Howe to Health

Dairy-free | Gluten-free | No refined sugar

My no-bake cocoa almond butter dream bars are made with 7 nutrient-dense ingredients that reduce inflammation, support gut health, lower your risk of heart disease and so much more. Check out my deep dive into each ingredient below.

Instructions

1. Line a 9×5 loaf pan with parchment paper and grease with coconut oil
2. Combine all ingredients into a large bowl
3. Pour the dough into lined and greased loaf pan
4. Gently pat dough with a piece of parchment paper into one dense, even layer
5. Refrigerate until set and cut into 8 bars
6. Store in airtight container and enjoy as a fiber filled breakfast, on-the-go snack or healthy dessert!

The ‘Why’ Behind Your Ingredients

Organic gluten-free oats

Oats are a complex carbohydrate with high protein and fiber content to keep you full and satisfied. They’re proven to regulate blood sugar, lower cholesterol levels and promote healthy gut bacteria. Oats are also loaded with important vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, such as manganese and copper. Tip: Always buy your oats organic! Non-organic oats can contain a cancer-causing herbicide, glyphosate.

Almond butter

Almond butter is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin E and omega 3’s. It has more protein and unsaturated fats (the healthy kind) compared to other nut butters. Tip: Opt for a natural almond butter that lists almonds as the only ingredient.

Local honey

Honey is know for its healing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. But choosing local honey can help reduce or eliminate seasonal allergy symptoms. It’s the same logic as allergy shots: ingest a small amount of the allergen to reduce the reaction.

Chia seeds

This high-quality protein source is a nutrient dense powerhouse. These small but mighty seeds support bone health and can reduce your risk of heart disease. Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to your smoothies, yogurt or oatmeal for a boost of powerful antioxidants.

Cocoa powder

Cocoa powder is packed with polyphenols (naturally occurring antioxidants) and delivers a decadent, chocolate sensation while working to reduce inflammation in the body, regulate blood sugar levels and improve cholesterol. Tip: Heating and cooking cocoa powder can reduce its antioxidant properties. I like to use in in no-bake recipes like my Dream Bars, smoothies, chia pudding and yogurt bowls. Try adding a tablespoon to your iced coffee for a healthy, mocha-like twist. Shop my favorite brand of organic cacao powder.

Cinnamon

I have a knee jerk reaction to add cinnamon to every sweet thing I eat. If you’re careful about the amount, you can’t event taste it. Cinnamon has a powerful effect on our blood sugar levels, metabolism, brain function and heart health. There are two types of cinnamon: cassia and ceylon. Cassia cinnamon is the default that is commonly found in grocery stores. However, it contains a compound called coumarin, which can be harmful in high doses. I suggest you use ceylon cinnamon, also known as “true” cinnamon. It is more expensive and harder to find, but ceylon cinnamon has significantly lower levels of coumarin and optimizes its health benefits. My go-to is Anthony’s Organic Ceylon Cinnamon on Amazon.

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn commission on qualifying orders.