Hi friends! You ready to tackle this new week? Or are you wishing it was still Sunday and you could crawl back under the covers? I’m feeling surprisingly refreshed for a Monday morning. We had a great time at the 100th birthday dinner for my “great aunt” (who is technically a second cousin twice removed or something crazy like that). She’s every bit as sharp and sassy as she’s always been and I just sat next to her all night chatting and trying to soak up some of her wisdom. I asked her what she thinks she’s done well to stay so healthy and she said spending lots of time outside. She said she went to camp (as a camper and a counselor) every year when she was growing up and spent lots of time in her yard and tending to her garden as an adult. So I guess we all need to go get some more vitamin D! ☀️☀️☀️ But first, let’s get to today’s chocolate deliciousness.
I just brought you my whole wheat chocolate baked donuts and an update to my healthy chocolate chip muffins, but I just had to squeeze in one more chocolate treat before Valentine’s Day. ❤️ And these 3-ingredient homemade crunch cups are about to make all your chocolate dreams come true! They are so easy to make - just 3 ingredients and no baking needed! - and they really taste like the candy. (Nestle Crunch was one of my very favorites as a kid but I don’t buy candy now. So of course I had to figure out how to make these myself!)
And they are the perfect small bite to satisfy that chocolate craving (and with built-in portion control so I don’t go too crazy!)
The kids of course, are always happy to see these show up. M’s reaction to these the last time I made them: “These are SOOOO chocolatey!” (I should note, the next day when I offered her one, she said they were TOO much chocolate for her. She’s in one of those stages where she can’t be satisfied. Even with chocolate. ) J on the other hand will gladly take any she doesn’t want. Atta boy!
Notes on homemade crunch cups:
You can make these gluten-free and vegan and dairy-free by the ingredients you choose. I’ve done that before for a neighborhood party (with some boys who are gluten- and dairy-free.) I spray my mini muffin tin with cooking spray to help these crunch cups release easily. I let them sit on a paper towel after I take them out to remove the extra spray. (You can probably skip the cooking spray if your nonstick pan is really good.) Once these set up in the freezer, they can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to a week. You’ll want to let them sit out for a few minutes before eating though so they aren’t rock hard. On the other hand, if they sit out for more than 25-30 minutes, they will start to get a little melty and messy around the edges. You can find some mini muffin cup liners at some grocery stores and party stores. It makes this homemade chocolate candy fun and festive for serving at a party.
I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day. Whether that means staying in with some red wine and chocolate, going out with friends or having a romantic night - all are totally acceptable ways to celebrate! Enjoy! XO, Kathryn Check out these other healthier chocolate treats for a fun Valentine’s Day:
Healthy double chocolate mini cupcakes (Family Food on the Table) Healthy chocolate pancakes (Family Food on the Table) Healthy chocolate chip muffins (Family Food on the Table) Skinny oatmeal chocolate chip cookies (The Food Charlatan) Healthy chocolate banana bread (The Baker Mama) Chocolate strawberry and pretzel fudge cups (Family Food on the Table)
You can make these gluten-free and vegan and dairy-free by the ingredients you choose. I spray my mini muffin tin with cooking spray to help these crunch cups release easily. I let them sit on a paper towel to remove the extra spray. Once these set up in the freezer, they can be stored in the refrigerator, in an airtight container, for up to a week. You’ll want to let them sit out for a few minutes before eating though so they aren’t rock hard. (But if they sit out for more than 25-30 minutes, they will start to get a little melty and messy around the edges.)
Wilton Perfect Results Non-Stick Mini Muffin and Cupcake Pan New Star Foodservice 42917 Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups Combo, Set of 8 Sumind 400 Pieces Mini Cupcake Cup Liners, Foil Baking Cups, Foil Cupcake Liners for Baking Muffin and Cupcakes (10 Colors)
