I love when the desserts I make that are gluten free, refined sugar free, and vegan are the ones that turn out to be the favorite. There is something totally satisfying about creating a dessert treat that’s pretty much guilt free and even more delicious than desserts that are way more sinful.

These Almond-Berry Bars are one of those secretly healthy, totally outstanding desserts or any time snacks. And it’s awesome, because they are super easy to put together. They have a simple list of ingredients like almonds, coconut and cocoa powder sweetened with dates and topped with melted chocolate.

I’ve been on a mission to eat more dates lately, since dates are naturally sweet and delicious, I’m happy to increase my consumption as dates are a beneficial addition to the diet, since they are rich in fiber, which can promote digestive health and relieve constipation. They are also rich in magnesium, which is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits.

Would you believe me if I said you can make a delicious protein bar without any processed sugar or oil? That’s exactly what I did to create these healthy protein bars. I’m using whole dates only to sweeten along coconut oil as a healthier alternative to butter. Dates are one of my favourite ingredients to use in healthier desserts. They add so much natural sweetness, meaning you don’t need to add as much sweetener.

I do like using Medjool dates because they are soft, gooey and have a lovely fudgy texture to them. I do appreciate they are not the cheapest ingredient, and in fact can be expensive, so you can use other types of dates instead. I like to soak ordinary dried dates in water which allows them to break down into a spreadable paste at a fraction of the price of Medjool dates.

Almond-Berry Bars are a great treat for packing in school lunches or taking to work with you. They are also great for a work or study break as they will fuel your energy but not with the extreme effects of sugar. Another plus is that they are so easy to make and so delicious. These treats taste so good you might forget they are super healthy as well. What an amazing combination. Enjoy!

Quick question before I go, would it be wrong to eat this whole batch in one day? Asking for a friend. Obviously. 😊

Almond-Berry Chocolate Protein Bars

These healthy protein bars make the perfect treat when you are craving something sweet, bu tstill want it to nourish your body. A no-fuss base and a sweet, refined sugar-free berry jam layer with a chocolate topping turn these bars into a quick dessert that is perfect as a sweet snack or even for breakfast.

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword almond-berry chocolate protein bars, chocolate berry bars no bake, chocolate berry protein bars, clean eating dessert or snack, no bake homemade protein bars

Servings 10

Ingredients

Base Layer

• 1 cup almonds or walnuts or a mix
• 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
• 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Berry Jam Layer

• 1 1/2 cups mixed berries, frozen
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 3 tablespoons chia seeds

Chocolate Topping

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Instructions

• Line an 7 x 5-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting.

Base Layer

• Add all base layer ingredients to a food processor and process until well combined.

  Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base layer.

  Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the next layers.

Berry Jam Layer

• To a small saucepan add the berries, water, honey and chia seeds. Simmer the mixture over a moderate heat. As the berries start to defrost, stir the mixture firmly so the berries break down into a chunky jam. At the same time, the chia seeds will start to swell and absorb the liquid in the saucepan.

  Once the berries have broken down to your liking, turn the stove off and let the mixture sit in the saucepan for 10-15 minutes while it cools. The jam will continue to thicken.

  Once cooled scoop out on top of the chilled base crust and smooth out with a spatula or back of a spoon. Refrigerate for half an hour while you melt the chocolate topping.

Chocolate Topping

• Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.

  Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.

  Once melted stir in the sesame seeds and pour on top of the chilled jam layer. Place back in the fridge for an hour or so to set the chocolate. Remove from pan and cut into10-12 bars or more smaller squares.

  Store in fridge for up to 1 week of freezer for up to 3 months.

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites