Chocolate Date Bars

Chocolate Date Bars

Makes 8 bars

1 1/2 cup packed medjool dates

1 1/2 cup oats

1/4 cup cocoa powder

pinch salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp allspice

1/3 cup nut butter (hazelnut, almond, peanut, tahini, cashew would all be great)

1/3 cup seeds, nuts, coconut flakes, cocoa nibs etc.

Toast oats in an oven preheated to 350°F for 5 minutes until they take on a golden brown colour and nutty flavour. Meanwhile, soak dates for ~10 minutes in hot water.

Pulse toasted oats in a food processor until finely ground. Add cocoa powder, cinnamon, allspice and salt. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Drain dates, then add to the food processor (don’t bother washing it) and pulse to form a paste. Add nut butter and pulse to combine. Gradually add in the oat mixture, pulsing to combine until a uniform mixture forms - if necessary, scrape down the sides of the processor. Stir in the seeds, nuts etc. then transfer to a parchment lined 8x8” baking dish and place in the fridge for 30 minutes to harden up before eating.

These will keep in the fridge for 1 week or freezer for up to a month.