Energy bars are a convenient, on-the-go snack to toss in your purse, diaper bag, or gym bag, but they can be full of unhealthy ingredients including added sugar. So simple to make, and costs a lot less than the store-purchased variety. Although these may look like a yummy snack or dessert, this energy bar is perfect for breakfast, too.

Heart Healthy Chocolate Energy Bars
1-½ C. pitted dates
⅓ C. raw cacao
⅓ C. chia seeds
1 tsp. vanilla extract
⅓ C. unsweetened coconut flakes
¼ tsp. Himalayan pink sea salt
1 C. walnut pieces
¼ C. chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips
⅓ C. oats

Place dates in blender or food processor; purée until a thick paste forms. Add cacao powder, chia seeds, vanilla, coconut, and salt. Pulse until all ingredients are combined.

Remove mixture from food processor and place into a bowl. Mix in walnuts, chocolate, and oats.

Cut a considerable length of wax paper and place one end of it into an 8×8 pan. Press mixture into pan.

Once it’s pressed into all corners, flip it over and remove from the pan. Wrap the block tightly with the excess wax paper and place in the refrigerator overnight.

In the morning, unwrap the block and cut into bars. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator.