Raw Goji Ripe Bars

Goji Ripe BarsI had such a determination after a daily consume of baked goods like homemade muffins and cakes for months. It’s time I had something different like porridge, smoothie, fruit bowl or something. Then all sense of discipline melts away next day. I just admit I cannot live without them because of a joy of making them plus utterly fabulous taste after a bite. Oh well, at least I make them healthy. It is okay, right? I had to share these raw snack bars with you because they are incredibly delicious and healthy for you. I have tried a packet of cherry ripe in the past (it tastes like SUGAR) and wanted to recreate the same flavour with natural ingredients. Base has beautiful cinnamon and sweet dates. I used dried goji berries and turmeric powder in the filling mixture which are packed with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory components. My cravings are well taken care of. Knowing that there is no nasty sugar in them allows me to go ahead, free from pangs of guilt. Raw desserts seem so hard to make, but trust me! It is easy to make and is kept very well in the freezer. Only downfall of this recipe is you have to resist the urge to devour all of them at once. Enjoy x

Ingredients (makes 10 bite sizes)

Base

2/3 cup walnut
4-5 Medijool dates
30g cacao powder
1 tbsp raw honey
1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 tsp cinnamon powder
a pinch of sea salt

Filling

50g goji berries, soaked in warn water and drained
50g vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp desiccated coconut
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
a pinch of sea salt

Icing

2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
1 tsp cacao powder

As preparation, line a container (20cm x 10cm) with a baking paper or Glad wrap. Place all the base ingredients in a food processor and blitz until the mixture comes together. Add a bit of water if too dry. Transfer the mixture into a prepared tin and press down with the back of spoon or spatula. Place in freezer while making fillings. Blend all filling ingredients in a food processor and pour the mixture on top of the base. Press down, smooth the top and place in freezer. For icing, mix melted coconut oil and cacao powder in a small bowl. Pour over the filling and set in freezer for a couple of hours. Take it out of freezer about 10 minutes before cutting into little squares and keep them in freezer.