Serves: 21 slices

Prep time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 2 cups unsweetened desiccated coconut 
• 1/2 cup creamy nut butter e.g. peanut or almond butter 
• 1/4 cup melted cocoa butter 
• 1/3 cup cacao powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2-3 whole fresh pitted dates; roughly chopped
• 3 tbsp cacao nibs for topping

Method

1. Line a baking pan with baking paper and set aside
2. Add coconut to a food processor  and mix until liquid paste is formed - about 4 minutes
3. Add nut butter, melted cocoa butter, cacao powder, maple syrup, sea salt, and vanilla and mix until thoroughly combined
4. Add chopped dates and mix once more to combine.
5. Taste and adjust flavour as needed, adding more vanilla for vanilla flavour, cacao powder for chocolate flavour, maple syrup for sweetness, or nut butter for nuttiness.
6. If the mixture appears too thick, add a bit more maple syrup or melted cocoa butter
7. Transfer the mixture to the baking pan and spread into an even layer.
8.  Top with cacao nibs and loosely cover with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, or until firm to the touch
9. Remove from freezer and cut into even squares and enjoy!

Image and full recipe source: Minimalist Baker