With this heatwave here over Denmark, I don’t really feel like turning on the oven that much. Except for the bread. But I make sure to wake up early in the morning and bake it 🙂
On warm days like these I don’t really crave baked deserts or sweets that much. I prefer eating more plain fruit instead of a pastry or a creamy cake. And every now and then chill down with a delicious ice cream. However, if I plan on having a more active day, let’s say I go swimming, or sailing, or for a long walk into a forest, or a hike I always like to take some snacks with me. Something sweet and filling, that also pairs well with some fresh fruit that’s in season. I love making my own sugar free raw bites or bars, that will help keep my energy level up. They’re packed with nuts and dried fruit and only natural sweetness. And no baking involved. Just good ingredients and a food processor.
The 1-1-1 recipe
I love how versatile and easy to remember this recipe is. You basically have 3 base ingredients, out of which one is always the same (dates), and you’re free to play around with the other two, using your favourite nuts and dried fruit. So let’s start and you’ll have your raw bites ready in no time!
Ingredients:
- pitted dates – 1 part
- nuts of choice – 1 part
- dried fruit of choice – 1 part
- salt
- water
- unsweetened coconut flakes or crushed nuts (if forming them into balls)
- optional: vanilla extract or lime zest or cinnamon
Tools:
- food processor
- cling film
Instructions
1. Measure one part of each of the 3 ingredients and place them in the food processor. I’m using my small Ø 9cm ramekins, but it also depends on the size of your food processor. Pulse a few times until you get a crumbly consistency.
2. Add a tiny pinch of salt and your favourite extra flavour – vanilla extract / lime zest / cinnamon. If the fruit you are using is very dry, you might also need to add 1 tbsp. of cold water, to help it stick together. Then pulse a few more times until clumps start forming and when the mix sticks together if pressed between the fingers.
3. If forming them into bars, put the mix on a plastic film and form it into a square. From my quantities I get a square of about 13cm per side, 1,5cm thick. Seal the raw mixture with the cling film and let it rest in the fridge for at least an hour. I like to leave it overnight. After it has set in the refrigerator, you can cut it into bars. I cut mine into 8 bars (about 7/8 x 3 cm). Wrap each bar individually either in cling film (I reuse the one I wrapped the whole thing in), or in craft baking paper/ in between layers paper. Check out a step-by-step guide in my ‘Raw bites’ highlight on Insta.
3. If forming them into balls, they’re ready to be formed as soon as the mixture starts sticking together. With your slightly wet hands just go ahead and form small balls between your palms. Then roll them in coconut flakes or crushed nuts, so they won’t be that sticky anymore. Plus, they look super pretty 🙂 When you formed all of them, store in a container and let rest in the fridge for at least one hour.
Mix and match
Hope you’ll find this base recipe just as handy as I do. I am, however, making here a little list of my favourite combos. But really, just every dried berries or fruit and nuts you have laying around in the kitchen will work.
- apricot – almond – dates, with a hint of lime (juice and zest)
- plums – cashew nuts – dates, with a hint of vanilla extract
- raisins – pecan nuts – dates, with a hint of cinnamon
Let me know if you’re trying it out! Curious to see what other awesome combos you’ll be experimenting with.
Happy mixing and matching, everyone!
