Do I have any nutella fans here? Or maybe hazelnut and chocolate fans? There's just something magical about hazelnut and chocolate together, don't you agree? This combo is pretty much heaven on earth and the fact this dessert is chilled makes it absolutely perfect for the warmer weather.
I got into to make 'freezer fudge' when I was recipe creating for my new book (it's not out till 2019). I created a tahini strawberry freezer fudge which is out of this world. I've always loved hazelnut and chocolate but just can't handle Nutella because it's too sweet for me. I dreamed up this recipe because I loved the texture of the strawberry freezer fudge I created for my new cookbook.
Freezer fudge is fudge's healthy bestie. All you have to do is blend your ingredients together, pop in a pan, plop in the freezer and wait. It's that easy.
This Maca Chocolate Hazelnut Freezer Fudge is INCREDIBLE. It's creamy, rich and fulfilling.
You won't get a sugar rush either because there is very little maple syrup and it's well balanced by the good fat in the cashews and coconut cream. It's everything a healthy, decadent dessert should be. In other words, it's JOYOUS! :)
I added the fermented and organic maca powder from New Chapter because it adds a lovely caramel taste. Of course, any maca will do but I chose this one because of the fact it's fermented making the absorption of the beneficial properties in maca easier for your digestive system.
Maca is an adaptogen. When used as a supplement for daily use it is excellent for stamina, sports recovery and it's been used for thousands of years for energy!
Maca in a higher dose than this freezer fudge would not be recommended for small children. However, the amount in a small piece of freezer fudge is totally fine. My daughter has tried this freezer fudge many times and loves it.
Since you don't have to actually cook anything, you can easily taste test it and decide if you want more maple syrup. If you don't want to use maple syrup, this recipe would also work well with stevia if that's your jam!
I love the added crunch of the hazelnuts on top.
If you've got a little extra time, you could always toast the hazelnuts first. Just spread them evenly on to a cookie sheet and bake at 350F degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Be careful they don't burn. They will get a lovely roasted flavour and crunchy texture. You don't have to remove the skins but they come off easily when you roast them.
The fudge itself is creamy and fudgey. Can you tell by my bite marks? Hee hee.
This recipe is paleo-friendly, if you remove the maple syrup it's also keto-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and deeeelish!
Desserts
Maca Chocolate Hazelnut Freezer Fudge
Print
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup hazelnut butter
- 1/4 cup raw cacao powder
- 1/4-1/3 cup maple syrup*
- 1 cup cashews (you don't need to soak them)
- 1 tbsp maca powder**
- Half a can (498mL) of full-fat coconut milk***
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts, chopped
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients into a high powder blender and give a whirl until smooth and creamy.
- Line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Pour into loaf pan. Top with hazelnuts. Freeze for 3 to 4 hours until totally solid.
- Slice into bars or squares -- whatever you heart desires!
Notes
Serves 6-8
*I suggest adding the smaller amount first and giving it a taste test to see if you like it sweeter. I find it sweet enough with 1/4 cup.
**I used New Chapter's Fermented Organic Maca Powder.
***Use all the cream and some of the liquid. If the liquid and the cream are mixed together, just pour half the can into the blender. Start with a 489mL can of coconut milk.
If you prefer to follow along and make it with me, you can do so in this video where I show you how to make your own Maca Chocolate Hazelnut Freezer Fudge!
For those that are wondering, you can find New Chapter's Maca at most health food stores or online.
I truly hope this recipe becomes a summer favourite! It's makes a really nice size batch so if you make it just for you (and there's nothing wrong with that), you'll have it for a few weeks!
In terms of a serving size, I cut them into bars as you can see but that's quite a generous size and if you're serving this to guests then you might want to cut them into cubes. I warn you though, you may want to eat more than one cube. It's honestly impossible to resist.
Be sure to tag me on social media @joyoushealth if you make this.
Have a great weekend!
