Easy No-Bake Date Bars with Chickpea Flour

Name: Easy No-Bake Sesame Date Bars with Chickpea Flour
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups pitted and chopped medjool dates; 1 1/4 cups roasted pistachio kernels; 1 cup cashews ((raw)); 1/4 cup chickpea flour ((toasted if desired, see note 1)); 1/4 cup tahini; 2 teaspoons grated orange peel ((optional)); 2 tablespoons orange juice ((1/2 medium)); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; Salt (to taste); 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

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If you're looking for a snack that's nourishing, portable, and actually satisfying, these Sesame Date Bars are a must-try. Made with nourishing ingredients like dates, tahini, chickpea flour, and a mix of seeds, they're a plant-based option that doesn't rely on protein powders or refined sugars. Whether you need a mid-afternoon energy boost, a road trip snack, or something to stash in your bag for a busy day, these bars deliver. They're chewy, nutty, and just a little sweet, with warm hints of cinnamon and orange zest to round out the flavor.

Stack of sesame date bars with pistachios against white backdrop.

These bars are inspired by the flavors of halva and Middle Eastern desserts. Chickpea flour adds plant-based protein and fiber while helping bind everything together with no baking required.

I love keeping a batch of homemade no-bake energy bars in the fridge or freezer for whenever I need something quick and nourishing. For more flavor variations, try these Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Bars, No-Bake Bars with Sweet Potato, and Green Tea Energy Bars.

If you've never tried making snack bars with chickpea flour, this is a great place to start. It's combined with tahini, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and dates for deep flavor, along with a satisfying mix of nutrients.

Serve them as an after-school snack or stash a few in your backpack for a hike. However you enjoy them, these bars are a reminder that plant-based eating can be convenient and deeply satisfying.

If you're looking for more inspiration, you can find a full collection of my satisfying snack recipes here.

Sesame date bars arranged on a white backdrop. Wrapped in parchment paper and tied with string.

FAQ

How do you make chickpea flour less bitter?

To reduce the bitterness of chickpea flour, toast it before using. Lightly dry-roasting the flour in a skillet over medium heat for 5-10 minutes helps mellow its raw, slightly bitter flavor and brings out a nutty, more pleasant taste. Stir frequently to prevent burning, and let it cool before adding to recipes like no-bake bars or baked goods.

📖 Recipe

No-bake sesame date bars stacked on top of each other.

Easy No-Bake Sesame Date Bars with Chickpea Flour

Stephanie McKercher, RDN

These no-bake sesame date bars are a nourishing snack inspired by the warm, nutty flavors found in Middle Eastern sweets like halva. While not a traditional halva recipe, this version blends chickpea flour, tahini, and dates into a chewy, satisfying bar that's great for everyday snacking

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Prep Time 10

Freezing Time 30

Total Time 40

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack

Servings bars

Ingredients

1 ½ cups pitted and chopped medjool dates
1 ¼ cups roasted pistachio kernels
1 cup cashews (raw)
¼ cup chickpea flour (toasted if desired, see note 1)
¼ cup tahini
2 teaspoons grated orange peel (optional)
2 tablespoons orange juice (½ medium)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Drain dates from soaking water and add to food processor cup or high-speed blender. Add pistachios, cashews, chickpea flour, tahini, orange peel, orange juice, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Cover and pulse food processor or blender 5-7 times, or until the mixture sticks together when pressed between your fingers but still has some larger pieces for texture. Pause to scrape the edges with a spatula as needed.
Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined 8x8-inch baking dish. Use your hands, a spatula, or the back of a wooden spoon to press the mixture into the dish until the surface is smooth and flat and looks like dough. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and press again with a spatula or spoon to set the seeds into the surface of the dough.
Cover and freeze at least 30 minutes. Remove parchment paper with dough from the dish and transfer to a cutting board. Slice into 16 squares (or as desired for serving).

Notes

To reduce the bitterness of chickpea flour, toast it before using. Lightly dry-roasting the flour in a skillet over medium heat for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Let it cool before adding to recipes like no-bake bars or baked goods.
Storage: Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Let frozen bars sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating, or enjoy straight from the freezer for a firmer texture.