No Bake Almond Joy Bars

If you know you are going to crave something sweet, why not be prepared?  These are so easy* to make ahead and keep in the fridge for when the sweet tooth strikes.  
*You need a food processor. Its worth the investment..it will make every future baking experience more enjoyable!

Ingredients:

Bottom Layer:
1.5 Cups Dates (I used pitted deglet)
1 Cup Nuts (I used almonds)
4 T Cocoa Powder
1 T Vanilla Extract
Pinch of Sea Salt

Top Layer:
1.5 Cups Shredded Coconut (unsweetened)
1/3 Cup Almond flour
1/4 Cup Coconut Oil (melted)
3 T Honey
Pinch of Sea Salt

Optional Top top layer: (I'd recommend because it holds everything together and looks fancy)
1/4 Cup Chocolate Chips

Directions:

1. Double check that your dates don't have pits, even if they say pitted. It's a stupid, painful surprise when you bite into a date pit.
2. Food process all bottom layer ingredients.
3. Press bottom layer into parchment lined 8x8 pan
4. Mix all top layer ingredients (if its not sticking together use more honey)
5. Press top layer over bottom layer
6. Melt chocolate over stove or in microwave and drizzle over top layer.
7. Leave it alone!  Place in fridge for at least 30 min (or if desperate freezer ;) )

Protein Style: I have substituted vanilla protein powder for the almond flour in top layer and it was delicious