These look like fudge brownies, and so it does take a millisecond for the brain to process that they�re not going to taste like fudge brownies. Having said that, they really are delicious, and satisfying in a non-decadent, but still chocolaty way.
Try your hardest to find Medjool dates, but if you can�t, any dried date should work, as long as it�s soft and sticky enough. If the ones you�re using seem too hard and dry, simply soak them in water until they soften up a bit.
Beyond the advantages I�ve described already, you also have the freedom to use any combination of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits you�d like. There�s about a million ways you can go, and I expect to hear about any particularly brilliant combinations. I hope you give these a try soon. Enjoy!
Makes about 12 Chocolate Energy Bars:
2 cups chopped, pitted Medjool dates
2 cups raw cashews
1 cup raw or roasted unsalted almonds
3/4 cup high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder (I used Guittard Cocoa Rouge)
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 to 2 tablespoon cold espresso coffee or water,
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or 1/4 teaspoon fine salt)
very small pinch cayenne
