RAW VEGAN CHOCOLATE AND CRANBERRY ENERGY BARS

RAW VEGAN CHOCOLATE AND CRANBERRY ENERGY BARS

By fooddoodles.com

Makes 8-12 bars or squares

150g/1 C walnuts

75g/1/2 C almonds

200g/1 C soft Medjool dates

200g/1 C dried cranberries

30g/1/4 C ground flax (use golden flax for a milder flavor and make sure your flax is well ground before using it in the recipe)

2 tsp vanilla

pinch salt

30g/1/4 C + 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

In a food processor combine the walnuts and almonds and grind until no large pieces remain.  Place the ground nuts in a bowl and set aside.  Add the dates and cranberries to the food processor and process until no large pieces remain and the dried fruit comes together in a “dough”.  Stop the food processor and break up the dough mixture a little with a knife or spatula.  Add in the ground up nuts, flax, vanilla, salt and cocoa powder.  Process until completely combined.  Don’t process too long, the mixture may not come together, but if you pinch a little together it should stick and hold together.

Line a loaf pan with plastic wrap and pour the mixture into the pan.  Press the mixture very well and flatten out the top.  If the mixture is warm, place in the fridge for a few minutes.  Pull the bars out with the plastic wrap and with a sharp knife, slice into 8-12 bars or squares.  Wrap individually or store in an airtight container either in the fridge or on the counter.