Recipe: Decadent Cacao Mousse

😋🥑 The avocado in this rich cacao mousse gives it a silky taste along with lots of healthy fats.

In the unlikely event you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Makes 3 servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 large, ripe avocado, halved, peeled, and pitted

• ¼ cup (25 g) raw cacao powder

• ¼ cup (55 g) coconut oil, melted

• 2 Tbsp honey or maple syrup

• 1 tsp natural vanilla extract

• Optional toppings: berries, pomegranate arils, walnuts or almonds, shredded coconut, raw cacao nibs, coconut cream

Directions:

1. Place the avocado in a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth.  

2. Add the cacao powder, and blend again. Add the rest of the ingredients (except the toppings) and continue to process until it reaches a pudding consistency.

3. Remove from the blender or food processor and pour into serving dishes and chill for at least 1-2 hours before adding optional toppings and serving. You can thank me later 😉

Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by natashamam from Getty Images 

Recipe: Chocolate-Walnut Quesadillas

🍫🫐 This is one of those accidental recipes that you throw together when you’re hungry and then realize how delicious it is!

Warning: these dessert quesadillas are addicting. The walnuts, blueberries, and chocolate go surprisingly well together.

Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients:

• 2 x 10-inch whole-grain tortillas

• 1.5 ounces dark chocolate

• 2-3 Tbsp walnut butter

• ½ to ¾ cup blueberries

Directions:

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and place a tortilla in it, warming it for 30-60 seconds on each side. Repeat with the second tortilla.

2. While the tortillas are warming, melt the dark chocolate in a microwave for about 1 minute, or in a small double boiler. Be sure to stir the chocolate occasionally while it’s warming so that it melts evenly.

3. Place one warmed tortilla on a plate and spread the walnut butter on it, ensuring it’s covered right up to the edges. Sprinkle the blueberries over the walnut butter, and then drizzle with the melted chocolate.

4. Top with the other tortilla, lightly pressing it down to gently “smush” the mixture together. 

5. Cut into quarters and serve! 

Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by Anastasiia Magonova from Getty Images

Recipe: Sweet Potato Brownies

These aren’t just any old brownies — they are chocolatey, rich, and decadent.
And they contain a “surprise” healthy ingredient: SWEET POTATOES.
Wait, what? Brownies with sweet potatoes? 
You bet! They bring a long list of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants — and when you combine them with almond butter and raw cacao powder, you're setting yourself up for a nutrient-packed indulgence.
TIP: Don’t tell your picky eaters there are sweet potatoes in them until AFTER they eat one (if you tell them at all!).

Makes 9 servings.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (330 g) cooked, cooled, and mashed sweet potato (about 1 medium)

• ½ cup (130 g) almond butter

• ¼  cup (30 g) raw cacao powder

• ¼ cup (60 ml) maple syrup or honey (adjust based on sweetness preference)

• 1 egg (for vegan option: flax egg - 1 Tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2½ Tbsp water, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken)

• OPTIONAL: ½ cup (50-70 g) chopped nuts, a sprinkle of sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8x8-inch (20x20-cm) baking dish or line it with parchment paper.

2. In a mixing bowl, stir together the mashed sweet potato and almond butter until smooth. Add the raw cacao powder, maple syrup or honey, and the egg. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and the batter is smooth. If using the nuts, gently stir them in now. Sprinkle with optional salt.

3. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The brownies should be set but still slightly soft in the middle.

4. Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool in the baking dish on a cooling rack for about 30 minutes. Cut into squares and enjoy!

These brownies are the perfect blend of gooey and chocolatey with a hint of nuttiness. Plus, they're great for satisfying that sweet tooth while staying on track with your health goals.

Happy baking & even happier eating!

Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by AmalliaEka from Getty Images 

Recipe: Cranberry Apple Crisp

Who doesn’t love a delicious fruit crisp for dessert? 

This holiday-inspired cranberry-apple crisp takes just a few minutes to make… and it’s sure to be a hit.

Serves 8.

Filling Ingredients:

• 3 large apples, peeled, cored and chopped

• 2 cups (220 g) cranberries fresh or frozen

• Juice of ½ orange

• ½ cup (95 g) coconut sugar

• 1 tsp cinnamon

Crisp Topping Ingredients:

• 1 cup (120 g) chopped pecans

• 1 cup (80 g) rolled oats (gluten-free, optional)

• ¼ cup (54 g) grass-fed butter, cut into small cubes

• 2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey

• ¼ tsp sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C and grease the inside of a 9x9 inch (23x23 cm) baking dish with coconut oil or butter.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the apples, cranberries, orange juice, sugar, and cinnamon. Toss until the apples and cranberries are well coated and pour the contents into the baking dish.

