¾cup70grams old fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if desired
13 ounce dark chocolate bar (around 70%), dairy free if desired
1tspvanilla extract
1tbspchia seeds
1tbspflaxseed mealor sub hemp seeds or leave out
Maldon sea saltfor sprinkling
Instructions
Start by soaking the dates in warm water for about 10 minutes—this softens them up so they blend more easily with the peanut butter and oats. After soaking, drain them well.
In a food processor, add the peanut butter, soaked dates, vanilla, chia seeds, and flaxseed. Pulse until everything is well combined and the dates are mostly smooth. It’s okay if there are a few small chunks—just not too many!
Add in the oats and pulse a few more times until they're incorporated into the mixture. You might need to scrape down the sides of the bowl a few times to make sure everything blends evenly.
Line an 8½ x 4½ inch loaf pan with parchment paper, then press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer.
To make the chocolate topping, melt the dark chocolate in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer and gently tilt the pan to evenly coat the top.
Place the pan in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow everything to set. Once firm, slice into 10 squares. If you'd like, sprinkle a little sea salt on top for an extra flavor boost!
Store the bars in the fridge in a covered container—they'll keep fresh for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months for longer storage.