Okay – I confess – I was a snickers, twix and milky way fanatic for lots of years, and at first, I was bummed to learn that very few of these types of candy bars are vegan.  That was a few years ago.  Since then I have long since stopped missing them and have even given up white sugar which was very easy to do thanks mostly to raw desserts.  I never realized how delicious raw desserts could be.  They are so incredible and easy to make and I feel like I am giving myself a healthy treat as opposed to processed garbage that doesn’t even taste good but my brain had been tricked into thinking it tasted good over years and years of conditioning.  Now, I wouldn’t go near a snickers bar even if they made it vegan.  No way.  They can’t even hold a candle to these bars.  Especially when I put some chopped peanuts on top before the chocolate coating!  That is what I usually do, but this batch I made for someone with a peanut allergy so I left the peanuts out.  Just a matter of preference – but if snickers was your thing, definitely throw on some peanuts!  And enjoy – a candy bar you can be proud to give to your loved ones.  I smile inside whenever my kids reach for one of these for a sweet treat!

Line an 8×6” pan with plastic wrap, hanging over the edges.

nougat

• 1/2 c soft, medjool dates (if not soft, soak in warm water at least 20 minutes to soften)
• 1 1/2 c  raw cashews
• 1 t vanilla
• 1 – 2 T water

caramel

• 2 c soft, medjool dates (if not soft, soak in warm water at least 20 minutes to soften)
• 1 1/4 t vanilla
• 1/4 t salt
• 1/2 c walnuts + 1 T water
• 1/4 c coconut oil

chocolate

• 1/2 c coconut oil, melted
• 3/4 c cacao powder
• 1/8 t salt
• 1/4 t vanilla
• 1/2 c agave nectar