Healthy Chocolate Date Bars - No Baking Required! 👍😋
ingredients:
1.5 cups (225g) pitted dates (Medjool or similar soft dates work best)
1 cup (120g) raw nuts (such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews)
1/4 cup (25g) cocoa powder or cacao powder
Pinch of sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional additions: 2 tablespoons shredded coconut, 2 tablespoons vegan mini chocolate chips
directions:
1. Prepare dates: If your dates are not soft and sticky, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
2. Process nuts: In a food processor, add the nuts and process until they are finely ground or form a coarse meal.
3. Add dates and other ingredients: Add the pitted dates, cocoa powder, sea salt, and vanilla extract (if using) to the food processor.
4. Process until dough forms: Process the mixture until it comes together to form a sticky dough. It might clump around the blade. If it seems too dry, add a teaspoon of water at a time, processing after each addition, until it's the right consistency. If adding optional shredded coconut or chocolate chips, pulse them in now.
5. Press into pan: Line an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. Transfer the dough mixture to the prepared dish and press it down firmly and evenly into a compact layer using your hands or the bottom of a glass.
6. Chill: Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or freeze for 30 minutes) until the bars are firm.
7. Cut into bars: Once firm, lift the bars out of the dish using the parchment paper overhang. Place on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares of your desired size.
8. Store: Store the energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for several months.
Recipe Information: Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes (+ chilling) | Calories per Serving: 280 | Number of Servings: 8
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