Mood-Boosting Chocolate Walnut Spread
Ingredients Highlights
Ceylon Cinnamon is also known as Cinnamomum verum or true cinnamon. It has a lighter, sweeter flavor and more health benefits than the more common Cassia cinnamon found in most grocery stores.
Cocoa powder – the closer chocolate is to its original raw state, the more nutrients it retains and the better it is for you. When possible, use raw cacao powder (with two “A”s) instead of cocoa powder in your baking.
Flaxseeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote the reduction of cholesterol levels, which helps prevent cardiovascular diseases. They are a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, vitamin B1, copper, selenium, and zinc.
Maple syrup contains a number of minerals including manganese, zinc, calcium, and potassium. It also contains amino acids, antioxidants, and even some anti-inflammatory compounds.
Walnuts are neuroprotective and support heart health. They are loaded with antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, molybdenum, and biotin.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups raw walnuts
- 3 Tablespoons ground flax seed
- 2 Tablespoon maple syrup (or preferred sweetener)
- 2 Tablespoons cocoa/cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon Ceylon cinnamon
- ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (depending on desired heat)
- ¼ teaspoon pink Himalayan/sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 300F. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and bake for 11 – 13 minutes, or until the walnuts become fragrant and the oil begins to release.
- Add roasted walnuts to a food processor and process until a walnut butter consistency forms (anywhere from 3-6 minutes), scraping down the sides as needed.
- Add in the additional ingredients and process again until well combined. For a thinner consistency, add a little bit of filtered water.
- Scoop into a jar or covered container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Use as a spread or dip, and enjoy!
Notes
Serves about 1 cup. Per tablespoon:
Calories: 89
Total Fat: 8g
Total Carbohydrate: 11g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Can I just slowly toast the nuts in a skillet on low heat. I hate to heat the oven for such a small amount and a short time. Thank you.
This sounds great! I will start with the little bit of added avocado oil, as suggested above. I usually start my day with a spoonful of organic peanut butter but this will be a super trade off! And I just happen to have all ingredients on hand. That’s rare! Thanks in advance.
I am allergic to flax seeds, is there a sub for that?
Hi Christine! Thanks so much for checking out the recipe. =)
If you’re allergic to flax seeds, you can absolutely substitute them. Chia seeds are a common alternative and will provide a similar texture and nutritional boost. If you prefer to avoid seeds altogether, you could also try using finely ground oats or simply leave them out—the recipe will still turn out delicious!
As always, we recommend choosing an option that works best for your dietary needs. Let us know if you give it a try—we’d love to hear what you think!
Thank you - that makes sense! I love avocado oil. I will try it!
Hi Hillary!
Thanks for reaching out. If you're wanting to thin out the spread, I would recommend adding in a little bit of your preferred oil, like avocado or olive oil instead of water. This way, you can add as little or as much as you want without it possibly being too much. The oil that separated in your spread was the oil from the walnuts. I don't think you can really fix it once it separates. Hope this helps!