Nut Bars with Dark Chocolate Chunks

I don't eat dessert very often, but there are times when you just want a bit of sweetness in your life. The advantage of raw treats like these is you can even enjoy them for breakfast without the guilt because they are packed with the goodness of nuts, seeds and fruit. As the weather gets warmer finally it is also a great alternative to turning on the oven. All you need is a food processor to whirl everything together. When you are in a rush out the door but want a protein packed pick-me-up, these are ideal to have on hand. You only really need one small square or two to keep you going.

Nut Bars with Dark Chocolate Chunks

Recipe by Lisa Turner
Published on April 28, 2015

Easy no-bake protein bars packed with nuts, dried fruit and chunks of dark chocolate

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Ingredients:

2/3 cup raw almonds
2/3 cup unsweetened dried grated coconut
1 cup raw cashews
3/4 cup pitted dates, packed
1/4 cup pitted prunes (or additional dates)
1/3 cup hemp seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons water
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
3 1/2 oz (100 g) dark chocolate, cut into chunks

Instructions:

In a food processor, pulse the almonds and coconut together for 30 seconds. Add the cashews and process for another 30 seconds until the mixture is reduced to coarse crumbs. Add the dates, prunes, hemp seeds, vanilla, water and salt and process until the mixture starts to come together.
Transfer to a medium bowl and stir in the chocolate chunks. Spoon the mixture into a 8-inch baking pan and press down evenly and firmly. Using a piece of waxed paper spread over the bars is helpful here. Cover the pan with foil and chill in the refrigerator for at least 5 hours. Cut into 2-inch squares.

Makes 16 2-inch squares