Grain free, paleo, vegan 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! Paleo + Gluten Free + Vegan
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. PARTY! PARTY! PARTY!
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 holistic 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 1 my MacBook crashed. Day 1 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 school a party to get to!
Chocolate Berry Bars
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups almond flour
- 2 teaspoon coconut flour
- 4 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup pure
- 1/2 cup coconut oil melted
For the chocolate
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 3 ounces dark chocolate dairy free as needed
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup fresh berries
Instructions
- Preheat oven 350 F and line an 8x8 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.
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
These look magical and delicious. I want to eat them all right now please.
Megan says
They totally are and you totally would!
Melissa says
Wow, this looks so beautiful and delicious! Definitely share-worthy. And good luck with everything! Change can be a good thing 🙂
Megan says
Thank you Melissa! I hope you LOVE them.
Ashley @ Fit Mitten Kitchen says
These look AMAZING, Megan. Like, woah. Give me some chocolate STAT. Good thing I've got my muffins as a snack later 😉
So excited for your new path!!! I may be taking a big leap of faith in a few months... thoughts, good vibes, prayers, however you want to say it, I will exchange some with you 😉
Megan says
Oh thanks Ashley! I will do the same for you friend. xoxo
Anna says
I had a very similar moment when I left my traditional job for my nutrition program. Change is so hard, especially when it involves leaving stable, corporate America for a holistic less lucrative industry. Looking back, being okay ( or at least just dealing) with the initial uneasiness made it possible for me to take a path that has made me so much happier and healthier in the long run. Totally worth it!
Megan says
I should just email you when I feel that way. You of ALL people probably get it the most. It brings me a lot of relief to hear that you are so much happier now. P.S. my classes are amazing! Loving every moment of it.
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
Seriously Megan this looks amazing! Loving this crust too, so easy! Will be trying this out soon! So glad you are loving school, it sounds like a ton of work but it will be so worth it in the end!
Megan says
I hope so! It's been a lot of change plus I'm still doing a lot of other things. It's definitely a juggling act!
Jill @ Champagne for Everyday says
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!
Megan says
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.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
O wow! Ooy chewy gooey goodness! They are a party!
Megan says
Gooey indeed!
Sarah says
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?
Megan says
Oh thanks Sarah! We need to organize a blogger exchange via Meatless Monday sometime.
Blair says
Yep, that crust alone sounds like something I would devour. Add the additional toppings and it's SUCH a treat! Beautiful, Megan!
Megan says
I devoured it! hehe...
Emily says
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.
Megan says
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!
Julie @ Running in a Skirt says
What great, simple ingredients! These really look delicious.
Good luck with your school. Sounds pretty awesome.
Megan says
Thanks Julie!
michele @ paleorunningmomma says
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.
Megan says
That's exactly what I keep reminding myself of. Just keep telling me that, okay?
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
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 🙂
Megan says
Yes! I know Sarah. I've been following her blog long before she became the new cohost. Thanks!
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
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.
Megan says
I'm still wavering. Can't you tell?
Angela @marathonsandmotivation.com says
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!
Megan says
Yeah! Let me know how you like them. I have dreams of making them again.