Raw Almond Joy Bars
Today’s post was supposed to be about buckwheat. I have been soaking, sprouting, and grinding all week. I was just about to start putting together the buckwheat recipes when a member of the Rawmazing Facebook Group posted this recipe for almond joy bars and challenged me to make it raw. I took a quick look and snap. So much for the buckwheat!
The “crust” for these almond joy bars is a wonderful layer of almond butter and cacao powder. I used raw, organic coconut crystals for sweetening as I am really trying to keep my sweeteners as close to the source as possible. Plus they have a wonderful deep flavor. Not unlike molasses or brown sugar.
This is a pretty easy make….have at it and have fun! As with all desserts, these recipes are very calorie dense. I am not the person who is going to tell you that you can eat a raw dessert for breakfast. But as a tasty, sweet treat, raw desserts are full of healthy nutrients that typical desserts just don’t have.
Raw Almond Joy Bars
First Layer:
- 3/4 cup raw almond butter (I make my own from this recipe: Almond Butter)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/3 cup cacao powder
- 1/3 cup raw coconut sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- pinch Himalayan salt
- Whisk all ingredients together and pour into oiled, parchment lined 8 x 8-inch glass pan. Set in refrigerator aside making topping. The bottom layer should be set up (but not completely hard) before adding the next layer.
Second Layer
- 2 cups of dried, unsweetened, raw coconut
- 2/3 cup coconut butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons raw agave nectar (or liquid sweetener of choice)
- 1-2 teaspoons organic almond flavoring (not raw)
- Place coconut in medium bowl.
- Whisk coconut butter (not the same as coconut oil), agave and almond flavor. Pour over coconut and mix well.
- Pat over first layer, top with chopped almonds and ganache. (see below)
- Refrigerate to set.
Third Layer
- 1/3 cup almonds, coarsely chopped
Ganache (recipe here)
Emily wrote on March 29, 2013
I cannot wait to make these! Excited to have just found your site through Pinterest!
Sandra wrote on March 24, 2013
I just saw your site for the first time. It is wonderful. I look forward to making some of the whole food recipes.
Susan wrote on March 24, 2013
So glad you found us!
Susan wrote on March 22, 2013
You are welcome, Carol! Glad you enjoyed them.
Carol C wrote on March 22, 2013
These bars are SUPER!! I have been teaching a “radical nutrition” class at my church, and took some Raw Almond Joy bars to the final class. They were a big hit with both men and women 🙂 I could have eaten the whole recipe myself! They will be dessert for this year’s Easter dinner. THANK YOU SUSAN!
Ashley wrote on February 22, 2013
Yum, yum, YUM! Thank YOU!
Kristin wrote on February 9, 2013
I have to say, these are delicious! I have made many of your desserts and each time I do, I share them with several people I work with. (People who are not raw) and every time they love your desserts. So much so they want to place orders, I love to cook or uncook, and share the delights. You are truly amazing. Keep them coming and I’ll keep sharing, you never know maybe we will convert a few to Raw. Thanks for sharing! Kristin
Laura wrote on January 31, 2013
Just made these, and they turned out fabulous!
Amy Jo - Pure & Simple wrote on January 25, 2013
These look absolutely mouthwatering. A friend of mine loves almond joy candy bars so I’ll be making these for her the next time I see her. And possibly for myself until then!
Jacqueline wrote on January 22, 2013
What a great recipe thx!!!