No-Bake Healthy Almond Joy Bars (low carb, vegan, gluten free, AIP)

Step 1

Melt oil and nut / seed butter over low heat.

Step 2

Stir in cocoa / carob (sifted if you like, but I have never bothered with this) and granulated sweetener and combine thoroughly.

Step 3

Mix in remaining ingredients except for vanilla. Continuously stir until it slightly thickens, then remove from heat.

Step 4

Stir in the vanilla.

Step 5

Pour the mixture into an 8×8 pan and place in freezer to harden while you make the topping. If you don't have room in your freezer, the fridge will get it solid enough to work with.

Step 6

Melt oil in small pan and add coconut flakes. Stir.

Step 7

Add remaining ingredients. Simmer and stir until it thickens a bit.

Step 8

Once the chocolate is hardened, gently smooth the coconut mixture on top.

Step 9

Place slivered or whole almonds on top (optional). Place bars back in the freezer until hardened. Again, the fridge will work, but it will take longer.

Step 10

Slice into squares of desired size and enjoy! They'll be too hard to cut right out of the freezer so let them thaw a bit first.

Step 11

Store in the refrigerator or freezer.