Raw Salted Chocolate Snack Bars

 Raw Salted Chocolate Snack Bars are a healthy and satisfying treat made without baking, using simple ingredients like dates, nuts, and cocoa for a rich and decadent flavor. These bars are naturally sweetened and packed with energy-boosting ingredients, making them a perfect snack. Here’s a recipe to make them:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates (about 12-14 dates)

1 cup raw almonds (or mixed nuts of choice)

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

1/4 cup nut butter (almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter)

1/4 teaspoon sea salt (plus more for sprinkling)

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

2-3 tablespoons water (if needed, to help bind)

1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the ingredients:

If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well.

Add the almonds (or nuts of choice) to a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground, or until it resembles a fine meal. Be careful not to over-process into a nut butter.

2. Blend the base:

Add the pitted dates, cocoa powder, nut butter, sea salt, and vanilla extract to the food processor with the ground almonds. Pulse everything together until it forms a sticky dough-like consistency. If the mixture seems too dry or crumbly, add water a tablespoon at a time until it binds together.

3. Press into a pan:

Line a small square pan (about 8x8 inches) or a rectangular dish with parchment paper.

Transfer the dough into the pan and press it down firmly and evenly, using a spatula or the back of a spoon to compact it.

4. Add chocolate (optional):

If desired, melt the dark chocolate chips in a microwave or over a double boiler and drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the pressed mixture.

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the melted chocolate for that salty-sweet contrast.

5. Chill:

Refrigerate the bars for at least 30-60 minutes to help them firm up and set.

6. Cut and serve:

Once chilled and firm, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, and cut into squares or rectangles.

These Raw Salted Chocolate Snack Bars are perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy treat. They are rich in nutrients, with healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants from the cocoa, nuts, and dates. Plus, they’re n

aturally sweetened and contain a savory touch of sea salt!