Description

These Healthy Date Bars are a nutritious and delicious snack made with natural ingredients like Medjool dates, rolled oats, nuts, and chia seeds. They are easy to prepare, no-bake, and perfect for a quick energy boost or a wholesome treat anytime. With a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, these bars offer a subtly sweet flavor while providing fiber, healthy fats, and protein, making them ideal for health-conscious eaters.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates (about 12-14 dates)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, or cashews)
2 tablespoons chia seeds (or flax seeds)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

1/4 cup almond butter (or peanut butter)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon water (if needed to help blend)

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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 final mixture holds together well.
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 the mixture until it forms a sticky, cohesive dough. If the mixture seems too dry and crumbly, add one tablespoon of water and pulse again to achieve the right consistency.
Press into Pan: Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the date mixture into the pan. Using your hands or the back of a spoon, press the mixture down firmly and evenly to form a compact layer.
Chill and Set: Place the pan in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set and firm up properly for easy slicing.
Slice and Serve: Once set, remove the bars from the pan using the parchment paper, and cut into squares or bars of desired size. Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Soaking the dates softens them and helps the bars stick together better.
You can substitute almond butter with peanut butter or any nut butter of your choice.
Chia seeds can be replaced with flax seeds based on availability or preference.
If the mixture is too dry, add water one teaspoon at a time to avoid making it too wet.
Store bars in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness or freeze to extend shelf life.
These bars are naturally sweetened with dates and require no added sugar.
For a crunchier texture, lightly toast the nuts before adding.