Want a whole foods, healthy, naturally sweetened, raw (except the chocolate chips), creation that tastes like a brownie? Here is a delicious, and incredibly easy recipe to whip up and have as a portable snack. These energy bars are even vegan. The only thing I don’t like about making them, is that two days later I have to make them again. I finally got smart the last couple of times and made a double batch. You can also omit the chocolate if you want a different flavor or can’t have chocolate for whatever sad reason.
It is easy to get the kids involved in making these with some assistance. Mixing in the chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, and pecans at the end is fun for them. These energy bars are like a dessert to my kids, especially with the double chocolate infusion. Sometimes I have these for dessert, too!
I have experimented with using raisins instead of the dates as the base of this chewy goodness. A few times ago I didn’t have enough dates for the recipe, but I had figs, so I made the energy bars with a combination of the two. The combo was fantastic!
We got a Vitamix the first of last year, I gave away my food processor, and then “needed” a new one for my birthday 6 months later to make these snacks and our raw dairy-free cheesecakes with the gluten-free date crusts. I recommend the Vitamix for everything else but dates. This post contains affiliate links-which costs you no more if you buy using the link, but helps support our blogging endeavors.
The Verdict: Easy, fast, tasty, great! Try them for yourself!
Double Chocolate Energy Bars
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups dates pitted (can use raisins, dried figs, or a combination)
- 1/3 cup dried cherries or blueberries or other favorite dried berries
- 1/2 cup raw almonds
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 t chia seeds
- 1 t flax seeds
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup raw pecans
Instructions
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In a food processor mix dates, almonds, cocoa powder, dried berries, chia seeds, and flax seeds until it forms into a ball. It might take a few minutes.
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Place the date ball mixture in a large bowl, and add the last three ingredients.
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Mix all ingredients with your hands until thoroughly combined.
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Place the date mixture on a cutting board with a piece of wax paper or parchment paper on top.
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Use a rolling pin, side of a mug, or hands to flatten the mixture.
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You can place the date mixture in an 8x8 pan lined with parchment paper, if desired.
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Cut, enjoy, cover and refrigerate the leftovers if there are any:).
Annie says
I found this post and recipe just a few weeks ago, when I was suffering through pneumonia with no energy whatsoever, and I have been waiting for the day that I was well enough and caught up enough with house work and school work to make them. Today was that day, and it was worth the wait. They’re DELISH! I knew they would be, and I am not disappointed. I put the sticky mixture between two sheets of waxed paper and used my rolling pin, and that worked very well. Thank you for a wonderful raw treat recipe! YUM!!
Sonja says
Hi Annie. So glad you liked it! Thank you for sharing, Annie, and I am glad you are better!
DeeAnn says
Thanks, Sonja, for one more healthy recipe. Totally amazing taste.
Sonja says
HI DeeAnn! You are welcome. We love these bars!
domestic bliss squared says
These look amazing! I am going to try this for sure. Any time I can combine healthy food + chocolate is a win for me!
Sonja says
I totally agree. Gotta love the healthified chocolate treat. Thanks for visiting!
Little E's Kitchen says
Yum! I love larabars so I’ll have to try this recipe. Thanks! -Erin
Sonja says
Hi Erin, If you love Lara Bars, you’ll love this recipe! Thanks for visiting!
Heather @Gluten-Free Cat says
Yikes! These sounds insanely delicious! I’m thinking that energy bars need to be on my weekend to-do list. Thanks for the recipe! Please come share them at Raw Foods Thursday. The linky will be open all week!
Sonja says
Hi Heather, I will be sharing. I need to make some more, too! Have a great weekend!
Heather @Gluten-Free Cat says
Thanks so much for sharing! I’m pinning these on the RFT board for later. I MUST make them! I’m a sucker for energy bars that have ingredients that I can stand behind!
Jolie Hall says
These are AMAZING and I am excited for this recipe! Thanks the time that you put into these and for sharing!
Sonja says
Hey Jolie, We dig this recipe!!! You are welcome!