Cocoa Chia Cruch Bars (Vegan and Gluten-free)

In a medium bowl, combine the dates, cocoa powder, cinnamon, flavor extract, nut butter, chia seeds, and flax seeds. I make this recipe without any processors or blenders, simply mixing the ingredients by hand. It gets a little messy but it’s fun, especially for the kids. It’s like kneading dough. Just keep pressing and rolling the ingredients together until combined. Then add the brown rice crisps (not crushed) to the dough.

If you use a blender or processor, the bars will have a smoother consistency. It’s up to you.

Divide the dough into 5 small bars and roll them in the crushed brown rice crisps. Dust with a little cocoa powder. You can use plastic wrap or parchment paper if you want a perfectly formed bar.

There are tons of ways to change up this recipe. It really never gets boring. Just start with a base of dates, cocoa powder, and nut butter and add any of your favorite ingredients and flavor extracts—walnuts, pistachios, sesame seeds, coconut flakes, cranberries, raisins, oats, etc. You can even try rolling them in toasted almonds.