Almost Raw Nut Butter Bars

These bars are BY far one of our favorite treats to date! I got the inspiration from Minimalist Baker but changed it up to my taste! You can use any kind of nut butter and the crust is versatile as well.
​
You can’t have just one. Be aware. 


Ingredients:
CRUST

• 1 1/2 cups GF oats OR blanched almond flour (both ways are yummy!)
• 1/4 cup cacao powder
• Pinch sea salt
• 1 cup packed dates
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp raw honey or maple syrup

BUTTER LAYER

• 1 cup creamy or crunchy nut butter – almond, peanut, cashew, sunflower, etc  (here I used 1/2 almond 1/2 peanut butter)
• 1 Tbsp raw honey or maple syrup

CHOCOLATE

• 1.5 cup vegan chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup coconut milk ( I used full fat canned)
• 1 Tbsp coconut or avocado oil

Directions:

1. Make the crust first by adding the oats or almond flour, cacao powder, vanilla and honey to a food processor and blend into a meal. Add the dates and blend until all is incorporated well and evenly. May take a couple minutes.
2. Transfer the sticky mixture to a parchment-lined 8×8-inch baking dish and spread with fingers to evenly distribute. You want this to be even and pushed down as firmly as you possibly can get. Set aside.
3. Add your nut butter to a small mixing bowl with honey or maple syrup. Stir to combine.
4. Drop big spoonfuls onto the crust and spread evenly and firmly. Put into the freezer to chill.
5. While that is in the freezer, add the chocolate to a medium glass mixing bowl. Using the double boiler method, fill a small sauce pan 1/2 way with water and put the bowl on top of it. Turn on medium heat and allow the chocolate to melt. Stir frequently. Once it is melted, add in the coconut milk and oil and stir to combine.
6. The mixture should be melted and smooth.
7. Remove the baking dish from the freezer and pour the chocolate on top. Spread with a spoon until evenly smooth. Put it back into the freezer to set for 10 minutes.
8. Slice into bars! I usually make mine bite size for the boys to enjoy. I store mine in the freezer as this keeps them nice and solid longer. ENJOY!