If you thought a healthified version of your favorite candy bar could never taste amazing, think again. These sneaky treats are quick and don't require any baking.
Prep Time25minutes
chilling time2hours
Servings15bars
Ingredients
Date Caramel:
2cupspitted dates220g
2tablespoons32g natural peanut butter
1/4cupcoconut cream60ml *see note
1teaspoonpure vanilla extract
3/4teaspoonsea salt
Crust Layer:
1/4cupprepared date caramelrecipe above
1/2cup65g raw peanuts
1/2cup65g raw cashews
1/3cup50g gf oat flour
2/3cupunsweetened dessicated coconut shreds
1/2teaspoonsea salt
Chocolate Layer:
4ouncesunsweetened baking chocolatevegan if needed
1tablespoonmaple syrup or honey
1tablespooncoconut cream *see note
Instructions
Date Caramel:
The first step is soaking the dates. They need at least 2 hours to blend well, but up to overnight is even better. Simply place them in a glass or metal bowl and pour boiling water (or very hot) over them and let them sit until softened.
Drain the dates and add them to a blender or food processor along with the other ingredients for the date caramel. Pulse until completely smooth and blended.
Crust Layer:
Scrape the caramel into a separate bowl and add about 1/4 cup of it back to the blender. Add the other ingredients for the crust layer to the blender and pulse until it comes together into a thick, slightly crumbly mixture (you'll most likely need to scrape the sides a few times between pulses).
Line a medium sized pan (such as an 8x8 or a 9x11) with parchment and press the crust mixture into it tightly.
Now add the rest of the prepared date caramel to the top and smooth into an even layer with a rubber spatula. Chill in the freezer for at least an hour.
Chocolate Layer:
Melt the coconut oil and unsweetened chocolate in a double boiler over low heat, stirring gently. Once smoothly melted, stir in the maple or honey and pour out over the top of the chilled bars. Allow the chocolate to set before cutting into bars and serving slightly chilled.
Store in the fridge in an airtight container.
Recipe Notes
Coconut cream can be purchased on it's own at stores like Trader Joe's or you can simply use a can of full-fat coconut milk. Chill the can and use the thick cream on the top of the can that separates from the liquid.