Sunday, October 19, 2014

Raw vegan bakewell tart bars

Johanna of Green Gourmet Giraffe mentioned last week that she had a domestic goddess moment in her kitchen. Today, I have felt a bit the same. I have cleaned, descaled the kettle and sink (to an Australian, hard water and the need for descaling is a new challenge!), made chutney, and made these bars. Plus, Mr Bite hung the last of our pictures that needed hanging / mounting. It has been a satisfying Sunday.



These bars are inspired by the new, Christmas themed bakewell tart Nákd bars. I was very excited to hear about them. Alas, I haven't found them in any stores near me yet (although I have seen the related Christmas pudding flavoured bar). Given I have my food processor back, I thought I'd try a homemade version.

Nákd bars are one of my favourite UK products. They are made by the same company, Natural Balance Foods, that makes Trek bars. They were available in a few supermarkets in Australia when I left, but normally for about $2 per bar. They are quite costly here too - around £2.80 for 4, or £0.75 each - but not quite as exorbitant as in the Australian market. Plus, the ingredient list helps to justify the price. The standard bars consist purely of dried fruit and nuts, plus various natural flavours. As many of you know, raw vegan treats can be costly to make.

The bakewell tart Nákd bars have a typically simple ingredient list: dates, cashews, sultanas, and natural flavouring. I made my version with dates, cashews, dried cherries, and almond extract. I considered adding oats too, but in the end stuck with a raw fruit and nut based version.


These bars do taste remarkably like a bakewell tart. As you would expect, the flavours are not exactly the same, and it is the cherry-almond tones that come through rather than a taste of pastry. The bars are delicious though, and very easy to eat. I am keen to compare my version with the commercial Nákd equivalent in time, but for now, will be satisfied with this batch.

Incidentally, for those of who you want an actual vegan bakewell tart - I have a recipe for them here. They resemble the real thing in all possible ways, but are not raw and have a slightly less healthy ingredient list!


Raw vegan bakewell tart bars
A simplified, raw vegan version of the classic British dessert
Makes 10 to 12 bars
Raw, vegan and gluten free

Food processor required

Author: Bite-Sized Thoughts, with inspiration from Nákd bakewell tart bars


Ingredients
1 cup (130g) raw cashew nuts
3/4 cup (110g) loosely packed dates
1/2 cup (70g) loosely packed dried cherries
1/2 - 3/4 tsp almond extract, to taste
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Method
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until the mix starts to clump together, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally if needed. 

When the mix is ready, line a square or rectangle baking tin with non-stick paper. Press the fruit and nut mix into the lined tin, distributing evenly to give a height of 2 to 3 cm (1 inch). Allow to set in the fridge for at least an hour before cutting into slices.


Do you enjoy Nákd bars? If so, what is your favourite flavour?

18 comments:

  1. I hope your domestic goddess moment wasn't followed like mine by a true domestic fail moment (forgot to turn off gas flame under soup while we went swimming - saucepan seems to have survived!). I don't remember the descaling in the UK but it does not sound fun. I am a big fan of nakd bars - my most recent sample was rhubarb and custard which was really good - I wish they were easier to find and cheaper here. Making them at home sounds great - something I need to try.. I used someone else's food processor on the weekend which made me think maybe I need a new one.

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    1. Funnily enough, I had one of those moments recently too :P I actually managed to start a mini fire by placing an oven tray lined with baking paper near a saucepan on the stove top - the flames caught the paper and there was a tense moment before I dowsed things with water. Lesson learnt re. baking paper near flames!

      I like the rhubarb and custard bars too and have to confess I don't know how to replicate custard without custard powder.

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  2. I love those domestic goddess moments! I can't wait to get a hold of some dried cherries so I can try these bars, they look so good

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  3. Isn't it so amazing how something so simple to make can cost soo much? I don't understand why all those bars are so overpriced! In any case, this would make for a wonderful afternoon snack. I've been spending majority of my time in the lab lately, and because I've been having a hard time finding that right "stopping point," quick snacks have def been a life saver. can't wait to make these!

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    1. Thanks Min! I am always prepared to spend more on whole foods, but do wish they didn't cost so much when packaged up :P

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  4. I don't think I've tried a Nakd bar, I thought I had (I know what I tried was apple flavour) but looking at their website I don't see any apple. I very much like your recipe though, but I don't envy the descaling!

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    1. I think you may have tried one of the Nakd bars with 'crunchies' - they have an apple flavour for them :) And actually, possibly an apple in the bars with oats too.

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  5. What lovely tart bars! I don't think we have that Nak'd brand here, but perhaps it's similar to a larabar?

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    1. Yes, I think so! But a bit smaller and not as high in protein :)

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  6. I make something very similar all the time, although I usually roll them in to balls rather than bars. They are one of my favourite snacks.

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    1. I have to say, this is the first time I've deviated from balls - but given the number of raw truffle balls on the blog, bars is a nice change ;)

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  7. It's obviously the day for it - I've just defrosted the freezer and was feeling rather too chuffed with myself for it! I love bakewell flavours - almond and cherry are just a match made in heaven.

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    1. Defrosting the freezer is an impressive task!

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  8. I love the taste of dried cherries. And you've reminded me that I need to de-scale my kettle! What lovely bars - it would be so handy to have a jar of these in the pantry xx

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  9. Great idea Kari! I'm crazy about the taste (and smell!) of almond extract and that classic Bakewell flavour.
    Hurrah for domestic goddess moments! Love a productive day at home.

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