No Bake Chocolate Almond Bliss Bars

snack, bar, almond bar, dessert, recipe

2015 Kids Recipe Challenge Winning Recipe: 2nd Place!

Kasey, from Toronto, submitted this recipe. A no bake snack is a perfect way to get kids started in the kitchen. The natural sweetness of dates makes these extra tasty. You’ll get a protein punch with the nuts and seeds to keep you going.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: N/A

Makes: 12 bars

Tips

Place bars in the freezer for about 2 hours for a chewy texture.
You can also make these into bite size balls. Use 1 Tbsp (15 mL) of the mixture to roll into balls. The kids will love helping out with these!

Ingredients
Large flake oats	¾ cup (175 mL)
Pumpkin (pepita) seeds	½ cup (125 mL)
Hemp hearts (seeds)	¼ cup (60 mL)
Sunflower seeds	¼ cup (60 mL)
Medjool dates, pitted	1 ½ cups (375 mL)
Almond or other nut butter	½ cup (125 mL)
Cocoa powder	3 Tbsp (45 mL)
Vanilla extract	1 tsp (5 mL)

Directions

Wash hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Clean all countertops and equipment used for food preparation.
In a food processor, pulse together oats, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts and sunflower seeds until fine and crumbly.
Add dates, nut butter, cocoa powder and vanilla. Process until mixture forms into a ball.
Press mixture evenly into an 8-inch (1.5 L) baking dish. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cutting into bars to serve. Store in the fridge at or below 4ºC (40ºF).