Ditch your current energy bar for this healthy treat.

The world doesn’t need another power bar. What the world needs is your adaptation of this power bar. Why? By making the recipe below you are saying no to individually wrapped sugary power bars that really are just candy bars. 

With this DIY hack, you’ll know what you are putting in your body by chopping and mixing the ingredients together. You’ll also be giving yourself the gift of healthy energy. Imagine when you hit your 3:30 PM slump and you can reach for this gorgeous little snack wrapped in wax paper rather than some overly processed garbage-y sweet thing. 

PREP TIME: 30 minutes

COOKING TIME: 5 minutes

COOLING TIME: 1 hour

INGREDIENTS

8 dates, pitted and chopped

1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, peanuts, or other kind you like), chopped

1/4 cup pepitas (no-shell pumpkin seeds), chopped

1/4 cup dried cherries, chopped

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1/2 cup almond butter (or your favorite nut butter)

1/4 teaspoon amount cocoa powder for dusting

HOW TO

Chop all ingredients finely (except coconut and nut butter) by hand or blend in a high-speed blender. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add nut butter and coconut. Stir until well combined and resembling a chunky paste. 

Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Press the paste into the pan to form a square that is 3/4-inch thick. Dust with cocoa powder. 

Pop pan into the freezer for 1 hour or overnight. Remove pan and cut paste into 12 squares. Wrap individual squares in wax paper. Enjoy. 

Bars last for one week when stored in the refrigerator.