Decadent Keto Candy Bar Fat Bombs (Chewy, Chocolaty & Irresistible!)
Satisfy your candy bar cravings the keto way with these Decadent Keto Candy Bar Fat Bombs! A rich and creamy base of cream cheese, butter, and almond butter is sweetened and flavored with vanilla and a hint of salt, then loaded with crunchy pecans and melty low-carb chocolate chips. These customizable, no-bake bites are perfect for a quick energy boost or a sweet treat. They’re low-carb, sugar-free, naturally gluten-free, and delightfully satisfying – a delightful addition to your health journey, especially when you need a sweet pick-me-up in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: Approximately 20 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Chill time: 20 minutes (refrigeration) + 1 hour (freezing for individual storage)
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (1 block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature (full-fat recommended)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- ½ cup almond butter (no-sugar-added, creamy or crunchy)
- ⅓ cup powdered low-carb sweetener (e.g., Swerve Confectioners or Lakanto Monkfruit Powdered)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch pink sea salt (about ⅛ teaspoon, or to taste)
- 4 ounces low-carb chocolate chips (e.g., Lily’s, ChocZero, or your favorite keto-friendly brand)
- 2 ounces pecans, chopped into small chunks (about ½ cup chopped)
- 1 ounce low-carb marshmallows, chopped into small pieces (about ¼ cup chopped, optional for chewiness, check carb count carefully for specific brands)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Rubber spatula or sturdy spoon
- Parchment paper
- Baking sheet or shallow container
- Small cookie scoop (optional, for even sizing)
- Airtight container or zip-top bag for storage
Instructions:
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Prepare Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened unsalted butter, almond butter, powdered low-carb sweetener, vanilla extract, and pink sea salt.
- Using a hand mixer, cream these ingredients together on medium speed for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, until the mixture is completely incorporated, smooth, and slightly fluffy.
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Fold in “Candy Bar” Add-ins: With a spoon or the hand mixer on low speed, gently fold in the low-carb chocolate chips, chopped pecans, and (if using) chopped low-carb marshmallows. Mix until they are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
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Chill Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about 20 minutes, or until the mixture firms up slightly, making it easier to scoop and roll.
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Form & Store Fat Bombs (Choose Your Storage Method):
A) Refrigerated Servings (Softer Texture):
- After chilling, scoop the dough out into 20 equal servings (about 1.5 tablespoons each). You can roll them into balls or leave them as scoops.
- Place them in an airtight container and keep refrigerated. They will be softer and more “fudge-like.”
B) Frozen Individual Servings (Firmer, On-the-Go):
- After chilling, scoop the dough out into 20 equal servings (about 1.5 tablespoons each) onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer for at least 1 hour, or until the fat bombs are firm.
- Once firm, transfer the fat bombs to an airtight container or individual freezer-safe zip-top bags for easy, on-the-go snacks. Store in the freezer.
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Enjoy! Grab a fat bomb whenever you need a boost of healthy fats and a sweet treat!
Tips for Success:
- Soften Ingredients: Ensure cream cheese and butter are truly softened for a smooth, lump-free base.
- Powdered Sweetener: Using powdered (confectioners) sweetener prevents a gritty texture.
- Almond Butter Check: Verify your almond butter contains no added sugars or oils.
- Low-Carb Marshmallows: These are an optional addition for a chewy texture similar to some candy bars. Read labels carefully as “sugar-free” marshmallows can still contain high-carb sweeteners. You can omit them if unsure or prefer.
- Pecan Size: Chop pecans into small chunks for better distribution and a more “candy bar” like crunch.
- Chilling is Key: The chilling step is essential for the fat bombs to firm up and hold their shape.
- Storage: Due to the ingredients, these fat bombs are best stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Freezing makes them last longer and perfect for portion control.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
These Keto Candy Bar Fat Bombs are a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Fat: Yes, primarily from cream cheese, butter, almond butter, and chocolate chips.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb due to the use of keto-friendly ingredients and sugar-free sweeteners.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly, provided all ingredients (sweetener, chocolate chips, and optional marshmallows) are strictly sugar-free and low-carb.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.