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Sweets

Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake with Whip Cream

July 3, 2019 by livesimplyhealthy 8 Comments

Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake with Whip Cream & Strawberries!

Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake Whip Cream Strawberries

Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake Whip Cream Strawberries

Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake Whip Cream Strawberries

Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake Whip Cream Strawberries

Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake Whip Cream Strawberries

This Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake with Whip Cream & Strawberries is one of my favourite desserts so far! I’m super proud of how well it turned out. The chocolate cake is light and fluffy, and pairs perfectly with the layers of super light coconut whip cream frosting and sweet strawberries.

This cake is so elegant and perfect for any occasion. It’s a great dessert for summer time and fresh strawberry season, but it would be great any time of year as well. You could also try layering this dessert with any fruit you like, although strawberries, whip cream, and chocolate are such classic pairings and the three of them together are a match made in heaven.

The cake is vegan, refined sugar-free, and gluten-free. I created this recipe using simple and whole food ingredients such as coconut milk, oats, cocoa, and maple syrup. This creates a dessert that also provides nourishment for your body. The cake is made with a base of oat flour and is sweetened with maple syrup. The cake base is not overly sweet, so it works really well with the refreshing whip cream and sweetness from the fresh strawberries.

Tag me on Instagram @livesimplyhealthy if you make this dessert so I can see how it turns out!

For more summer dessert recipes, try my Strawberry Cheesecake Bites, Lemon Cupcakes with Coconut Whip Cream, or Mini Lemon Cheesecakes!

Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake with Whip Cream and Strawberries

Laura Brining
A light and fluffy chocolate cake layered with coconut whip cream and fresh strawberries
5 from 3 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Servings 12 -14

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Cake:

  • 4 1/2 cups oat flour oats blended into a fine flour
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 cup coconut cream the thick white part from two chilled cans of coconut milk
  • 1 1/2 cups coconut milk the remaining liquid from the cans of coconut milk
  • 3/4 cup maple syrup
  • 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla

Whip Cream:

  • Coconut cream from two 400 ml cans of coconut milk the thick white part from a chilled coconut milk can
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 cups fresh strawberries sliced

Instructions
 

  • Chill four 400 ml cans of coconut milk in the fridge overnight.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line two 9x9 round baking pans with a criss-cross of two thin strips of parchment paper for easy removal.
  • To prepare the cakes, combine the oat flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Add the coconut cream, coconut milk, and maple syrup. Stir to combine. Add the apple cider vinegar and vanilla and stir until fully combined.
  • Pour the cake batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-37 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. Set in the fridge to cool completely.
  • When the cakes are cooled completely, prepare the whip cream by adding the coconut cream, maple syrup, and vanilla to a large bowl or stand mixer. Beat until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
  • To assemble the cake, lay your first cake on your serving plate. Dollop just under half the whip cream onto the cake and spread evenly to the edges, leaving a border 1/4 cm from the edges. Layer 1 cup of strawberries evenly over the cake. Lay the second cake on top. Spread the remaining whip cream over the top of the cake and lay your remaining strawberries on top in a circle or any decorative design you prefer. Serve immediately or store in the fridge until serving.
  • Store leftovers in the fridge for about 4 days, or individually freeze leftover slices for up to a month.

Notes

Make sure you use full-fat coconut milk in order to separate the cream from the coconut milk. I use Thai Kitchen. Chill your coconut milk cans in the fridge overnight before separating. Save any extra milk or cream that you do not use for adding to smoothies, curries, soups, or other recipes.

Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake Whip Cream Strawberries

Filed Under: All Recipes, Sweets Tagged With: Cake, Dessert, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Summer, Sweets, Vegan

Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies

June 2, 2019 by livesimplyhealthy 6 Comments

Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies!

These Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies are so soft. Fresh orange juice and orange zest gives these chocolate cookies a bright burst of flavour. Chocolate and orange is a classic flavour combo and pairs perfectly in these fudgy cookies.

Not only are these vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, but these cookies are secretly made with black beans. I’ve given these cookies to many of my friends and they can never tell they’ve been made primarily with black beans! The black beans give these cookies a soft texture, as well as some protein. The coconut oil and almond butter add some healthy fats and macronutrient balances this snack with a combination of plant-based protein, healthy fats, and complete carbohydrates.

