Kid‑friendly sugar-free bars without the guilt

Is it possible to make sugar-free bars for kids? It might sound contradictory, but yes, it's quite achievable. Instead of relying on honey or white sugar, I opt for maple syrup. While still a source of simple sugars, maple syrup is a healthier alternative to white sugar. These bars are not only kid-friendly but also suitable for those mindful of their diet.

- 7 ounces of almond flour or ground almonds

- 3 tablespoons of cocoa

- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup

- 5 tablespoons of olive or canola oil

- 8 tablespoons of peanut butter (e.g., homemade)

- 2 tablespoons of olive oil

- 2 tablespoons of maple syrup

- A pinch of salt

- 3.5 ounces of unsalted peanuts

- 5.3 ounces of dark chocolate

- A bit of milk

- Optionally, your favorite nuts for decoration

1. Combine the almond flour, cocoa, maple syrup, and oil. Thoroughly mix these ingredients and press the mixture onto the bottom of a baking tin (previously lined with parchment paper).

2. Preheat your oven to 356 degrees F and bake the base for about 10 minutes. Once baked, allow it to cool before sprinkling the peanuts over it.

3. Next, warm the peanut butter, maple syrup, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a saucepan, stirring well. Pour this salty caramel mixture over the base and peanuts, then refrigerate for 30 minutes.

4. For the topping, gently melt the chocolate with a touch of milk over very low heat until smooth.

5. Drizzle the cooled chocolate over the caramel layer, smoothing it with a spatula, and, if desired, sprinkle additional nuts on top. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

6. The final step is to slice the dessert into small bars and enjoy!

By choosing to make these homemade bars, you’re not only providing a healthier snack option for your children but also indulging in a creative and fulfilling baking project.```