These chocolate delights can be a dessert or a nice afternoon pick me up. They are raw, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and refined sugar-free.

It’s nice to have a batch of these nutritious treats in the fridge so make them ahead during your weekly meal planning and prep routine. A great alternative to the cookie jar!

Ingredients

• 1 c raw cashews

• ½ c sliced almonds

• ½ cup pitted medjool dates (about 10 packed)

• ¼ c unsweetened cacao powder

• 1 T coconut oil (melted)

• 1 t vanilla

• ½ t salt

• Cacoa nibs, sea salt, cinnamon, or goji berries for toppings

Instructions

Prepare an 8 x 8 baking dish with cooking spray. Place the cashews and almonds in a food processor and blend together. Add the dates and blend well. Add cacao powder, coconut oil, vanilla, and salt and blend until a dough forms. Put the dough in the baking dish and flatten evenly. Sprinkle with topping of your choice. Refrigerate for a few hours before cutting into bars and serving. Store in the refrigerator. Makes 12 bars.