No-Bake Dark Chocolate Nut & Seed Bars

No-Bake Dark Chocolate Nut & Seed Bars

By: Lisa Guy

These delicious bars are a nourishing way to satisfy chocolate cravings. Nuts and seeds deliver protein, healthy fats and fibre to support energy, hormone and heart health, while antioxidant-rich dark chocolate helps reduce inflammation, support brain function and boost mood.

Recipe

Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 1⁄2 cups almond flour
• 1⁄2 cup walnuts
• 1⁄4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1⁄4 cup pepitas
• 1 cup dates, pitted & soaked in warm water for 15–20 mins, then drained
• 2 heaped tbsp almond butter or tahini
• 3⁄4 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 heaped tbsp almond butter
• 1⁄3 cup hazelnuts or almonds, roughly chopped

Method

• Place the almond fl our, walnuts, sunfl ower seeds and pepitas in a food processor
  and pulse until fi nely chopped. Add the soaked dates and almond butter, then
  pulse again until the mixture comes together but still has some texture.
• Line a small baking dish or tray with baking paper. Press the mixture firmly
  and evenly into the base of the dish.
• Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of gently simmering
  water or melt in short bursts in the microwave. Stir through almond butter
  until smooth. Pour the chocolate over the base and spread evenly.
• While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the hazelnuts over the top, pressing
  them in lightly so they stick.
• Refrigerate for 3 hrs before cutting.
• Lift the slice from the dish using the baking paper, then cut into bars or squares.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.