3. In another bowl, combine the pecans, oats, butter, maple syrup and sea salt and work together until it forms a crumbly topping. Sprinkle over the apples and cranberries, and place the baking dish into the oven. Bake for 45 - 50 minutes, until the mixture is bubbling and the top is brown.

4. Remove from the oven and let sit for at least 10 - 15 minutes before serving.

Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by rudisilll from Getty Images Signature

Recipe: Vegan Baked Apples

This healthy comfort food dessert has all the flavors of the holidays… and it couldn’t be easier to assemble!

Serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 3 apples

• ¼ cup (35 g) coconut sugar

• ¼ cup (20 g) rolled oats (gluten-free, optional)

• 1 Tbsp almond butter

• ¼ cup (30 g) slivered almonds

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• ¼ tsp nutmeg

• 1 cup (240 ml) water

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F / 190°C.

2. Wash the apples and slice them in half lengthwise (along the core). Scrape out the core with a spoon and place the apple, flesh side up, in a baking dish.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, oats, almond butter, almonds, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The mixture will resemble a crumble topping.

4. Spoon the mixture into each apple core by heaping tablespoons. Pour 1 cup / 240 ml of water around the apples and place in the oven to bake until cooked through, about 25 - 30 minutes.

5. Remove and serve as-is or with yogurt. So good!

Recipe by: Dr. Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by Hana-Photo from Getty Images 

Recipe: Naturally Delicious No-Bake Cookies

Are you a fan of no-bake cookies? Soooo good!

But have you ever seen the original recipe?

Talk about fat and sugar bombs… whoa!

Not anymore… I’ve got a healthified version for you that’s a lot less sugar, and - bonus - it’s loaded with fiber and antioxidants.

PLUS (and most importantly), these cookies taste DELICIOUS!

NOTE: I use a little less honey when I make these, but my taste buds are used to less sugar. You can start with this amount and adjust the next time you make them (because there will be a next time)!

If you want a deep dark chocolatey cookie, use the full 4 Tbsp in this recipe (it’s rich). But if you want a milder taste, 3 Tbsp still delivers a chocolate punch!

Naturally Delicious No-Bake Cookies 

(makes 18 - 20 cookies)

Ingredients:

• ½ cup (165 grams) honey

• ¼ cup (56 grams) unrefined coconut oil (or grass-fed butter)

• 3 - 4 Tbsp cocoa powder

• ¼ tsp sea salt

• ½ cup (130 grams) natural peanut or almond butter

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds (optional)

• ¾ cup (60 grams) old-fashioned rolled oats

• ⅓ cup (50 grams) chopped pitted dates or prunes

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, coconut oil, coca, and sea salt. Stir until the coconut oil is melted and the mixture is fully combined, about 3 minutes.

2. Stir in the nut butter and chia seeds and cook until the nut butter is smooth and melted, another 3 minutes. Turn the heat off and stir in the oats and dates. Cover the saucepan and let stand for 5 minutes.

3. Scoop out the “batter” by Tablespoons onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so they can firm up before eating.

4. These should be stored in the fridge as they taste best when they are cold.

I hope you enjoy them!

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by Joshua Resnick

Recipe: "Healthier" Apple Crisp

If you’re looking for a healthy dessert, this apple crisp is a good option. It’s a low-sugar version of a classic crisp and is made with coconut oil instead of butter.

Ingredients:

• 4 apples – peeled, cored, and thinly sliced

• 1 Tbsp lemon juice (to stop apples from browning)

• 2 tsp vanilla extract

• 3 tsp cinnamon, divided

• ½ tsp nutmeg

• 1 cup almond (or other nut) flour

• ½ cup maple syrup

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted

• ½ cup walnuts or pecans (or a mix!)

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees and grease an 8x8 baking pan with coconut oil.

2. Toss the apple slices with lemon juice and 2 tsp of vanilla extract. Mix in 2 tsp of cinnamon and the nutmeg and toss again.

3. Place the apple mixture in the greased baking pan.

4. Melt the coconut oil, then mix in the almond flour, nuts, maple syrup and remaining cinnamon. Toss till everything is well-mixed and add more flour or syrup until you get a mealy/crumbly texture.

5. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the apples and bake for 20 minutes covered and then 10 to 20 minutes uncovered. You’ll know it’s done when the apples are soft and the dish is bubbling.

6. This is delicious served warm – but it’s even better when it’s cool.

Recipe by: Saara Haapanen

Photo Credit: Canva by BaileysTable from Getty Images

Recipe: Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt

Ingredients:

• 1 serving vanilla Greek Yogurt (full fat)

• 1 tsp. almond butter

• 1 TBS mini chocolate chips

Directions: 

1. Just mix together ingredients and enjoy!

Photo Credit: Canva by FotographiaBasica from Getty Images Signature