This delicious Raw Chocolate Orange Slice is incredibly easy to make and is a healthy, satisfying sweet treat. These sweet bites are also refined sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan.
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Why we love this recipe:
Some combinations of flavours work so well together and chocolate and orange are two of the best. The zesty orange flavour perfectly complements the rich chocolate. Inspired by my Chocolate Orange Bliss Balls, you will need just 6 simple ingredients to make these bars.
They are so simple to prepare. Aside from tasting delicious, they are also:
- Vegan, gluten and refined sugar-free – making them suitable for many people with special dietary requirements;
- Made from raw ingredients, and do not require cooking;
- These are versatile sweet treats. Enjoy one with a morning coffee, add to a lunch box, take on picnics or give as a gift. Just parcel some in a cellophane bag and tie it with a pretty ribbon.
- Suitable for freezing.
If you crave something sweet or need a boost of energy to help you through the day, these Raw Chocolate Orange Bars are ideal. They taste decadent and rich, whilst being made from all-natural ingredients and free of refined sugar.
Ingredients in this recipe:
Please see the recipe card further along in the post for exact quantities of ingredients and the full method.
Medjool dates – these are fresh fruit, not the dried dates commonly found in the baking section of the supermarket. They have a natural sweetness and stickiness that works perfectly for these Energy Bars.
Cashews – I use raw cashews. They have a rich, creamy flavour and as they are softer than many other nuts they easily blend to a smooth paste. You can, however, leave them with a little texture if you prefer.
Cacao powder – pronounced “ka-cow”, is made from minimally processed cocoa beans and maintains the nutritional benefits of the bean. It is, in essence, chocolate in its purest form.
Chia seeds – currently enjoying enormous popularity, chia seeds were once a staple in the Mayan and Aztec diets. Chia seeds absorb liquid and form a gel, helping bind these orange and chocolate bites.
Orange juice and zest – I add a little orange juice to help bind the mixture together, and some zest to get that extra boost of orange flavour.
Step by step instructions:
- Prepare a dish by lining with cling wrap, leaving a little hanging over the edges so you will be able to easily remove the bars and sprinkle with cacao.
- Wash the dates and remove their seeds.
- Add the dates to the bowl of a food processor and roughly chop.
- Add the cashews, cacao powder, chia seeds, orange juice and zest. Blend until combined to your preference, either smooth or left chunky. Check that the mixture is sufficiently moist to be able to firmly flatten into your dish. If not, add a couple more dates or a teaspoon of orange juice and blend again.
- Turn the mixture into the prepared dish.
- Using the back of a large spoon or spatula, press the mixture firmly to evenly distribute it and compress it.
- Sprinkle with a little more cacao.
- Refrigerate for about an hour to help the mixture firm up, then cut into bars and store them in an airtight container.
Tips for success and FAQs:
The dates that we use in this Raw Chocolate Orange Slice are Medjool dates. These are fresh dates, available from the greengrocer or fruit and veg section of the supermarket.
After blending the mixture, take a small amount, press it together between your fingers to check if it can be compressed to make bars which will hold together. If the mixture is too crumbly, add a small amount of orange juice to bind it together.
They will last in the refrigerator, stored in an airtight container, for about one week.
To keep the slice for longer, store it in an airtight container in the freezer for about 3 months.
More delicious recipes for you to try:
After some more delicious snack ideas? These are also vegan, gluten and refined sugar free, and very simple to prepare:
- Raw Salted Caramel Slice
- Soy Roasted Almonds
- Chocolate Mint Bliss Balls
- Spicy Roasted Almonds
- Apricot and Coconut Bliss Balls
- Tamari Roasted Pepitas
- Raw Chocolate Mint Slice
- Salted Caramel Bliss Balls
- Apricot and Coconut Bars
Enjoy the rich taste of these delicious Chocolate Orange Bars. I would love to hear from you when you have given them a try!
Alex xx
Raw Chocolate Orange Slice
Please note:
For accuracy, when weights are provided, we recommend weighing your ingredients. This will produce the best results. All oven temperatures listed are for fan forced.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (330 g) Medjool dates See Note 1
- 1 ½ cups (225 g) raw cashews
- ⅓ cup (40 g) cacao powder See Note 2
- 3 teaspoon white chia seeds
- 3 teaspoon orange zest – finely grated
- 3 tablespoon orange juice See Note 3
For coating the bars:
- 2 teaspoon cacao powder
Instructions
- Line a 20 cm (8 inch) square dish with cling wrap, leaving some over the sides to make it easier to remove the bars. Add 1 teaspoon of cacao powder to the dish.
- Wash the dates, dry them, and remove the pits.
- Add the dates to the bowl of a food processor and roughly chop them.
- Add the cashews, cacao powder, chia seeds, orange juice and zest and blend until the ingredients are combined to your preference, either smooth or slightly chunky.
- Take a small amount of mixture between your fingers and check that the mixture is sufficiently moist to be able to compress into bars. If not, add a small amount of orange juice and blend again.
- Add the date mixture to the dish and, using the back of a spoon or a spatula, firmly flatten and smooth the mixture. Sprinkle the top with the remaining teaspoon of cacao.
- Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour for the mixture to firm.
- Cut into bars, the size of your choice. I made 15, approximately 6.5 cm x 4 cm (2 ½ x 1 ½ inches).Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Medjool dates are fresh dates available from greengrocers or the fruit and vegetable section of the supermarket. For accuracy, weigh the dates. (with the stones in.) If measuring by volume, the dates are firmly packed in the cup. The number will vary depending on the size of the date.
- Cacao powder – pronounced “ka-cow”, is made from minimally processed cocoa beans and maintains the nutritional benefits of the bean. It is, in essence, chocolate in its purest form.
- In Australia, the tablespoon is 20 ml or 4 teaspoons. In many other countries, the tablespoon is 15 ml or 3 teaspoons. You may need to adjust your quantities accordingly.
- Please note, the nutritional information is based on the slice being cut into 15 pieces. The nutritional information is for one piece and is an estimate only.
Nutrition Estimate:
Nutritional Disclaimer:
The nutritional information is an estimate only, and is derived from online calculators. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.
Kayla
This is absolutely amazing! I am always looking for good vegan recipes! This one did not disappoint – it is so easy to prepare, and such a delicious sweet treat. I followed the recipe exactly.
Alexandra
Hi Kayla, thank you so much for your feedback regarding the Raw Chocolate Orange Slice. I am delighted that you enjoy it and appreciate you letting me know. 🙂
Michaela
Perfect and healthy recipe!
Alexandra
Hi Michaela, I am so pleased that you like the recipe, thank you so much. 🙂
Lara
I made this and it was amazing! I threw in a bit more orange zest in there (we love oranges)! Will definitely make again!
Alexandra
Thanks for sharing, Lara! 🙂
Kayla
Delicious –
Used dried dates which I soaked briefly. Will make again – fantastic snack and very easy. Going to try with fresh dates next time.
Alexandra
Hi Kayla, I am delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Raw Chocolate Orange Slice. Thank you for letting me know. 🙂