As the August sun beats down and the mercury rises, there’s nothing quite like a cool, creamy treat to beat the heat.

But what if we told you that you could indulge in a delicious frozen dessert that’s not only refreshing but also packed with nutrients and free from refined sugars?

Get ready to have your taste buds blown away by Nicecream – it’s like ice cream’s fit, healthy and fabulous cousin!

Today, we’re thrilled to share a mouthwatering Nicecream recipe with an vegan chocolate orange shell, courtesy of our talented fan Sophia (@fuellinghappy)

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill frozen banana concoction; it’s a carefully crafted blend of wholesome ingredients that will satisfy your sweet tooth whilst nourishing your body.

What is Nicecream?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why Nicecream is such a brilliant alternative to traditional ice cream.

For starters, it’s typically made with a base of frozen bananas, which provide natural sweetness and a creamy texture without the need for added sugars or dairy. This makes it an excellent option for those following a vegan, dairy-free, or refined sugar-free lifestyle.

But Sophia’s recipe takes things a step further. She’s added some genius ingredients to boost the nutritional profile and create a more balanced treat. Let’s break it down:

The Nicecream Base: A Nutritional Powerhouse

• Frozen bananas: The star of the show, providing creamy sweetness and potassium.
• Frozen courgette: A genius way to hide some extra nutrients and fibre without affecting the flavour
• Cooked quinoa: This protein-packed grain adds staying power and a unique texture.
• Vanilla protein powder: For an extra protein boost and flavour enhancement.
• Plant-based milk: Sophia recommends canned coconut milk for ultimate creaminess.

The addition of quinoa and protein powder is particularly clever, as it helps create a more balanced treat that will keep you satiated for longer.

It’s a far cry from the sugar-laden ice creams that lead to energy crashes and cravings.

The Pièce de Résistance: The Vegan Chocolate Orange Shell

Now, let’s talk about the crowning glory of this Nicecream creation – the vegan chocolate orange shell.

Sophia has chosen to use our Mr Popple’s orange chocolate, and we couldn’t be more chuffed.

If you’d like to recreate this tasty (yet nutritious and oh so satisfying) recipe with our orange chocolate, you have two choices:

• Our Euphoric Orange bar, made with 70% raw cacao and sweetened with low-GI yacon syrup, is the perfect healthy complement to this wholesome treat.
• Our Creamy Orange bar, crafted with a blend of rice and oat mylks, offers a sweet, smooth and creamy texture that melts in your mouth. 

Why do these pairings work so well? Our raw chocolate orange bars are crafted using unroasted Peruvian Criollo cacao beans, which retain more of their natural antioxidants and mood-boosting compounds compared to roasted cacao. The addition of organic orange oil creates a zesty flavour that perfectly balances the creamy Nicecream base.

Moreover, by using our ethically sourced, organic chocolate, you’re not only treating yourself but also supporting sustainable farming practices and fair trade principles. It’s a win-win situation that aligns perfectly with the ethos of this health-conscious recipe.

The Recipe

Without further ado, here’s Sophia’s delightful recipe for Nicecream with an Orange Chocolate Shell:

Orange Nicecream Recipe with Chocolate Shell

Get ready to whip up a deliciously creamy, zesty nicecream that will have your taste buds dancing in the summer sun! This recipe is all about fun flavours and healthy ingredients, so let’s dive right in!

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup plant-based milk (use your favourite kind!)
• 100g Mr. Popple’s Creamy Orange chocolate (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 frozen banana
• 1 frozen courgette (zucchini for our friends over the pond)
• Additional toppings of your choice (nuts, seeds, fruit, etc.)

