Craving Chocolate: Try These Recipes On Valentine’s Day

If you have a significant other who loves chocolate and nothing else will do, you’ll be on the hunt for some dessert that will satisfy her craving.

As chocolate can be quite high in calories, sugar, and saturated fat however, it’s important to seek out a dessert treat that has a healthier spin so that she can eat without guilt.

Fortunately, if you get a bit creative, you can still come up with a chocolate based recipe that will be sure to please.

Let’s look at a few options for you to consider.

Chocolate S’Mores

S’mores are a great treat to remind you of your camping days and will provide some gooey goodness that will only pack in about 120 calories per S’more.  While the marshmallow will contain all sugar, it’s not going to come in close to the sugar you’d get with most traditional desserts, making it an okay option for anyone on a weight loss diet.

2 whole wheat Triscuit Crackers
1 tbsp. Nutella (chocolate hazelnut spread)
2 large marshmallows

To prepare this treat, smear each cracker with half a tablespoon of the chocolate condiment spread.  Top with a marshmallow on each one and then place under the broiler for about 30-60 seconds or until it looks lightly browned.  Serve immediately.

Peanut Butter & Pretzel Truffles

If you significant other is a big fan of truffles, this healthier version will provide some healthy fats, crunch, and a hint of sweetness that can’t be missed.

½ cup crunchy natural peanut butter
¼ cup finely chopped salted pretzels
1/8 cup dried cranberries
½ cup dark chocolate chips

Begin by combining together the peanut butter, pretzels, along with cranberries and then forming into small balls.  Place in the freezer for about an hour or until firm and cold.  Next, heat the chocolate chips over low-medium heat until fully melted and then roll each ball in until coated.

Transfer to a baking sheet lined with wax paper and then place in the fridge for at least two hours to cool.

Chocolate Banana Milkshake

If you’d rather sip your dessert than eat it, this chocolate banana milkshake can’t be beat.  Note that you can prepare this with a different assortment of frozen fruit if you’d prefer to have something other than banana, or leave the fruit out entirely and just go for a pure chocolate milkshake.

1 cup skim milk
1 frozen banana
1 scoop chocolate protein powder
1-2 ice cubes
½ package chocolate or banana sugar-free pudding powder

Place all the ingredients into a blender and blend until desired consistency is reached.  Note for a thicker milkshake you’ll want to use fewer ice cubes or less milk, while for a thinner one use more milk.

So don’t let dessert get you down this Valentine’s day.  Instead, think healthy and look for creative ideas that will still allow you to beat your craving with ease while keeping the total calorie count lower so you can feel good about your selection.