These home-made Twix Bars are a nutrient powerhouse!

Aside from being an easy, on the go snack, these nutrient powerhouses contain essential vitamins, minerals, protein and omega 3 fatty acids. Yes, they are super healthy and super delicious.  And they keep you full and satisfied for a long time.

The base of the twix is made with healthy oats, nuts and some maple syrup.

The caramel layer is made out of dates, some of the most impressive benefits of Medjool dates include their ability to lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, aid bone strength, protect cognition, boost metabolism, ensure proper hormone production, optimize digestion and help with normal growth and development.
Medjool dates also contain notable levels of magnesium, manganese, copper and calcium, all of which are required to improve bone mineral density in the body. Even if blood tests show that you are not deficient in minerals, this could be because your body is extracting minerals from your bones, especially women are prone to calcium deficiency so adding essential minerals in every snack is an important health decision.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s make some Twix!
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🔪 Prep time : 15 minutes
⏰ Cooking time : 25 minutes
🍪 Makes : 16 Twix

INGREDIENTS:
BASE
• 1 cup cashew nuts, preferably soaked for a few hours
• 2 cups oats
• ½ Cup (pea) protein powder
• ¼ tsp. salt
• ¼ cup flax seeds
• ¼ cup coconut oil melted
• ¼ cup peanut butter,
• ½ cup maple syrup or agave syrup or a combo of both (I use 50/50)
CARAMEL
• 1 cup (heaped, well packed) pitted medjool dates
• ¼ tsp. instant coffee granules
• A few drops of natural caramel extract (optional)
• A few tablespoons of water
CHOCOLATE TOP
• ½ cup roughly chopped 80% dark chocolate
• 2 tsp. coconut oil
• Flaked sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Pre heat the oven to 350° F / 180° C
2. Drain the cashew nuts and pat dry.
3. Place all the dry ingredients in a high powered food processor and process until fine.
4. Transfer to a bowl.
5. Place the cashew nuts in the food processor and blend until smooth.
6. Place the dry ingredients back into the food processor.
7. Heat the peanut butter, syrup and coconut oil briefly in the microwave until just softened. Add to the rest of the ingredients.
8. Mix everything well.
9. Line a square 8” / 20 cm. baking pan with parchment paper
10. Place all the base ingredients in the baking pan and press down firmly.
11. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden on top and firm to the touch.
12. Remove from the oven and let cool on a rack in the pan.
Meanwhile make the caramel.
1. Place the dates in a sauce pan with a thick bottom to prevent burning and add the water.
2. Add the coffee granules
3. Cook slowly, stirring often to break down the dates completely. Add a little water if necessary.
4. This can take up to ten minutes depending on the dryness of the dates
5. Keep stirring until you have a thick paste. (that smells heavenly)
6. Add the caramel extract
7. Let cool completely.

When ready to assemble, spread the date caramel all over the cookie base, evenly.
Place in the refrigerator until firm and cooled. Or in the freezer if you are in a hurry
Melt the chocolate in 20 second intervals in the microwave until melted.
Spread evenly over the caramel and return to the fridge until set.
When you are ready to cut the Twix bars, make sure to immerse a sharp knife in hot water before cutting thru the chocolate or it will break unevenly. Cut into 16 squares.
Sprinkle over some flaked sea salt.
And I’m really wondering how long they will last in your home…..let me know, ok?

Enjoy!

Myra XO