Easy Date Energy Bars (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Nuts and Seeds
01 -
1/2 cup raw pecans
02 -
1/2 cup raw almonds
03 -
2 tablespoons chia seeds
→ Base Ingredients
04 -
1 1/2 cups pitted Medjool dates (approximately 15 whole dates)
05 -
1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
06 -
3 tablespoons warm date soaking water
07 -
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
08 -
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
09 -
pinch of ground cinnamon
→ Optional Add-ins
10 -
1 tablespoon cacao nibs or mini dark chocolate chips
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat your oven to 350°F and line an 8x8 inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
02 -
Place the pitted dates in a bowl and cover them with very hot water. Let them soak for about 5 minutes until they're nice and soft. Before draining, set aside 3 tablespoons of this date-infused water - you'll need it later.
03 -
While your dates are soaking, add the oats, pecans, almonds, chia seeds, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and chocolate chips (if using) to your food processor. Pulse everything together until it's mostly ground up but still has some nice texture.
04 -
Add your softened dates and the reserved date water to the food processor. Blend everything together until it forms a sticky, cohesive dough that holds together well. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed to make sure everything combines evenly.
05 -
Transfer your date mixture into the prepared baking dish. Using clean hands or the back of a spatula, press the mixture down firmly and evenly across the entire pan. Make sure it's well-compacted so your bars will hold together nicely.
06 -
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and set. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before lifting them out using the parchment paper and slicing into 10 bars.
# Notes:
01 -
These wholesome energy bars are naturally sweetened with dates and make an excellent grab-and-go snack for busy days.
02 -
Perfect for meal prep - store in an airtight container for up to one week at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.
03 -
Great for kids' lunchboxes, pre-workout fuel, or afternoon energy boost without the sugar crash.