The best no bake brownies packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein from four types of nuts, dried fruit and chia seeds. These superfood brownie energy bars are vegan, gluten free, naturally sweetened, and taste just like a fudgy brownie! The perfect nutritious treat or snack.

Servings 6-8

Ingredients

For the bars:

• 173g pitted Medjool dates
• 28g raw walnuts
• 28g raw pecans halves
• 56g shelled pistachios, divided
• 21g unsweetened finely shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder (or cocoa powder)
• 12g /1 tablespoon melted virgin coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt
• 30g dried mixed berries, dried cranberries, dried cherries or goji berries
• 1 tablespoon warm water, if necessary

For the topping:

• 50g >70% dark chocolate bar (vegan, if desired)

To garnish:

• 1 tablespoon dried cherries, cranberries or goji berries
• 1 tablespoon chopped pecans
• Maldon sea salt, for sprinkling on top

Method

• Add dates, walnuts, pecans, only ½  of the pistachios to the bowl of a food processor. Process until chunky.  (In our small food processor, do these in 2 batches).
• Next add in unsweetened shredded coconut, chia seeds, cacao powder, coconut oil and vanilla extract. Process again until mixture is chunky and slightly clumping. If mixture is dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of warm water. (Again in 2 parts in a small food processor).
• Place the mixture in large bowl and add in remaining  pistachios and dried fruit and mix well;  alternatively add the pistachios and dried fruit to the food processor and pulse again a few times until pistachios are slightly chunky.
• Add mixture into a 8×4 inch loaf pan lined with parchment paper, pressing evenly towards the sides of the pan. (I use a 9x14cm deep Chinese takeaway container instead).
• Add dark chocolate to a bowl and place over a small saucepan with a little water and place over low heat until melted. You can also microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between until chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
• Pour the chocolate over the bars, tilting the container so that the chocolate covers the bars evenly. Garnish the bars with 1 tablespoon of the following: dried fruit and chopped pecans and a sprinkle of sea salt. Place bars in the freezer for 20-45 minutes to harden.
• Once ready to serve, then cut into 6-8 squares (6 in a Chinese takeaway container). Store safely covered in the freezer for up to 1 month. Enjoy!