Healthy Almond Candy Bar
If you are you craving something sweet but want to keep it on the healthier side, this recipe will satisfy your sweet tooth with a super cute little individual sized bar.Perfect for a quick snack or a fun dessert, they are easy to make and even easier to enjoy! These bites offer all the deliciousness of a classic candy bar without the guilt, and are not only easy to make but also packed with wholesome ingredients like cashews, almond flour, coconut oil and more.The texture of these no bake bars is a yummy combination of creamy and crunchy. As you take your first bite, you will experience the smoothness of the almond butter filling, which contrasts beautifully with the satisfying crunch of the peanuts.The almond flour base provides a subtle fudgy texture that adds depth to each bite, making them incredibly satisfying.Not only are these healthy candy bars simple to put together, making them a convenient option for busy days, with just a handful of ingredients you can whip up a batch in no time. Plus, they are naturally sweetened with dates and loaded with protein from cashews and nut butter, making them a nutritious choice for any time of day. In just a few easy steps, you can create these delightful bars that are sure to please everyone. With their rich chocolate coating and drizzle, creamy nut butter filling, and crunchy peanuts, these bites are a delicious way to enjoy a sweet treat without compromising your health. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a guilt-free indulgence that you can feel good about sharing! Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful treat that’s sure to become a favorite!They wound up being a total hit in my house too, by the way, devoured by kids and adults alike. I mean, in two weeks I’ve already made two batches, and one batch makes a ton of bars. Are they addicting? YES – you have been warned! And they are also SO worth trying out!
Servings 20
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews, soaked 3+ hours and drained
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
Caramel Layer
- 2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut cream, full fat (solid part only) *see note below
- 1/4 cup almond (or any other nut) butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped. roasted. salted nuts of choice
Chocolate Coating & Drizzle
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- `1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
Base Crust
- Note: Place the can of coconut cream in the fridge or freezer for at least 1-2 hours before making these bars to allow coconut cream to separate.Make the crust first. Line an 8 x 8” baking 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.Place cashews into a food processer and process until broken down and crumbly. Add dates, almond flour, coconut and coconut oil and continue to process until mixture is sticky and well combined. Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.Press the base mixture into the bottom of your pan or dish evenly. Refrigerate while you prepare the filling.
Caramel Layer
- Open chilled can and scoop out the cream that has separated and set hard on the top. Save the remaining coconut water to use in a smoothie, drink, or discard.Blend all caramel layer ingredients except the 1 cup salted nuts in the food processor until smooth and creamy. Depending on the power of your blender this might take a few minutes. Stop blending to scrape the sides and continue to blend until smooth. Spread this mixture over the chilled base crust and sprinkle with the roasted nuts, pressing them gently into the caramel layer. Cover and place in the refrigerator or freezer for 2 hours (or more) to set.Once set, cut the bars. Remove from the pan and with a sharp knife, cut into 20 bars or desired size and place on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place back in the fridge or freezer while you melt the chocolate.
Chocolate Coating & Drizzle
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave at 50% power with 30 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, carefully dip the bottom of each bar in the chocolate and place back on the parchment, then drizzle chocolate over the top of each bar. Refrigerate or freeze 20 minutes so the chocolate hardens. Store leftovers covered in plastic wrap in the freezer or refrigerator. They will stay good in the freezer for up to one month.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
