Superfood Brownie Bar Recipe (Raw, Gluten-Free)

When I made these bars and gave some to my kids, they actually clapped their hands in appreciation while they were busy chewing.

Not kidding, my 5 year old and 16 year old both applauded the deliciousness of these concoctions. 

Have you noticed the ever-expanding bar section of grocery stores today? There are so many different varieties and flavors from paleo to raw. 

However, it's simple to make your own bars at home - with just the ingredients you love. Personally, I am a huge fan of all things chocolate.

I also love the all-natural nut and fruit bars from the store. I've found that I can easily make my own version at home. This way I can also upgrade the quality of the ingredients to organic, and add more nutrient-dense superfoods for extra nutritional boost. 

Dates are the sole sweetener in this recipe, so it's naturally sweet and sugar-free. Organic dates are delicious and provide fiber as well as iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, Vitamin B6, and more essential micro-nutrients and minerals. They support healthy digestion and elimination of the body, promoting colon health. 

Eating dates in late pregnancy, has been linked to favorable labor outcomes. Thus I created this recipe during my recent pregnancy to make a great way to eat dates, while also balancing the sweetness with the sustaining energy of the nuts and seeds.

Walnuts provide protein as well as omega 3 essential fatty acids, iron, magnesium, folate, Vitamin E, antioxidants, and much more. Walnuts are excellent for supporting the health of the brain and heart, and they may promote prostate and breast health as well. 

Raw cacao is an excellent source of antioxidants, as well as magnesium and iron. It also contains anandamide, the bliss molecule, which improves mood. High quality cacao is a superfood, and may even boost your brain power and enhance memory. 

Chocolate is conventionally made with cacao, sugar, and milk, but the nutritional benefits of cacao are diminished by processing, dairy, and refined sugar. Raw cacao has all the best benefits of eating chocolate, and exceptional taste. 

Hemp seeds are a highly digestible source of plant based protein. The non-psychoactive seeds of organic hemp are a nutrient-dense superfood.

Hemp seeds are rich in Omega 3's and gamma linolenic acid (GLA) which have been shown to support hormonal balance and help PMS and menopause.

They are also a great source of fiber, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, potassium, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, and Vitamin B6.

Chia seeds are also a great plant protein source, along with fiber, Omega 3's, antioxidants, and a variety of minerals and vitamins.  

Black sesame seeds are highly valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote beauty, longevity, and youth. Postpartum women are encouraged to eat them to replenish their energy, health, and spirit.

Sesame seeds are packed with protein, calcium, phosphorus, iron and magnesium, and the black variety are specially prized for anti-aging. 

I love adding nutritious organic seeds to my bars for extra energy and nutrient diversity. However, if you don't have them, they are optional. 

These bars are delicious. I make double batches because they go quickly. 

Superfood Brownie Bar Recipe

Ingredients:

1.5 c. organic pitted dates, medjool or deglet

1.5 c. organic walnuts

1/2 c. organic raw cacao powder

1 T. hemp seeds

1 T. chia seeds

1 T. black sesame seeds

1/4 tsp. sea salt

1 T. raw organic coconut oil

How to Make:

Add all the ingredients to a food processor, and run until everything is mixed thoroughly and has created a consistent dough that sticks together. 

Spread the dough out into a pan and smooth flat and even. I used a silicone mat on a cookie sheet to spread the dough onto. You could also form into balls.

Chill in the fridge until firm, 1 hour or more, and cut into bars or squares to serve. 

These brownie bars store for weeks in the fridge in a glass-lock container (if they last that long!). 

Enjoy!