A healthy snack for the family, these raw, vegan, treats are decadent, filling, and made with all natural ingredients. These homemade chocolate almond larabars are loosely based on the original but they are without a doubt healthier for you.
The combination of chewy Medjool dates, raw almonds, natural sweetener, creamy almond butter and melted chocolate chips, make for a decadent, energy-boosting snack for all members for the family.
These bars can be store in the fridge of freezer, as desired. I prefer grabbing one right out the freezer allowing it to defrost for 5-7 minutes before eating. Alternatively, of you prefer a softer, chewier consistency, store in the fridge and remove right before eating.
Homemade energy bars are easy and quick to make and allow you to create a variety of flavour combinations to suit your personal tastes. You’ll love this this recipe but you might prefer making some additions or substitutions of the original ingredients based on your preferences, such as:
Chocolate chips: Replace with 1/4 cup of carob chips.
Agave nectar: Use organic brown rice syrup or raw honey or maple syrup.
Almonds/Walnuts: Substitute with other raw nuts, such as cashews, macadamia, pecans or hazelnuts
Dates: Substitute half the quantity with dried fruit such as raisins, or cranberries.
Almond butter: Replace with another organic nut butter
Vanilla extract: Replace with another flavour, such as mint, lemon or orange extract.
Ingredients
(Yields about 6 2 x 3 inch bars)
1 packed cup large Medjool dates
1/4 cup raw almonds
1/4 cup raw walnuts
1/4 cup organic almond butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tsp. ground flax seed (optional)
1 tsp. organic agave nectar or other liquid sweetener
1/4 cup chocolate chips, melted
1/8 tsp. sea salt (optional)
Preparation
Heat chocolate chips in a small bowl in the microwave for 15-20 second intervals to avoid heating too quickly and burning. Stir the chips after each interval until they are smooth and creamy.
Add all the ingredients to a large food processor.
Blend for a few minutes or until well combined. They mixture should be crumbly but come together easily when packed tightly.
Line a small biscotti pan (or pan of choice) with parchment paper.
Add the mixture to the pan then flatten with your hands to form a rectangular log (I make mine about 1 inch thick).
Allow to cool and firm up in the fridge for at least 2-3 hours.
Remove the bars by lifting the parchment paper from the pan then peel off the bars. Cut into desired size then store in the fridge in an air tight container or plastic bag for up to 2-3 weeks. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Your bars look very healthy and delicious! I loved the combination of ingredients and could go for one to try right now!
I notice you use a lot of chocolate. Is that ok to give to babies (11months)? Sorry if this is a silly question. I’m a first time mom and I have a very active child who is NOT a good sleeper 😉
The chocolate chips can be optional and you can always substitute with carob chips, which are caffeine-free! I definitely don’t recommended these for babies under one year. You should also take a look at my other raw energy bar and cookie recipes that do not contain chocolate 😉