My 7-year-old is a creature of habit. He would eat the exact same breakfast every day, if I let him—a toaster waffle with peanut butter, sliced banana, and a drizzle of maple syrup. It’s actually a balanced breakfast, if you opt for whole-grain and use a light hand with the syrup.
But one morning I was out of bananas and peanut butter, so I pulled a few items out of the pantry, reached for my food processor, and whipped up this super-easy spread.
I always have nuts around for snacking, and cashews are so easy to work with, which is why it made sense to start there. And since I’ve discovered the low-glycemic sweetness of Medjool dates*, those were a no-brainer pick, too. Adding plant-based chocolate protein powder to the mix gives the spread an extra kick of protein and a hint of cocoa flavor.
I smeared it over his waffle, presented it to him on a plastic dish, and heard: “This is delicious, but I want a real plate next time—I’m a big boy!” (You sure are, little man!)
He didn’t even miss the syrup.
*The Medjool date is an all-star sweetener. If you love them as much as I do, you’ll also like our Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Recipe and our Chocolate Chia Protein Pudding Recipe.
This recipe was originally created for Mama Love Chocolate Protein, which is no longer in production. Looking for a great alternative? For a similar taste and consistency, try using a high-quality, plant-based protein powder made from yellow peas, like Naked Pea Chocolate Pea Protein Powder.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cashews
- 1/3 cup Plant-based Chocolate Protein Powder
- 4 Medjool Dates, pits removed
- 2/3 cups Water
Instructions
Pour boiling water over cashews and soak for 20 minutes, then strain. Add cashews, chocolate protein powder, and dates to a food processor. While processing on low, stream in water, 1/3 cup at a time. Continue to process on high until smooth. Serve immediately, or store in a tightly sealed container in the fridge for up to one week. Makes about 2 cups; 14 servings.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1 (about 2 Tbsp.)
Calories 85
| Amount per Serving | % Daily Value | |
| Total Fat | 4.8g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 4% |
| Cholesterol | 0g | 0% |
| Sodium | 4mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 8.6g | 3% |
| Dietary Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Total Sugars | 4g | |
| Protein | 3g | |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 100mg | 2% |
The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
