No-Bake Coconutter Fudge Bars
From “Sheet Pan Suppers Meatless: 100 Surprising Vegetarian Meals Straight From the Oven” by Raquel Pelzel (Workman, 2017)
Chopped dried cherries enhance the chocolaty flavor and richness of this easy dessert or snack.
The chocolate does need to be melted in the microwave, so we can’t honestly call this a no-cook recipe. But making it won’t heat up your kitchen, and that’s the goal.
Make ahead:
The assembled bars are easier to handle with at least 20 minutes of chill time. Store or pack them in a single layer; wrapped well (once they are firm), they can be frozen for up to 1 week.
Makes 24 small squares
1½ cups roasted, salted
peanuts ¼ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder (unsweetened) ¹⁄8 teaspoon salt or ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1¼ cups dried cherries 2 tablespoons creamy
peanut butter (optional) 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped ²⁄3 cup low-fat coconut milk 1½ tablespoons liquefied
coconut oil Flaked sea salt, for garnish
(optional)
Instructions:
Combine the peanuts, cocoa powder and salt in a food processor; pulse about 10 times (1-second pulses), until finely ground.
Add the cherries; pulse about 6 times, until you can squeeze the mixture together without it breaking apart easily. If it seems loose, add the peanut butter and pulse to bind and incorporate.
Line a quarter baking sheet with parchment paper.
Spread the peanut mixture in the pan.
Place a sheet of plastic wrap on top of the peanut mixture, and, using the bottom of a measuring cup, press it into a solid and even layer. Freeze until set, about 15 minutes.
Place the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl.
Microwave on high in 20-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely melted; this should take a total of about 1½ minutes.
Whisk in the coconut milk and coconut oil until smooth, then pour the mixture over the frozen peanut-mixture base, spreading it in an even layer.
Sprinkle with flaky salt, if using, and freeze for at least 20 minutes before cutting into 24 squares.
Nutrition per piece (using kosher salt):
140 calories, 4 g protein, 13 g carbohydrates, 9 g fat, 4 g saturated fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 40 mg sodium, 1 g dietary fiber, 9 g sugar