If you’re tired of all those candies from the store that are packed with sugar and extremely unhealthy, you might want to consider making your own chocolate candy bar. It’s not as hard as it sounds and it’s definitely a healthier option.
Tieghan Gerard from halfbakedharvest shared a recipe for these delicious Peanut Butter Cup Bars. They super easy to make, they’re vegan, and they’re made from healthy ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews or walnuts
- 8 Medjool dates
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups salted creamy peanut butter
- 2-3 tablespoons real maple syrup
- 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- roasted peanuts, chopped, for topping (optional)
Instructions:
- Line an 8×8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- To make the crust (in a food processor) combine the walnuts, dates, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Pulse until finely ground. Press the mixture into the prepared pan.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter, 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup (according to your taste), and remaining 1 teaspoon vanilla. Mix until smooth. Spread the mixture over the crust. Transfer to the freezer and freeze until firm, at least 1 hour.
- Once frozen, cut into 16 bars and arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Return to the freezer until frozen solid, at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
- Melt the chocolate and coconut oil together in the microwave until melted and smooth. Let cool 10 minutes. Remove the bars from the freezer and cover in chocolate. If desired, top with peanuts. Let the chocolate set up, about 10 minutes. Keep stored in the fridge. The bars will stay firm, but soften enough to eat.
