May 23, 2014

Healthier Cookie Dough Parfaits

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These healthier cookie dough parfaits are perfect for when you just need a little sweet treat! With layers of coconut whipped cream and a no-bake cookie crumble made with nuts, dates and chocolate. Dairy free, gluten free and vegan.

Two glass jars filled with Cookie Dough Parfaits.

I call this the “trying to cut back on processed sugar but still need something sweet” dessert.  

I’ve actually been really good about cutting back on desserts.   A cup of hot tea at night usually does the trick.  

But sometimes.  Sometimes I need something dessert-like.  And I wanted something slightly better for me that I could turn to when these crazy cravings kick in.

Plus, you can have fun tricking your husband with these little parfaits.  Mine is a big fan of whipped cream but I’ve been loving making it with coconut milk these days.  

Which is what I used in this recipe and happened to leave that fact out when he got all excited after seeing them in the fridge.

Two glass jars filled with Cookie Dough Parfaits.

And guess what?  He didn’t even notice that something was different until I mentioned it.  Tricky business I tell you.

Now I’m not going to lie and say that the cookie dough portion of this tastes exactly like real cookie dough.  

But honestly, it’s pretty darn good and you can get your sweet fix without feeling so heavy or weighed down afterwards.  Winning right there.

And with summer heat already starting to show up in small bursts, it’s also pretty nice to not have to turn on the oven to make these.  

A glass jar with a Cookie Dough Parfait and a spoon in the dish.

Additional Healthier Desserts You Might Enjoy:

Did you make this recipe? Rate and review it down below! I’d love to hear from you.

Healthier Cookie Dough Parfaits

Yield: about 4 to 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

These healthier cookie dough parfaits are perfect for when you just need a little sweet treat! With layers of coconut whipped cream and a no-bake cookie crumble made with nuts, dates and chocolate. Dairy free, gluten free and vegan.

Ingredients

For the cookie dough:

  • ½ cup raw walnuts halves
  • ½ cup raw cashews
  • 5 large medjool dates*
  • ¼ cup chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chips**
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • pinch of sea salt

For the whipped cream:

  • 1 (13.5 ounce) can full fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
  • 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For topping:

  • coconut flakes, lightly toasted***
  • extra chopped dark chocolate

Instructions

To make the cookie dough:

  1. Add the walnuts and cashews to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the nuts are finely chopped (but don’t go so far that they start to turn into a paste).
  2. Add in the dates, chocolate, vanilla extract and salt. Continue to pulse until the dates are finely chopped and the mixture starts to come together in clumps. Set aside.

To make the whipped cream:

  1. Place a medium mixing bowl in the freezer for 5 minutes to chill.
  2. Take the can of chilled coconut milk and turn it upside down. Open the can and pour out the liquid (you don’t need it for this recipe but you can use it in smoothies, etc.). Scoop the hardened coconut cream into the chilled mixing bowl.
  3. Using a hand mixer, whip the cream until fluffy and smooth. Add in the maple syrup and vanilla extract and beat again until incorporated. Taste and add additional honey if needed.

To assemble:

  1. Take some of the cookie dough mixture and sort of crumble it into the bottom of a small jar or glass. Spoon on some of the whipped cream and then sprinkle with some of the coconut flakes and chopped dark chocolate. Repeat this process one more time.
  2. Serve immediately or you can keep in the refrigerator until ready to eat (the whipped cream will harden / become more mousse-like a bit but it’s still delicious!).

Notes

*Rip the dates in half and remove the pit before adding to the food processor. You should have about a heaping ½ cup. You won’t need to remove the pit if you buy ones that already have them removed.

**To keep these dairy free / vegan - be sure to use dairy free chocolate.

***I usually toast my coconut flakes in a skillet on the stove. I set a small skillet over medium heat, add the coconut flakes and stir frequently until lightly toasted. Watch it closely - it can burn easily if you step away from the pan!

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 290Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 8mgCarbohydrates: 27gFiber: 3gSugar: 20gProtein: 5g

Nutrition data shown is an estimate provided by an online calculator and is for informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for a medical professional’s advice.

© Ashley / Cook Nourish Bliss
Cuisine: American / Category: Dessert
Chocolate, Cookies, Dairy Free, Dessert, Gluten Free, Grain Free, Recipes (ALL), Soy Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
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