Sexy Strawberry No Bake Collagen Fudge

Happy [early} Valentine's Day, beauties! Oh baby, do I have the treat for you. I got into one of those "I just need to make something sweet but I don't even want to wait for something to bake" mode. You know what I mean. And obviously, when this happens, all I want is almond butter slathered on something. 

What I came up with is a healthy, no-bake strawberry collagen freezer fudge recipe I just had to share.

So I whipped out these adorable little ice molds that I picked up at Miniso for $3 and got to the cupboard. I just pulled out a random selection of ingredients and decided I would make these sexy strawberry collagen bites. If you don't have the collagen or sex dust on hand, don't even worry! All you really need is almond butter, coconut butter and a topping. You could throw in some dark chocolate here or whatever you'd like. They take literally 10 minutes to throw together and you'll have a delish batch of "fudge" to store in your freezer for when the sweet craving hits. It's creamy, tastes kind of like a strawberry wafer and will leave you excited for the day ahead. *wink wink*

P.S.: Did I mention they are packed with healthy fats, contains no refined sugar and will improve your hair, skin, nails, joints and gut all at the same time? All thanks to the COLLAGEN.

... you know I love collagen... you can read more on that here. 

But since this is a Valentine's Day treat I thought I would pack it with a few sexy additions. A little sex dust (totally optional) which is just a natural adaptogen that spikes creativity and energy, and goji berries, which are full of antioxidants and also boost your mood and energy.

Here's the recipe and some links if you want to stock up on some goodies!

S H O P   T H E  P O S T 

Triple Berry Loaf with Berry Glaze

Taking something so simple and making it an elegant piece of art does not need to be reserved for special occasions, or take a lot of effort! Elevating the every day is the exact mantra I try to promote because why not! All you need is little creativity and a few simple garnishes to turn a basic berry loaf into a work of art.


This past weekend we hosted Brandon's family over for a casual dinner. I wanted to make a dessert that was classic yet simple, and berry beautiful to look at (wink, wink)! A few weeks back (you may have seen my Instagram stories), I made a lemon-blueberry loaf and although it was delicious, I knew I could take it up a notch! I wanted it to be fruit-filled and fabulous, so on my second time around I changed up the recipe and opted for a triple berry version of the loaf. 

The loaf batter could not have been easier to put together, just a few simple ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour (yes, it's gluten-free!), and eggs, but the real star of the show was the fruit-filled center that was just oozing with E.D. SMITH jam! Not only did I add fresh berries to the batter, but I layered the jam for a berry delightful treat! The whole loaf took about 10 minutes to throw together. No time at all! One thing I can tell you is DO NOT forgo the glaze. It is insanely delicious! I could have easily eaten it with a spoon (confession—I may have)! Don't have coconut yogurt or almost milk on hand? Use whatever milk/yogurt you have!

Now to make it even more fabulous? Top the loaf with flowers, leftover berries, and almond slices. See how easy elegant can be? Try making this one for your next springtime brunch or get together! It will be one to remember!  





Triple Berry Loaf Ingredients
1 1/3 cups almond flour
1/3 cup coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 eggs
1/4 cup maple syrup
3/4 cup fresh berries (I used blackberries and blueberries)
1/2 cup E.D. SMITH Triple Fruits Raspberry Strawberry Blackberry Jam

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees, line loaf pan with parchment paper and spray paper with non-stick spray or spray coconut oil.
2. Whisk together almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a separate bowl whisk together eggs and maple syrup.
4. Pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients and mix until combined.
5. Fold in berries.
6. Pour half of the batter into parchment lined pan, add large spoonfuls of E.D. SMITH Triple Fruits jam, then layer rest of batter on top of jam.
7. Sprinkle top of bread with a few berries.
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes.

Glaze Ingredients
2 tablespoons almond milk
1 tablespoon Yoso Unsweetened Coconut Yogurt 
2 tablespoons E.D. SMITH Triple Fruits Raspberry Strawberry Blackberry Jam

Directions
1. Whisk together almond milk, coconut yogurt, and jam. If the glaze is too runny, add a touch of flour to thicken.
2. Pour on top of loaf once the loaf has cooled.
3. Place glazed loaf in the fridge to set.

4. Top with leftover berries, or other garnishes such as flowers, sliced almonds.

Do you love it?! How simple was that? If you make it I want to hear all about it! 

