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25 September, 2014

Chocolate energy bars with superfoods (raw, grain-free)

Comments : 25 Posted in : Breakfast, snack on by : apsara Tags: , , ,

 

When I visit a Health & Wellness store, I can go crazy buying unprocessed foods including superfoods. It is my aim to use as much of it in everyday food. Superfoods being loaded with antioxidants and minerals, are best consumed in raw or minimally cooked form to get the full benefits. After all, we pay so much to get these rare gems of food, right?

I have used them in a smoothie earlier. Here’s another way to pack nutrients in healthy energy bars- call it breakfast or snack bars.

A tip: If your kids do not like to eat nuts or dried fruit but likes chewy granola bars, this is a great way to get them interested. A little bit of chocolate does the trick. ๐Ÿ™‚

Also makes ideal gifts for your loved ones…

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I guess, with a little added protein powder these can be made into protein bars. But I’m not sure about getting protein powders or isolated forms of protein. Maybe the naturally available amount of protein in these are enough? Here’s the reason why:

I recently watched this interesting video that has been making its rounds on Facebook. “The Dangerous Truth About Protein” by Dr. Janice Stanger. She is very convincing in her argument that there is way too much emphasis on the macro nutrient and how excess protein can lead to harm.

I think these are perfect for sharing at the Virtual Vegan Potluck 13 hosted by Annie of An Unrefined Vegan. Hoping to get more thoughts on the protein subject too, from experts on the vegan diet!

Also sharing this at Fiesta Friday 35, hosted by the lovely Naina (Spice In The City) and Prudy (Basil Butter and Breadcrumbs).

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Chocolate energy bars

  • Time: 20 minutes
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

Ingredients:

chopped dried figs- 1 1/2 cup

raw cashews- 3 cups

mixed seeds/nuts- 1 cup (I used walnuts, sunflower seeds)

goji berries- 2 tbsp.

maple syrup- 3-4 tbsp.

vanilla extract- 1/2 tsp.

cacao nibs- 2 tbsp. (can use broken dark chocolate)

cocoa/cacao powder- 2 tbsp. for dusting

ย Method:

* In a food processor or blender, roughly grind cashews and other nuts. Add figs and goji berries, pulse a few times. Add maple syrup, vanilla extract to moisten and help the process.

* Add cacao nibs (raw chocolate bits). Blend till everything is mixed well.

* Line a loaf pan with parchment/wax paper. Dust with cacao powder.

* Add the mixture in and smooth out with a spatula. Add more cacao powder evenly to coat the top.

* Allow to set for an hour in the fridge and cut into bars of desired thickness.

 

ย Note:

These can be stored outside. If stored in the fridge, the cacao nibs tend to become hard.

25s COMMENTS

25 thoughts on : Chocolate energy bars with superfoods (raw, grain-free)

    • September 25, 2014 at 10:14 pm

      yes, Vidya, and versatile too!

  • September 25, 2014 at 3:43 pm

    Wow goji berries sounds healthy and luscious Apsara. ..

    • September 25, 2014 at 10:16 pm

      Yes, goji is a recent discovery for me, and I love it for the color too!

    • September 27, 2014 at 1:41 am

      thanks, Elaine!

  • September 26, 2014 at 11:17 am

    Oh, such a lovely no bake bar! I can imagine how useful it will be when I am on a shopping spree!

    • September 27, 2014 at 1:41 am

      absolutely! that’s a great idea. ๐Ÿ™‚

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  • September 26, 2014 at 6:58 pm

    Wow Apsara! Loved it :). I might have to try my own nutty bars at home sometime :).

    • September 27, 2014 at 1:42 am

      Yes, these are so much fun to make!

  • Upneet
    September 27, 2014 at 6:07 am

    wow…I am going to make them asap….thnx dear

    • September 27, 2014 at 8:36 am

      Thank you Upneet for your comment! Welcome to my blog. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • September 27, 2014 at 8:10 am

    Wow chocolate energy bars???? Now we’re talking! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • September 27, 2014 at 10:38 am

      Yes, Loretta, who doesn’t like chocolate? ๐Ÿ˜‰

  • September 28, 2014 at 12:14 am

    These power packed bars look fabulous Apasara. You are truly great at bringing healthy foods together!

    • September 29, 2014 at 9:34 am

      thanks, Indu. ๐Ÿ™‚

  • September 28, 2014 at 1:16 pm

    Great recipe! This morning I worked out at the gym and thought, that I need to make my own energy bars! ๐Ÿ™‚ thanks for sharing!

    • September 29, 2014 at 9:36 am

      I’m glad you like this, Mila!

  • September 28, 2014 at 4:13 pm

    Happy Fiesta Friday, Apsara! What a great treat! I love these, first because of the delicious ingredients…and second, because I’ve been looking for something to curb that afternoon hunger while sitting at my desk at work everyday. I could whip this up on Sunday, and I’d have a week’s worth of treats! Love that! I love how you have them wrapped… that’s so pretty… Thank you so much for sharing! Awesome post.. <3

    • September 29, 2014 at 9:41 am

      Prudy, thank you for the lovely comment and for hosting FF this week. It surely looks more daunting now to visit so many blogs as FF has got so popular! Yes, I agree, these bars are a perfect snack for those afternoons and so easy to make too!

  • October 2, 2014 at 12:11 pm

    I made your divine energy bars but used fresh figs in here, from my tree! they were just divine,…a little bit goes a long way,…:) xxx

    • October 2, 2014 at 6:14 pm

      Awesome, Sophie! Fresh figs must be so delicious, and may make this even more moist and chewy; thank you so much for the review. xx

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