Dessert Recipe: Fudgesicle Bars with Date Caramel

Hot summer days call for cool sweet treats. These creamy “fudgesicles” are so decadent that no one will believe that it’s not dairy and that they contain only 5 grams of sugar per serving. It’s all in the creamy coconut milk, date caramel, and salty-sweet crunchy toppings that elevate a simple vegan ice cream base to a sensational fudgesicle. Try this recipe to get your ice cream bar fix.

INGREDIENTS: 

For the ice cream base:

1 (13- to 15-ounce) can lite coconut milk

2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey if preferred and not vegan)

¼ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons cornstarch (or 1 tablespoon arrowroot starch)

1 ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

5 tablespoon cacao powder 

For the date caramel:

1/2 cup of dates, pitted

1/2 cup of hot water

1/4 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon peanuts, lightly salted 

Popsicle molds

INSTRUCTIONS: 

In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, vanilla, starch, honey, and cacao powder and heat to just below a simmer, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Whisk until combined, then set mixture aside to cool to room temperature.

Once cool, pour into your popsicle molds and freeze until solid. Freeze for at least 4 hours. 

When you are ready to make your date caramel topping, begin by boiling hot water. Pour boiling water over dates and soak for 10 minutes. Drain and reserve your soaking water. Next, combine the pitted and soaked dates, salt, and vanilla extract and blend until smooth in a food processor. Stop the blender periodically to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Slowly add the reserved soaking water to the mixture while blending continuously. The final date paste should be smooth. 

Roughly chop peanuts. One by one take your frozen ice cream from the popsicle mold. Dip the tip of the popsicle into the date paste and then roll in the chopped peanuts. Place the fudgesicle back into the freezer on a plate to set. Set for 20 minutes or until ready to serve. Taking each fudgesicle out of the freezer one at a time will help to avoid melting.  

Makes 5 small popsicles. 

NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING): 

Calories 148

Protein 1.6

Total fat 8 g

Saturated fat 5 g 

Cholesterol 0 mg

Carbs 18 g

Fiber 1.6 g

Total sugars 10 g

Added sugars 5 g

Sodium 250 mg

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.