Biting into this inspired, nutrient-rich twist on “Tootsie Pops” will bring back sweet childhood memories. These Chocolaty Strawberry-Walnut Lollipops showcase fresh California strawberries filled with a delicious desserty center that’s based on a blend of California walnuts, cocoa, dates, vanilla, and a pinch of orange zest. And then, of course, it’s all enjoyed on lollipop sticks.

Not only are these lollipops scrumptious, but they’re also full of nutritiousness. The California walnuts provide good fats and are the only tree nut to provide an excellent source of the essential plant-based omega-3 (2.5g/oz). [Sources: 1,2] Walnuts also offer 4g of plant protein, 2g of fiber per one ounce… and lasting energy. And the strawberries are packed with vitamin C – one cup provides 95% of the daily value for vitamin C – along with potassium, folate, and fiber. And those are just a teeny tiny bit of the benefits for these two awesome foods!

Plus, you get to enjoy two of these wholesome lollipops for a serving, not just one! So much fun!

Disclosure: At time of posting, Jackie was a spokesperson for the California Walnut Commission and California Strawberry Commission.

SOURCES:

[1] U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. fdc.nal.usda.gov.

[2] Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (FDA) One ounce of walnuts offers 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant-based omega-3.

chocolaty strawberry-walnut lollipops

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• Author: Jackie Newgent, RDN, CDN
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 16 pops 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

These Chocolaty Strawberry-Walnut Lollipops showcase fresh California strawberries filled with a delicious desserty center that’s based on a blend of California walnuts, cocoa, dates, vanilla, and a pinch of orange zest. And then, of course, it’s all enjoyed on lollipop sticks.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2/3 cup (2 oz) California walnut halves and pieces
• 3 oz pitted dried dates (about 10-12 dates)
• 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 tsp grated orange or mandarin orange zest
• 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp unsweetened green tea or water, or as needed (optional)
• 16 extra-large California strawberries
• 16 (4-inch) lollipop sticks

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Instructions

1. Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the walnuts and toast while stirring occasionally until desired brownness, about 2 1/2 minutes.
2. Add the walnuts, dates, cocoa powder, orange zest, vanilla, and salt to a food processor. Cover and puree on high speed until mixture has a thick, dough-like texture when pressed with the back of a spatula, at least 3 minutes, adding the drizzling of tea or water, if needed.
3. Remove the leaves (hull) the strawberries. Core (scoop out) the center white part of each strawberry using a paring knife and/or small melon baller or 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon.
4. With your fingers, press or roll the chocolatey filling into 16 pear-shaped balls, about 1 fully-rounded measuring teaspoon each. Press one ball into (and just outside of) each strawberry crevasse/opening. (Note: It’ll be pear-shaped). Insert each stuffed strawberry onto a lollipop stick.
5. Keep chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Store for up to 4 days.

Notes

The moister the dates, the better.

Low-waste tip: Chill (or freeze) leftover strawberry scraps for pureeing into a smoothie or tossing onto a salad.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: snack, appetizer,
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 pops
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 10g includes 0g added sugars
• Sodium: 35mg
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Looking for other fun snack or app recipes? Try my strawberry-walnut pinwheel snacks (see recipe HERE), food scrap hummus garden (see recipe HERE), and s’mores-style plant-based caprese (see recipe HERE).