Nutty Maca Bliss Bars
Dive into the healthy decadence of Nutty Maca Bliss Bars. These blissful treats fuse the sophisticated nuttiness of almonds and peanut butter with a subtle butterscotch undertone provided by nutrient-rich maca powder. Enhanced by the luxurious creaminess of vegan white chocolate and the richness of cannellini beans, each bite offers a satisfying medley of texture and flavor. A touch of sweetness arises from amber agave nectar and the unique blend of vanilla and caramel stevia. These bars are not only a delight for your taste buds but also a boon for your health, contributing a blend of amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to fortify both body and mind. Experience the joy in each bite as these treats transition from crisp wafer cookie chunks to a smooth, fudgy indulgence.
48
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
maca powder
1/4 cup (toasted, if not using roasted/gelatinized)
peanut powder or ground almonds
1/4 cup (toasted, if needed)
vegan white chocolate
2 ounces (coarsely chopped)
vegan butter or refined coconut oil
1/2 ounce
cannellini beans
1 1/2 cups (very well-cooked, drained and rinsed)
amber agave nectar
2 tablespoons
vanilla flavored stevia
2 grams (2 packets)
caramel flavored stevia
2 grams (2 packets)
natural smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup
chocolate wafer cookies
10 small (broken into chunks)
fine sea salt or raw sugar
to taste (for sprinkling)
Instructions
1
If using roasted or gelatinized maca powder, skip to step 3. If not, continue with step 2.
2
In a large, dry frying pan over medium-high heat, toast the maca powder and ground almonds. Stir continuously until the mixture turns a rich, toasty brown and the initial bitter aroma transforms into a lovely butterscotch-like smell. This process should take about 8–10 minutes.
3
Transfer the toasted mixture immediately into a bowl to cool completely. If using peanut powder instead of ground almonds, mix it in once cooled.
4
In a small bowl, combine the vegan white chocolate and vegan butter (or refined coconut oil) and melt them gently in the microwave or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.
5
Using a food processor, blend the well-cooked cannellini beans with the agave nectar and both types of stevia until the mixture is very smooth and creamy.
6
Add the melted chocolate mixture, cooled maca mixture, and any remaining ground almonds or peanut powder to the food processor, blending until thoroughly combined.
7
Introduce the peanut butter to the food processor and continue processing until the mixture reaches a uniform, smooth consistency.
8
Gently fold in the chocolate wafer cookies, ensuring they remain somewhat chunky for texture.
9
Line an 8x5" loaf pan with cling wrap, leaving enough overhang to cover the top later. Evenly press the fudge mixture into the pan.
10
Lightly sprinkle the top with fine sea salt or raw sugar for added flavor and texture.
11
Allow the fudge to chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, uncovered. Once set, cover the surface with a layer of plastic wrap and keep refrigerated.
12
For the best flavor, let the fudge chill overnight and bring it to room temperature for 30 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutty Maca Bliss Bars?
Nutty Maca Bliss Bars are a decadent, healthy treat featuring almonds, peanut butter, and maca powder with a fudgy texture and butterscotch-like flavor.
Are Nutty Maca Bliss Bars vegan?
Yes, these bars are 100% vegan, utilizing vegan white chocolate, vegan butter or coconut oil, and agave nectar.
Are these bars gluten-free?
The recipe is tagged as gluten-free, but you must ensure your chocolate wafer cookies are specifically certified gluten-free.
What is the purpose of maca powder in this recipe?
Maca powder provides a unique butterscotch flavor and acts as an adaptogen to help fortify the body and mind.
Why do I need to toast the maca powder?
Toasting the maca powder for 8-10 minutes removes its initial bitter aroma and transforms it into a rich, toasty butterscotch scent.
Can I skip the toasting step?
If you are using pre-roasted or gelatinized maca powder, you can skip the toasting step.
What is the secret ingredient for the fudgy texture?
Well-cooked cannellini beans are blended into the mixture to provide a smooth, fudgy consistency and added protein.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 48 servings.
What size pan should I use for the Nutty Maca Bliss Bars?
An 8x5-inch loaf pan is the recommended size for pressing the fudge mixture.
How long do the bars need to chill?
The bars should chill for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator, though letting them sit overnight provides the best flavor.
Can I substitute ground almonds?
Yes, you can use peanut powder as a direct substitute for ground almonds in this recipe.
What kind of sweetener is used in these bars?
The recipe uses a combination of amber agave nectar, vanilla-flavored stevia, and caramel-flavored stevia.
How do I melt the vegan white chocolate?
You can melt the vegan white chocolate and butter together in the microwave or over a double boiler until smooth.
Can I use coconut oil instead of vegan butter?
Yes, refined coconut oil is a perfectly suitable alternative to vegan butter for this recipe.
Do I need to peel the cannellini beans?
No, simply ensure they are very well-cooked, drained, and rinsed before blending.
What role do the chocolate wafer cookies play?
The broken wafer cookies provide a crisp, crunchy texture that contrasts with the smooth fudge.
Should the peanut butter be smooth or crunchy?
The recipe calls for natural smooth peanut butter to maintain a uniform, creamy consistency.
How should I store the Nutty Maca Bliss Bars?
Keep the bars refrigerated and covered with plastic wrap to maintain their freshness and texture.
Can these bars be served at room temperature?
For the best experience, bring the bars to room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Is there a recommended topping?
The recipe suggests a light sprinkle of fine sea salt or raw sugar on top for added flavor and texture.
What equipment is needed?
You will need a food processor to blend the beans and ingredients, and a dry frying pan for toasting.
Are these bars considered no-bake?
Yes, they are no-bake, though the maca and almonds require a brief toasting on the stovetop.
Can I use a different type of bean?
While the recipe specifies cannellini beans for their mild flavor, other white beans like Navy or Great Northern could work.
How do I prevent the fudge from sticking to the pan?
Lining the loaf pan with cling wrap with an overhang makes it easy to lift the bars out once set.
What is the benefit of using stevia?
Stevia adds sweetness and specific flavor notes (vanilla and caramel) without adding extra sugar or calories.
Can I make these nut-free?
The recipe relies heavily on peanut butter and almonds; you would need to substitute with sunflower seed butter and toasted seeds.
What does 'gelatinized' maca mean?
Gelatinized maca is a form where the starch has been removed through heat, making it easier to digest and less bitter.
Are these bars suitable for an energy boost?
Yes, maca is well-known for providing a natural energy boost, making these great for a mid-day snack.
How do I know when the maca is toasted enough?
It should turn a rich, toasty brown and smell like butterscotch rather than being bitter.
Can I add extra protein?
The beans and peanut butter already provide protein, but you could substitute some of the almond powder for protein powder if desired.