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Let me just put this out there, I strongly dislike FaceTime.
Like, is it just me or does everyone look really, well, not cute, over the phone? Maybe it’s just me, but oh my gosh, FaceTime is so not a fun thing. I look at myself in that little box and think “man, I am SO white”.
UGH.
And then I start thinking, well, if it wasn’t snowing and twenty degrees outside, maybe I wouldn’t be so white in the middle of May.
Again, UGH. Remind me to never FaceTime again…or well, at least not to accept a FaceTime call again.
So why all the chatter about FaceTime? Long story short is that my younger brother Malachi (Kai) is in Cleveland for the summer and since I was lame this Mother’s Day I needed a last-minute gift for my grandma (because she is extra special and needs a grandma/Mother’s Day combo!). This is where Kai enters in. Originally, I asked Kai if he would get me flowers + a card and give them to my grandma for me (she lives in Cleveland too), but then we got to thinking, that’s pretty unoriginal. So, I told Kai he should make her a dessert. Who would not love dessert (I made my mom this cake and I am pretty positive it was her most favorite part of her day…maybe even her week)? Especially, Special K-Bars because everyone LOVES Special K-Bars and they could not be easier…
Or well, that’s what I thought anyway. This whole experience with trying to walk Kai through (via FaceTime) making one of the simplest desserts on this planet made me rethink all those recipes I went and called “idiot proof“. Let’s just say that from now on, before I go calling anything idiot proof I am having my brothers test out the recipe. I feel like there could not be a better TRUE tester than the brothers.
Anyway, I ended up having a 30-minute FaceTime call with my brother, my cousin and my aunt + uncle since he is staying at their house. It was fun to get to see those guys and everything, but man, it was just weird seeing myself in that little box.
I do realize I sound semi-crazy. I can accept that.
And now I bet you are wondering how the heck this all ties into these AMAZING MAGICAL bars. And I use magical in a serious way here guys. No messing around.
These bars are actually inspired my Nonnie’s recipe for Special K-Bars, only I went ahead and made them health bars that taste like dessert…maybe even something better, if that is possible. My mom says to add that these are honestly one of her top five recipes on the blog.
Seriously.
And they are no bake, no fuss + minimal mess and cleanup. Promise I am not messing with you. This is all true.
This also makes them perfect for upcoming hot summer days, quick last-minute picnics, perfect pick up party dessert or just for snacking on all summer long, cause like I said, these are health bars. Say hello to that bathing suite with a big side of chocolate. Oh yeah.
So here are all the details. The chocolate almond butter superfood seed bars are gluten-free, vegan (swap maple syrup if you are vegan and do not use honey), almost completely raw (and easily made raw if that’s your thing) and full of seeds, nuts and sweetness that will leave you feeling amazing… and even make your skin just a little prettier too!!
See, I told you, these bars are magical.
Oh and if you are wondering, Kai’s bars turned out awesome and I hear they were a hit. Pat on the back for some serious brother sister team work there!
10 Minute Magical Chocolate Almond Butter Super Food Seed Bars.
Servings: 24 Bars
Calories Per Serving: 307 kcal
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw buckwheat I like using Bobs Red Mill
- 1 cup raw or roasted pistachios if using raw, add 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup chia seeds
- 1/2 cup cocoa nibs
- 1/2 cup hemp seeds
- 1 cup + 1 heaping tablespoon creamy almond butter divided
- 1 cup honey use maple syrup if vegan
- 1/2 cup coconut sugar * may sub granulated sugar
- 3 cups dark chocolate chips use vegan chocolate if needed
Instructions
- Rub a 9x13 inch baking dish with coconut or olive oil.
- In a medium bowl, combine the buckwheat, pistachios, coconut, slivered almonds, chia seeds, cocoa nibs and hemp seeds. Add a pinch of salt if using raw pistachios.
- In a large pot, add the almond butter, honey and coconut sugar. Set the pot over medium heat, stirring often until melted and smooth. Once the mixture starts to bubble, let it cook 1 minute and then immediately remove from the heat.
