Description
These Healthy Date Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack made with wholesome ingredients like Medjool dates, rolled oats, almond butter, nuts, and chia seeds. They are naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and perfect for a quick energy boost or a satisfying treat. With a simple no-bake preparation method, these bars are easy to make and ideal for meal prepping or on-the-go snacking.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates (about 12-14 dates)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or cashews)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds (or flax seeds)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed to help blend)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dates: If the dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften them. Once softened, drain and pat them dry to ensure they blend easily.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, rolled oats, almond butter, chopped nuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Pulse until the mixture forms a sticky, cohesive dough. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of water and pulse again until the dough sticks together well.
- Press into Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the date mixture into the pan and press it down firmly using your hands or the back of a spoon until the mixture is evenly spread and compacted into the pan.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This chilling step allows the bars to firm up and hold their shape when sliced.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper edges and cut into 12 equal squares or bars. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze to extend their shelf life.
Notes
- If dates are very fresh and moist, soaking might not be necessary.
- Use any nut butter you prefer, such as peanut or cashew butter, as alternatives.
- For a different texture, substitute chia seeds with flax seeds or omit if desired.
- Ensure the mixture is compacted well in the pan to avoid crumbly bars.
- These bars are best stored refrigerated and can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
