Iron-Rich Healthy Crunch Bars

Ingredients

• 0.25 cup coconut oil (melted)
• 0.25 cup cacao powder (raw cacao)
• 2 tbsp black sesame butter
• 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses
• vanilla extract (to taste)
• 0.25 cup popped amaranth (cooled)
• freeze-dried strawberries (crushed, for topping; can also use raspberries)

Steps

1. 1

   Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl until completely liquid.

2. 2

   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted coconut oil, cacao powder, black sesame butter, blackstrap molasses, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and completely combined.

3. 3

   Add the cooled popped amaranth to the chocolate mixture. Fold it through gently until all the tiny crispy pieces are thoroughly coated in chocolate.

4. 4

   Pour the mixture into a parchment-lined container or silicone molds, spreading it into an even layer.

5. 5

   Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried strawberries or raspberries over the top to add vitamin C for better iron absorption.

6. 6

   Place the container in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours. Once solid, remove and cut into pieces.

Notes

Popping amaranth can be tricky; it is recommended to pop it in a very hot dry pan in small batches (about 1 tablespoon at a time) to avoid burning. The author notes that vitamin C from the berries helps enhance the absorption of the non-heme iron found in the amaranth, sesame, and molasses.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• snack
• iron-rich
• healthy
• no-bake
• gluten-free
• vegan