I honestly don’t know why it took me so long to try making a Paleo snack bar! In my pre-paleo days, I used to make these ‘no bake’ breakfast bars and also a baked version of breakfast bars which I still make for my children. I have been meaning to try making a Paleo version for the longest of times! Finally, this week I fixed that! My husband has also been following an almost Paleo diet now and so snacking for him has been challenging since he has a long commute to work. I have been making chia seed pudding as well as omelette muffins for him to bring for breakfast or as a snack. And so making a bar for him has been on my list of things to do! I looked at paleo bars available online and they just seemed too pricey! So this wifey was determined to make one of her own and cut costs!
It did not take a lot of tries since you cannot go wrong trying to mix nuts and dates together right? Plus I had my past experience of making other bars. As for the nuts, I chose the two nuts that I have been able to successfully re-introduce (that doesn’t surprise you right? 🙂 ) And those two nuts are cashew nuts and walnuts! I also decided to add some shredded coconut and chia seeds into the mix! Add in some dates and coconut oil and voila! You have a freaking delicious bar ! That tastes like a treat! And then that chocolate coating on top! Heck, it tastes like dessert! Being calorie high and so nutritious, these bars are great post-work out. 
And the verdict from the family? 2 Thumbs up and so this is going to be one of the snacks for both dad and daughter next week! And if they get bored, I will try changing the nuts up! Easy right? Well, do try this guys and lemme know how you like it!
I made a video too so you can get step wise directions!
- 1 cup pitted dates (about 20 pieces), soaked in hot water
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- ½ cup raw cashew nuts
- 1 cup shredded coconut
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 3 tbsp palm shortening (melted) or coconut oil (melted)
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (or carob)
- pinch sea salt
- 1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup (use maple syrup for vegan)
- extra nuts, raisins and coarse sea salt for topping
- Add the dates in a bowl and add hot water to soak them. Keep aside for 10-15 mins.
- Meanwhile in a food processor, pulse the walnuts and cashew nuts together for 10-15 secs until you get a coarse powder. (Do not over process as you will get nut butter. If there is any confusion, watch the video above)
- Transfer the powdered nuts into a large mixing bowl.
- Next add the shredded coconut and the chia seeds to the food processor and again pulse for about 15-20 secs until you get a coarse mixture. Transfer this to the same mixing bowl as the nut mixture.
- Next take only the dates out (without the soaked water) and add to the food processor. Add 2 tbsp of the soaked water and pulse/grind for 10-20 secs until the dates are completely blended(watch video). You can add 1-2 additional tbsp of water if needed. Transfer the blended date mixture also to the mixing bowl. Add the sea salt, the vanilla and the coconut oil and mix using a large wooden spoon or your hands to form a smooth doughy mixture.
- Line a square baking pan with parchment paper and dump the mixture onto it. Grease the back of a spoon with coconut oil and pat slowly on the mixture to spread it evenly on the pan. Keep aside.
- In a small mixing bowl add all the topping ingredients and mix using a spoon (make sure the palm shortening or coconut oil is melted and hot).
- Pour this blended chocolate mixture on top of the nut mixture. Quickly using a butter knife or a spoon spread the mixture evenly and cover the whole pan.
- Place the nuts, raisins and sea salt on top by pressing gently onto the chocolate mixture.
- Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least an hour before cutting into pieces.
- Keep bars in refrigerator or freezer until serving!
