Strawberry Decadence Bars

Strawberry Decadence Bars

Feel the need for something sweet today?  This recipe uses 100% healthy, natural, powerhouse foods and doesn't even require any baking.  And unlike a lot of "raw", "vegan", "paleo" posts I see circulating around social media, this doesn't have any weird ingredients that you have never heard of before.  Just simple, healthy fruits, nuts, cocoa, maple syrup and coconut.  It only took me about 20 minutes to assemble and they lasted in the freezer for over a week, and after a few minutes thawing on the counter, tasted just as good each time I served them.  Both of my kids loved them and I love the bright pink, all natural, color of the middle layer.  A slightly thicker chocolate layer, might be nice next time so if you want a little more chocolate I would recommend doubling up on the final three ingredients. And you could always use a different fruit or nut depending on what you have in your kitchen or what your family prefers.  And then serve this treat knowing that you are providing a healthy snack disguised as a dessert!

Strawberry Decadence Bars

1 C. raw almonds

Ingredients

10 medjool dates, pitted

1 T. organic raw cocoa powder

2 T. water

1/4 tsp. pure almond extract

3 (5.4 oz) cans of organic coconut cream, drained

2 C. (1 oz) freeze-dried strawberries

1/4 C. pure maple syrup

3 T. organic virgin coconut oil, melted

3 T. organic raw cocoa powder

3 T. pure maple syrup

Place the almonds, dates, cocoa powder, water and almond extract in a food processor and pulse until combined. Press evenly into the bottom of 8 x 8 pan lined with waxed paper or parchment paper. Blend the coconut cream, freeze dried strawberries and maple syrup in the food processor until smooth and spread evenly over the crust. Place baking dish in the freezer while you prepare the topping. Melt the coconut oil completely and whisk in the cocoa powder and maple syrup.  remove the pan from the freezer and pour the chocolate topping over the top, making sure to spread it out evenly. Freeze the bars until firm. To serve, let the bars thaw at room temperature for 10-15 minutes and cut as desired.*

*I would recommend cutting the bars once frozen and then only thawing the portion you plan to eat each time.

freeze dried strawberries

bottom layer

strawberry filling

ready to add the filling

strawberry layer

chocolate topping

ready for the freezer

ready to serve

dessert!!