These “brownies” are the perfect nutritious dessert or sweet snack! Toss everything into a food processor and that’s it! They’re loaded up with healthy fats, protein,  antioxidants, and sweetness…could we ask for a better dessert?! We think not. 🙂

Ingredients

For the bars:

  • 1 cup packed pitted Medjool dates
  • 1/4 cup raw walnuts
  • 1/4 cup raw pecans halves
  • 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, divided
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened finely shredded coconut
  • 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder
  • 1 tablespoon melted virgin coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 cup dried goji berries
  • 1 tablespoon warm water, if necessary

For the topping:

  • 2 ounces dark chocolate (we used Hu kitchen chocolate which is sweetened with coconut sugar this time around but have also used 100% cacao chips melted together with honey or maple syrup)

To garnish:

  • 1 tablespoon shelled chopped pistachios
  • 1 tablespoon dried goji berries
  • 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
  • Maldon sea salt, for sprinkling on top (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add dates, walnuts, pecans, only ¼ cup of pistachios to the bowl of a food processor. Process until chunky.
  2. Next add in unsweetened shredded coconut, chia seeds, cacao powder, coconut oil and vanilla extract. Process again until mixture is chunky and slightly clumping. If mixture is dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water.
  3. Next add in remaining ¼ cup pistachios and dried cranberries and pulse again a few times until pistachios are slightly chunky. Add mixture into a 8×4 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper, pressing evenly towards the sides of the pan.
  4. Add dark chocolate to a small saucepan and place over low heat until melted. You can also microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between until chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
  5. Pour over the bars, tilting pan so that the chocolate covers the bars evenly. Garnish the bars with 1 tablespoon of the following: chopped pistachios, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Place bars in the freezer for 20-45 minutes to harden.
  6. Once ready to serve, sprinkle with Maldon sea salt then cut into 8 squares. Store safely covered in the freezer for up to 1 month. Enjoy!

Recipe from Ambitious Kitchen