What started out as a plan to take one of my favorite healthy snacks and turn it into a bar or dessert turned into Golden Turmeric Millionaire Bars. I will admit I don’t think I’ve ever had a millionaire bar, or if I have I didn’t know that’s what they were called at the time. I’ve made other bars like this but recently learned when talking to a friend that the combination of shortbread, caramel, and chocolate is called a Millionaire Bar and while this is a healthier version made with date “caramel” I think it fits the description.
One of my favorite healthy snacks is dates dipped in fresh cashew butter. One summer I think I pretty much lived off them making more than one stop at Whole Foods a week for dates and warm fresh ground cashew butter.
Sometimes adding a little chocolate. What can I say sometimes you just need a little chocolate! With these bars chocolate is not optional.
The first time I made these I was blending the date caramel and thought hmm wonder if I add turmeric if it will look gold. I thought if it worked it would not only look golden and scream millionaire but also add a little antioxidant and anti-inflammatory boost. If you add too the flavor really stands out so I like it with just a teaspoon but you can also omit it and still have a healthy treat. When I had them taste tested only a couple people could detect the turmeric.
A delicious healthy treat that’s sure to be a hit at any get together or party. That is if you don’t stash them like gold and enjoy them all yourself! They’re pretty darn good so I wouldn’t blame you if you did.
Quick and easy to make, no bake, gluten free, paleo, and vegan they’re party perfect! Also nut free if you use another chocolate, I used my favorite Hu Cashew Dark Chocolate Bars (vegan and paleo). They won’t even know they’re healthy, or at least S’s friends that snuck some from the fridge a few weeks ago at night when they were sleeping over didn’t. That’s when I smile and know I’m doing my job!
I know it’s Monday and I’m already starting the week with these indulging Golden Turmeric Millionaire Bars but there is no reason not to make them ANY day of the week. Besides I just like to start the week off on a positive and happy note to set the mood for the week, or at least that’s my excuse for making them.
If you need some ideas on what to eat besides chocolate check out the amazing recipes linked up below for Meatless Monday. I look forward to seeing what’s happening in your kitchen and hope you link up with me and my co-host Deborah and share!
Prep Time | 25 minutes |
Passive Time | 40 minutes |
Servings |
8x8 pan, 16 bars
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- 1 1/3 c coconut flour
- 1/2 c pure maple syrup
- 1/2 c extra virgin coconut oil, melted and cooled
- 20 Medjool dates (175g), pitted (soaked in warm water)
- 2-3 TBSP coconut cream (thick part from full fat called coconut milk)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp turmeric, optional
- 6.3 oz dark chocolate, finely chopped (used 3 HU Cashew Chocolate Bars)
- 1 TBSP extra virgin coconut oil
Ingredients
Shortbread Crust
Date Caramel Layer
Chocolate Layer
|
|
- Line a 8x8 pan with parchment paper, allowing extra to hang over edge. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl add coconut flour, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Use spoon or spatula to fully combine. Allow crust to rest for a few minutes so coconut flour absorbs moisture.
- While crust is resting drain the dates and add pitted dates to a food processor or blender, a small food processor will work. Add 2 tablespoons of coconut cream, vanilla and turmeric powder and blend until smooth. You will need to scrape down the sides as needed. Add the additional tablespoon of coconut cream if needed.
- Spread coconut flour dough into prepared parchment paper lined pan, pressing flat and evenly.
- Spread Date Caramel evenly on top of the crust.
- Place bars in the fridge while melting the chocolate.
- Melt chocolate and coconut oil together in medium microwave safe bowl in 15 second increments, stirring in between, until smooth. Pour chocolate over the bars evenly.
- Place fridge and allow bars to set for 30 minutes to an hour. Once the bars have set, remove from the pan lifting the parchment paper. Using a sharp knife cut bars. Wetting the knife with warm water and wiping in between if needed.
- Store in the refrigerator until about 10-15 minutes before you're ready to enjoy.
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Deborah Brooks
Well I always need a little more chocolate in my life! These look delicious
awhiskandtwowands
Don’t we all! 😉
Patrick@looneyforfood.com
I love date caramel! I like it even better than the real thing! These look beautiful
Patrick@looneyforfood.com recently posted…Back to School Meals you can Make Ahead of Time
awhiskandtwowands
Thank you! They’re so good I don’t miss the processed sugary caramel.
Patrick@looneyforfood.com
I’m not sure if my previous comment worked but these look so beautiful! Love date caramel!
vicki
OMG, these look fantastic!
Theresa
What if you don’t have enough Maple syrup, can I use honey?
awhiskandtwowands
Yes I would substitute honey, or agave if you want to keep them vegan.
Lisa Marie
Looks delicious! Would you happen to have the nutrition information for this recipe?
awhiskandtwowands
Thank you!
I’m sorry I do not. I personally no longer track calories for a number of reasons and given the different options out there is would be an estimate based on specific items I use. For those wanting to calculate calories I suggest using an app as there are many these days and punching it in with the items/brands you have or would use.