Carrot Cake Energy Bars

In college I got turned onto Luna Bars. After going off sugar and soy I moved on to Larabars. When I moved to back to St Lucia I would order them online or buy them at $7 each. The health food store closed down and I can’t afford to order any right now. I have been seeing a lot of recipes all over pinterest using dates. I think dates are too sweet and they area also difficult to get here in St Lucia.

I have been really needing something with a little boost I can eat before yoga class. I am often starving by the end of class. Especially on Thursdays when I run before class. I thought about it long about it long and hard and decided prunes would be a good replacement for dates.

I searched online and I found a few recipes using prunes like this one here and here. I decided that I wanted to make two flavors: carrot cake and chocolate coconut.

I only made carrot cake this time around. I had to resist the urge to add coconut because I know not everyone likes coconut. I ended up with a really delicious product. It tastes great straight out of the freezer. It gets a little mushy when I travel with it but I don’t think that will be a problem for my friends enjoying winter weather right now.

I did cost calculation and it comes to $2.50 a bar which is pretty awesome. I have been enjoying these as dessert and I am afraid I may not have any left for Thursday when I really need them. My brother loved it as did my cousin. I am not sure it tastes like carrot cake but it feels like I’m eating carrot cake super yummy goodness. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Note: I made mine in batches in the food processor then mixed it all together in a large bowl because my food processor is very small. Feel free to make similar adjustments as needed.

Makes 12 bars

Ingredients

1 cup raw cashews
1 cup prunes
1 cup raisins
1/2 cup grated carrots
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp ground flax seed

Directions

Place nuts in food processor, process and set aside.
Place prunes and raisins in food processor, process until a paste is formed.
Add nuts, nutmeg and flax.
Process until well mixed and a doughy ball is formed.
Place the dough in a large bowl and fold in grated carrots.
Line a tray with parchment or wax paper.
Place mixture in the parchment lined tray and use a spoon to spread it into one smooth layer.
Place in the refrigerator to set for at least one hour.
Remove from fridge, use a sharp knife to cut into bars.
Individually wrap the bars in foil or wax paper.
Place in the fridge or freezer.
Unwrap and enjoy!