Festive Superfood Energy Slice

My friend Mel shared this the other day and I thought I would share the love with you.

Celebrate the holiday season with this Festive Superfood Energy Slice—a deliciously wholesome treat that feels indulgent but is packed with nutrients to keep you feeling energised and satisfied. With a yummy mix of dried fruits, crunchy nuts, creamy coconut, and a hint of cacao, this slice strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and nourishment.

So if you’re looking for a healthy option for holiday snacking, a unique addition to your festive dessert table, or a thoughtful homemade gift, this no-bake recipe will quickly become a seasonal favourite.

I really like this mix because of the nutrient-dense ingredients. It is delivering the goodness to your tastebuds but it’s also serving up the nutrients to help you stay feeling good. It has omega-3-rich chia seeds, antioxidant-packed goji berries, and healthy fats from coconut oil and nuts. This means it provides slow-releasing energy to power through the holiday hustle and bustle. It’s naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and dried fruits, so you can enjoy the festive flavours without worrying about all the additives that can come with other store bought sweet treats. It’s also gluten-free, optional dairy-free, and free from refined sugars, meaning it can be enjoyed by most people (of course be careful of nut allergies - no one wants a trip to the emergency room).

This recipe is highly versatile—you can swap out the dried fruits or nuts to suit your taste preferences or pantry supplies. Add a festive twist by incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or top it with crushed pistachios, shredded coconut, or even edible gold flakes for an extra touch of holiday magic. YUM.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Gifting: Pack these slices into a festive tin or wrap them in parchment paper with a holiday ribbon for a thoughtful, homemade gift.

• Great for Gatherings: Serve it as part of a holiday snack platter or dessert spread—it’s sure to be a hit with its rich flavours and wholesome ingredients.

• Fuel for the Holidays: With its blend of healthy fats, fibre, and protein, this slice is a fantastic option for keeping your energy levels steady during the busy season.

• Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and no baking required, so you can spend more time enjoying the holidays and less time in the kitchen.

How to Make It:

Ingredients:

• 230g dried fruit (e.g., apricots, goji berries, cranberries, golden raisins—choose bright, festive colors!)

• 30g chia seeds

• 120g mixed nuts (e.g., pistachios for their green hue, almonds, macadamias)

• 150g coconut oil

• 50g pure maple syrup

• 70g desiccated coconut

• 2 tbsp cacao powder or natural hot chocolate powder

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive flavor

• Zest of 1 orange for a citrusy twist

• A pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness

Instructions:

1. Prep the Dry Ingredients: Place the dried fruit, nuts, and chia seeds in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but still slightly textured.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: Melt the coconut oil in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the maple syrup, desiccated coconut, cacao powder, and any optional spices or orange zest until smooth and well combined.

3. Mix: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until everything is evenly coated and sticky.

4. Set in Tray: Line a rectangular or square baking dish with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into the dish, ensuring an even thickness.

5. Freeze: Place the dish in the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the slice is firm and set.

6. Slice and Serve: Remove from the freezer, cut into bars or squares, and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long!).

Nutritional Highlights:

1. Antioxidants: The combination of goji berries, cranberries, and cacao offers a powerful dose of antioxidants to combat oxidative stress.

2. Healthy Fats: Coconut oil and nuts provide essential fatty acids for brain health and energy.

3. Fibre: Chia seeds and dried fruits promote digestive health and help keep you feeling fuller for longer.

4. Natural Sweeteners: Maple syrup and dried fruit deliver natural sugars without the energy crash of refined sweets.

Make this slice a festive tradition in your household, and enjoy the season with a treat that’s as beautiful as it is nourishing. Yum yum get it in your tum.