Healthy Chocolate Energy Bars

In my quest for clean eating, I've found my cravings have decreased significantly. When I see people eating chips in front of me, sure, it makes me a bit crazy. But, for only a brief moment and then its gone. I can honestly say I no longer crave junk food to the point where I have to have it. I got some dark chocolate to curb my cravings whenever my sweet tooth awoke, but decided it wasn't worth putting all of the crazy additives I can't even pronounce into my body. So, my hunt for a healthy, chocolate based snack was on. Unfortunately, I didn't have much luck finding anything that was actually healthy. Everything was chalked full of butter, chocolate chips, etc. So, I decided to use the old noggin and come up with something myself. 

We make these glorious gluten free energy bars at the coffeehouse with all kinds of healthy nuts and seeds, but we use chocolate chips and honey for it. I wanted something cleaner than that, as per my diet, so I based the recipe on them but revamped it with my own measurements and ingredients to make a small batch for home. These ones are also gluten free - IF your rolled oats are certified gluten free. I don't have celiac disease but I do try to stay away from wheat and gluten when I can because it gives me brain fuzz now that I've quit eating bread. But, the coffeehouse definitely deserves credit for these delicious energy bars. Try them out for yourself!

Healthy Chocolate Energy Bars

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/3 cup natural peanut or almond butter

1/2 milk (you can sub cow's for almond, or coconut)

1/3 cup raw sugar (or agave if you prefer)

6 tbsp dutch process cocoa powder

2 cups rolled oats (not quick oats)

1 cup unsweetened coconut

1/2 tsp sea salt

Optional Health-Benefit Ingredients

1/2 cup hulled pumpkin seeds (full of magnesium, zinc, omega 3 and tryptophan)

1-2 tbsp chia seeds (oh god, the benefits are literally endless)

1/2 cup dried cranberries (anti oxidant, anti inflammatory)

1 cup almonds, sliced or slivered (heart healthy and lowers weight gain!)

In a medium sauce pan, melt coconut oil. Add milk and sugar and peanut butter and whisk until well combined. Stir until boiling and then remove from heat. 

Add cocoa powder and sea salt and whisk until nice and chocolaty. Add the rest of your health beneficial ingredients and stir until well combined.

Press into a greased (with coconut oil, avoid butter or cooking spray) dish for energy bars. Or drop by heaping tablespoon onto wax paper, for macaroons. Keep refrigerated. Makes 1 1/2 dozen energy bars or 3 dozen macaroons.

xo Amber