Description
These Healthy Date Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack made with natural ingredients like Medjool dates, rolled oats, nuts, and seeds. They are easy to prepare, require no baking, and are perfect for a quick energy boost or a wholesome treat.
Ingredients
Bar 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. Drain and pat them dry thoroughly to ensure the mixture is sticky enough.
- Blend the Ingredients: Place the pitted dates, rolled oats, almond butter, chopped nuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture forms a sticky dough. If it’s too dry, add 1 tablespoon of water and pulse again until the dough comes 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 with your hands or the back of a spoon until it is evenly spread and compacted.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pan for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set and firm up properly.
- Slice and Serve: Remove the set bars from the pan and cut into squares or bars. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze if you want to keep them longer.
Notes
- Soaking dry dates softens them and helps create a better texture for the bars.
- Feel free to substitute nuts and seeds according to preference or what you have on hand.
- These bars make a convenient grab-and-go snack perfect for energy before or after workouts.
- To make the bars firmer, you can chill them longer or briefly freeze before slicing.
- Store bars in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent the almond or peanut butter from becoming rancid.
