of this cake. I’m going to focus on two main ingredients: cocoa and dates.
COCOA POWDER BENEFITS
What is cocoa?
Cocoa powder is made by crushing cocoa beans and removing the fat or cocoa butter. Learn more about the different types of cocoa powder here.
Why is cocoa so good for you?
Don’t you love it when you find out that one of the things you consume the most is actually good for you?! I sure do! Let’s take a look at a few benefits of cocoa powder. This by all means not an exhaustive list, just a few highlights.
Cocoa has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. It is one of the richest sources of polyphenols and is especially abundant in flavanols.
Other health benefits of cocoa include decreased inflammation, improved heart and brain health, blood sugar and weight control and healthy teeth and skin.
Why not start the day with a healthy dose of cocoa powder. I love to make these chocolate doughnuts on the weekends for a sweet start to the weekend.
Health Benefits of Dates
I consider dates to be natures, natural sweetener. I love adding them to smoothies especially when I sneak in a lot of spinach. It really helps balance out the taste. They’re also great to snack on as is!
Dates are high in flavonoids and carotenoids. The former may help reduce inflammation and the latter is proven to promote heart health.
Dates are also high in fiber which can benefit your digestive health by preventing constipation and promote regular bowel movements.
Trying to get more dates into your diet? Try out these Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles!
Looking for other sweet treats?
Check out these other healthy dessert options. If you are looking for something with fruit these Gut Healing Strawberry Gummies will be right up your alley!
Paleo Chocolate Date Cake Bites
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup cashew butter
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 2 eggs
- 3/4 cup cacao powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips optional
- 1 tsp Maldon salt, to sprinkle on top optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Soak the dates in hot water for about 15 minutes. Drain and save the water.
- Add the dates to a food processor and process until the mixture turns into a smooth paste while adding a couple of tablespoons of the saved water to it.
- Add the eggs and process until they are incorporated into the mixture. Add the coconut oil, cashew butter, and vanilla, and process until smooth.
- Add the cocoa powder, the almond flour, salt and baking soda and process for another 30 seconds until well combined.
- Pour batter into a 12 x 8 baking pan lined with parchment paper or greased with oil. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and Maldon salt on top.
- Bake for about 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let them cool for about 10 minutes before cutting into squares. Enjoy!
