No Bake Dark Chocolate Nut Bars (Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo, No Refined Sugar)

Line a loaf pan (9 x 3 inches or 8-cup) with parchment paper.

To make the base, place 3 dates and coconut oil in a food processor. Blend until they form a paste. Add cashews and process until it forms a sticky mixture (about 30–45 seconds).

Press the cashew mixture onto to the bottom of the lined loaf pan. Place in freezer for 15 minutes.

To make the filling, process remaining dates with peanut butter and salt in a food processor until well-combined. After 15 minutes, remove pan from freezer and evenly spread filling over base. Gently press hazelnut halves over filling. Place back in freezer for 1 hour.

Once set, remove from loaf pan and cut into bars.

If desired, melt dark chocolate in double boiler. Dip bars into the melted chocolate. Let the chocolate set about 10 minutes before placing the bars in refrigerator to completely set.

Keep bars refrigerated until ready to serve. Store for up to 1 week in refrigerator.