Sugar-free Chocolate Nut Praline
Sugar-Free Chocolate Nut Praline: A Healthy Holiday Dessert
The Christmas season is a time for indulgence, but it doesn’t have to mean compromising your health with sugar-laden treats.
As a nutritionist, I’m excited to share this Sugar-Free Chocolate Nut Praline recipe—a healthy, homemade holiday dessert that’s far better than any store-bought sweet!
Made with pure cocoa, almond butter, and a variety of nuts, this praline is a low-carb, gluten-free treat that’s perfect for sharing with guests or gifting to friends.
It’s a variation of my popular Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Truffles, but with a flattened, nut-studded twist that makes it ideal for festive gatherings.
Plus, I’ll show you how to elevate your holiday spread by pairing this praline with a blue tomato dish, highlighting the incredible antioxidant properties of this unique ingredient.
Let’s dive into the recipe, explore the nutritional benefits, and make your Christmas sweeter and healthier!
Why This Praline Is a Healthy Holiday Choice
Holiday desserts are often packed with refined sugars and unhealthy fats, but this Sugar-Free Chocolate Nut Praline offers a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Here’s why it’s a standout:
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Sugar-Free: Uses natural, low-glycemic sweeteners (or none at all, relying on nuts and dried fruits), avoiding blood sugar spikes.
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Low-Carb: ~4-6g carbs per serving, perfect for keto diets.
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Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free, safe for celiacs or gluten-sensitive individuals.
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Healthy Fats: Packed with monounsaturated fats from almond butter and nuts for heart health and satiety.
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Nutrient-Dense: Provides antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals from cocoa, nuts, and dried fruits.
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Gift-Worthy: A thoughtful, homemade gift for holiday hosts, wrapped in cellophane for a festive touch.
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Festive Appeal: Perfect for serving at dessert time, with coffee, or as a shared treat at gatherings.
This praline is a guilt-free, festive treat that lets you enjoy the holiday season while keeping your health goals on track.
This sugar-free chocolate nut praline is a low-carb, keto-friendly treat perfect for holiday sharing or gifting.
Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients
This praline is made with nutrient-dense ingredients that make it a healthy indulgence. Let’s break down their benefits:
Pure Cocoa (100% Cocoa Mass)
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Low-Carb: 12g carbs per 100g (used sparingly, ~2g per serving), keto-friendly.
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Antioxidant-Rich: High in flavonoids like epicatechin, which combat oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and support heart health.
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Sugar-Free: Using 100% cocoa avoids added sugars, keeping the treat low-glycemic.
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Mood-Boosting: Contains theobromine and small amounts of tryptophan, promoting relaxation and happiness.
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Mineral-Dense: Provides magnesium, iron, and zinc for energy, immunity, and muscle function.
Almond Butter
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Low-Carb: 7g carbs per 100g (used sparingly, ~1g per serving), keto-friendly.
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Healthy Fats: 50g per 100g, mostly monounsaturated fats that support heart health and satiety.
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High Fiber: 7g per 100g, aiding digestion and fullness.
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Protein-Rich: 15g per 100g, promoting satiety and muscle health.
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Nutrient-Dense: Rich in vitamin E, magnesium, and calcium for skin, energy, and bone health.
Nuts (Walnuts, Almonds) and Dried Fruits (Raisins, Cranberries)
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Walnuts: Low-carb (7g per 100g), rich in omega-3s for brain and heart health, and high in antioxidants.
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Almonds: Low-carb (7g per 100g), high in healthy fats, fiber, and vitamin E for satiety and skin health.
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Raisins and Cranberries: Moderate-carb (used sparingly, ~1-2g carbs per serving), provide natural sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants like polyphenols.
These ingredients make the praline low-carb, sugar-free, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense, offering a treat that supports your health while satisfying your sweet cravings.
Made with pure cocoa and almond butter, it’s packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and nutrients for guilt-free indulgence.
Sugar-Free Chocolate Nut Praline Recipe
This recipe is a variation of my Healthy Cocoa and Almond Butter Truffles, but instead of forming balls, the chocolate mixture is flattened and topped with nuts and dried fruits for a praline-style treat. It’s simple to make and perfect for sharing or gifting.
Ingredients (Serves 8-10)
Praline Base
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150g 100% dark chocolate (unsweetened cocoa mass)
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⅓ cup (80ml) unsweetened almond milk
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3 tbsp almond butter
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Optional Sweetener: 1-2 tbsp coconut sugar, monk fruit, stevia, or 2-3 crushed dates (for natural sweetness)
Toppings
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¼ cup (30g) walnuts (chopped)
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¼ cup (30g) almonds (chopped)
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2 tbsp raisins
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2 tbsp dried cranberries
Instructions
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Melt the Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate and almond milk. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth (about 1-2 minutes total). Alternatively, melt over a double boiler on the stovetop.
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Make the Praline Mixture: Stir in the almond butter and sweetener of choice (if using) until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
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Form the Praline: Line a baking sheet with waxed paper. Pour the chocolate mixture onto the paper and spread it into a thin, even layer (about ¼-inch thick) using a spatula or rolling pin. If using a rolling pin, cover with another sheet of waxed paper to prevent sticking.
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Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped walnuts, almonds, raisins, and dried cranberries evenly over the chocolate layer, pressing them gently into the surface to ensure they stick.
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Chill: Refrigerate the praline for at least 3-4 hours to set. Once firm, break or cut into bite-sized pieces.
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Serve or Gift: Serve as a dessert with coffee or tea, or wrap in cellophane paper with a ribbon for a thoughtful holiday gift.
This sugar-free chocolate nut praline, made with pure cocoa, almond butter, and nuts, offers a rich, festive flavor with only 4-6g carbs per serving.
This Sugar-Free Chocolate Nut Praline is a low-carb, sugar-free, gluten-free treat that’s perfect for the Christmas season, offering a healthy alternative to store-bought sweets.
With pure cocoa, almond butter, and a variety of nuts, it’s a nutrient-dense indulgence that supports your wellness goals without the sugar crash.
For an extra health boost, pair it with a blue tomato salad, which adds a burst of anthocyanin-rich antioxidants to your festive spread, enhancing both flavor and nutrition.
Have you tried making homemade holiday treats? What’s your favorite festive dessert?
Share your thoughts in the comments and explore more healthy recipes on our site.
Make this praline, share the joy, and enjoy a guilt-free holiday indulgence!
Cheers!
CACAO, LOW CARB, POSTRES, SIN AZÚCAR, SIN CEREALES, SIN GLUTEN, SIN HARINA, SIN LACTOSA