Mocha Peanut 'Pick-me-up' Bars
Here's one for the grown-ups! For all those who need a little pick-me-up during the day, this one is for you!
I adore anything that incorporates my two favorite things; chocolate and coffee. This bar take it even further and adds in some peanuts for a nutty flavor too!
These are perfect as a quick breakfast on the go, but even better for afternoon tea alongside a caffeine-free beverage. They have just the right amount of coffee to NOT keep you wired and awake till 2 am! You can easily substitute the peanuts for any allergy requirements but don't skimp on the chocolate ;)
With only 3 tablespoons of added sweetener for the who batch, these bars taste decadent but are not loaded with sugar like most commercial muesli bars.
Naturally gluten-free (if you can source GF oats) and dairy-free, they're a delicious must-make for all busy parents, workers or students...actually for anyone really!
Ingredients:
1 cup organic rolled oats (gluten free if available)
1/2 cup porridge oats
1 Tbsp ground organic coffee beans
50 g chopped dark chocolate (I use non dairy 75% cacao)
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup dry roasted peanuts
1 Tbsp chia seeds
3 Tbsp coconut oil, melted
2 Tbsp cashew butter (peanut butter or almond butter)
3 Tbsp rice malt syrup (or maple syrup)
1/2 Tbsp raw cacao powder
Directions:
Line a 20x 20cm slice tin with baking paper.
In the bowl of the food processor add oats, coffee, chocolate, coconut, chia seeds and cacao powder. Pulse to combine (but do not over blend).
In a small sauce pan or in the microwave, melt coconut oil and add nut butter and sweetener. Mix until combined and no lumps remain.
Pour the dry ingredients into a large bowl and then add the wet ingredients. Using a spoon (or your hands), mix ingredients, ensuring the wet mix is evenly distributed - you don't want any dry bits!
Pour the mixture into your prepared tin and press down very firmly with the back of a spoon of the palm of your hand.
Transfer to the freezer to firm up - this should take 1 hour.
Remove slice from freezer and slice into desired sized bars. Keep the slice in the fridge for up to 1 week.
You can use peanut butter in place of cashew butter for a real peanut flavor (it's awesome!), and feel free to add any other nuts and seeds you have on hand to boost the protein content.