Instructions

Step 1: Blend the Base

• Grab your trusty food processor and toss in 1 cup of cooked quinoa and 1 cup of plant-based milk.
• Blend until you have a smooth, creamy puree. This will be the base of your nicecream!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

• In a small bowl, chop up 30g – 60g of Mr. Popple’s Orange chocolate (around 30g per person) and add 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.
• Pop it in a bain-marie (you can use a Pyrex dish over a steaming pan), or in the microwave on the lowest setting. Give it a stir every now and then. Keep your eyes on it, though! We don’t want it to get too hot because our raw chocolate has been handcrafted at a low temperature, so is naturally packed with goodness.
• Once melted, set it aside and let it cool a bit.

Step 3: Add the Frozen Goodies

• Now, it’s time to add some the extra hidden nutrition! Throw 1 frozen banana and 1 frozen courgette into the food processor with your quinoa puree.
• Pulse or blend until smooth. Remember to stop and scrape down the sides as needed.
• Important: Don’t over-blend! We want to keep it nice and cold to ensure that ice-cream-like texture.

Step 4: Mix in the Goodies

• Add any remaining ingredients you want (like a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt) and blend until just incorporated.

Step 5: Assemble and Enjoy!

• Pour your nicecream mixture into a bowl.
• Drizzle your melted chocolate over the top and watch it transform into a delightful shell! The chocolate will harden quickly, giving you that satisfying crunch.

Step 6: Top It Off

• Get creative with your toppings! Sprinkle on some nuts, seeds, fresh fruit, or even more chopped chocolate. The sky’s the limit!

Enjoy Your Creation!

And there you have it! A creamy, dreamy, zesty quinoa nicecream topped with a luscious chocolate shell.

Enjoy every delicious bite, and don’t forget to share with friends (or keep it all to yourself—you deserve it)!

The Magic of Mindful Indulgence

What we love about this recipe is how it embodies the principle of mindful indulgence. It’s a treat that you can feel good about enjoying, knowing that every ingredient has been chosen with care and consideration for both your health and the planet.

The use of our plant-based orange chocolate in the shell adds an extra layer of goodness. Not only does it provide a delightful contrast in texture and temperature, but it also brings with it the mood-boosting properties of raw cacao.

Theobromine, a compound found in cacao, provides a gentle, sustained energy boost without the jitters associated with caffeine.

Meanwhile, other compounds like anandamide (aptly named the “bliss molecule”) can promote feelings of wellbeing and contentment.

A Versatile Base for Creativity

One of the brilliant aspects of this Nicecream recipe is its versatility.

While the orange chocolate shell is a divine pairing, you could easily experiment with other vegan chocolate flavours from our range.

Imagine a Minty Mylk shell for a refreshing twist, or perhaps our award winning Amarillo Chilli bar for those who like a bit of heat with their sweet.

The base itself is also ripe for customisation. Sophia suggests optional add-ins like maca, lucuma, and ginger, each bringing their own nutritional benefits and flavour profiles.

It’s a fantastic canvas for exploring different superfoods and adapting the recipe to your personal tastes and nutritional needs.

Cooling Down with Conscience

As we navigate through these warm August days, it’s comforting to know that we can cool down with treats that align with our values.

This Nicecream recipe, paired with our ethically produced chocolate, allows us to indulge without compromise – to our health, to the farmers who grow our food, or to the planet we call home.
So why not give this recipe a whirl? It’s a delicious way to beat the heat whilst nourishing your body and supporting sustainable practices. And who knows? It might just become your new favourite summer treat.

A Shout-out to Sophia

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to Sophia for creating and sharing this fantastic recipe.

Her innovative approach to healthy plant-based eating perfectly complements our ethos at Mr Popple’s Chocolate.

If you’re hungry for more of Sophia’s incredible, tasty, and very healthy vegan-friendly recipes (many of which look like works of art), be sure to check out her Instagram @fuellinghappy.

Remember, cool treats don’t have to come with a side of guilt. With a bit of creativity and some high-quality ingredients, you can create desserts that are as nourishing as they are delicious.

Here’s to a summer filled with mindful indulgence and Nicecream adventures!