Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Raw Chocolate Walnut Bars?
They are rich, creamy, and nourishing no-bake treats made from raw walnuts, dates, cocoa, and carob powder.
Are these chocolate walnut bars vegan?
Yes, they can be made vegan by using agave nectar instead of honey as the sweetener.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed, including walnuts, dates, and cocoa powder, are naturally gluten-free.
Do I need to bake these bars?
No, these are raw, no-bake bars that only require refrigeration to set.
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
Yes, you can use raw almonds or a mix of walnuts and almonds for this recipe.
What should I do if the mixture is too dry?
If the mixture is too dry to hold together, add 1-2 additional dates and pulse again until the desired consistency is achieved.
How long do the bars need to be refrigerated?
The bars should be refrigerated for at least 1-2 hours to allow them to harden properly.
How should I store these raw chocolate bars?
For the best results, store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
What equipment is needed for this recipe?
You will need a food processor to chop the nuts and combine the ingredients, and a small baking pan or bowl.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 111 calories.
What is the fat content of these bars?
Each serving contains about 5.8g of fat, primarily from the healthy fats in walnuts.
How much protein is in each bar?
Each serving provides about 1.6g of protein.
Can I roll the mixture into balls instead of bars?
Yes, you can roll the mixture into small balls for convenient bite-sized treats.
What gives these bars their chocolate flavor?
The chocolate flavor comes from a blend of 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and 2 tablespoons of carob powder.
Are these bars suitable as a post-workout snack?
Yes, they provide a good balance of carbohydrates from dates and healthy fats from walnuts, making them a great energy-boosting snack.
Is the coconut in the recipe sweetened?
No, the recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of unsweetened shredded coconut.
How do I prepare the dates for the recipe?
The dates should be pitted and chopped before being added to the food processor.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 14g of carbohydrates.
Can I use carob powder only?
The recipe uses both, but you can adjust the proportions based on your preference for carob or cocoa flavor.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: walnuts/almonds, dates, carob powder, cocoa powder, unsweetened coconut, and honey/agave nectar.
Do these bars contain refined sugar?
No, they are sweetened naturally with dates and either honey or agave nectar.
What texture should the mixture have before pressing it into the pan?
The mixture should look dark brown and crumbly but should hold together well when pressed firmly.
Should I use parchment paper?
Yes, lining your pan with parchment paper makes it much easier to remove the bars once they have set.
Are these bars considered a 'raw' food?
Yes, they use raw nuts and unprocessed ingredients without any heat treatment or baking.
Is there any sodium in this recipe?
Based on the ingredients provided, there is no added sodium in this recipe.
What kind of sweetener is best for a vegan version?
Agave nectar is the recommended vegan sweetener for this recipe.
Can I use walnuts that aren't raw?
While the recipe calls for raw walnuts for nutritional benefits, toasted walnuts can be used if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How do I chop the walnuts?
You should pulse them in a food processor until they are finely chopped but not turned into nut butter.
How many grams of fiber are in the bars?
The specific fiber count is not provided, though dates and walnuts are naturally high in fiber.
Can I add other toppings to the bars?
Yes, you could sprinkle extra coconut or crushed walnuts on top before pressing the mixture into the pan.