Chocolate, Nuts, and Oats: Preparing These Bars is Really Simple
When you’re short on time but still want to treat yourself to a delectable snack, these chocolate, nut, and oat bars come to the rescue. With a preparation time of just 5 minutes and a couple of hours in the freezer, you can have these bars ready to enjoy in no time. Plus, they make for a great option to satisfy your sweet cravings without compromising on your health.
Ingredients
- 4.2 ounces (120 grams) of chocolate with no added sugar
- 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of oat flakes
- 2.8 ounces (80 grams) of walnuts
- 8 dates
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa
Preparation
Soaking the Dates
To kickstart the process, begin by placing the dates in a bowl and covering them with plenty of boiling water. Let them soak for approximately 15 minutes. This step ensures that the dates become soft and easier to incorporate into the bars.
Blending the Oats and Walnuts
Next, transfer the oat flakes into a mixer glass, add the unsweetened cocoa, and close it with the lid. Blend until you achieve a fine flour-like consistency. To add a delightful crunch to your bars, toss in 50g of walnuts and blend again, ensuring everything is well chopped.
Mixing in the Dates and Honey
Once the dates have soaked and become pliable, drain them and remove the pits. Add the soaked dates to the oat and walnut mixture. Give it another whirl in the mixer to combine everything thoroughly. Now, transfer the mixture into a container and add the honey. Using your hands, mix until you have a soft and compact dough-like consistency.
Shaping the Bars
With your dough ready, take a handful at a time and shape it into small squares. Place these squares on a tray lined with special paper. These bars will need to rest in the freezer for approximately 2 hours to set and firm up.
Preparing the Chocolate Glaze
While the bars are chilling in the freezer, it’s time to prepare the chocolate glaze. Begin by chopping the sugar-free chocolate into small pieces and melting it. Add the olive oil and 30g of chopped walnuts to the melted chocolate. Stir the mixture adequately until it forms a glossy glaze.
Dipping and Serving
To finish off your bars, take them out of the freezer and insert a toothpick into each one. Dip them into the chocolate glaze to cover them entirely. Allow the bars to harden before serving, and you’ll find yourself enjoying a delightful treat with just the right amount of sweetness. The remaining chocolate glaze can be saved for other dessert creations.
Conclusion
In just 2 hours and 5 minutes, you can create these irresistible chocolate, nut, and oat bars that will have everyone asking for more. With their simplicity and deliciousness, they are the perfect snack or dessert option for any occasion. The combination of wholesome ingredients and the indulgence of chocolate makes them a crowd-pleaser.