Tuesday, December 16, 2008

No Bake Almond-Chocolate Bars

almondbartower

Ever get tired of the "usual" snacks? Here is a treat that will remedy any snack-blues you may be experiencing.

I was feeling sorry for my snack-deprived children, when I came across this easy, no bake recipe for a power bar on Elena's Pantry.

almondbarsoncup

I altered her beautiful recipe slightly by adding more agave nectar and omitting Stevia. I decided to use a different type of oil and less of it than what the original recipe called for. Finally, the addition of unsweetened applesauce made up for the missing oil.

Delicious treats that feature nutritious ingredients and are low in unnecessary refined sugars are my favorite. These little gems are packed with raw almonds and flaxseeds, providing plenty of healthy fats and protein, not to mention fiber. The melted dark chocolate topping provides a wonderful contrast in flavor and texture. I will be making these treats, and more variations on the original recipe, again soon.

almondbardcloseup


Almond Bars with Dark Chocolate Crust

2 cups raw almonds
1/2 cup flaxseed meal
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup unsalted roasted almond butter
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
3 tablespoons canola oil or almond oil
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
2 tablespoons agave nectar, or honey (if not vegan)
1 tablespoon GF vanilla extract
1 cup of high quality dark chocolate, chopped coarsely


In a food processor, process: almonds, flaxseed meal, coconut, almond butter and sea salt together until coarsely combined, about 10 seconds.
In a small bowl, mix the oil, applesauce, agave nectar, and vanilla extract. Transfer to food processor with the almond mixture and pulse to combine . Press the mixture in a square brownie pan. Refrigerate for an hour.

Melt the dark chocolate in a small bowl, using a double boiler or the microwave (in small increments)-- Stir often to avoid burning the chocolate. Spread the melted chocolate evenly on top of the almond mixture and return to refrigerator until chocolate crust forms. Divide into bars and serve. Keep in the fridge in an airtight container.


almondbarincup

Artsy-Foodie's Tip: Although the dark chocolate crust is delightful, it does make it tricky to slice--imagine a frozen lake and you'll understand what I mean. The trick is to use a sharp knife with a warm to hot blade. Be careful not to burn yourself.




More recipes for you to snack on...
Apple Scones
Pumpkin Seeds with Spices
Oat Fig Bars

20 comments:

Jeanine - The Baking Beauties said...

Alexa, those look WONDERFUL! I'm sure your children won't feel deprived of anything, the way you're finding new snacks for them. Way to go!

Dewi said...

Delicious, especially if one doesn't have to turn on the oven to make such a scrumptious treats!
Cheers,
Elra

LizNoVeggieGirl said...

AMAAAAZING snack, whether one is deprived or not, haha ;-)

I like that you used more agave and omitted the stevia!!

Stacey Snacks said...

great photos, artsy.
love the snacks and the chinese export cup and saucer!

Stacey Snacks
aka antique dealer

Anonymous said...

Oh yum, these look like an easy crowd-pleaser- Something that everyone will enjoy!

Deb Schiff said...

Gorgeous!

Mike of Mike's Table said...

That looks delicious, and best of all, surprisingly quick and easy to make.

Maureen "Hold The Gluten" said...

Oh my... These look fantastic! I eat a lot of gluten free "protein bars", but it can become costly... I love the idea of making snack bars at home. "No bake" makes it even better :)

anudivya said...

I would certainly like to make these, looks beautiful, sounds easy! What more can a girl want!

Mary Ann said...

I love anything that satisfies my sweet tooth or that of my kids and the less refined junk it contains the better. YUM!

Anonymous said...

Yum! I love no bake!

Do you mind if I add you to my blog roll?

Alexa said...

Thank you so much for all your comments. I really enjoy reading them. :-)

Biz319,
I am honored and touched when someone adds my blog to their blog roll. Thank you!
I'm glad you liked the bars. I hope you get to try them.

Happy Holidays,
Alexa

Deeba PAB said...

Decadence in every frame Alexa...& pretty cup n saucer too. I love the no bake thing to this recipe. Happy holidays to you too, & happy birthday to the hub in advance!! LOV

Usha said...

Delightful snack, loved the ingredients you have used in this and the no bake angle :-)

Anonymous said...

Gotta love no-bake recipes like this. Snack-deprived children can get really cranky.

Anonymous said...

Alexa, these look fantastic! I'll definitely be giving them a try and no baking is a bonus. Have a great new year! Syrie

Marysol said...

Oh my. I have to make these, even if my jeans won't respect me in the morning. Thanks!

Gluten Free In the Greens said...

These look fabulous--I'll try them and keep them in mind for Passover. So glad I found your blog--I don't do nearly enough searching for new gluten-free blogs!

Anonymous said...

Too many pictures, too many calories, too many FAT Americans already!

Keegan said...

Made these for New Years Eve 2013 and they where a hit. Thanks so much for the great treat.

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