No bake Chocolate Orange bars
These guilt-free no bake chocolate orange bars are an easy breakfast treat or snack. Packed with protein, gluten-free and refined sugar-free! Vegan + Gluten-free and utterly delicious!
Hey there, fellow chocolate lovers! Introducing the delectable and irresistible No-bake Chocolate Orange bars! These bars are not only incredibly delicious but also super easy to make. So, if you’re in the mood for a sweet indulgence without the hassle of baking, this recipe is perfect for you.
Why You Should Make No bake Chocolate Orange Bars
There are countless reasons why you should give these No bake Chocolate Orange bars a try. First and foremost, they are a heavenly combination of rich chocolate and zesty orange flavours.
Besides the incredible taste, these bars are packed with health benefits too. Made with wholesome ingredients like cashew nuts, oatmeal, gluten-free Medjool dates, cranberries, almond butter or peanut butter, coconut oil, orange juice, and dairy-free chocolate, these bars are a guilt-free treat. Each bite will provide you with a burst of antioxidants, fibre, and essential nutrients.
Health Benefits of Chocolate Orange Bars
Let’s delve a little deeper into the health benefits of the ingredients used in these No-bake Chocolate Orange bars. Cashew nuts are a great source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. They promote heart health, aid in weight management, and boost brain function.
- Oatmeal: being gluten-free, is an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. It’s high in fibre, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and promotes a healthy digestive system. Additionally, oatmeal is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties.
- Medjool dates: the natural sweetener in these bars, are not only delicious but also a powerhouse of nutrients. They provide a natural energy boost, aid in digestion, and are rich in essential minerals like potassium and magnesium.
- Cranberries: apart from adding a burst of tartness, bring a host of health benefits to the table. They are loaded with antioxidants, which help fight inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.
- Almond butter: adds a creamy texture and a dose of healthy fats and protein. These nut butter are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support heart health and boost energy levels.
- Coconut oil: used in moderation, provides healthy fats and is known for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. It also adds a subtle tropical flavour to the bars.
- Orange juice: with its refreshing citrus taste, not only enhances the flavour profile but also provides a hefty dose of vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for a strong immune system and healthy skin.
- Dairy-free chocolate: used in these bars is a guilt-free alternative to traditional chocolate. It still provides the velvety smoothness and sweetness we all love but without lactose or added sugars.
The perfect way to have No-bake Chocolate Orange Bars
Now that we’ve established how incredible these Chocolate Orange bars are, let’s talk about when and where you can enjoy them. These bars are versatile and suit a variety of occasions. Whether you’re planning a family gathering, a picnic, or a simple evening treat, these bars will be a hit.
If you’re into meal planning, these bars are a fantastic option for a quick and healthy dessert or snack. They can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. So, whenever those sweet cravings strike, you’ll have a wholesome treat ready to satisfy them.
Looking for a pick-me-up during a busy workday? These bars are the perfect companion. Pack a few in your lunchbox or keep them in your office drawer for a delicious and energizing snack. They’ll provide the much-needed boost to get you through the day.
Tips for Making the Perfect No-bake Chocolate Orange bars
Now that you’re eager to give these No bake Chocolate Orange bars a try, let me share some tips to ensure your bars turn out absolutely perfect.
- First, make sure your cashew nuts are soaked overnight. This will soften them and make blending easier. Additionally, it will enhance the creaminess of the bars.
- When processing the ingredients, be patient. Take your time to blend everything thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and homogenous mixture. This will ensure that each bite of the bars is velvety and delightful.
- To add a bit of texture and visual appeal, reserve a handful of cranberries and press them gently on top of the mixture before refrigerating. This will create a beautiful contrast of colours and a burst of tartness in every bite.
Variations of no-bake bars
If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations of these No-bake Chocolate Orange bars.
- Chia seeds: You can add a tablespoon of chia seeds for an extra nutritional boost or a sprinkle of shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
- Nuts variety: For those who love a touch of nuttiness, feel free to sprinkle some crushed almonds or hazelnuts on top of the bars before refrigerating. This will add a lovely crunch and enhance the flavour profile.
- Dark Chocolate: If you’re a fan of dark chocolate, you can substitute dairy-free chocolate with a higher percentage of cocoa. This will intensify the richness and depth of the chocolatey goodness.
It’s time to try the recipe and indulge in the irresistible No-bake Chocolate Orange bars.
Made the recipe?
P.S. If you make this recipe, please tag it @itslivhuwani on Instagram. I love seeing what you do with this recipe!
No-bake Chocolate Orange bars
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashew nuts
- ½ cup oatmeal gluten-free
- ½ cup Medjool dates soak in hot water for about 2 min to make them softer
- ½ cup cranberries
- 2 tbsp almond butter or peanut butter
- 1 tsp coconut oil
- 1 tbsp orange juice
- 50 g dairy-free chocolate
Instructions
- To a food processor, add cashew nuts, gluten-free oatmeal. Pop the lid and blend until the mixture turns into a fine flour-like consistency.
- Then pour a tablespoon of hot water onto the Medjool dates, and wait for about two minutes or until the dates soften out. Then pour the water out. Remove pits from the dates and add them to the food processor.
- Then will add cranberries, almond butter, coconut oil, orange zest and orange juice. We are going to blend until all the ingredients have mixed well together and formed a dough-like texture. You can add more orange juice if you find that your mixture is still too dry. Be careful not to add as much mixture as you don’t want the mixture to be too wet.
- Remove the blades from the machine and transfer the mixture to a standard loaf tin lined with square parchment paper. Then flatten the mixture with hands first, push it to all corners of the pan and then use the back of a spoon to smooth out mixture as much as we can to get it even. Then place it on the side to make the chocolate topping.
- To melt the chocolate, place the chocolate in a bowl, pour water in a saucepan and place the bowl with chocolate over it. Then melt over a medium heat. Stir the chocolate with a wooden spoon until all the it has completely melted and smooth.
- Once the chocolate has melted, pour the chocolate over the dough and then use a spatula to spread it out evenly. Once all spread out, Pop into the freezer to harden for about 15 minutes. Once the no-bake orange chocolate bars have chilled, slice them into bar pieces.