Joy
Sounds wonderful but I don’t love hazelnut. Would it be good with a substitute like almond/almond butter?
ReplyWait! Whaaaaat? You don't love hazelnut ? Haha kidding :) Yes absolutely, almond would be delicious too! Enjoy!
What other nuts can I use instead of cashews?
ReplyYou could try almonds, but cashews are definitely a key ingredient because they create the smooth texture in this fudge. If you try it with almonds, let me know how it works out!
Wow looks amazing! can I substitute the maple syrup for unprocessed sugar (panela)? same amount?
ReplyThanks Bagur! Yes I think that would work. The amount is pretty minimal so I don't think it would affect it too much. Let me know how it turns out!
WHere do I find hazelnut butter? I am in Toronto. Can I make it with my vitamix too?
ReplyYou can definitely make it with your Vitamix. However, it's easier to make it in a food processor. I would roast them first for a richer flavour. If you want to buy it, big box grocery stores will have it in the Natural Foods section and I buy it from The Sweet Potato.
Wow, these look amazing! Much better way to use Maca then in a smoothie!
ReplyAgreed!
Can you use any Maca powder with it or will it give a different taste/benefit? I notice the New Chapter one has different ingredients than some other brands.
ReplyYes, you can use any maca you like. I just really like this one because it's fermented. Hope that helps!
Hi Joy, those look yummy! Wondering if you use just the cream from the coconut milk or if you use the coconut milk as well?
ReplyHi Laura,
Just the cream. You can save the liquid for another use, like in your smoothies.
These look so yummy! I'm heading out today to buy the ingredients. What size can of coconut milk should I start with? I ask because I have a 13.5 oz and 5.46 oz cans. Or maybe a better question, can you estimate approximately how much cream from the coconut milk I should use? I know, maybe an obvious question but it came to mind. Thanks for sharing your recipes!
ReplyGood question, I've updated the post to include the size! I use a 498mL can of full fat coconut milk and use all the cream. I like Native Forest and Chas Organic brands. You can't really mess up a recipe like this because if there is less coconut cream, the fudge will be a little less creamy and more icy, but still as yummy!
Hello Joy, Where can I buy the following ingredients? - hazelnut butter - new chapters fermented organic maca powder - full-fat coconut milk I'm looking forward to making this recipe :) Thanks
ReplyHi Lina!
Hazelnut butter is at most big box grocery stores or health food stores. If you have trouble finding it, you can can swap for almond butter -- just as delicious.
The new chapter maca is at Whole Foods, the Big Carrot and most health food stores. You can also buy it online on Amazon.
Coconut milk can be found at most any grocery store too. If it's not in the health food section of the grocery store, then look in the Asian/ethnic foods section.
Hope that helps!
Thank you Joyous One! Any substitutions for hazelnuts please? I'm not a big fan. ❤️
ReplyYou could do almond, peanut or sunflower butter. All delicious subs!
What is the nutrient breakdown for this recipe and maybe your others as well
ReplyHi Ashley, sorry but I don't provide that information. My philosophy is not to count calories or grams of fat or otherwise. Instead I focus on whole real food. However, I realize that if you're following a particular diet or whatever you might need to know. There are apps where you can plug in the ingredients to see the total cals. However, a little of this recipe goes a long way, it's super filling! Hope that helps!
I want to substitute liquid stevia drops for the maple syrup. How much stevia should I use? Thx
ReplyI would use 10-20 drops if using the liquid, but I feel like it's a very personal thing how sweet you want it. Start with a lower amount and give it a taste test. Let me know how you like it!
Hey there. I made your chicken burgers with salsa as well as strawberry crumble on Fathers Day. Both were a hit. Thanks Joy!
ReplyPerfect!! Glad to hear they were all a hit :)
If I can’t use the hazel nut butter can I use another nut or seed butter?
ReplyAbsolutely!
I have all the ingredients to make these fudgy delicious looking bars. Best part is I found a can of coconut cream. What is the volume you might get from taking the cream off the top of a can of coconut milk? I look forward to making these delicious little morsels.
