Show your heart some love this Valentine’s Day with these crunchy, chocolatey bites! Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidant-rich dark chocolate, these treats aren’t just delicious-they’re heart-healthy too. Perfect for sharing with someone special or treating yourself to a guilt-free indulgence that supports your well-being.
high in plant-based protein | high in fiber | antioxidant-rich | heart-healthy fats
ingredients:
- 400g canned chickpeas, rinsed, thoroughly dried, and peeled (for extra crispiness)
- 150g 70% dark chocolate, chopped
- 30g almond butter (smooth or crunchy, depending on preference)
- 1 scoop vanilla or strawberry protein powder (adjust for sweetness)
- Goji berries, dried cranberries, or raisins (for topping)
- A pinch of sea salt (optional, to balance the sweetness)
instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Spread the dried chickpeas evenly on a parchment-lined baking tray. Roast for 20–25 minutes, shaking the tray halfway through, until golden and crispy. For an extra crunch, roast a bit longer, but watch closely to prevent burning. Alternatively: Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway. Let the chickpeas cool completely to maintain their crispiness.
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the dark chocolate over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Stir in the almond butter until fully incorporated, followed by the protein powder. Mix until smooth and glossy.
- Coat and Shape: Add the cooled chickpeas to the chocolate mixture and stir to coat thoroughly. Using a spoon, drop clusters of the mixture onto a parchment-lined tray, shaping them into bite-sized mounds.
- Top & Set: While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle goji berries, cranberries, or raisins on top of each cluster. Add a light pinch of sea salt if desired for contrast. Place the tray in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the clusters are firm.
- Enjoy: Store your them in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy them chilled for maximum crunch!