These are definitely best eaten slightly thawed from the freezer. This keeps the soft texture of the cookies but also gives them a thick and fudgy feeling.

For more cookie recipes, try my Chewy Chocolate Oat Cookies, Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies, or Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies!

Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies

Laura Brining
Soft and fudgy chocolate orange cookies
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 22 minutes mins
Servings 16

Ingredients
  

  • One 15 oz can of black beans rinsed and drained
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil
  • 1/3 cup almond butter
  • 3/4 cup dates pitted
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/3 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons coconut flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons orange zest + more for topping

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat or parchment paper.
  • Add the black beans, coconut oil, almond butter, pitted dates, orange juice, and water to a blender and blend on high until the black beans are completely broken down and the batter is smooth. Add the cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and coconut flour and blend again until fully combined. Add orange zest and stir to combine.
  • Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto your prepared baking sheet to form 16 cookies. The batter will be very soft, similar to a brownie batter. You can smooth the tops of the cookie with a spoon.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, until slightly firm.
  • Sprinkle with additional orange zest while the cookies are still hot.
  • Store cookies in the freezer and let thaw slightly for 1-2 hours before enjoying.

Vegan Chocolate Orange Cookies

Filed Under: All Recipes, Snacks, Sweets Tagged With: Cookies, desserts, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Sweets, Vegan

Top Healthy Mother’s Day Treats

May 11, 2019 by livesimplyhealthy Leave a Comment

My Top Healthy Mother’s Day Treats!

I can’t believe it’s already Mother’s Day weekend! I’ve rounded up my top healthy mother’s day treats from the blog! All of these treats are fairly quick and easy to make. I’ve included cheesecake desserts, muffins, cookies, cakes, and brownies. They’re all vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free.

Any of these treats would be a perfect healthier option to bring to a family gathering this weekend. They also make great gifts to enjoy with your mom.

Make sure you check out my blog for lots of other great treat ideas.

Tag me and follow along on Instagram @livesimplyhealthy for more healthy recipes and nutrition tips!

I hope you have an awesome Mother’s Day weekend! Happy baking!

1. Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Soft and chewy oatmeal cookies loaded with rich dark chocolate chunks. These make a perfect Mother’s Day gift.

2. Chocolate Layer Cake with Strawberries and Whip Cream

This cake is an elegant showstopper perfect for any Mother’s Day event. Fluffy chocolate cake is layered between light coconut whip cream and fresh strawberries.

Vegan Chocolate Layer Cake Whip Cream Strawberries

3. Raw Fudge Brownies with Chocolate Ganache 

These raw fudge brownies are a perfect make ahead dessert great for gatherings. They’re always a hit at any party I bring them to. They’re rich and fudgey and can be cut into any size you like.

4. Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake

A more elegant dessert for a fancier lunch or dinner. Rich chocolate cheesecake. Top this elegant dessert with whip cream, fresh berries, drizzled melted chocolate, or chocolate shavings.

5. Mini Lemon Cheesecakes

These mini lemon cheesecakes are a lighter dessert option. Their mini size makes them perfect for gatherings. The bright lemon flavour is perfect to welcome spring.

6. Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins

These muffins are a perfect Mother’s Day breakfast or brunch idea. They also make great gifts for Mom. Blueberries and oatmeal are a classic combo that result in a super moist muffin.

7. Coconut Cream Cake

A fluffy and moist coconut cake with light and fluffy coconut cream. Perfect for brunch or dinner dessert.

Vegan Coconut Cream Cake

8. Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies

Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pin this post for later:

Healthy Mother's Day Treats Vegan

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Snacks, Sweets, Treats, Vegan

Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

April 20, 2019 by livesimplyhealthy 4 Comments

Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies!

Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies 

These Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies are my new favourite cookie. They are so soft and moist and are the perfect chocolate chip cookie remake. These cookies are made into a healthier version and include many nutrient-dense ingredients. I added flax seed, almond butter, and coconut oil for healthy fats and some extra protein. These are sweetened only with dates, which are also nutritious and include added fibre. These cookies are not only vegan but also gluten-free and refined sugar-free.

They’re super easy to make and store perfectly in the freezer. I like to make a double batch so I have lots of cookies on hand for the next few weeks ahead!

FYI – these cookies are also great with chopped almonds added in!

Happy baking!

