Craving a Snickers bar but looking for a healthier, sugar-free alternative? This nutritious treat mimics the delightful combination of nuts, caramel, and chocolate without the added sugars. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just about ten minutes of your time (plus some chilling). Let’s get into this guilt-free indulgence that’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ingredients:
- 170g pitted dates
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- A pinch of salt
- Approximately 100g oat flour (you can make this by finely chopping oats in a food processor)
- Approximately 60g peanuts (preferably fried and salted for extra flavor)
- 100g dark chocolate (look for a high-cocoa, sugar-free variety)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Date Caramel: In a food processor, blend the pitted dates, peanut butter, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and has a caramel-like consistency. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water to help it blend smoothly.
- Mix in Oat Flour: Transfer the date mixture to a bowl and gradually mix in the oat flour until well incorporated. You’re aiming for a dough-like consistency that’s easy to shape but not too sticky.
- Form the Base: Line a small baking dish or tray with parchment paper. Press the date and oat mixture into the bottom of the dish, creating an even layer that will serve as the base of your snack bars.
- Add Peanuts: Sprinkle the fried and salted peanuts over the top of the base layer, pressing them gently into the mixture so they stick.
- Melt the Chocolate: Break the dark chocolate into pieces and melt it using a double boiler or by heating it in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each interval until smooth.
- Cover with Chocolate: Once melted, pour the dark chocolate over the peanut-studded base, spreading it evenly with a spatula to cover all the peanuts.
- Chill: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least an hour, or until the chocolate has completely set and the base is firm.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, remove the concoction from the fridge and lift it out of the dish using the edges of the parchment paper. Place it on a cutting board and slice it into bars or squares.
- Enjoy: Your homemade, sugar-free snack bars are ready to be enjoyed. These are perfect for a quick snack, a post-workout treat, or whenever you need a healthy boost of energy.
These snack bars offer the perfect combination of chewy, crunchy, and chocolatey textures with no added sugar. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious homemade treat that’s indeed better than a store-bought Snickers bar!
