Raw Cacao Bars Recipe — 4 Ingredients (2024)

The never-ending war between keeping your diet healthy and treating yourself to a dessert after every lunch or dinner is a real struggle. So why not resort to something that can be enjoyed both as a nutritious snack and a sweet dessert that pleases our cravings — just like these raw cacao bars!

Ingredients For Raw Cacao Bars

The best part about the raw cacao bars recipe is that it requires only 4 simple ingredients!

• Medjool dates
• Almonds
• Cashews
• Raw cacao powder

How To Prepare The 4-Ingredient Raw Cacao Bars

Step 1: Line the side and bottoms of a 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper. Pro Tip: You may use a different size, but it will affect the thickness of your bars.

Step 2: Add the almonds, cashews, Medjool dates, and raw cacao powder to a food processor.

Pro Tip: Medjool dates can be replaced with normal dates. Soak them in water for 15 minutes. When ready, drain the water and pat them dry.

Step 3: Process until the mixture starts to clump together (for around 1 to 2 minutes). Pro Tip: Add a few drops of water or coconut oil to help the mixture blend and bind together smoothly.

Step 4: Press the mixture evenly into a loaf pan and let it settle in the fridge for 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 5: Once set, cut it into 12 pieces and serve! Store the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and one month in the freezer.

FAQs

Ready to enjoy the raw cacao energy bars? Learn more about their nutritional value and daily dosage beforehand!

Can you eat raw cacao every day?

Yes, raw cacao can be consumed every day. It is packed with high levels of magnesium and calcium that ensure healthy heart, bones, and brain health, paired with other essential nutrients and vitamins that make your body thrive, uplift moods, and act as a natural anti-depressant.

However, eating raw cacao in large quantities can be dangerous. Cacao has a powerful impact on the nervous system, and excess consumption can interfere with calcium retention. In fact, eating 50 to 100g of cacao daily has also been associated with problems like trembling, sweating, and headaches. The right way to consume raw cacao is to take a maximum of 40g (four to six heaped teaspoons) a day.

Is raw cacao anti-inflammatory?

Yes, studies have shown that raw cacao is anti-inflammatory. Cacao is rich in multiple phytochemicals, including polyphenols and flavanols, which have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and contribute to relieving pain. Such naturally occurring antioxidants also offer other benefits like lower blood pressure, reduced inflammation, better blood flow, and improved cholesterol.

Is raw cacao good for the gut?

Cacao has proved to have prebiotic activity, helping to rebalance digestive health by fueling good bacteria. Research has found that people consuming raw cacao for 4 weeks experienced a significant increase in the population of probiotics in their gut.

To reap maximum benefits, look for unprocessed cacao where the natural mineral, vitamin, and flavanol content hasn’t been damaged by heat. Pair the powder with dates and dry fruit to prepare the raw cacao bars, or sprinkle it over probiotic yogurt for a winning and delicious combo!

Raw Cacao Benefits For Skin

Not only do the raw cacao energy bars carry wonderful benefits for your gut, but they also bring visible benefits to your skin.

• The high amount of antioxidants protect your skin from radical damage, oxidation and aging.
• Raw cacao boosts hydration and blood circulation in the skin, keeping it glowy and flawless.
• The anti-inflammatory properties soothe blemishes and redness to improve the skin’s complexion.

Raw cacao is a superfood with incredible benefits and minimum calories, making your desserts more appetizing, enjoyable, and healthier. Whether you use the powder to make the raw cacao bars discussed above or include it in your diet through oatmeal, smoothies, or toast, we guarantee that you won’t ever want to go back to eating high-calorie and unhealthy desserts.

So try our recipe now, and don’t forget to share it with your family and friends!