What’s the Secret Superfood Ingredient?
Before I spill the beans (hint, hint), let me just assure you the Fudgesicle Popsicles really do taste like frozen chocolate fudge. There’s not even the slightest hint of any funky healthy flavor. And yet the secret ingredient that makes these Fudgesicles rich, creamy & even healthier is —wait for it—BEANS! If you’ve ever had black bean brownies you know I’m not crazy lol, but if you haven’t, you just have to trust me on this one guys 😉 If you have our Clean Cuisine Book you know I make it a point to eat a serving of beans everyday and so I’m always looking for creative ways to work beans into my recipes. I initially tried using black beans for the Fudgesicle Popsicles because that’s what worked so well in my black bean brownie recipe, but for whatever reason, garbanzo beans seem to be the best bean for this particular recipe. If you are new to clean eating and wondering why in the world I am so crazy about beans be sure to read this article on the health benefits of beans and the “miracle” starch within them. For example, did you know beans are actually one of the healthiest carbohydrate sources for diabetics?How to Freeze Your Fudgesicle Popsicles in 7 Minutes Flat
And finally, if you don’t have the patience to wait around for your popsicles to freeze, the Zoku Quick Pop Maker (see photo above) is a must-buy. With the Zoku Quick Pop Maker you can freeze your Fudgesicles in 7 minutes flat. Cool beans, huh? (sorry, I couldn’t resist) Or, if you’re looking for a deal, this one from Pampered Chef is only $49 right now. Wow!Chocolaty Fudgesicle Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 1x
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup BPA-free garbanzo beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 banana
- 1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons coconut “cream” (see notes below)
- 2 1/2 teaspoons pure almond extract
- 4 pitted medjool dates
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- Pinch of unrefined sea salt
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons lightly sweetened cacao nibs (such as Navitas Naturals)
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender, add the garbanzo beans, banana, coconut “cream”, almond extract, dates, cacao powder, water, maple syrup and pinch of salt. Process on high for 1 full minute, or until ingredients are well-blended.
- Stir in the cacao nibs with a knife.
- Carefully pour the mixture into Popsicle molds, freeze and eat!
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Notes
Coconut “Cream” is the thick, rich and non-watery part of canned coconut milk. To get the “cream” you need to refrigerate your coconut milk for 5 or 6 hours or pop it in the freezer for at least an hour. Once the coconut milk is cold, carefully remove the top with a can opener and use a spoon to scoop out the hardened coconut “cream” off the top. The “cream” is what you will be using for the Fudgesicle Recipe. You can reserve the liquid water for smoothies. Also, for what it is worth, I always seem to have the easiest time getting the cream from Thai Kitchen brand.
Chris
Wednesday 4th of July 2018
Going to try this, soonest. Is there any reason why I shouldn't use some of the residual canned coconut water instead of plain water?
Ivy Larson
Thursday 5th of July 2018
Hi Chris, That's a great question! The problem is the residual coconut water has a very "coconuty" flavor, so it will make your Fudgesicles taste coconut-y. If you don't mind the coconut taste then it's totally fine! Otherwise, I would save the coconut water for smoothies and for drinking after a workout or working in the yard, etc. I hope this helps?"