We partnered with Carly Paige at FitLiving Eats to create a brain-boosting recipe. She intuitively knew our memory care residents love chocolate, so she designed a creamy, chocolatey dessert they could enjoy on warm, sunny days. You can’t tell from looking or trying one, but the ingredients include brain health-friendly staples like avocados, walnuts, and dark chocolate. Even better, the recipe requires no baking. All you need is a food processor and a high-speed blender, and you're ready to start making these delicious bars. If you make some, please tag us on Facebook or Instagram (@vivantseniorliving), and we will re-post your photos.

You can find the recipe with the full ingredient list and scaled instructions here: https://www.fitlivingeats.com/brain-boosting-ingredients-chocolate-delight-dessert/

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups Medjool dates, pitted

• 1 cup walnuts

• 1 ripe avocado

• ½ cup cashews, soaked for 4 hours

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips, melted

• ¼ cup coconut oil, melted

• Pinch of salt

• 8 ounces coconut cream

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. To make the crust, add the dates and walnuts to a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped and crumbly. Line a square baking dish with parchment paper and press the crust firmly into a single layer, extending all the way to the edges.

2. To make the chocolate filling, add the avocado, cashews (rinsed and drained), almond milk, coconut oil and pinch of salt to a high-speed blender. Blend until silky smooth and creamy. Add the melted chocolate and blend until emulsified. Spread the chocolate layer onto the crust and place in the freezer to harden, for at least a few hours.

3. To make the topping, whip the coconut cream and vanilla extract together. When ready to serve, pull out the bars and store in the refrigerator to soften. Remove the bars from the pan by gently pulling up on the parchment paper. Cut into 12 even bars and top with a dollop of the vanilla coconut whipped cream.

Instructional Video

Here’s a video of Carly making these delicious, brain-healthy bars at home:

Vivant Senior Living provides exceptional memory care services in vibrant, residential homes for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia in Central Florida. If you’re interested in memory care for your loved one, please contact us today.

We initially planned to host a live event with Carly, but we had to change plans after Covid-19 hit stateside.

Keywords: dessert, no bake dessert, vegan dessert, chocolate dessert bars, healthy chocolate delight, chocolate delight, vegan chocolate delight, brain health, brain food