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Healthy Chocolate Berry Bars made with an almond, coconut crust, generously filled with a luscious chocolate sauce and topped with a garden of fresh berries. This decadent treat is a healthy dessert that will satisfy any sweet tooth!
I’m forewarning you! It’s going to be a week of treats here so if you’re dying for something healthy or if you’re having willpower issues this is definitely the place to be because I’ve got some snazzy, low calorie goodies in store for you!
It is Valentine’s week and since I don’t have a sweetie you are my adopted valentines. I’m sure you’re disappointed about that! Feel free to pause this blog episode for a dance break. No judgement here. This is a judgement free zone.
But before we get the party started, let’s catch up. It been forever since we talked so here’s a quick rundown. Two weeks ago I started nutrition school and holly balls it was a lot of work!
Suddenly I’m reading multiple chapters, writing papers again, having assignments due and of course on day one my MacBook crashed. Day one people! I’m thinking I need to buy a new one so I have a backup because no computer means no blogging and no school and that’s no bueno.
On the flip side, my nutrition program and my health coach program have been incredible. I feel like I’m exactly where I should be right now.
That said, I’m trying to figure out my new routine and I’m also still looking for work. It’s overwhelming adjusting to a new path and the uncertainty that comes with something new and this big.
I’m doing something completely different from what I used to do. It freaks me out. I still have those, days, hours, minutes, moments when I think what the heck am I doing?
Then I remind myself I’m not questioning my decision rather allowing fear (of the unknown) creep in. Sometimes you gotta have faith.
Speaking of faith, I took a big one making these bars. I knew the paleo crust would work. I’ve used it before. It tastes like a thick and chewy graham cracker. Honestly, I could just eat the crust. But what kind of party would it be without chocolate?
And that’s where the risk comes in. I did something I’ve never done before to make the chocolate thick and luscious.
Make sure you read the instructions carefully to get it just right. P.S. I highly recommend you double the chocolate to save for drizzling on pancakes. Now if you’ll excuse me….I have a school party to get to!
Chocolate Berry Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 teaspoon coconut flour
- 4 tablespoons coconut sugar, or sugar of choice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup,
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
For the chocolate
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk, or milk of choice
- 3 ounces chocolate, dairy free as needed
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350 F and line an 8×8 square baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, coconut sugar, salt and baking soda. I combined mine with a fork to breakup any clumps of flour.
- Add the maple syrup and coconut oil to the flour mixture. It will be sticky, somewhat runny mixture.
- Place the mixture in the prepared baking dish, pressing it evenly throughout the pan with your hand. Bake 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the mixture cool completely about 1 hour.
- To a small saucepan, add almond milk and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add cocoa powder and chocolate and reduce to medium-low. Stir continuously for 10-12 minutes until a thick chocolatey mixture appears. The chocolate should be a little runny like a glaze. If it is too runny, add a little extra cocoa powder to thicken.
- Pour the chocolate mixture over the crust, spreading evenly throughout with a baking spatula.
- Arrange berries on the top of the chocolate, pressing slightly into the chocolate.
- Place the bars in the freezer 2-3 hours until set. Then cut into 16 bars. Store bars in the freezer until gone. They will go quickly!
Notes
- Measure the flour properly when making these muffins or you will end up with 2 times the amount of dry ingredients.
- To lighten up the recipe more, reduce the maple syrup or replace the maple syrup with powdered stevia. I use Trader Joe’s stevia as a baking replacement.
- My Amazon shop has more products similar to those used for this recipe and that I recommend to my weight loss clients.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Wow, I will definitely be your valentine if you make these babies for me!! 😉 How awful about your MacBook!! I keep all my docs in a Dropbox folder because I don’t trust leaving anything on my comp. My old MacBook did that once, then proceeded to live for 6 more years. Go figure!
Thankfully I have everything on external hard drives saved, but it’s still a big inconvenience having to take it in and being without it for days. It’s only 3 years old so I feel like it shouldn’t be replaced yet; however, it’s failed me multiple times this past year and I could have already bought a new one for what I paid to repair it.
O wow! Ooy chewy gooey goodness! They are a party!
Gooey indeed!
These look heavenly Megan! The chocolate and berries, and I love the ingredients! Thank you for linking up, happy Meatless Monday! Oh can you deliver one of these to me so I can enjoy it while watching The Bachelor tonight?
Oh thanks Sarah! We need to organize a blogger exchange via Meatless Monday sometime.
Yep, that crust alone sounds like something I would devour. Add the additional toppings and it’s SUCH a treat! Beautiful, Megan!
I devoured it! hehe…
WOW! Hmm… Every day feels like a new leap of faith in a different way, because I’m often too fearful of what God has planned out for me… I wish I could know sometimes, but I’m glad He holds the future in His hands. I hope school is AMAZING for you! I love that you’re doing nutrition and health, because they really seem to be your gifts and passion, and I know you’ll be able to bless so many people.
You have such a wonderful perspective Emily and I truly appreciate your comments. You always seem to have the exact insight that I need to hear. Thank you for being beautiful and being you!
What great, simple ingredients! These really look delicious.
Good luck with your school. Sounds pretty awesome.
Thanks Julie!
These look so delicious! Changes are totally hard because I’m so routine oriented too. Any time I’ve taken a big risk though it’s paid off – I can’t imagine where I’d be if I hadn’t gotten seriously uncomfortable in a few of my decisions.
That’s exactly what I keep reminding myself of. Just keep telling me that, okay?
ooh Megan those look so pretty any yummy! Thanks for joining us for Meatless Monday today. BTW I have a new cohost. Sounds like you are in a great place right now and really a lot happier 🙂
Yes! I know Sarah. I’ve been following her blog long before she became the new cohost. Thanks!
I’m so happy for you. I know that you wavered a little bit there for a moment, and I’m proud of you for sticking to your guns and your intentions and seeing where the plans you have put in motion will take you. I need to do that a bit this week. But not just let them happen, really and truly pursue them.
I’m still wavering. Can’t you tell?
These sounds delicious & I love the colors with the blueberries & raspberries. I’m pinning it to try! 🙂 I would love for you to add it to the Sunday Fitness & Food Link-up!
Yeah! Let me know how you like them. I have dreams of making them again.