- Hide menu

Chunk Berry Fudge Shortbread Bars

LoadingFavoriteAdd to favorites

raw vegan gluten-free Chunk Berry Fudge Shortbread Bars

~ raw, vegan, gluten-free ~

There is a lot to be said about these beautiful shortbread one-bite-wonder bars.   It takes, but just one bite, and your mouth will fill with a flood of sheer yumminess!

Let me describe it to you;  The fudge allows your teeth to nestle right in, bringing home that feeling of pure comfort. Then you detect the buttery, golden-colored, sweet, and crumbly shortbread.

The fudge is full of wondrous surprises… the walnuts cause tiny pockets of crunch, the dried cranberries, oh their sweetness, their tartness, their chewiness… they cause time to suspend and as a result creates a coating of deep, rich orange-infused chocolate to coat your mouth (inside and out :).  Then comes the swallow, the moans, the eyes get lost in the back of the head… and the tummy sends a signal to the brain, it wants MORE!

So all-in-all, not bad. Hehe,  I meant every word I said.  I do my best never to steer you wrong.   I love sweets, and I do monitor my intake, but this sweet treat brought my taste buds so much joy in just one little bite.  I loved the fact that the shortbread tones down the richness of the chocolate.

This sweet treat is also protein-packed.  Just in case you haven’t scanned through the ingredient list, I put one cup of raw natural protein powder in the recipe.  I provided a link below to the brand that I used.   I can’t comment on how other protein powders would work.  Well, they would work, just not too sure about the flavor.

Over the years, I have tried and tested so many protein powders, and if you have as well, then you know first hand that each one tastes different.   It took me quite a few tries to find this one, and I am delighted with it.   So if you decide to try your protein powder, I would love to hear what you used and how it tasted.

There are two other ingredients that I wanted to quickly touch base upon because I know some of you will be wondering…  Oats.  I suggested to soak and dehydrate them.  The link below will explain why if you are new to using oats in such a manner.

The key is to dehydrate it before adding to the recipe.  Sometimes, depending on the recipe, you can use the oats right after the soaking process, but because this recipe doesn’t require dehydrating, the oats need to be dry.   Secondly, lecithin. Sunflower lecithin is made up of essential fatty acids and B vitamins.  It helps to support the healthy function of the brain, nervous system, and cell membranes.  It also lubricates joints; helps break up cholesterol in the body.   With that being said, if you don’t want to use it or don’t have any lecithin, you can skip it… make sure to keep the bars chilled.

close up raw vegan gluten-free Chunk Berry Fudge Shortbread BarsIngredients:

yields 8 x 8 pan

Shortbread: (2 3/4 cup batter)

Fudge:

Garnish: (optional)

Preparation:

Shortbread:

  1. Line an 8×8 baking pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Bring it up to the sides.  Set aside.
  2. Place the oats in a food processor, fitted with an “S” blade, process to a medium flour texture.
  3. Add protein powder, salt, and pulse together.
  4. Add the coconut manna, sweetener, and flavoring. Process until it reaches a dough-like texture. If needed, add 1-2 Tbsp of water.
  5. Knead the shortbread with your hands, working everything together.
  6. Press the batter into the pan that you had set aside.  Press firmly and evenly.  Set aside.

Fudge:

  1. In a food processor, fitted with an “S” blade,  process together with the coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla, orange extract, cacao powder, and lecithin. Process until it resembles a creamy chocolate sauce.
  2. Hand mix in the cranberries and walnuts.
  3. Pour over the shortbread and with a spatula, spread the fudge out evenly.
  4. Place in the fridge to set and chill.
  5. Storage;  On the countertop, it will hold up for approximately 24 hours.  (my test pieces were all eaten by then (BOB!), so may last even longer).  In the fridge 1-2 weeks or 1-2 months in the freezer.  Make sure that they are well sealed, so they don’t inherit fridge odors.

The Institute of Culinary Ingredients™

16 thoughts on “Chunk Berry Fudge Shortbread Bars

  1. Sigita says:

    Looks great!!! I’d be happy if I could taste this beauty:))))

  2. kate says:

    these look great. can you recommend a substitute for the oats. i think oats are steamed to soften them, in order to be rolled….at least that is what i have heard….k.

    • amie-sue says:

      Hi kate,

      There are some companies who make truly raw oats but if you want to omit them, you can try sprouted buckwheat that has been dehydrated and ground to a flour. Might mix up the flavor some or maybe try raw macadamia nuts with would give it a buttery hint. Just have to play around. :) Have a great weekend, amie sue

  3. Rachelle says:

    I made these and they were AMAZING!!

    • amie-sue says:

      Thank you Rachelle for letting me know. It is always good to hear from those who try the recipes. :) Enjoy and have a blessed evening, amie sue

  4. Samantha says:

    My partners mother mAde theese with slight variations and they were phenomenal ! Very wholesome taste within each bite . Which is why I love raw dessert . Especially awesome they were not made of nut paste. Leaves room for consuming just a few more (; I’ll have to try whipping up a batch myself !

    • amie-sue says:

      Good morning Samantha,

      Thank you for sharing this. I am happy to hear that you all are enjoying the recipe. I hope you give it a try, pretty darn easy if you ask me. Have a great day, amie sue

  5. Brian says:

    Hi Amie-Sue!

    I wonder, could I replace the protein powder with a nut meal? Or something else more likely to be found in my raw larder?

  6. Naomi says:

    Amie-Sue, I drool over the photos and recipes. You are amazing at displaying your foods as well. I was wondering if you would share what kind of camera and lens you use. I could never produce such great photos as you but if my photos could be 1/2 the quality I would be happy.

    • amie-sue says:

      Thank you Naomi :) Camera…lens… I am almost embarrassed to say that I use my iPhone for my photos… nothing else. lol Have a glorious day! amie sue

  7. Gayle says:

    I am sold. Will be trying these yesterday! Well, after I dehydrate the oats and walnuts. :}

  8. Afsaneh says:

    Hi Amie Sue, i was waiting for my protein powder to arrive! and it was with vanilla taste and all organic vegan stuff. De bars turned out great and i just added a bit more cranberries and a bit more pecan nuts (instead of walnuts). with on top a pinch of of orange peel powder. each time i buy organic oranges or limes i dehydrate the peels and make powder to use in these occasions. Another great recipe by you! Thank you and many Blessings,

    • amie-sue says:

      They are pretty darn tasty… I agree. I love that they are packed with protein powder and nobody guesses it. :) Great idea on dehydrating the peels to make powder. Sounds perfect! I always appreciate it when you share your experiences. I hope you have a splendid day. hugs, amie sue

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *