I first found the blog Chocolate Covered Katie this past summer when I was browsing healthy dessert recipes. Some people have the “if I’m eating dessert, why not go all out” approach, but sometimes I just want to have a small bite of something chocolatey but not go completely overload. Here’s a perfect snack recipe that seems like you’re eating real chocolate fudge… but you know it’s healthier!

The 4 simple ingredients are natural with no extra funky preservatives or gunk. These “fudge babies” try to mimic real chocolate fudge and though I admit, they’re not exactly the same, they’re close enough and are delicious in their own way. The dried fruit gives them that chewy texture with a hint of fruity sweetness. Feel free to add more dates or agave nectar if you want it to be sweeter. The nuts give this snack some oomph and help keep everything together. It’s crucial, though, that you use good quality cocoa powder. Because you are using so few ingredients, each one plays a key role in making these the perfect study break snack. To make these visually appealing, I coat them in some cocoa powder or cinnamon, perhaps powdered sugar would work too!

When it’s midnight and you’re about to reach for your secret stash of hersheys, snickers, or even slowly make your way to the vending machine, stop yourself: these fudge babies are waiting for you.

Megumi Sasada is a Colby College graduate and currently works for an ad agency in NYC. She is an avid food-blogging (Every Last Morsel), Food Network-watching, nutrition-conscious acapella singer.

**Recipe**

Fudge Babies
Makes 2 dozen or more depending on size
Recipe from Chocolate Covered Katie

Ingredients
1 cup walnuts
1 ⅓ cup soft pitted medjool dates
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
4 tablespoons cocoa powder, plus extra for coating
agave nectar, optional

Add all of the ingredients together in a food processor and blend until smooth. Roll into bite size balls. Roll them in extra cocoa powder or cinnamon.