ReplyPerfect! It's usually about half or more of the can. As long as it says "full fat" you're good to go. Honestly, it's hard to mess up this recipe ;) Enjoy!
Does this recipe need to remain frozen?
ReplyGreat question, yes it does!
Thanks Joy, I just made them a few hours ago. Just waiting for them to fully set!
How much coconut cream would you say there is in a can of coconut milk? I make my own coconut milk so I am just wondering how much cream you think I should add. Thanks!
ReplyGood question, I would guess about 1/2-3/4 cup. Hope that helps!
These are awesome Joy! I’ve been sharing with a lot of people and there a hit. Thanks for this and all your recipes. You’re my go to gal for a healthy food ideas.
ReplyThanks Laurie! I really appreciate your comment and so happy all your friends have been loving this recipe. If you like this maca fudge be sure to try my Maca Hot Chocolate :) https://www.joyoushealth.com/27275-blog-maca-hot-chocolate
If you are not using the Nutella product and can’t find hazelnut butter in your grocery store what can I do instead?
ReplyOh wait. I see you’ve answered that question. Almond butter or any other nut or seed butter. 😛
Hi! Could a non-liquid sugar free substitute be used in this recipe(i.e. Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener, Allulose, etc.? I need to follow a low carb diet, so maple syrup is out.😕 Thanks!
ReplyFor sure, monk fruit would be a nice tasting option. I'm not familiar with Allulose.
I made these today with almond butter and they are totally delicious. I didn't have hazelnuts to put on top so I sprinkled hemp hearts and gogi berries instead. Looks pretty, tastes great :)
ReplySounds like a delicious alternative! Glad you loved them Catherine!
This fudge is amazing what a great recipe . Thank you joy
ReplyHi Karen, glad to hear you love them! You're welcome :)
Hi Joy. Can I use almond hazelnut butter instead? I couldn't find just hazelnut butter close to me and what can be made with rest of the coconut milk. Thank you
ReplyOh yes absolutely! That would be just as delicious! Enjoy!
I ways love reading 90 comments on a recipe only to discover THAT NO ONE actually made it
ReplyIs there a question you didn't find an answer for? I would be happy to answer. Just search @joyoushealth on social and you'll find tons of photos of it. Enjoy!
Hi Joy! Just wondering if I could omit the Maca powder and use a protein powder? I am new to your site and think you are joyously amazing!!
ReplyThanks so much, Shelley! You could just omit the maca altogether and not add any protein because it's not necessary for the recipe to work as long as if you have raw cacao it will be tasty!
Made this yesterday and it's absolutely YUMMY! Perfect summer treat. Thanks you!
ReplyIt really is the perfect summer treat! Glad you loved it Laura and thanks for your comment.
Do you think this would work without a high speed blender?
ReplyYes, do you have a food processor? You may get some gritty bits but I think that's okay!
Just a little comment (or 2!). Firstly, are the chopped hazelnuts for the fudge or do you fo more to use as a topping as well? And secondly, I hate wasting energy, like turning on the oven just to toast some nuts. So, I do most things in a cast Iron pan on a low burner. I even do my heads of "roasted" garlic this way. It's quick, easy and an energy saver.
ReplyEither -- there is no right or wrong answer. You can mix them into the fudge or just put on top. You can skip the toasting and just place chopped nuts on top. It's a nice step because it makes them extra crunchy but you certainly don't have to do that!
I made this amazing fudge and it is so delicious. I look forward to my daily treat without guilt. Thank you Joy🙏🏻
ReplyWonderful! I love having a stash of this in the freezer, it really kills sugar and chocolate cravings in a healthy way!
Hi Joy! Unfortunately I can’t digest coconut milk. Can I substitute it with oat or almond milk?
ReplyYes definitely! Almond milk would be a nice combination with the flavours while oat would be more neutral tasting.