Raw Peanut Butter Chocolate Nut Squares

raw peanut butter bars

Over the past few years I've become especially smitten with raw treats, often packed with nuts and seeds, sometimes dried fruits, nut butters and coconut oil. Naturally sweetened, featuring quality ingredients, raw treats move beyond dessert and are an ideal way to pack some wholesome nutrition into a power snack for breakfast, lunch or a little after dinner treat.

Peanut butter is a weakness of mine, though I have no reason to feel guilty for that, and here it stars with walnuts, almonds, cashews, and coconut all topped with a thin layer of dark chocolate. I don't think I need to go into the blissful experience that a combination of peanut butter, nuts, chocolate and vanilla ensures. Naturally sweetened with maple syrup, you only need one small square to feel satisfied, though the temptation to eat more than you actually need is one that is hard to resist. You have been warned.

peanut butter squares with dark chocolate

Raw Peanut Butter Chocolate Nut SquaresRaw Peanut Butter Chocolate Nut Squares
Recipe by
Published on March 18, 2015

Bars of raw walnuts, almonds, cashews, peanut butter and coconut topped with a thin layer of dark chocolate for a wholesome and none-too-sweet treat

Preparation: 15 minutes

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Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup walnut pieces
  • 1/2 cup raw almonds
  • 1 cup raw cashews
  • 1 cup unsweetened dried grated coconut
  • 2/3 cup natural chunky peanut butter
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Topping:
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions:
  • In a food processor, blend the walnuts, almonds and cashews until the mixture is reduced to coarse crumbs. Add the coconut, peanut butter, coconut oil, maple syrup or honey, vanilla and sea salt. Process until the mixture is well blended and begins to hold together. Transfer this mixture to a 8 × 8 inch pan, and press down evenly and firmly into the pan. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or longer.

  • To complete the top layer, melt the chocolate chips in a small saucepan with a teaspoon of coconut oil over medium-low heat, stirring often. Spread the chocolate evenly over the bottom layer of the squares and return to the refrigerator until set.

  • Cut into 2 inch squares and enjoy. These will keep well covered in the refrigerator for at least a week, though it is doubtful they will last that long.

Makes 16 2-inch squares

raw peanut butter chocolate squares

Other raw delights to enjoy from Lisa's Kitchen:
Raw Peanut Butter Truffles
Mini Tahini Cups with a Creamy Coffee Date Filling
Cocoa Fruit Energy Bites
No Bake Coconut Oil Fudge

6 comments:

Joanne said...

A bar that encompasses all of my favorite things!!

Eileen said...

These bars sound wonderful! You have to love the mix of different nuts and deep, dark maple syrup.

Carole said...

Oooh, I do hope you'll swing by to Food on Friday to bring this to the Chocolate party! Cheers from Carole from Carole's Chatter

Jacqueline Meldrum said...

Those look amazing Lisa. I made something similar recently but mine where peanut butter lacked with no ectra nuts. Seriously addictive though.

Archana said...

Bookmarking. Sounds like this will go a long way in helping me maintain my diet. Thanks

Shaheen said...

Seriously enticing - fab picture. I am bookmarking to make these Lisa, these look absolutely yummy. I also love the fact that they are a lot more nuttier too.