Did you know that macadamia nuts are a nutritional powerhouse full of antioxidants and a great source of minerals such as magnesium and potassium? The addition of maca powder adds a really nice caramel flavour as well as being great for your energy levels.
Try them together in these easy no-bake macadamia & maca bars. They’re made with lots of whole food ingredients and topped with some easy homemade dark chocolate.
what ingredients are needed to make macadamia & maca bars
- Macadamia nuts
- Medjool dates
- Almond flour (ground almonds)
- Oats
- Almond or peanut butter
- Maca powder
How to make a homemade chocolate?
You need the following ingredients to make homemade chocolate:
- Raw cacao butter
- Raw cacao powder
- Maple syrup
- Almond butter
Simply melt the cacao butter and stir through the other ingredients. The almond butter is optional but I like the added nuttiness it gives.
This chocolate is a great one to add to any of your homemade bars. If you are short of time or don’t have all the ingredients, you can just top with melted dark chocolate instead.
Let me know in the comments if you try them.
Storage & shelf life
They will store in the fridge for 5-6 days in a sealed tub.
The bars can also be frozen for up to 3 months. They can be eaten straight from the freezer or left to defrost slightly before eating.
Recipe Tips
- Which oats? I use organic gluten-free oats for this recipe. Oats are naturally gluten-free but can become contaminated in the production process hence many people who are gluten free avoid them.
- Cook the oats? These are officially no bake but if you prefer your oats a little toasted just put them in the oven for 10 minutes before making.
- Swaps: If you prefer another nut or seed butter then please substitute with that. Just keep the quantities the same. I have made a homemade chocolate topping but if you would prefer just sub for melted dark chocolate
- Dates: My dates are very soft and don’t need soaking. If yours are harder, add some water as you blend or soak in boiling water for about 20 minutes before you using. Drain fully and follow the recipe as written.
If you liked the macadamia & maca bars, why not try:
5 Ingredient Peanut Butter Bars
Macadamia & Maca Bars
Ingredients
Base ingredients:
- ½ cup macadamia nuts (60g)
- 1½ cups medjool dates, pitted (200g)
- 1 cup almond flour (ground almonds) (100g)
- 1 cup oats (80g)
- ½ cup almond or peanut butter (120g)
- 2 tbsp maca powder
Topping ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cacao butter buttons (150g)
- ½ cup raw cacao powder (50g)
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp almond butter
Instructions
- Add all the base ingredients to a food processor and blend until thoroughly combined. Add a tbsp or 2 of water, if needed, if it won’t come together in a sticky ball. If your dates are harder, you’ll definitely need to add the water.
- Line a 20cm (8 inch) square tin. Add the mixture to the tin and press down firmly until fully flat. Refrigerate whilst you make the chocolate topping.
- For the topping, melt the cacao butter in a bowl over a pan of hot water and stir in the other ingredients until smooth. Pour on top of the base and refrigerate until set.
- Once the chocolate has set, cut into bars and keep in a sealed tub in the fridge.
Notes
- I use organic gluten-free rolled oats for this recipe.
- I use quite a runny almond butter. If yours is a little thicker, add a little more. Alternatively, add a little bit of water as you blend the base so that it is soft and sticky.
- These are officially no bake but if you prefer your oats a little toasted, put them in the oven for 10 minutes before making.
Very easy to make once you have all the right ingredients. I added some crushed macadamia nuts to the top before cooling. My whole family loved them.
Loving the addition of crushed macadamias! Glad you liked the recipe.
Packed with protein, nutrients and satisfies active, hungry teens – perfect for healthier snacking during the holidays!