So, I have a thing about candy. As in, a love affair. I can't resist it. I can pass up dessert at any restaurant, even when they whisk the dessert tray in front of my face---I'd rather have homemade. But candy is my kryptonite. It's a bit comical for those that know me well, because I can be a total health nut, except when it comes to sugar. In my head, eating healthfully leaves room for Dr. Pepper flavored twizzlers. (Yes, you should really buy those). A salad for lunch means I can have a box of lemon heads. (Yes, the whole box). I can justify a trip to World Market like nobody's business, because, of course, they have a most excellent selection of gummy candy. I love candy.
I was at one of my favorite St Louis lunch spots the other day, and I noticed several women in exercise clothing ordering little chocolate bars that the server was judiciously pulling out of the freezer. Everything at this restaurant is handmade and local, so I knew these little bars were special. I scoured the menu, but couldn't find them. Finally, I spotted a sign behind the counter about the size of half an index card that said 'Paleo Treats.' One must inquire about such treats. I'm so glad I did. I ordered two, one for me and one for my lunch date. We took one bite, and wanted to turn back around and order a dozen more.
They're genius because the bulk of the candy bar is sliced almonds. Healthy and delicious! And the baker claimed they're all paleo, made with all natural sugars and honey. I have no idea if my version is paleo-friendly, but I fully welcome the paleo police to stop by and tell me if so! I need to know. Like I need more reasons to stuff my face with these pups.
So, yeah, here's my version of a healthy candy bar. I use the term 'healthy' loosely, because there is quite a bit of sugar, though be it in the form of coconut sugar and honey. But the chocolate on top is homemade! I've always found the ingredient list in chocolate chips to be a bit sketchy, so I am in LOVE with the idea of homemade chocolate, even if I have to keep it in the fridge to keep it firm.
You look like you deserve a candy bar. Yeah, ya do.
These gluten-free bars are perfect for snacking.Paleo candy bars
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4
Serving Size:
1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 773Total Fat: 56gSaturated Fat: 25gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 148mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 9gSugar: 45gProtein: 14g
Kit says
Oooh! Thank you so much for validating that I look I need a candy bar! I was just thinking the same thing, but don't any secret stash left! Normally I crave 80,'s and 90s movie box candy. I love Pop Rop Rocks, Bottle Caps, good N Plenty, and Spree and have that hidden in my drawers and cupboards, not chocolate. But once in a while I just need need chocolate.
This invitation of yours couldn't have come at a better time! Thanks oh crafty one!
Kit says
Of course it is healthy! That chocolate thing is all the buzz these days! And going to be using at half organic ingredients!
Kit says
Gosh, my dyslexia is showing! The reason I rarely post ????dyslexics often skip or repeat words! So sorry.
Kelly says
This looks SO GOOD!
Erica says
These looked so good - I had to make them! They taste great, but the almond party is really really hard - barely chewable. How did you get yours to stay softer and more chewable? I love a candy bar - but I also love my teeth! Lol
Christina Lane says
No way! Did you use sliced almonds from the store? Slivered almonds is what the package should say. If you use any other type of almond, I could see them getting hard, but not slivered!
Ruby says
Now I'm confused, slivered or sliced?
Christina Lane says
HAH! Sorry. Definitely sliced. Very thinly sliced almonds. Slivered almonds are thick little batons--way too thick for this recipe. Sliced almonds are about the side and width of a fingernail (sorry for that visual!).
Nora (A Clean Bake) says
For the record, these are totally paleo-friendly. Nice! Regardless of dietary compliance, though, these look amazing. I love candy too but the sugar rush/crash gets me every time so I like candy that has more fat in it (like nuts and coconut oil) to kind of balance out the crash!
patty says
I made these this weekend and they are delicious. The coconut flavor does come thru. The only thing I would change is I would heat up the honey and coconut sugar first and then toss in the almonds. The hardest part was waiting until the bars were cooled enough to eat!
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
OMG, this looks so good! I am a chocolate/dessert lover and it is my weakness. It is so bad, but this candy bar... I could eat this all day and not feel guilty!
Justine | Cooking and Beer says
LOVE that these are guiltless. I have a serious obsession with anything chocolate-related. These would not last very long around here!
Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie says
Love that these are guiltless and I can have more then one piece. Delicious!