No-Bake Cacao Date Loaded Energy Bars

These No-Bake Cacao Date Loaded Energy Bars are loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients like Cacao, Cacao Butter, Dates, Chia Seeds, Cashew Nuts, Coconut Flakes, Pumpkin Seeds, and Maple Syrup. They make for an awesome packable snack, breakfast replacement, or even dessert if you’re into something healthy as a sweet treat. Full of bold flavor, chewy, and super easy to make. Vegan and Gluten-Free.

Sponsored Post: This post is sponsored by Navitas Organics, but the content and opinions expressed are all based on my genuine love for this brand and are my own. Thanks so much for supporting the brands I love.

I'm super excited to share yet another packable, healthy recipe in collaboration with Navitas Organics, much like these Vegan Blueberry Acai Mini Muffins. I love LOVE blueberries and pairing them with Acai was a super amazing move. These No-Bake Cacao Date Loaded Energy Bars are truly delicious, easy to make, and works as a great meal prep snack throughout the week for the entire family!

I hardly ever get to eat anything with Acai flavor, so the fact that Navitas Organics created such an accessible and easy way to incorporate major nutrients is such a win, win. Navitas Organics has so many great options when it comes to eating healthy and this powder is just ONE of the amazing flavors available.

In case you aren’t too familiar, Navitas Organics has an array of options which include Cacao, Goji Berries, Maca Powder, Superfood blends, Turmeric, Chia Seeds, Mulberry Berries, and so much!

In addition, they have Latte mixes, Powder Boosts, Power Snacks, and more.

Looking for a Healthier Sweetener Option?

The Best Healthy Sugar Alternatives + Substitutes list is all about finding better ways to enjoy your favorite sweets without compromising your healthy lifestyle. For those who follow a vegetarian and/or vegan lifestyle, this lists offers a few great ideas to incorporate healthy sweeteners into your diet.

If you'd been an avid follower of Orchids + Sweet Tea, then you've probably seen my previous recipe---Chocolate Cranberry Almond Snack Bars. These bars are anything less than amazing! They make for an awesome snack, breakfast replacement, or even dessert if you’re into something healthy as a sweet treat. Dairy-free and vegan option available.

Not that long ago, we made this Healthy Cashew Date Morning Shake which is phenomenal! It includes bold flavors of dates and vanilla and is beautifully textured to create a smooth drinking experience from the cashews and oats. 

Since it’s debut, we’ve gotten a ton of rave over this one!

What's So Amazing About Turmeric?

In case you weren’t aware, Turmeric is an amazing ingredient to incorporate into your dishes. The health benefits that derive from this simple ingredient is so awesome.

But if you’re wondering, what is turmeric and where you can find it—no worries. Let’s talk!

Turmeric is the spice that gives curry it’s yellow hue. That’s right—it creates that bright yellow color all on it’s own.

In addition, the main ingredient in turmeric—curcumin is where all the incredible benefits lie. It has powerful inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.

Why I Love Using Maple Syrup or Agave as a Sweetener.

When it comes to both syrups, I often use them interchangeably, although I love to use pure maple syrup mostly.

Agave is said to have a lower glycemic index, which makes it perfect for those with diabetes. On the other hand, pure Maple syrup has tons of antioxidants because it comes directly from a plant’s sap.

OK, So Can We Talk About Cacao Butter for a Sec?

Honestly, I can admit that I've never tried Cacao Butter before so of course I was super intrigued to try it from Navitas Organics! If you were like me, then you're probably stomped that this even exists. BUT IT DOES! Haha.

But did you know that Cacao Butter doesn't only exist, but it's considered a top Keto Fat? Yup. It's a really healthy type of fat that you should incorporate into your diet ever so often.

So, Cacao Butter is the same as Cocoa Butter. If you guessed this before, then you're spot on! In it's rawest form, Cacao Butter comes from cacao beans which are the same beans that create chocolate and cacao powder. In addition, Cacao Butter acts as a great dairy-free substitution for grass-fed butter.

However, when it comes to health benefits---there are many. Some of the few health benefits of Cacao Butter are that they contain healthy essential fats (as previously mentioned) and antioxidants, very similar to olive oil.

Also, it includes a good amount of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. Just 1 tablespoon of Cacao Butter (melted) daily does the trick of providing the health benefits mentioned.

Why It's Even Perfect for those on a Keto Diet?

Whelp, Cacao Butter doesn't have any hidden carbs or sugars. Also, each tablespoon provides a good amount of phytosterols, which are plant compounds that deliver their own health benefits and works to decrease harmful LDL cholesterol levels.

Now, let’s dig right into this recipe, shall we?

Begin by lining a square baking pan (about 8x8 inch) with parchment paper and setting it aside.

In a food processor, add the cashews, coconut flakes, cacao butter, and the pumpkin seeds. Pulse for a few seconds (10-15), until everything is broken down into small pieces.

Now, add in the dates, cacao powder, chia seeds, and maple syrup. Pulse for a few more seconds (about 7-8), until all ingredients are well combined.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and evenly spread out everything using a rubber spatula, keeping it about ½ to 1-inch in thickness so that bars aren't too flat.

Cover baking pan with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until firm, about 2-3 hours. Better if kept even longer to ensure full hardness.

Once firm, gently uplift mixture out of the baking pan using the parchment paper and cut into medium-sized rectangles or squares. The shape is based on preference.

To serve, you can enjoy these with a delicious shake, water, or your favorite plant-based milk. Also, to make them fancy, simply wrap a small piece of parchment paper around the middle of each bar and tape the opening closed. Tie with a piece of bakers twine and wallah!

Bon Appetite!

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you choose to make these No-Bake Cacao Date Loaded Energy Bars or any other recipe from us, be sure to tag us on Instagram at #Orchidsandsweettea so that we can share the love, rate, comment below, + share!

 

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