You guys know how much I love you right?

The fact that you take time out of your busy day to stop by and listen to my ramblings and get onboard with whatever it is I’m cooking up – It really means so much to me.

For reals!

Words can not express how warm and fuzzy I get when you guys comment on recipes that you have made (or plan to make) or when you tag me on Facebook, twitter or Instagram with your BWC creations! So much love my heart just explodes and many dorky happy dances follow.

So, I wanted to make something a little bit special for you this Valentines day – bonus that by making something special for you means I get something special for me too – winning!

Today sweet invisible internet friend of mine we are going to make ourselves some creamy, dreamy, clean eating dark chocolate strawberry-vanilla cashew cream cups.

It’s quite a mouthful I know but you guys . . . what a delicious little mouthful it is!

The strawberry-vanilla cashew cream alone is simply divine!

And I know, I know it looks like there are a lot of steps to follow to get these clean eating bites of decadent, strawberry cream filled dark chocolate deliciousness into your beautiful bellies but, once your cashews are soaked they come together very quickly. I managed to get them done in under an hour and that includes stopping to take pictures.  So yep, trust me – quick and easy and oh so worth it. Promise!

So, once your cashews are good and soaked its time to make our strawberry-vanilla cashew cream are you ready for this?!

This stuff is so good it’s ridiculous, especially considering how easy it is to make.

All you need is a handful of simple, real food ingredients, 5 mins in your blender or food processor and you’re done baby. Told you it was easy 😉

This strawberry-vanilla cashew cream is so light, so fluffy and seriously creamy I can not even tell you. Photos do this little bowl of deliciousness no justice whatsoever. The smell alone is intoxicating!

Seriously, I want to dive head first into the bowl and just eat my way out its that heavenly!

But that would be a little messy . . . and kind of embarrassing so . . . how about we encase a heaping spoonful of that creamy, dreamy, strawberry-vanilla infused, clean eating cloud of deliciousness in some decadent dark chocolate and call it a day?

Decadent and rich dark chocolate cups that are stuffed with creamy, dreamy, light and fluffy, secretly healthy, strawberry-vanilla cashew cream that literally explodes with deliciousness once you bite on in!

Happy Valentines day indeed!!!!!!

Would you just look at those delicious flecks of vanilla and those vibrant strawberry pieces?! ♥♥♥

Not only are these deliciously explosive treats seriously indulgent and absolutely divine they also happen to be secretly healthy.

Our clean eating dark chocolate strawberry cashew cream cups are all natural, made with no refined flours or sugars, they also happen to be gluten free and paleo friendly. Oh and they could also be vegan and dairy free depending on the chocolate chips you use – everybody wins!!!

Not only that but, did you know that ;

– Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts and the fat they contain is heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, similar to those found in olive oil.

– Cashews are high in antioxidants.

– Studies have also shown that those who consume nuts at least 4 times a week showed a reduced risk of coronary heart disease compared to those who never or rarely ate nuts.

– Cashews also contain high levels of magnesium and studies have shown that magnesium helps to reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, lowers blood pressure, helps prevent heart attacks, regulates sleep, and reduces the severity of asthma.

– Cashews are also high in protein which we all know will help build/repair/grown those gorgeous little muscles of ours. Not only that but protein helps to keep you fuller for longer.

See I just want what’s best for you – you better make these asap, in the name of good health of course 😉

These dark chocolate strawberry cashew cream cups are the perfect little treat for you to share with your loved ones this V-day weekend, who am I kidding, these babies are the perfect treat for you to make for your fine self this V-day weekend because you, sweet invisible internet friend of mine, are totally worth it!

All natural, secretly healthy, decadent, rich dark chocolate cups, stuffed with creamy, dreamy, light and fluffy, strawberry-vanilla cashew cream that literally explodes with deliciousness once you bite on in.

Yes, yes just yes!

Make them. Eat them. Love, love lurrrrrrvvvveeeee them.

Dark Chocolate Strawberry Cashew Cream Cups {Vegan, Dairy Free & Paleo Friendly}
Makes 16 secretly healthy, dark and delicious, creamy, dreamy, strawberry infused chocolate cups.

Ingredients –

1 cup of raw cashews

1 1/2 cups of water (for soaking)

1 Tablespoon of vanilla bean extract (or the seeds scraped from 2-3 vanilla beans)

1/4 tsp Strawberry essence

1/3 cup freeze dried strawberries, crumbled

A pinch of salt flakes

2-4 Tablespoons of water (more or less depending on your desired consistency)

1/2 cup of dark chocolate

Method –

1 – To make the cashew cream – Place cashews in a small bowl or jug and pour over your water then set aside to soak for 2-3 hours

2 – Once soaked drain and rinse your cashews then place into your food processor/blender

3 – Add the vanilla extract, strawberry essence along with your and salt flakes and process until smooth and creamy. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of your blender/food processor occasionally.

4 – Add a splash of water and blend/process until well combined. Continue to add water 1 teaspoon at a time to reach your preferred consistency. I used 3 Tablespoons of water and my cream was deliciously thick and creamy.

5 – Transfer your cashew cream to a small bowl then add your crumbled, freeze dried strawberries and stir to combine.

6 – Melt chocolate using your preferred method (I like to do mine on a plate over a pot of gently simmering water)

7 – Use a small teaspoon to drizzle some melted chocolate into a chocolate mould (or can use mini paper or silicone cupcake/muffin cases if you prefer) and spread to coat evenly.

8 – Place in the freezer for 5 mins to set

9 – Spoon a little of your strawberry cashew cream into your chocolate cup and use the back of your spoon to press down and smooth off the top of  your creamy filling. You could also sprinkle a few extra crumbles of your freeze dried strawberries over the top . . . you know, if you want 😉

10 – Spoon over a little more melted chocolate and gently spread to ensure all of the creamy dreamy, strawberry infused filling is covered then pop those bad boys back in the freezer for 5 mins to set.

11 – Store in the fridge in an airtight container (if they even get that far?!) or in the freezer for up to 3 months (←yeah good luck with that 😉 )

Enjoy xoxo
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Question of the day –

What do you have planned for this Valentines day weekend?
Any special meals you’re planning to make, fancy restaurants you’re planning to go on, hot dates, smoking’ outfits? Tell me, what’s the V-day game plan?!

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