Homemade Energy Bars

I don't know about you but I have had plenty of days where I go to clean out my backpack or purse and find handfuls of energy bar wrappers; Lara Bars, Odwalla Bars, Cliff bars. 

We live in a fast world, constantly rushing through our day and it is a miracle if we remember to eat. I am not supportive of rushing through any meal but when you're on the run it is best to have something nutrient dense and organic to throw in your bag. Just remember to sit and relax for a bit before eating :)

The link below is a no bake cherry and chocolate energy bar. I didn't have dates so I decided to re-make it with dried plums and threw in a few other ingredients. 

No bake chocolate cherry and almond energy bars

Ingredients

2 C - Prunes (dried plums)

2 TBS -  Honey

1/4 dried fruit of choice (blueberry, cherry, cranberry, apricot etc.)

1/3 C - Bali cocoa powder

1 C - Shredded Coconut 

1/2 tsp - Cinnamon

1/2 C - Almond butter

1 1/2 tsp - Vanilla extract

1/2 - Vanilla bean

1 1/4 C - Slivered almonds (add more to texture you like)

1/2 C - Cashews (add more (add more to texture you like)

1/4 C - Walnuts

1/4 C - Chia seeds
1/4 C- Hemp Seeds

1/2 tsp of salt

Instructions

Puree prunes in the food processor until a thick paste forms. Add cocoa powder, honey, shredded coconut, chia seeds, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Pulse until all ingredients are combined. Add the chopped almonds, walnuts, and cashews; pulse until nuts are well incorporated. 

Check the texture of the mixture by massaging some in your hand. It should be moist and stick together. If it has become too dry add more almond butter or honey; if it is too wet add more coconut, chia seeds, or nuts. 

Spread large sheet of wax paper or silicone baking mat. Transfer your energy bar mixture onto the working surface. Massage like bread to get the mixture to solidify. Form into a ball and press down to a reasonable size and place a sheet of wax paper over mixture. Use a rolling pin and roll out into a rectangle about 1 cm in height. You can cut the edges with a knife to get a clean edge. Sprinkle shredded coconut so the bars won't stick together. Wrap in the wax paper and place on a plate and put in the freezer for 20 minutes or in the fridge over night. 

Take out of the freezer or fridge and cut into the size you desire. Place bars in a plastic or glass  airtight container and layer with the wax paper in-between the bars or wrap individually with wax paper. Keep in the fridge until you want to eat them. :)