For more cookie recipes, try my Chewy Chocolate Oat Cookies, Chocolate Chip Cookies, or my Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies!

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @livesimplyhealthy for more healthy recipes and nutrition tips and tag me if you try this recipe!

Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Laura Brining
Soft and chewy Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 11 minutes mins
Total Time 21 minutes mins
Servings 14

Ingredients
  

  • 1 flax egg 1 tablespoon ground flax and 3 tablespoons water
  • 3/4 cup oat flour
  • 1 1/2 oats
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup dates pitted
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking sheet.
  • Prepare the flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flax and 3 tablespoons of water together in a small bowl. Set aside to thicken for about 10 minutes while you prepare the rest of the dough.
  • Add the oat flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Blend the pitted dates and water together until you reach a thick and smooth consistency. Add the date mixture, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, almond butter, and prepared flax egg to the large bowl. Stir until fully combined.
  • Add the chocolate chunks and stir again.
  • Roll the dough mixture into 14 even-sized balls and place them on the prepared cookie sheet. Flatten each cookie slightly with the palm of your hand (the cookies will not spread out much during baking).
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 9-11 minutes. Let cool before serving. Store in the fridge or freezer and thaw before serving.

Save this recipe for later: 

Chocolate Chunk Oatmeal Cookies

Filed Under: All Recipes, Snacks, Sweets Tagged With: Baking, Cookies, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Snacks, Sweets, Vegan

Lemon Cupcakes with Coconut Whip Cream

April 12, 2019 by livesimplyhealthy 4 Comments

Vegan Lemon Cupcakes with Coconut Whip Cream!

Vegan Lemon Cupcakes

Vegan Lemon Cupcakes

These Lemon Cupcakes are super light and fluffy! The Lemony Coconut Whip Cream makes for a light and refreshing dessert that isn’t overly sweet. In my opinion, these are perfect for spring or an Easter treat.

They’re also healthier than traditional cupcakes. These cupcakes are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. The base is made with oat flour, which is naturally gluten-free and filled with fibre. I lightly sweetened the cupcakes and whip cream with maple syrup, which is a natural sweetener with the added bonus of additional nutrients. The coconut milk and coconut cream add some healthy fats making this dessert satisfying.

Keep these cupcakes stored in the fridge and let them come to room temperature just before serving. I have also tried freezing the cupcakes after frosting them with the whip cream and thawing them in the fridge overnight.

These Lemon Cupcakes are delicious paired with this Lemony Coconut Whip Cream.

For more dessert recipes, try my Chocolate Cupcakes or Mini Lemon Cheesecakes!

For more healthy recipes and nutrition tips, follow me on Instagram @livesimplyhealthy!

Lemon Cupcakes with Coconut Whip Cream

Laura Brining
Vegan Lemon Cupcakes with Lemony Coconut Whip Cream!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Servings 10

Ingredients
  

Cupcakes:

  • 2 3/4 cups oat flour 2 3/4 cups oats ground into a fine flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream the thick white part from a chilled can of full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk the thin part from a chilled can of full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Whip Cream:

  • Coconut cream from two 400 ml cans of chilled full-fat coconut milk the thick white part
  • 4 teapoons lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions
 

  • To prepare the cupcakes, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line a 12 cup muffin pan with 10 silicone baking cups.
  • In a blender, blend the oats until you reach a fine flour. Add the baking powder and baking soda and blend to combine.
  • Add the coconut cream, coconut milk, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice and zest, and vanilla. Blend until fully combined and smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary.
  • Pour the batter into 10 prepared muffin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Let cool completely.
  • To prepare the Coconut Whip Cream, remove the thick white coconut cream from 2 chilled cans of full-fat coconut milk. Make sure your coconut milk cans have completely chilled in the fridge for at least 4 hours to ensure the coconut cream fully separated from the coconut milk. Beat the chilled coconut cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the lemon zest, maple syrup, and vanilla and beat again until fully combined. Swirl the whip cream over the chilled cupcakes with a knife or pipe with a piping bag.
  • Store cupcakes in the fridge. Allow the cupcakes to come to room temperature before serving.

Notes

Save the remaining coconut milk and coconut cream to use in smoothies, yoghurt bowls, curries, soups, etc. It will last in the fridge for up to a week.

