Decadent yet Wholesome Chocolate Covered Almond Date Snack Bars 😋🌱
Ingredients:
For the Bars:
1 cup / 140g raw almonds
1 cup / 175g Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup / 45g rolled oats (use certified gluten-free if needed)
1 teaspoon / 5ml vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
For the Chocolate Coating:
4 oz / 115g good quality dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), chopped
1 teaspoon / 5ml coconut oil (optional, for smoother coating)
Optional Topping: Flaky sea salt, chopped almonds
Directions:
1. Prepare the bars: Add almonds to a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped. Remove about 1/4 cup and set aside. Process the remaining almonds until finely ground.
2. Add the pitted dates (soak first if dry, then drain well), rolled oats, vanilla extract, and pinch of sea salt to the food processor with the ground almonds.
3. Process until the mixture starts sticking together and forms a cohesive dough. Add the reserved chopped almonds back in and pulse a few times just to incorporate.
4. Line an 8x4 inch (20x10 cm) loaf pan or a similar small container with parchment paper, leaving an overhang.
5. Press the almond-date mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of the pan.
6. Place the pan in the freezer for at least 30 minutes to firm up while you prepare the chocolate.
7. Prepare the coating: Melt the chopped dark chocolate and optional coconut oil together using a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts (30 seconds), stirring in between, until smooth.
8. Remove the firmed almond-date slab from the freezer and lift it out using the parchment paper. Cut into bars (e.g., 8 bars).
9. Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, coating it partially or fully as desired. A fork can be helpful for dipping and allowing excess chocolate to drip off. Alternatively, drizzle the chocolate over the tops of the bars.
10. Place the chocolate-coated bars back onto the parchment-lined surface. If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt or extra chopped almonds while the chocolate is still wet.
11. Return the bars to the refrigerator or freezer for about 15-30 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
12. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Recipe Information:
Preparation Time: 20 mins | Chilling Time: 45 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins | Calories per Serving: Approx. 250 per bar | Number of Servings: 8 bars
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