Description
These Healthy Date Bars are a nutritious and naturally sweet snack made with Medjool dates, rolled oats, almond butter, and crunchy nuts. Perfect for a quick energy boost or a wholesome treat, they combine wholesome ingredients into a chewy, satisfying bar that requires no baking and minimal prep time.
Ingredients
Scale
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 isn’t too wet.
- Blend the Ingredients: In a food processor, combine the softened dates, rolled oats, almond butter, chopped nuts, chia seeds, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Pulse until the mixture comes together into a sticky dough. If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of water and pulse again until it sticks together firmly.
- 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 and evenly using your hands or the back of a spoon to compact it tightly.
- Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the bars set and firm up, making them easier to cut and handle.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, remove the bars from the pan by lifting the parchment paper, then cut into squares or bars of desired size. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze them for longer storage.
Notes
- If dates are already soft, soaking is not necessary.
- You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or any nut butter of choice.
- Chia seeds can be swapped with flax seeds or omitted if preferred.
- Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
- Adjust water quantity sparingly to get the right consistency for pressing.
- Store bars refrigerated or frozen to maintain freshness.
