CHOCOLATE FUDGE WITH CACAO NIBS

CHOCOLATE FUDGE WITH CACAO NIBS

By gourmandeinthekitchen.com

For the Fudge Base:

2 cups/ 224g raw organic cashews

2 cups/ 240g unsweetened organic shredded coconut

240g (about10 large) very soft medjool dates, pitted

1 cup/ 100g raw organic cacao powder

½ cup/ 120ml organic maple syrup

Pinch of fine sea salt

For the Ganache:

1/2 cup/120ml organic maple syrup

1/4 cup/60g extra virgin unrefined coconut oil

1/2 cup/50g raw organic cacao powder

Pinch of fine sea salt

¼ cup/30g of raw cacao nibs for topping

Make the Fudge Base:

Place cashews in the bowl of food processor and grind until very finely ground (be careful to not over process the nuts into butter).  Add the shredded coconut and process until well combined and fine in texture. Add the pitted dates and process until a soft paste forms. Add the cacao powder process again.  Finally add the maple syrup and a pinch of salt and process to combine until a creamy texture is achieved scraping down the sides as needed. Press firmly into a parchment lined square or rectangular pan or mold.  Place in fridge while making the ganache topping.

Make the Ganache Topping:

In the food processor, blend together maple syrup and coconut oil until well combined.  Add in cacao powder and a pinch of salt and process until smooth scraping down the sides as needed.  Pour over fudge base and spread out evenly over the top. Sprinkle with cacao nibs and return pan to fridge to set and firm for at least one hour.  Cut into squares and serve the fudge cold. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.