Ahh energy bars. There are probably 10,680 recipes across the internet for some kind of energy ball/bar. What’s the point? Well, packing a bunch of nutrients that give you energy into one bite size piece is ideal for many reasons. They’re great on the go, for an afternoon pick-me-up, a rushed breakfast, or even as dessert. (No, they don’t personally keep me up at night.)
I usually have some variation in my fridge, but wanted to create an even more nutrient-dense recipe that gives you all the energy with all the flavor. The result came out looking like dirt, but tasting like a decadent piece of chocolate cake. True story.
The secret ingredient? Spirulina. As I’ve mentioned before, I grew up with a naturopathic doctor for a mother. So needless to say, I was taking spirulina capsules the second I could swallow a pill.. not that I had any idea what it was or why I was taking it (mom’s orders). I kind of forgot about it until recently when spirulina started popping up as a “wellness trend” everywhere. Remembering all of the benefits, I started including it again and noticed super positive results.
So here’s the deal with spirulina.
It’s a blue-green algae plant that is arguably one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. Spirulina is packed with SO many minerals + vitamins and is an incredible source of plant protein. It’s been shown to increase energy, improve hair/skin/nails, fight disease, lower cholesterol, detox heavy metals, and lower blood pressure. It’s truly a superfood for your cells and entire body.
When I recently started putting it in my smoothies, I noticed a serious boost of energy and focus throughout the day. It was amazing! I’ve always known it was beneficial, but I’m so happy to be including it in my day again. The one issue is: algae is not tasty, at all. I was able to mask it in a smoothie pretty easily, but you could also take it in a tablet form if that’s easier for you. These bars are so chocolate-y that you’ll never even know it’s there.
Cacao also provides energy so the duo together makes for the perfect energy bar. I also added in hemp seeds + almonds for extra protein and healthy fats. You don’t necessary *need* the hemp seeds or the cacao nibs, but I love the texture and crunch that they add so I wouldn’t skimp! The chocolate drizzle on top is icing on the cake and takes it to the next level– don’t skip that either.
The bottom line is: you need to make these. Healthy has never tasted so good, promise!
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup dates, pitted
1 cup coconut shreds, unsweetened
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup cacao powder
1/4 cup cacao nibs
1/4 cup water
3 TBSP coconut oil
2 TBSP hemp seeds
1.5 TBSP spirulina powder
1/4 tsp salt
Chocolate drizzle: 1.5 TBSP cacao powder + 1/2 TBSP coconut oil
TO MAKE:
Soak the pitted dates in water for 5-10 minutes to soften. Mix everything (besides the water and cacao nibs) into a food processor. You’ll have to scrape down the sides a bit, but stick with it.
Once it forms into a thick, sticky dough, add in the cacao nibs. Pulse to combine. Turn on and pour the water in while it’s running (you may not need all 1/4 cup so start with less).
Pour into a pan lined with parchment paper. I used an 8×8 pan (you could also use a loaf pan!). Flatten out completely and throw into the freezer for at least 15 minutes.
In the meantime, melt the coconut oil with the cacao powder for the chocolate drizzle. Pour over the top and put back into the freezer for at least 10 minutes, to harden.
Cut into desired squares/rectangles/circles. Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
You could also make these into balls instead if that’s easier!