Orangegasmic Chocolate Chip Orange Bars

Hello, people of the internet!! Oh how I have missed you!!! I've been away form you for so long... but don't fret because the wait was worth it! I've been really busy lately for two reasons. #1 - I have been rehearsing like crazy for my upcoming performance with Petrichor at Triabl fest 2012!!! WOOOOHOOO!!! I am so excited!! It' such a huge honor to dance at this festival these amazing women! And #2 -  I am moving into a new apartment next weekend!!!! So amidst all the madness of rehearsals and packing I managed to squeeze in some baking on a rainy Sunday morning to help calm my nerves. I had been itching to try out some new ingredients I had in my pantry and the result was mouth watering delicious chocolatey orange goodness!! These are also extremely high on the nutrition front because they use extra virgin coconut oil and coconut sugar (which is low glycemic and high in vitamins!!!)  Coconut sugar is very pricey though so if you can't splurge on it, feel free to substitute your favorite raw sugar in it's place.  :) Did I  mention these were gluten-free too???

My boyfriend couldn't stop eating these when they were fresh out of the oven. :) haha TRULY Orangegasmic!!!!!!!!

Orangegasmic Chocolate Chip Orange Bars

1 can (15oz) garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
3 eggs
 1/3 c honey
1/2 c coconut oil, melted
1 1/4 c coconut sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tsp. orange extract
1/2 c orange juice
1 oz unsweetened chocolate, grated
1/2 tsp salt
1 c brown rice flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 c semisweet chocolate chips
Zest of 1 orange

Chocolate Glaze


1/4 c semisweet chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil

Preheat oven to 350*F. Grease a 13X9" pan with coconut oil or butter.

In blender, puree beans, eggs, honey, orange juice, coconut oil, coconut sugar, orange extract, and vanilla extracts until liquid and  beans are blended well. Add in grated unsweetened chocolate and blend. Combine brown rice flour, salt, and baking powder and add to batter. Puree for 30 seconds or until flour is blended thoroughly. Stir in orange zest and chocolate chips. Pour batter into prepared baking pan. Bake at 350*F for 25 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool before cutting into bars.

For the glaze - Place chocolate chips in a small microwavable bowl and  heat for 30 seconds at a time until melted.*** Stir after every 30 seconds to help melt the chips Stir in coconut oil. Chocolate should be thin enough to drizzle with a spoon easily. Add more coconut oil if it needs to be thinner. Drizzle glaze over the top of the bars in a zig-zag pattern. Sprinkle extra coconut sugar (just a pinch or two), orange zest, and mini chocolate chips on top of bars for a beautiful, finished look. :)


Makes 36 large or 48 small  Orangegasmic bars!!


*** If you don't want to melt the chocolate chips in the microwave, you can melt them on your stove top with a double boiler.

These are amazing warm from the oven!!! They would make a truly sinful dessert with ice cream or whipped cream on top. *drooool* ;)  These are best served warm or room temperature. 

Read more about the benefits of coconut sugar here. And while we're at it... you can  read about the benefits of extra virgin coconut oil here too!

See you next time!!!!!!!!!! *shimmy shimmy*