CHEF JOHN'S CHOCOLATE ENERGY BARS

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Chef John's Chocolate Energy Bars image

If you compare these chocolate energy bars to similar fruit/nut bars sold at the store, I think they taste better, are nutritionally superior, and probably cheaper to make at home. The only problem is they look so good it takes your brain a millisecond to process that they're not going to taste like the fudge brownies they resemble.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Snacks     Granola Bar Recipes

Time 3h

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 cups pitted Medjool dates, roughly chopped
2 cups raw cashews
1 cup raw or roasted unsalted almonds
¾ cup high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder (such as Guittard® Cocoa Rouge)
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 tablespoon cold espresso, or more as needed (or water)
½ teaspoon kosher salt
½ pinch cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Place cashews, almonds, coconut, dates, cocoa, coconut oil, vanilla, cold coffee, cayenne and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse on and off to start. Process about 1 minute; check to ensure mixture is sticky and moist enough to stick together. Add more coffee if needed. Continue to process until mixture becomes a chunky mass.
  • Line a baking pan with plastic wrap. Scoop mixture into pan. Press down with a spatula until mixture is even. Place a layer of plastic wrap on the surface and smooth again with your hands.
  • Refrigerate until cold and firm, 2 or 3 hours.
  • Remove from the pan and unwrap. Cut into bars of your preferred size. Store in a zip top back in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342.7 calories, Carbohydrate 36 g, Fat 22.2 g, Fiber 6.9 g, Protein 8.1 g, SaturatedFat 7.2 g, Sodium 229.6 mg, Sugar 21 g

Lwazy Ongama
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These energy bars were delicious and easy to make! I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a healthy and satisfying snack.


Good Seeker
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I love the idea of these energy bars, but I found them to be a bit too dry. I think I would have preferred them with more wet ingredients, like applesauce or yogurt.


Mandla Tshabalala
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Meh, these energy bars were just okay. I've had better.


Tommy Hoe
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These energy bars were a disaster! They fell apart as soon as I tried to cut them. I think I must have done something wrong.


Skylah Mutllins
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I found this recipe to be a bit bland. I think it could have used more spices or flavorings.


Steven Hodges
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These energy bars were a bit too sweet for my taste. I think I would have preferred them with less honey or maple syrup.


Uduba Maryann
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Not bad, not bad at all. A solid 4/5.


Itz HRIDOY
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These energy bars are the perfect balance of sweet and salty. The chocolate chips and sea salt add the perfect touch. I love that they are also gluten-free and vegan, so I can enjoy them guilt-free.


Kandace Nicole
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I love the versatility of this recipe. I've made it with different types of nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, and it always turns out great. The bars are a great snack to have on hand for busy mornings or afternoon pick-me-ups.


fraidon ahmadi
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Wow, these energy bars were a hit with my family! They are so easy to make and taste delicious. I love that they are packed with healthy ingredients too. Definitely a keeper recipe!