Delicious Dark Chocolate Berry Bars with Toasted Pistachio

These dark chocolate berry bars have bites of toasted pistachio sprinkled throughout. These are the perfect healthy treat and can be made vegan and gluten free.

These bars are easy to make and last weeks in the freezer in an airtight container. You can make them as sweet as you would like by using extra maple syrup, or using a 60 or 70% dark chocolate bar. The chocolate bars can also be made less sweet by using 90% percent dark chocolate.

I used regular creamy peanut butter to give these yummy bars a nuttier flavor. You can switch that out for almond butter if you prefer, just make sure it’s creamy and not chunky nut butter.

Is Dark Chocolate Healthy for you?

Dark chocolate can have some health benefits when consumed in moderation. It contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Additionally, dark chocolate has been associated with potential cardiovascular benefits, such as improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure.

However, it’s important to note that while dark chocolate can offer certain health advantages, it is also calorie-dense and should be consumed in moderation to avoid excess calorie intake. The specific health benefits can vary based on the cocoa content of the chocolate; generally, it is recommended to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the greatest potential health benefits.

Maple Syrup as a Sugar/Sweetener Alternative:

While maple syrup is considered a more natural sweetener compared to refined sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, it’s important to note that it still contains sugars and should be used in moderation. Maple syrup is a sweetener derived from the sap of maple trees and is often touted for its unique flavor and potential health benefits.

Here are some aspects to consider when using maple syrup as a sweetener:

1. Natural Sweetener: Maple syrup is less processed than refined sugars and contains some beneficial compounds like antioxidants and minerals.
2. Nutrient Content: It contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals such as manganese, zinc, and calcium. However, the amounts are relatively low, and you would need to consume a significant quantity of maple syrup to meet your nutritional needs.
3. Glycemic Index: While maple syrup does have a lower glycemic index compared to some other sweeteners, it still raises blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes or those watching their blood sugar levels should use it cautiously.
4. Caloric Content: Maple syrup is calorie-dense, so it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes to avoid excessive calorie intake.
5. Natural Flavor: Maple syrup adds a distinct flavor to dishes, which can be a positive aspect for those looking to enhance the taste of their foods.

Melting chocolate baking bars can be done easily, and it’s crucial to do it gently to avoid scorching or burning the chocolate. Here are a few methods you can use:

1. Double Boiler Method:
   • Break the chocolate bars into small, even pieces.
   • Place a heatproof bowl over a pot with simmering water (double boiler).
   • Make sure the bowl does not touch the water.
   • Add the chocolate pieces to the bowl and stir continuously until melted.
2. Microwave Method:
   • Place the chocolate pieces in a microwave-safe bowl.
   • Microwave on medium heat in 15-30 second intervals.
   • Stir the chocolate after each interval.
   • Continue until the chocolate is almost melted, then stir to let the residual heat complete the melting process.
3. Direct Heat Method (with caution):
   • Break the chocolate into small pieces and place them in a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
   • Use low heat and stir continuously to prevent burning.
   • Remove the pan from the heat as soon as most of the chocolate is melted, and continue stirring until smooth.

Tips for melting chocolate:

• Use high-quality chocolate for better results.
• Make sure all utensils and bowls are dry, as even a small amount of water can cause chocolate to seize (become thick and lumpy).
• Be patient and use low heat to avoid overheating the chocolate.

For this recipe I chose to use the double boiler method (this is my preferred method). Once the chocolate is melted, you can add in the coconut oil, maple syrup, and peanut butter. Stir gently until all ingredients are melted together.

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Storing the Dark Chocolate Berry Bars:

I like to keep these bars stored in the freezer in an airtight container. This keeps them a nice cold frozen treat whenever I want them. You can also store these in the refrigerator. However, since the berries we are using are frozen, they make leak in to the bars as them come up to temperature.

These bars are not made with tempered chocolate and cannot be left out at room temperature. Non tempered chocolate will melt at room temperature. For best results store these bars in an airtight container for up to 1 month.