Vegan Lemon Cupcakes

Filed Under: All Recipes, Sweets Tagged With: Dessert, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Sweets, Vegan

Raw Fudge Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

April 6, 2019 by livesimplyhealthy 6 Comments

Raw Fudge Brownies with Chocolate Ganache!

These Raw Fudge Brownies with Chocolate Ganache are such a decadent treat. The brownie base is covered in a thick chocolate ganache and topped with chopped walnuts. They’re super rich and chocolatey, but also healthier for you. These brownies are so fast and easy to make, and they store perfectly in the freezer for whenever you’re in the mood for a sweet treat.

These brownies are vegan, gluten-free, grain-free, and refined sugar-free. They are sweetened with dates and a little bit of maple syrup. The base is made with walnuts, so you’re getting some healthy fats and protein to help you feel satisfied. Although these brownies are made with healthier ingredients than typical brownies, they are still super rich and indulgent.

For more chocolate recipes, try my Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake, Chocolate Cupcakes with Fudgy Chocolate Frosting, or Chewy Chocolate Oat Cookies.

Raw Fudge Brownies with Chocolate Ganache

Laura Brining
Super rich vegan Raw Fudge Brownies with Chocolate Ganache.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Servings 8 -12

Ingredients
  

For the Brownies:

  • 1 1/2 cup dates pitted
  • 1 1/2 cup walnuts
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons almond milk or any nut milk

For the Ganache:

  • 3 tablespoons coconut oil melted
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons almond milk room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

For Topping:

  • 1/4 cup walnuts chopped

Instructions
 

  • To prepare the brownies, line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  • Add the pitted dates, walnuts, and cocoa powder to a blender. Blend until fully combined and the mixture forms fine crumbs. Add the almond milk and blend to combine. You may need to stir with a spatula until fully combined and smooth.
  • Firmly pat the mixture into the prepared pan and set aside.
  • To prepare the ganache, add the melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, almond milk, and maple syrup in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. If your almond milk is not room temperature, you may need to melt the mixture in order to achieve a smooth liquid to pour over the brownies. Pour the ganache over the prepared brownies in an even layer. Top with chopped walnuts. Place in the fridge to set for about 1 hour.
  • Slice into 8-12 squares, depending on your desired size.

vegan raw fudge brownies with chocolate ganache

Filed Under: All Recipes, Sweets Tagged With: Baking, Dessert, Gluten Free, Healthy Baking, Refined Sugar Free, Sweets, Vegan

Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

March 22, 2019 by livesimplyhealthy 2 Comments

Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies!

These Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies are so soft and moist. They remind me of the classic peanut butter cookies I would make as a kid, but so much more nutritious. These cookies are vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. They are made with lots of nutritious and wholesome ingredients, including ground flax, oats, and peanut butter. I sweetened these cookies with dates, which are a natural sweetener and include additional vitamins and minerals. The base of these cookies is made with a combination of oats and oat flour. If you don’t have oat flour on hand, just blend the same amount of oats in a blender until you have a fine flour.

I find these cookies taste even better and more flavourful the next day. I store some in the fridge and keep some extras in the freezer for when I need a quick snack. Whenever I’m on the go, I just grab some cookies from the freezer and they thaw out to the perfect temperature within a couple of hours. They make a great morning snack balanced with complete carbohydrates, healthy fats from the peanut butter and coconut oil, and some protein.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram @livesimplyhealthy and tag me in your creations so I can see!

For more cookie recipes, try my Chewy Chocolate Oat Cookies, Oatmeal Date Cookies, or Double Chocolate Chunk Peppermint Fudge Cookies!

Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Laura Brining
Soft and moist vegan peanut butter oatmeal cookies!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Servings 18

Ingredients
  

  • 1 flax egg 1 tablespoon ground flax and 3 tablespoons water
  • 3/4 cup oat flour 3/4 cup oats ground into a fine flour
  • 1 1/2 cup oats
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup dates
  • 2/3 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter melted

Instructions
 

  • Prepare your flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flax with 3 tablespoons of water and set aside to thicken for a few minutes.
  • Meanwhile, prepare your dry ingredients by adding the oat flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a large mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
  • Add the dates and water to a blender and blend until you have a completely smooth paste.
  • Add the flax egg, date paste, apple cider vinegar, melted coconut oil, and melted peanut butter to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined.
  • Place the dough in the fridge to chill for 10-15 minutes while you preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking trays with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  • Remove the dough from the fridge and roll into 18 balls. Place the balls on the prepared baking sheets and press down with a fork to flatten the cookies and form a criss-cross.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, until firm and slightly golden around the edges.
  • Let cool completely before serving. Store in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for up to a month. Remove from the freezer to thaw before serving.

Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies

Filed Under: All Recipes, Snacks, Sweets Tagged With: Cookies, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Snacks, Sweets, Vegan

Healthy Vegan Nanaimo Bars

March 3, 2019 by livesimplyhealthy 11 Comments

Healthy Vegan Nanaimo Bars!

I have always wanted to create a healthier and vegan version of the Canadian classic Nanaimo bar. Nanaimo bars have always been one of my favourite desserts. I get them from my favourite vegan bakery to celebrate birthdays and special events every year. Most Nanaimo bars, whether vegan or not, contain tons of refined powdered sugar. I wanted to create a version of my favourite dessert that was made with simple and wholesome ingredients, and without any refined sugar, gluten, or animal products. It was challenging at first, especially seeing as the traditional custard filling is mainly butter and powdered sugar, but I think I have succeeded with this Healthy Vegan Nanaimo Bar creation!

These Healthy Vegan Nanaimo Bars are sweetened mainly with dates and a little bit of maple syrup. They’re loaded with healthy fats from the almonds, coconut, brazil nuts, coconut oil, and coconut cream. The addition of healthy fats makes this dessert more satisfying and also slows the absorption of the sugar in your bloodstream – avoiding that sugar spike. There is also some protein from the almonds and brazil nuts.

Store the sliced bars in the freezer for up to a month. Whenever you want a sweet treat or just before serving, remove the bars from the freezer for a few minutes to thaw.

I hope you enjoy this healthier version of my favourite Canadian treat!

For more healthy sweet treats, try my Caramel Pecan Cheesecake Bars, Vegan Twix Bars, or Chocolate Cupcakes!

Healthy Vegan Nanaimo Bars

Laura Brining
A healthier take on classic Canadian Nanaimo Bars!
5 from 4 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Servings 12 -25

Ingredients
  

Bottom Layer:

  • 1 cup Medjool dates pitted
  • 1 cup almonds
  • 3/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut flakes
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons water

Filling:

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream the thick white part from a chilled can of full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup coconut milk the thin part from a can of coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup Medjool dates pitted
  • 1/4 cup brazil nuts
  • 2 tablespoons coconut flour
  • 1/4 cup nut milk of choice I used almond milk

4 oz dark chocolate OR Chocolate Topping:

  • 1/4 cup coconut oil melted
  • 1/4 cup cocoa powder
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup

Instructions
 

  • Line a 9x9 baking dish with parchment paper.
  • To prepare the bottom layer, add the pitted dates, almonds, shredded coconut, and cocoa powder to a blender. Blend until fine crumbs appear. Add the water and blend until sticky. Add the sticky crumbs to the prepared pan and pat down firmly with your hands or the bottom of a glass. Set aside.
  • To prepare the filling, add the coconut oil, coconut cream, coconut milk, dates, brazil nuts, coconut flour, and nut milk to a blender. Blend until completely smooth, this may take a couple of minutes. Pour over the prepared base. Place in the freezer to set, about 1 hour.
  • After the base has set, pour 4 oz of melted dark chocolate over the filling, or prepare the chocolate topping by combining the melted coconut oil, cocoa powder, and maple syrup. Pour over the set filing. Place in the freezer until the chocolate has set, about 1 hour.
  • Cut into squares of your desired size. Store in the freezer for up to a month. Remove squares from the freezer a couple of minutes before serving to thaw.

healthy vegan nanaimo bars

 

Filed Under: All Recipes, Sweets Tagged With: Dessert, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Sweets, Vegan

Vegan Oatmeal Date Cookies

February 24, 2019 by livesimplyhealthy 6 Comments

Vegan Oatmeal Date Cookies!

These Vegan Oatmeal Date Cookies are super soft and delicious. I added chopped dates and shredded coconut to this simple oatmeal base to add a delicious and sticky sweet flavour. These cookies are so soft and moist. They’re also healthier, plus vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. The base of these cookies is made with a combination of oats and oat flour. I used a homemade date paste for a natural sweetener. The coconut oil adds a rich, buttery feel while adding some healthy fats.

