Indulge in guilt-free sweetness: Dark Chocolate Walnut Date Bars
Dark chocolate walnut date bars are a perfect snack or dessert for chocolate lovers. They are rich, chewy, and packed with natural sweetness from dates. This recipe is unique as it is vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free, making it a healthy option for anyone looking for a guilt-free indulgence.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven for about 10 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Let them cool.
- In a food processor, combine the toasted walnuts, pitted dates, almond flour, shredded coconut, cacao powder, melted coconut oil, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Process the mixture until it forms a sticky dough.
- Line a 9-inch square baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the dough into the dish and press it down firmly and evenly with your hands.
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in a double boiler or a microwave. Once melted, pour the chocolate over the top of the dough and use a spatula to spread it out evenly.
- Place the dish in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate is firm.
- Once the chocolate has set, remove the dish from the fridge and use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares.
- Serve the bars chilled and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Tips:
- Use Medjool dates instead of regular dates for a sweeter and more caramel-like flavor.
- Make sure to press the dough firmly into the baking dish to ensure that the bars hold their shape.
- Use good quality dark chocolate chips for a rich and decadent flavor.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can process the dough for a little longer in the food processor.
- You can also add other ingredients like dried fruit or nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
In conclusion, this dark chocolate walnut date bar recipe is a delicious and healthy treat that is perfect for anyone who loves chocolate. It is easy to make, requires only a few ingredients, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy them as a midday snack or an after-dinner dessert, these bars are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings without any guilt.