No Bake Cacao + Goji Berry Energy Bars (Vegan, Gluten Free + Nut Free)

I've been trying to go through my diet and take out anything that isn't healthy, or at least a healthier option. That meant that rather than snacking on my beloved Fry's Chocolate Creme bars, I turned to cereal bars. I looked out for ones which are vegan, nut free and gluten free (we'll come to that) and there are a surprisingly large amount of options out there! BUT they are not cheap. You're ending up paying at least £2 (unless you get them on offer) for three bars, which is a little too expensive for my liking. I decided I should have a go at making them myself, which also meant I could really see all the ingredients in them too. So here we are, my recipe for no bake cacao and goji berry energy bars, that are vegan, gluten free and nut free!

If you're anything like I used to be, you'll assume that getting hold of all these "healthy" ingredients will cost you a lot. Well, that may have been the case a few years ago, but now almost every supermarket in the UK has jumped onto the health bandwagon and are offering up these items at a reasonable price, for instance I got my cacao powder at Aldi and it cost me just over £1 for a big packet! 

I know for definite that these bars cost me a LOT less than what I've been paying for store bought ones, so I got a great deal of satisfaction knowing I made them and that I also made a pretty good saving too 😎

The ingredients I chose are not necessarily a strict list - I'd say you could swap out some seeds or berries for nuts, remove the cacao, add a pinch of salt for a more savoury bar etc etc. I just chose the ingredients I did because I have a serious nut allergy and I'm also trying to be low/no gluten for a while. I've found it's had a huge positive effect on my physical health so I'm going to continue with this for a while! Let me know if you'd like more details about why I'm cutting down/out gluten and the results I'm seeing.

If you do make these energy bars, please tag me on Instagram using #susiechef so I can see your creations! I'd love to see any variations you make on these too!

Total time: 3.5 Hours
Yield: 16 Pieces
Ingredients

• 130g Mixed Seeds
• 20g Chia Seeds
• 20g Ground Flaxseed
• 175g Soft Pitted Dates
• 3 Heaped Tsp Cacao Powder
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract
• 40g Goji Berries

Cooking Directions

1. In a food processor, blend all the ingredients except the goji berries together.
2. Do this until a smooth mixture is produced, then add in the goji berries and briefly pulse the processor, just enough so the goji berries are mixed in.
3. Line a 7-inch square cake tin with greaseproof paper.
4. Pour the mixture into the tin, using a spatula to push the mixture down so it is evenly distributed and fully "squished" (it is essential that the mixture is fully compacted, otherwise it will fall apart).
5. Transfer to the freezer and chill for 3 hours.
6. Remove from the freezer, cut into small bars then store in the fridge for up to one week.

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