- Working quickly, add the seed/nut mix to the almond butter mixture and stir until combined. Press into the prepared the pan.
- Melt the chocolate chips with 1 heaping tablespoon almond butter in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until melted and smooth or melt over low heat on the stove. Pour the melted chocolate/almond butter over the bars and spread in an even layer. Sprinkle the top with cocoa nibs if desired, cover and place in the fridge for 1-2 hours or until firm.
- Cut into 18-24 bars. Store for up to 1 week in the fridge or 4 days on the counter in a cool place. My family personally loves these straight from the fridge!
Notes
*I purchase my coconut sugar (along with pretty much all the nuts/seeds listed here) from [Amazon | http://www.amazon.com/Nutiva-Organic-Sugar-Coconut-Count/dp/B009324C0U/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1431304135&sr=1-2&keywords=coconut+sugar].
But really, you see that thick layer of chocolate?? It’s all dark – and all goodness!
Wow these look amazing and they’re healthy too so I can eat 12 of them and not feel guilty right?! 😉 As always your photography is beautiful! I keep meaning to ask you if you have ever considered writing a post featuring some food photography tips and tricks, I would love hear some of your secrets in styling and what photo editing tools/equipment you prefer.
Yes, 12!! 🙂
I honestly am not sure I could write a post on my photography. I am not sure I am good enough! Thinking about it though! 🙂
Believe me lol, you’re good enough! Thanks for considering it though! 🙂
Wow, these look awesome! Love that there have been more and more vegan options on here recently. Sounds like an awesome Mother’s Day!
Thanks so much!! 🙂
I am always looking for recipes like this. Reasonably healthy and idiot proof. I appreciate your trying the recipes out on your brothers first…. that way I don’t have to be the idiot. Great job, T. Keep up the awesome work!
I love this idea! These bars look perfect for a texture fiend like me!
Thanks Alexa!! 🙂
I never know where to look when FaceTiming! I think you’re supposed to look at the camera, but then you can’t see who you’re talking to, and I usually just end up getting distracted by myself! These look soooo good. Can’t wait to make them and share with friends!
I know, I was lost! LOL!
Thank you!
Oh my goodness these look so good! I am a little on the fence with the hemp seeds (taste wise) but I would for sure give these a try!
You really do not taste the hemp seeds, but you sub equal amounts of sunflower seeds or chia seeds. Hope you love these!
I know exactly how you feel! It feels weird when I see myself on screen in FaceTime or Skype!
These look so delicious, Tieghan! Love how thick these bars are!
Thank Lisa!!
Buckwheeeeeeeeeat FTW! These look awesome!
Thanks Cassie!!!
These look amazing! I’m always on the hunt for a healthy sweet treat for my after dinner munchies 🙂
Thank you so much, Claire!!
Hilarious Tieghan! I have two boys and Sean my older one would attempt these, but Casey my younger one have to be walked through making them just like Kai!
Haha! BOYS!! 🙂
Thanks Mary Ann!
Uhm, yea. AMAZING! And I love that they’re magical. I could really go for something magical right now 🙂
Thanks Heather!! 🙂
Loved this story Tieghan (grew up with three brothers)! These look amazing and just found a store that has a huge selections of Bob’s so I am thrilled! Can’t wait to make these.
Thank you so much, Kathy! Glad you enjoy the story today!! 🙂
These sound DIVINE !!! So nice to have a healthy snack attack around 🙂
Thanks Lynne!! 🙂
These look AMAZING – and they’re healthy?? I’m pretty sure you’re some kind of kitchen goddess. Totally annoying question, but do you have a suggestion as to an alternative to hemp seeds? They’re actually illegal here, which is a super bummer. :'(
Hey Rachel,
They are illegal where you live?? That’s so weird! Just use double the amount of chia seeds or sunflower seeds. No big deal! Hope you love these!
Haha yep, hemp seeds are illegal in Australia and New Zealand. It sucks 🙁 But hey, more chance for those yummy chia and sunflower seeds! 😀
These look amazing! Love your recipes, also hate face time with a passion 😉
Thank you so much, Michelle! So glad I am not the only facetime hater!