When you are looking for a boost of energy from a healthy, sweet treat, my Raw Chocolate Mint Slice is ideal. These delicious, sweet bites are also refined sugar-free, gluten-free and vegan. This is a very easy raw treat that will satisfy those sweet cravings!
Wash and dry the dates and remove their seeds. Roughly chop them.
Line a dish 20 cm x 20 cm (8 inch x 8 inch) with cling wrap, leaving a little overhang to make it easier to remove the bars. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon coconut.
Add the dates to the bowl of a food processor, along with the cashews, cacao powder, chia seeds, water and peppermint extract.
Process until the ingredients are combined as you would like them. I like to leave some texture, but you can blend them to be smooth if you prefer.
Check that the mixture is sufficiently moist to be able to firmly flatten into your dish. If not, add a teaspoon of water and blend again.
Add the mixture to the dish. Using the back of a spoon or a spatula, firmly flatten and smooth the mixture.
Sprinkle the top with the remaining tablespoon of coconut. Cover and refrigerate for about one hour to firm up.
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 is made from minimally processed cocoa beans and maintains the many nutritional benefits of the bean. It is readily available in supermarkets.
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.
The intensity of peppermint extract can vary so add an amount that suits your taste. Use the amount in the recipe as a guide and add the extract according to your taste.
Desiccated Coconut is finely shredded coconut.
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.