Chocolate Bliss No-Bake Energy Bars

These delicious, no-bake bars pack a rich chocolatey flavor with a satisfying crunch from pumpkin seeds and chia seeds. With some protein, fibre, healthy fats, and a touch of sweetness, they make for an energizing snack to power you up!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chilling Time: 2+ hours
Makes: 10 big bars or 20 minis

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup NuttyHero Chocolate Bliss
• ¼ cup liquid honey
• ½ tsp vanilla
• 1 cup large-flake oats
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• ½ cup pumpkin seeds, chopped
• ¼ cup finely chopped dried cherries or cranberries (optional)
• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 1/8 tsp coarse ground sea salt

HOW TO MAKE

1. In a medium bowl, stir together the NuttyHero Chocolate Bliss, liquid honey and vanilla with a wooden spoon until combined.
2. In a small bowl, mix the oats, cocoa powder, chopped pumpkin seeds, chopped dried cherries (if used), chia seeds and sea salt.
3. Add the oat mixture into the wet ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until just combined. With damp hands, mix until completely combined. Set aside.
4. Firmly press mixture into a parchment-lined 8x4-inch loaf pan. Chill for at least 2 hours or until firm, then slice into bars. Store energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freezer for up to 1 month.

Take it up a notch: Before putting bars into the fridge to firm up, drizzle with melted chocolate and sprinkle with chopped pumpkin seeds and sea salt.

Roll ‘em up: instead of pressing mixture into the loaf pan, use a tablespoon measure to scoop mixture and roll into balls. Makes about 20 balls.

NOTE: Use quick oats in place of large flake oats for a softer texture.

Recipe by Shannon Crocker MSc RD PHEc