Reducing sugar intake doesn’t require sacrificing the pleasure of indulgence. These decadent chocolate and coconut cookie bars are not only rich and satisfying but also brimming with wholesome, natural ingredients like organic cocoa and unsweetened coconut. They provide a delightful treat that satisfies your sweet cravings while supporting your overall health and preventing blood sugar spikes.

Let’s look at the ingredients, shall we

• 2 tbsp ground / milled flaxseed
• 4 tbsp water
• 3 tbsp light brown sugar
• 5 tsbp extra virgin olive oil
• 10g ground almonds
• 75g desiccated coconut, plus a bit more for sprinkling on top
• 4 tbsp raw cacao powder
• 75g dark chocolate, chopped into small pieces

So, ingredients gathered, let’s get baking! Preheat oven to 180C, Line a sheet pan with parchement paper. Mix together the flaxseed with the water and make sure it’s really mixed well until you get a gooey consistency. Place soaked flaxseed, brown sugar, and the extra virgin olive oil into a mixing bowl. Mix until all combined. At this stage, you will find the mixture getting firm. Now add the cocoa, desiccated coconut, and the ground almonds. Now it’s ready to be scraped into your prepared tin. Flatten with the back of a spoon and then bake for 18-20 minutes in the oven.

Allow to cool completely, and whilst this is happening, you can melt the chocolate. Put the chunks of chocolate in a bowl and place it over a pan of boiling water. Once those cookie bars have cooled, spread the melted chocolate over the top and sprinkle the remaining desiccated coconut on top. Put them into the fridge so that the chocolate can harden, and then you can cut them into bars ready to eat.

Did you know?

Raw cacao powder is a pure form of chocolate that retains its natural properties and health benefits. This type of chocolate is more than just a treat; it’s rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that contribute positively to our well-being. Known for its deep, rich flavor, raw cacao is not only exceptionally delicious but also packed with essential nutrients like magnesium, iron, and flavonoids, making it a nourishing choice for all you chocolate lovers. So, what are the specific benefits of raw cacao, beyond its indulgent taste?

• is super high in antioxidants (more than blueberries, goji berries and acai!)
• is high in minerals like magnesium and iron
• is an anti-inflammatory
• reduces stress
• helps liver function
• lowers risk of Alzheimer’s
• reduces blood pressure
• minimises the risk of cardio vascular disease and stroke
• elevates the mood

Therefore, these little cookie bars are really quite good for you. Why not give them a go and let me know in the comments below what you think about them?