No-Bake Chocolate Date Energy Bars

Healthy and simple recipe for No-Bake Chocolate Date Energy Bars—perfect for a quick snack, post-workout bite, or guilt-free dessert.

🍫 No-Bake Chocolate Date Energy Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups pitted Medjool dates (about 12-15)

• 1 cup raw almonds (or any nuts: walnuts, cashews, etc.)

• ½ cup rolled oats

• 2–3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tbsp nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)

• 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional for extra fiber)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Pinch of salt

• 2 tbsp dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the dates

   • If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well.

2. Process the dry ingredients

   • In a food processor, pulse the almonds and oats until coarsely ground.

3. Add remaining ingredients

   • Add the dates, cocoa powder, nut butter, vanilla, chia seeds (if using), and salt. Blend until the mixture forms a sticky dough. Add a splash of water (1 tsp at a time) if it’s too dry.

4. Mix in chocolate chips

   • Stir in or pulse briefly with chocolate chips/chunks.

5. Shape the bars

   • Press the mixture into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch (or smaller) pan. Flatten evenly with a spatula or your hands.

6. Chill

   • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, then slice into bars or squares.

7. Store

   • Keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months.

✅ Tips:

• Swap cocoa powder for carob powder for a caffeine-free version.

• Add shredded coconut, protein powder, or dried fruit to customize.

• Make it nut-free by using seeds (like sunflower or pumpkin) and sunflower seed butter.