Ingredients

The following ingredients have 7 Servings
  • 1 ½ cups packed, soft pitted dates (350 g)
  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder (35 g)
  • 1/2 cup whole chia seeds (75 g)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (45 g)
  • 1 cup raw walnut pieces (125 g)
  • 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate (70 g)
  • 1/2 cup rolled oats (50 g)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, optional, enhances flavour
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt, optional, enhances flavour

Instruction

  • It’s important to use soft, moist dates in this recipe. If your dates are on the dry side, place them in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for 15 minutes then drain well before using in the recipe. If you’re unsure, it can’t hurt to soak the dates first.
  • Add the walnuts to a food processor and blend until broken down into a grainy consistency. It’s ok if there are some larger chunks left behind but they should resemble a coarse flour.
  • Add the dates and blend until the dates and walnuts form a thick, sticky paste.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and mix until it forms a thick dough. You should easily be able to press the dough together between your fingers. If it seems too crumbly (this can happen if the dates were dry), add 1-2 tbsp of warm water and process again.
  • Line a square 7 or 8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper so it sticks out over the sides of the pan. Use your hands to firmly press the mixture into the pan, taking a few minutes to make sure it’s really pressed down, especially in the corners. You can wet your hands if it helps to smooth the top out.
  • Place in the freezer for at least 1 hour to firm.
  • Lift out of the pan using the edges of the parchment and cut into 14 bars.
  • Store in an air-tight container in the fridge or freezer.