Cherry Ripes are the oldest chocolate bar in Australia – and hugely popular.
However, my problem with Cherry Ripes is the ingredients:
Sugar, Coconut, Glace cherries (cherries, sugar, flavour, colour (129)), Wheat Glucose syrup, Cocoa mass, Sweetened condensed milk (milk concentrate, sugar, lactose), Vegetable fat, Milk solids, Cocoa butter, Cocoa powder, Invert sugar, Gelatine, Emulsifiers (soy lecithin, 476), Flavours, Colours (102, 123), Mineral salt (500). May contain traces of Nuts. Dark Chocolate contains Cocoa Solids 43%.
While they do contain cherries, they aren't fresh cherries. Instead, they come along with sugar, artificial flavours and colours, wheat, “vegetable” fat, and soy lecithin. No thanks!
This morning, I saw cherries for the first time in the supermarket (summer is well and truly on its way!), so I thought it was about time I made a Paleo-approved version of Cherry Ripes. Not only would this version be healthier, but it would also allow me to enjoy one of my favourite treats without the guilt.
Creating a Paleo version of Cherry Ripes means using natural ingredients that align with Paleo principles. By substituting fresh cherries for glace cherries and using raw nuts instead of processed fillers, the result is a dessert that’s both delicious and nutritious. Furthermore, this homemade version avoids all the unnecessary additives and preservatives found in the store-bought bars.
While dates are natural “sugar bombs”, my paleo cherry ripes have no added sweeteners. As an occasional treat these are a much better alternative – and I happen to think far tastier!
Making these Cherry Ripes not only satisfies my sweet tooth but also gives me peace of mind knowing that I'm consuming wholesome ingredients. It's amazing how you can enjoy classic treats with a healthy twist. The fresh cherries add a burst of flavour, and the combination of nuts and coconut provides a satisfying crunch.
I'd love to hear what you think! Have you tried making any Paleo versions of your favourite treats? Sharing ideas can inspire us all to keep experimenting and enjoying healthy, delicious food.
Paleo Cherry Ripes
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 150 g raw almonds
- 70 g raw pecans
- 12 medjool dates
- 175 g fresh cherries weighed with stones
- 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
- a pinch of salt
- 30 g shredded coconut
Instructions
- First, put the nuts in a blender with the salt and blend until most of the big pieces are ground down.
- Next, set the nuts aside and remove the stones from the cherries and dates.
- Then, blend the cherries, dates, and oil before adding this paste to the ground nuts, along with the shredded coconut.
- Thoroughly mix everything together into a ball and roll it out between two pieces of greaseproof paper.
- Finally, put the rolled-out mixture in the fridge for half an hour before cutting it into cherry ripe length strips.
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These taste AWESOME!!
I look forward to you making another batch.
They go very well with a cup of tea ( of course with no milk!)
Glad you liked, I'll definitely have to try another batch soon!
These look so tempting, what a treat. I might make some later on.
You definitely should!
I hate regular Cherry Ripe with a passion, yours sound so much better.
They aren't great Gaby! And they're available all year round, despite cherries only being around for a relatively short period!
Add a half cup of carob powder to add the chocolate flavour.
Yum! I bet these taste so much better then cherry ripe and without all the nasty additives. Thank you for sharing 🙂
These sound wonderful. I will be making them for sure! I have some frozen cherries from last spring so I can use those! Thanks heaps.