Fruit and Nut Chocolate Power Bars

Sunday, July 15, 2012



The dog days of summer are here and we are loving each and every minute! There's something about that sweltering heat that makes me hungry. Luckily, I made these bars. 

Sweet, fresh, slightly tart from the cherries - perfection in a bar! Plus they're vegan and gluten free! Can't beat it!



I advise eating them when they're still a bit cold. I personally didn't like them when they were at room temperature or warmer, so if you're planning on bringing these babies to work it's best if you have a fridge to store them in.

TAKE A BITE!

Fruit and Nut Chocolate Power Bars
Adapted from Strands of My Life

Ingredients:
Vegetable or olive oil spray
1/2 cup unsalted cashews
1 1/4 cups dates, pitted
1/2 cup dried cherries
1/2 raisins
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup walnuts, roasted 
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/2 cup non-dairy bittersweet chocolate chips (optional)

Method:
Line a baking pan with foil, leaving some overhang, and spray with oil. Coat the inside of a large mixing bowl with oil spray. Set aside.


In a food processor, pulse cashews until roughly chopped (no smaller than pea-sized pieces). Add to prepared mixing bowl. Spray food processor blade generously with oil. Add all fruits to food processor and pulse until a sticky paste forms, scraping down sides as needed.


Add fruit paste to cashew pieces in mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup almonds. Mix by hand until thoroughly combined. Press mixture firmly into prepared ban. Chill in freezer for about 30 minutes.


Spray a sharp knife with oil. Remove bars by foil overhang, place on cutting board and cut into 14 bars.


Place chocolate chips in a small, microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30 second intervals until chips start to melt. Continue heating in 15 second intervals, stirring well between each, until melted and smooth. Drizzle over cut bars. Set at room temperature until chocolate is firm, 15-30 minutes.





6 comments

  1. These look delicious! I love any kind of bars that combine fruit and nuts with chocolate :) The cashews and cherries sound especially awesome to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Heidi! Thanks. Give them a try - you won't be disappointed! :)

      Delete
  2. Hi, what are rice bubbles?
    Thanks! Looks yummy :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Chris,
    Oops I guess we should have edited the recipe :) Rice bubbles are equivalent to puffed rice, rice krispies etc.
    They are yummy indeed! Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Its looks yummy Fruits and Nuts Chocolate Children favorite and one more thing same from above what is rice bubbles?
    Can we add something more ingredients for more delicious??
    Fruits & Vegetables purees

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Boris,

    It is a delicious combination! Rice bubbles are just rice krispies or puffed rice.

    Sure you can always improvise with any recipe!

    Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete

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