Cranberry Goji Chocolate Cups

I’ve talked about how my love for cranberries is strong this year. I’ve always loved cranberries but usually I don’t consume them this much as I’m usually whipping up all the pumpkin goodies. I still haven’t figured out what changed as I’m the one who’s fighting the pumpkin bug on the first cooler day in August. I even went to make pumpkin bread earlier this week and spied some spotted bananas and ended up making some pretty amazing banana bread that I can’t wait to share. Don’t worry I did some recipe testing with pumpkin this week as well and I have something good coming, so yes two really exciting baked goods. Really I have 3 because have one posting for a Thanksgiving round up next week too, so 2 delicious holiday baked goods! What can I say it was cold and rainy. This was something that wouldn’t have even surprised me in the past as I was always baking but haven’t been lately even though it’s my first kitchen love.

So who doesn’t love chocolate, ok well I know a couple people but I think most people like it. What if I gave you a great reason to have your chocolate and eat it to? Yes these superfood chocolate cups are good for you! Made with cacao powder, coconut oil, and coconut milk sweetened with maple syrup and than packed with cranberries and goji berries! I thought to save these to share for the holidays but I couldn’t wait. Things in my posting schedule are getting moved around a little. Things didn’t go as planned this week, a few count your blessings and cherish your moments reminders. I also got some good new last night and I might be “out of the kitchen” for a couple days next week. I thought why not as these are also perfect for those chocolate cravings you might get this weekend with all the candy Halloween just around the corner. I’m a sucker for peanut butter cups and a few other candies. I may even whip up a batch of these with some cashew or almond butter added in to enjoy. However these were made with the holidays in mind and a bite size sweet treat with health benefits. Also to keep on hand for when that sweet tooth is nagging me I have something that will satisfy me and give me a little superfood boost.

So yes there is good chocolate. Homemade chocolate made with healthy fats like coconut oil and coconut milk and cocoa powder are good. Also using less sugar and a natural sweetener like maple syrup that contains magnesium. Cacao is a great source of antioxidants, and it contains an abundance of magnesium and iron. Cranberries are full of antioxidants, and high in vitamin C and fiber. and high in vitamin C and fiber. They also fight inflammation, reduce the risk of heart disease, and help prevent ulcers and yeast infections and may help prevent cancer. Goji berries are also packed with antioxidants, include 18 amino acids, have more vitamin C than oranges, more beta-carotene than carrots, and more iron than soybeans and spinach! So together they are one super fruit duo!

So while I’m all about balance in life and like my treats I like to have healthy treats on hand and I like to make batches of them to share with friends and family. They are vegan, gluten free, soy free, nut free (don’t worry still delicious) so everyone can enjoy them. When they fall in love with what they think is just another sweet treat I get to tell them that it’s actually good for them!

Cranberry Goji Chocolate Cups
Makes 24 mini cups
1/3c pure maple syrup or agave (maple syrup)
1/4c canned full fat coconut milk (So Delicious Original Culinary Coconut Milk)
1/2c coconut oil, melted
3/4c cacao powder (used Navitas Naturals Cacao Powder)
1 tsp vanilla
pinch of sea salt

Cranberry Goji Berry Filling
1c (4oz) fresh cranberries
1/4c goji berries (Navitas Naturals)
2 TBSP maple syrup
1/4c water

Additional goji berries for topping, optional.

Start by making the filling, this can be made ahead of time. Bring cranberries, maple syrup, and water to a boil, reduce and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in goji berries. Let cool and place in the refrigerator until ready to make cups. If making the cups right away you will want to give the filling about an hour to cool so your cups are smooth. Line a mini muffin pan with liners or you can omit these if using a silicon mold. In a bowl whisk, or use a hand mixer, together maple syrup, coconut milk, coconut oil, vanilla, and sea salt. Add in cacao powder and mix until smooth. Place a spoonful of chocolate, filling each cup only 1/4 of the way, about 1/2 a tablespoon. Once all the cups are filled add a spoonful of the cranberry goji berry filling in the center. Top with chocolate and optional goji berries. Place in the refrigerator or freezer to set. They will set quicker in the freezer but I like to store them in the refrigerator as they come to room temp quicker when they’re ready to be enjoyed! You will probably have a little of the filling remaining, you can use this to top your yogurt, muesli, or oatmeal. Enjoy!

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It’s Friday so I’m linking up with fellow bloggers Farrah, Annmarie, Esther, and Jess for Foodie Friday!