Power Bars with Carob Frosting

14. May, 2009

These are fantastic power bars, ones that I make very often for me and my husband. They are packed with healthy mono-unsaturated fats, protein, complex carbohydrates and slow releasing energy. They are great for hikes, after a work out at the gym, as a snack at work or school or when travelling. You can omit the frosting if you prefer.

You will need a food processor to make this recipe.

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A very good source of protein, healthy fats and energy

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This recipe is:

Egg free
Lactose (dairy) free
Vegan

Power Bars with Carob Frosting

Makes 10-12 power bars

Ingredients

Power Bars

110 grams (3¾ oz) pitted dates, chopped coarsely
200 grams (7 oz) rolled oats
2 tablespoons carob powder
30 grams (1 oz) desiccated coconut
50 grams (1¾ oz) cashew nuts
40 grams (1½ oz) almonds
30 grams (1 oz) raisins
5 tablespoons pure maple syrup

Carob Frosting

3-4 teaspoons carob powder
3 tablespoons maple syrup

Preparation

Chop the 110 grams dates coarsely.
Place the 200 grams rolled oats in a food processor and blend for 10 seconds or until fairly finely ground.
Add the 30 grams desiccated coconut and 2 tablespoons carob powder and blend for 5 seconds. Transfer to a large bowl.
Place 50 grams cashew nuts and 40 grams almonds in the food processor and blend for 30 seconds or until finely ground. Transfer to the large bowl.
Now place the dates and the 30 grams raisins in the food processor along with the 5 tablespoons maple syrup. Blend for 1 minute or until very well combined and sticky. You might need to scrape the insides of the bowl. Continue blending for 15 seconds. Transfer to the large bowl.
With a large wooden spoon (or a stand mixer) combine everything.
Place in the fridge for 1 hour for the mixture to firm up (for easier handling).
Mould the mixture into whatever shape you desire (I always make either bars or small "hamburger" shaped balls).
Carob Frosting: In a small bowl, mix the 3-4 teaspoons carob powder and 3 tablespoons maple syrup. The mixture should resemble a thick chocolate sauce (not too runny and not too dry). If the frosting is not sweet enough add a little more maple syrup.
Spread 1-2 teaspoons frosting on each power bar, arrange on a large dish and allow to harden completely in the fridge. This usually takes a couple of days.
Wrap each bar into cling film and place in the fridge.
Keeps for several weeks.

Tips

I prefer to use maple syrup as it becomes quite hard over time (unlike the agave nectar or honey).
You can use cocoa powder instead of the carob powder.
You can also use protein powder if you prefer. Some are vegan and other are non-vegan. Pea protein, soy protein and whey protein are popular and available in most health food stores.
You can use other nuts instead of cashew nuts, try a mixture of Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts and more.
Add a little orange peel and organic orange jam for a nice zesty taste
You can also make a small cake out of this recipe. Decorate with fresh fruits and nuts.