I love having these cookies for a late morning snack. They are not overly sweet and have a good combination of complex carbohydrates and some healthy fats which provide energy. These are nut free and would be perfect in school lunches as well!

For more healthy snack recipes, try my Chewy Chocolate Oat Cookies or Sweet and Salty Peanut Bars!

Vegan Oatmeal Date Cookies

Laura Brining
Super soft oatmeal date cookies!
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Servings 16 -18

Ingredients
  

  • 1 flax egg 1 tablespoon ground flax and 3 tablespoons water
  • 3/4 cup oat flour
  • 1 1/2 cups oats
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2/3 cup Medjool dates pitted
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil melted
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
  • 1/4 cup chopped Medjool dates

Instructions
 

  • To prepare the flax egg, mix the ground flax and water in a small bowl and let thicken for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the oat flour by blending 3/4 cup of oats until you have a fine flour. Add the oat flour, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to a large bowl. Mix to combine.
  • Add the 2/3 cup of dates and 1/3 cup of water to a blender. Blend until you have a smooth paste. Add the paste to the bowl of dry ingredients, along with the flax egg, melted coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, and additional water. Stir to combine. Add the chopped dates and shredded coconut. Stir until combined.
  • Place the dough to set in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes, while you preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Drop tablespoon sized balls of dough onto the sheet and press down to form a cookie shape. You should have about 16-18 cookies depending on size.
  • Bake the cookies in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes, until slightly golden on the edges and set. Let cool completely. Store in the fridge for up to a week.

Filed Under: All Recipes, Snacks, Sweets Tagged With: Baking, Cookies, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Snacks, Sweets, Vegan

Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry Whip Cream

February 12, 2019 by livesimplyhealthy 4 Comments

Vegan Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry Whip Cream!

A rich and creamy Vegan Chocolate Mousse topped with light and fluffy Raspberry Whip Cream. This is the perfect combination. The rich Chocolate Mousse pairs perfectly with the light tasting Raspberry Whip Cream and creates a perfect balance.

This dessert is elegant, delicious, and healthy! It’s vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. Both the mousse and whip cream are loaded with tons of healthy fats, and the mousse also includes additional protein from the hemp hearts!

I created this recipe for Valentine’s Day, but it would be delicious served all year round, and especially in summer with fresh raspberries. Feel free to top this with additional fresh raspberries or chocolate shavings.

For more chocolate dessert recipes, try my Chocolate Cupcakes or Chocolate Fudge Cheesecake!

Chocolate Mousse with Raspberry Whip Cream

Laura Brining
Rich Chocolate Mousse with light and fluffy Raspberry Whip Cream!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

Chocolate Mousse:

  • 1/2 cup raw cashews
  • 3/4 cup nut milk I used almond
  • 3 tablespoons cocoa powder
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
  • 3 tablespoons hemp hearts
  • 6 Medjool dates pitted

Raspberry Whip Cream:

  • Coconut cream from one 14oz can of full-fat coconut milk chilled
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1 handful fresh raspberries

Instructions
 

  • To make the Chocolate Mousse, add all ingredients to a high power blender. (My ninja bullet works for this and fits both servings at once.) Blend until completely smooth. Spoon the smooth mousse into two serving dishes. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
  • To prepare the Raspberry Whip Cream, separate the thick white coconut cream from a chilled can of coconut milk. Save the coconut milk for another use. Beat the chilled coconut cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy. Add the maple syrup and fresh raspberries. Beat until fully combined.
  • Dollop or pipe the prepared Raspberry Whip Cream onto your chilled Chocolate Mousse. If you are piping your cream you may want to chill it in the fridge for a few minutes before piping.
  • Top with raspberries or chocolate shavings if desired.
  • Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for up to overnight.

Vegan Chocolate Mousse

Filed Under: All Recipes, Sweets Tagged With: chocolate, Dessert, Gluten Free, Refined Sugar Free, Sweets, Vegan

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Hi, I'm Laura! I'm a Registered Holistic Nutritionist from Canada focusing on digestion, immunity, and hormone health. I offer online nutrition consulting and create easy, whole foods based recipes to fuel your body.

ONLINE NUTRITION CONSULTING

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