These almond-cranberry chocolate bars are rich, chocolatey, and naturally sweetened with dates. A simple no-bake recipe made with almonds, cocoa, coconut, and dark chocolate, perfect for a gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free treat.
Drain the soaked almonds and dates thoroughly. Line a square baking tin or mould with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
Add the almonds to a food processor and pulse until they resemble a coarse flour.
Add the soaked dates, peanut butter, cocoa powder, desiccated coconut, and cranberries. Process until a thick, cohesive mixture forms. The texture should be sticky but firm enough to press together.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared tin and press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass. Place the tin in the fridge while preparing the topping.
Melt the dark chocolate chips together with the coconut cream using a bain-marie or very gentle heat, stirring until smooth and glossy.
Pour the melted chocolate over the chilled base and spread evenly. Decorate with extra cranberries and shaved almonds while the chocolate is still warm.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. Once firm, remove from the tin and enjoy!
Notes
Drain soaked almonds and dates well to avoid excess moisture, which can stop these almond cranberry chocolate bars from setting properly.Use smooth peanut butter made from 100% peanuts to help the no-bake chocolate bars bind without added sugar or oils.Choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids and no milk ingredients to keep the bars dairy-free and ensure a smooth topping.Press the mixture firmly into the mould before chilling for clean, even slices.*Nutritional values are estimates calculated using standard food composition data and may vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes.Recipe developed and tested by Dani, BSc (Hons) Human Nutrition student (UK), creator of DeGlutenista — a gluten-free, dairy-free, refined sugar-free food platform focused on whole-food cooking and minimal ultra-processed ingredients.