Chocolate date bars-no bake updated! Even better.

• 9 oz dates
• 2 ounces dried apricots
• 2 ounces dried cherries
• 1.5 ounces sunflower seeds
• 2.5 ounces unsalted almonds or pecans
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 4 freeze dried raspberries.

1. In food processor, pulse dried fruits until texture of raw sugar (will take about a minute. Rough chop fruit before processing to speed it up.
2. Add nuts and freeze dried fruit if using and pulse until finely chopped but not into dust.
3. Add melted coconut oil and cocoa powder and process until well mixed.
4. Press into wax paper or parchment paper lined 8×8 pan.
5. Press with hands or bottom of glass until firmly packed
6. Freeze for 30 minutes.
7. Lift paper out of pan onto cutting board. Cut into bars. Store in freezer or fridge in airtight container.

You may substitute other dried fruit for the apricots and cherries but leave the dates as is. Choose a dried fruit without added sugar. You can also use other nuts and seeds like pecans and pumpkin seeds.

Very easy and healthy alternative to a candy bar.

Updated. I made these again this week but cut them into smaller squares to eat as a candy replacement. I upped the cocoa powder by a tablespoon and used pecans instead of almonds and now I’m addicted.