If you have a sweet tooth but are trying to be more health-conscious, you’re not alone! Many people struggle with reducing their sugar intake. However, consuming too much sugar can lead to a variety of health problems, including weight gain, tooth decay, and an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Fortunately, there are ways to satisfy your sweet tooth without resorting to refined sugar-laden desserts. One option is to try making raw desserts using natural sweeteners. Raw desserts are made with whole, unprocessed ingredients and are typically free of dairy, gluten, and refined sugar.

One delicious raw dessert that you can try is a raw Nanaimo bar. Nanaimo bars are a classic Canadian dessert, named after the city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island. The traditional recipe calls for a chocolate crumb base, a layer of vanilla custard, and a chocolate glaze on top. This raw version of the Nanaimo bar is made with all natural ingredients and no refined sugar.

Here’s the recipe:

Raw Nanaimo Bars

Ingredients:

Base Layer: Chocolate Crust

• 1 cup slivered almonds
• 1/2 cup soaked dates
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• dash of salt

Middle Layer: Cream

• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1/2 cup soaked cashews
• 3 tbsp raw unpasteurized honey
• a few drops of stevia
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Top Layer: Chocolate Topping

• 1/2 cup soaked cashews
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/4 cup raw unpasteurized honey
• a few drops of stevia

Directions:

1. Place all the base layer ingredients into a food processor and blend until dough-like. Be sure to stop the food processor to scrape down the sides and process more.

2. Press the dough into an 8×8 inch baking pan, making sure to press down firmly.

3. Place all the middle layer ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. Again, stop the food processor to scrape down the sides and process more.

4. Spread the middle layer onto the base layer in the baking pan, making sure to spread it evenly.

5. Place all the top layer ingredients into a food processor and blend until smooth. Once again, stop the food processor to scrape down the sides and process more.

6. Spread the final layer onto the middle layer in the baking pan, making sure to spread it evenly.

7. Place the pan into the freezer for 1-3 hours.

8. Remove from the freezer, cut into bars, and serve.

9. Store the raw Nanaimo bars in the freezer.

By using honey and stevia instead of refined sugar, this raw Nanaimo bar recipe is a healthier option for satisfying your sweet tooth. Honey has numerous medicinal properties and can be used as a natural sweetener in many recipes. Stevia is a natural sweetener that doesn’t affect your blood sugar levels, making it a great alternative for those with diabetes or who are watching their sugar intake.

In addition to being a healthier option for dessert, raw Nanaimo bars also contain beneficial nutrients. Almonds are a great source of protein and healthy fats, while cashews are a good source of iron and magnesium. Coconut oil is high in healthy fats, which have been linked to improved brain function and heart health.

By incorporating raw desserts like these raw Nanaimo bars into your diet, you can enjoy a sweet treat without sacrificing your health goals.