Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bars

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Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bars- a healthier sweet treat made from secretly nutritious ingredients. You won’t believe how easy they are to make! (vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free)

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bars- a healthier sweet treat made from secretly nutritious ingredients. You won't believe how easy they are to make! (vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free) | Making Thyme for Health

I realize posting candy bars might be considered more appropriate in October but I couldn’t help myself. I eat chocolate every single day, no matter what month it is. Please tell me I’m not alone in this?

My go-to candy of choice is Justin’s Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups. The sweet and salty combination is so addicting. My day isn’t complete until I’ll had one with a tall glass of almond milk. Now that’s my kind of night cap.

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bars- a healthier sweet treat made from secretly nutritious ingredients. You won't believe how easy they are to make! (vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free) | Making Thyme for Health

I’ve been enjoying those peanut butter cups for so long that I started to worry that I might get burnt-out on them. Is that even possible? I don’t know, but I don’t want to risk it.

So I decided it was time I tried to mix things up by making these healthier candy bars. They offer a little more nutrition than peanut butter cups, thanks to Medjool dates, cashews, and coconut flour.

They’re also incredibly easy to make. All you have to do is throw everything into a food processor, press the mixture out on parchment paper, top with melted dark chocolate, and refrigerate until they are set!

healthy chocolate peanut butter candy bars | making thyme for health

healthy chocolate peanut butter candy bars | making thyme for health

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bars- a healthier sweet treat made from secretly nutritious ingredients. You won't believe how easy they are to make! (vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free) | Making Thyme for Health

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bars- a healthier sweet treat made from secretly nutritious ingredients. You won't believe how easy they are to make! (vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free) | Making Thyme for Health

They have a slightly chewy texture and are packed with drool-worthy sweet & salty flavor thanks to the BEST combo EVER: chocolate and peanut butter.

Of course you could always substitute whatever nuts or nut-butter you prefer. Pecans and almonds with almond butter would taste amazing, especially with some coconut added-in!

Next time you’re craving a candy bar, try making these instead! They’re a great way to sneak in a little nutrition with your night cap. ;)

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bars- a healthier sweet treat made from secretly nutritious ingredients. You won't believe how easy they are to make! (vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free) | Making Thyme for Health

Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Candy Bars

Yield: 36 bars

Prep Time: 15

Total Time: 15

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Ingredients:

  • 1 and 1/2 cups raw cashews
  • 1 and 1/2 cup pitted Medjool dates (approx. 12 dates)
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup coconut flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 10 ounces dark chocolate chips

Directions:

In a food processor, add the raw cashews and pulse until finely ground. Add the dates and continue to pulse until roughly chopped. Add remaining ingredients (except for the chocolate) and pulse until a dough forms and everything is evenly combined.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then transfer the dough on top. Use your hands to press it down into a large rectangle, about 1-inch thick. Place in the freezer while you melt the chocolate.

Add the chocolate chips to a small glass bowl then place it in a small sauce pan with about 1-2″ of water. Make sure it’s only covering a small portion of the bottom of the bowl. You don’t want any water to get into the bowl with the chocolate. Turn the heat to medium and bring to a simmer. Use a spoon to stir the chocolate until it’s all melted.

Remove the cooked sheet from the freezer and set on a flat surface. Pour the melted chocolate on top then use the back of a spoon or a spatula to carefully spread it out the edges. Transfer the cookie sheet to the refrigerator and allow to set for at least 6 hours or up to overnight. Cut into 36 separate bars and enjoy!

Bars are shown cut into 18 pieces, however I recommend cutting them into 36 for a healthier portion. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or the freezer for 1 month.

Adapted from It’s All Good by Gwyenth Paltrow

 

Did you try this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below or sharing a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #makingthymeforhealth. I love hearing your feedback! heart

by Sarah on May 23, 2016  //  Dessert, Gluten-Free Desserts, Healthy Desserts, Vegan Desserts
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