Healthy no-bake festive treats

If you’re running short on time or just have no more space in your oven, try these tempting no-bake delights that will please everyone with a sweet tooth. No oven is required for these delicious and healthy Christmas biscuits, bites, and bars.

Snowy amaretto bites

If you have a craving for that sweet almond taste, you’ll definitely love these no-bake amaretto bites.

Ingredients

• 280g blanched almonds * (soaked overnight in the fridge)
• 125g icing sugar + extra for during
• 2 tsp almond extract
• 2 tbsp amaretto

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1.
Rinse and dry the almonds then grind them to a paste in a food processor. Add the sugar, almond extract, and blend again.

Step 2.
Shape the mixture into balls and roll in icing sugar. Store in the fridge until you want to snack on them!

Gingerbread biscuit bites

A healthier take on a Christmas classic, these gingerbread bites are nutty, oaty and perfectly spiced.

Ingredients

• 110g macadamias *
• 110g halved pecans *
• 50g desiccated coconut *
• 150g oats * (ground into flour)
• 2 tbsp ground ginger *
• 1 tsp grated ginger root
• 1 tsp cinnamon *
• 2 tbsp flaxseed *
• 1 tsp vanilla essence
• 5 medjool dates *
• 80g honey * or agave nectar *
• 1 tsp molasses *
• 1 tbsp coconut oil *
• 2 tbsp water
• 50g chopped crystallised ginger

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1.
Blend the nuts in a food processor or high speed blender until they are chunky. Add the desiccated coconut and oat flour and blend again.

Step 2.
Throw in the ground ginger, fresh ginger, cinnamon, flax, vanilla powder and medjool dates and blend until the dates are chopped. Then add in the nectar, molasses, water and coconut oil until the mix forms a dough.

Step 3.
Mix the chopped ginger into the dough and then form little cookie dough balls with your hands. Place them on a plate or tray and then refrigerate for an hour before serving.

No-Bake Chocolate Log

Chocolatey with a dark rum kick, this no-bake log is rich and deliciously moreish.

Ingredients

• 285g chopped dark chocolate *
• 110g chopped biscotti
• 1 large egg
• 95g flaked almonds *
• 35g chopped hazelnuts *
• 90g cubed unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder *
• 2 tbsp brewed and cooled coffee
• 1/2 tbsp dark rum
• 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp orange zest
• Icing sugar for dusting

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1.
Melt the chocolate in a bain marie and add in the orange zest, rum, and vanilla. Combine well and then remove from the heat.

Step 2.
Beat the egg and butter together in another bowl before adding the cocoa powder and coffee. Stir in the melted chocolate before mixing in the nuts and chopped biscotti biscuits.

Step 3.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Once cool, turn the mixture out onto Clingfilm and roll into a thin log shape. Twist the ends of the film to secure and then place it back in the fridge overnight.

Step 4.
To serve, unwrap the log, dust with icing sugar and use a sharp knife to cut 1cm thick circles.

Walnut Raisin Oat Biscuits

Packed with healthy raisins and walnuts, these biscuits are a treat you don’t have to feel guilty about.

Ingredients

• 200g walnuts *
• 175g medjool dates *
• 75g raisins *
• 80g oats *
• ½ tbsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon *
• 1⁄₄ tsp salt *
• 80g chopped walnuts *
• 20g oats *

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1.
Grind 200g of walnuts in a food processor until they form a paste. Add the medjool dates and blend together to make a dough.

Step 2.
Add in 80g of oats, the vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Blend well before placing the mixture in a bowl and mixing in the raisins. Shape the dough into balls.

Step 3.
Mix the 80g of chopped walnuts and 20g of remaining oats in a shallow dish. Roll the dough balls in this mix so they are lightly covered and then transfer to a large plate or tray to chill in the fridge

No-Bake Orange Shortbread

If you’re a fan of citrus flavours then you’ll love this indulgent and energy-filled shortbread with an orange marmalade twist.

Ingredients

• 100g coconut oil *
• 100g unflavoured pea protein powder *
• 100g orange marmalade *
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Icing sugar and cinnamon for dusting

* Available at Holland & Barrett

Method

Step 1.
Melt the coconut oil and mix in the protein powder and marmalade.

Step 2.
Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well. Shape the dough into squares or cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters.

Step 3.
Place them on a tray or plate and leave in the fridge to set. Dust with icing sugar and cinnamon before serving.

Shop our Food & Drink range