Chocolate Raspberry Bars

Be happy for this moment. This moment is your life.
Omar Khayyam

As you bite into layers or chocolate with a creamy raspberry center and a sweet almond date crust instant happiness is found. With absolutely no sugar used you can feel good about having this dessert. This dessert was inspired by the sweet and beautiful coconut raspberry hearts taken up a notch with a yummy crust and chocolate topping. This would be a fun dessert to make and enjoy over the weekend and is even okay to enjoy on a cleanse, at least it is in my book. Have a great weekend! 

Total Time: 2 + Hrs Freeze | Prep Time: 25 Minutes | Servings: 8 Bars
206 Calories Per Bar

Crust:

• 1 Cup Raw Almonds
• 1/2 Cup Pitted Dates (Soaked for 1+ hr to soften if needed)
• Pinch Salt

Raspberry Center:

• 1 Cup Dried Shredded Coconut (unsweetened is preferred)
• 1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Raspberries
• 1/2 Cup Banana Puree
• 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Sea Salt

Chocolate:

• 2 Tbsp Coconut Oil - Melted
• 2 Tbsp Cacao or Cocoa Powder
• 2 Tbsp Coconut Milk
• Stevia to sweeten

For a sweeter chocolate, agave or your favorite syrup can be used instead of stevia. 

Toppings:

• Fresh Raspberries 
• Cacao Nibs
• Coconut Flakes

Peaceful Preparation:

1. Prepare a square or rectangular pan (I used a loaf pan) by lining with parchment or wax paper. 
2. Combine the crust ingredients in a food processor and pulse until well combined and sticky. Press into the prepared pan. 
3. Combine the raspberry center ingredients in a blender. Blend, scrape down sides and repeat until completely smooth. Pour on top of the crust. Top with fresh raspberries. 
4. Mix the chocolate ingredients together in a small bowl. Taste, adjust with sugar-free sweetener like stevia or additional coconut milk as needed. Spoon the chocolate, on top of the raspberry center, in-between the raspberries. Sprinkle with coconut flakes and cacao nibs or chocolate chips.
5. Freeze until firm, slice into bars and enjoy! Defrosting for 5-10 minutes can help. ​ I served ours with fresh raspberries and jam, we also enjoyed it with nicecream. 

6 PointsPlus - WW
​9 SmartPoints - WW

Tip: Cut the bar in half for half the calories and points. We often did, it also extends the life of the dessert, a double win! 

Note: Sugar stems from natural plant-based foods and no refined sugar or syrups is used.