*This post was sponsored by E.D. SMITH

Black Forest Cake

I always try and go out of my way to make something extra special for Brandon's birthday. He loved the Mini Peanut Butter Cheesecakes, and the DIY Ice Cream Sandwich Bar. but I knew I wanted to go for something a touch more grandiose for this birthday. He had mentioned his love for Black Forest Cake (which completely shocked me because I can't stand it) in passing a few times over the year and I made a mental note to save the idea for his birthday cake. Personally, it's not my thing! Give me a soft baked, chewy, chocolate chip cookie with some ice cream scooped on top and all the toppings and I am a happy girl. I had a hard time choosing a recipe because honestly the combination of cherries, fruit syrup and chocolate did not entice me.. at all. But it's not all about me! When I saw this recipe on Butter and Brioche had the inclusion of mascarpone cream frosting in the middle I knew it was a winner. I mean-- he  does take cheese lover to new heights.

It was a process to assemble this cake. I made the cakes the day prior to celebrating so they would be cooled and ready to be iced. I went with 2 cakes, because I only had two pans and decided I did not want to make 4 layers. You start with the cake, then the frosting, and then the cherries and cherry syrup. The dark chocolate ganache (my favourite part) tops the cake and then the fresh fruit is added to the top. It's definitely a dense, moist, decadent cake and perfect for special occasions. I love the look of the fresh fruit and a light dusting of icing sugar on the top. And most importantly, he loved it, especially the cheese frosting, so that's a win in my books!

Do you like black forest cake? Or am I just being crazy?

Recipe can be found here.

White Chocolate Cookie Butter Confetti Popcorn

Making stove-top popcorn has always been a favourite snack of mine; it's quick, healthy, and easy and is customizable. When I saw Glitter Guide's White Chocolate Confetti Popcorn a while back ago, I bookmarked the recipe in my head and was waiting for the perfect occasion to whip up a batch of this heavenly creation... only I had a few adaptions of my own. I added in marshmallows, and mixed the melted chocolate with (my latest obsession) Trader Joe's Cookie Butter. Seriously genius, and seriously a sweet element to our Fancy Pufs x Pastels & Pastries shoot. Perfect for a party or a girly-girl movie night if you ask me!

Ingredients:
canola oil (enough to lightly cover the bottom of your pot)
1/2 cup popcorn kernels

1 cup white chocolate baking melts

2 tablespoons cookie butter 

1/2 cup mini marshmallows

1/4 cup confetti sprinkles

Directions:

1. Pour enough oil to lightly cover the bottom of a large pot and heat on medium-high heat.
2. After a few minutes test oil temperature by dropping 1 kernel into pot and see if poping beings (if not wait another minute).
3. Add kernels and cover pot with lid. When the popping begins, hold down lid while lifting and shaking the pot from side to side to ensure kernels don't burn. Shake every 10 seconds or so.
4. When popping stops, remove from heat and pour kernels out on waxed paper lined baking sheet.
5. Add white chocolate and cookie butter to a small bowl and melt in microwave (stop micro every 15 seconds to stir and make sure doesn't burn).
6. Spread chocolate/butter mixture evenly over popcorn and top with marshmallows and sprinkles.
7. Let popcorn sit out and chocolate mixture dry for at least an hour before bagging or putting out.

Recipe adapted form Glitter Guide's White Chocolate Confetti Popcorn 

More from Fancy Pufs x Pastels & Pastries

Happy Easter!

In between frosting the carrot cakes, and breaking up the Bunny Bark, I managed to snap a few pictures of the dessert buffet prep (it's been an early morning… ). Does it even surprise you to know that Easter is my favourite Holiday?! The family time, the pretty colours, the treats, the new life outside… nothing makes me happier! I hope you enjoy this lovely day and spend it with those who make you most happiest.

xo

{mini egg cookies from Desmond and Beatrice via Giftagram - use code PastelsPastries20 for 20$ off your first Giftagram!}

{homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting}

Easter Eats

With the Easter season being one of my favourite times of the year I have already started planning the dessert menu and outfit planning. Sweet, sweet pastel times are ahead, my friends!! If you're wondering what to bring to an Easter gathering, I have rallied some of my favourite treats to make for Spring. This bunny bark will always be one of my go-to's. It's seriously delicious -think golden oreos, mini eggs, marshmallows- and so easy since it requires no bake time. I've been making it for years and this year will be no exception! You could always try macarons in pretty spring colours, lemon cupcakes with Cool Whip icing, or sprinkle donuts! Be on the look-out for some more Spring themed desserts coming soon!

Love Treats

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching I thought I would share some of my favourite and sweetest posts which can easily double as treats for your Valentine! Why not try your hand at making macarons? I promise they're not quite as intimidating as you may think! Or, why not have a V-Day brunch complete with homemade strawberry milk, and chocolate stuffed french toast? You could always make a batch of red velvet cookies, or heart shaped cake pops. They can be easily packaged, and are sure to make anyone smile!

 I'd love to know- do you still give out Valentines?