No-Bake Chocolate Square

No-Bake Chocolate Square

These delicious, no-bake chocolate squares are easy to make. They require no baking and are low in added sugar. They are made with popular breakfast cereal and sweetened with dates and a little honey.  Mixed with dried fruit, seeds, coconut and cocoa powder to make a nutrient-dense biscuit option.  Topped with chocolate, this is a definite winner for a healthy afternoon tea.

Serves:  16

Dietary: Suitable for vegan, lactose-free, egg-free, nut-free, coeliac

Contains: Sulphites (dates, desiccated coconut)

May Contain: tree nuts (chocolate), Milk (chocolate, cocoa powder), Soya (chocolate)

Preparation time: 10 minutes plus 2 hrs refrigeration

Cooking time: None

 

INGREDIENTS

4 wheat cereal biscuits (can use gluten-free)
1¼ cups (175 g) dates, pitted.
½ cup (65 g) sunflower seeds
¾ cup (45 g) desiccated coconut
4 Tbsp (30 g) cocoa powder
2 Tbsp (40 g) honey (or vegan alternative)
2 Tbsp (30 ml) water
6 squares (60 g) dark chocolate (dairy-free)

 

METHOD

  1. Line the bottom of a 20 x 20cm square tin with baking paper.
  2. Check the dates for softness.  If the dates are firm, microwave for a few minutes with a splash of water until softened.
  3. Place all ingredients except the dark chocolate in a food processor and blitz for 3 – 5 minutes until the mixture comes together. If it does not, add 1 Tbsp water at a time until it does.
  4. Press the mixture into the tin and smooth it with the back of a spoon.
  5. Melt the dark chocolate (using the microwave is easiest in short 30s bursts on half power until just melted to avoid burning the chocolate).
  6. Top the mixture in the tin with the melted chocolate.
  7. Place in the fridge and leave for 2 hours or until chilled and hardened.
  8. Slice into squares and then remove from tin.
  9. Store in the fridge, or it can be frozen and defrosted when required.

 

This recipe has been donated by Emily Cleland, Registered Associate Nutritionist.

 

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Per square: 35 g
Total calories: 127 kcal
Fat:  5.9 g
Saturated Fat:  3.0 g
Carbohydrate: 15.0 g
Total sugar: 9.8 g
Fibre:  2.8 g
Protein:  2.6 g
Salt:  0.0 5g

 

NUTRITION FACTS

  • These no-bake chocolate squares are made with breakfast cereal fortified with essential micronutrients, including iron and some B vitamins.
  • The squares also provide a good source of protein, fibre, zinc, selenium, riboflavin, and folate, and an excellent source of potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, vitamin E, thiamin, and niacin.
  • These squares also contain no added fat, and the sunflower seeds provide a source of unsaturated fats and essential micronutrients.

 

VARIATIONS

  • Use the supermarket’s own-brand of wheat cereal biscuits to reduce the cost.
  • The sunflower seeds can be replaced with any seeds or nuts.
  • Instead of dates, raisins or sultanas can be used.

 

Consumer Tested by: Kathy Lewis, R.Nut., Registered Nutritionist

 

© 2021 The Caroline Walker Trust