No-Bake Homemade Energy Bars with Oats and Dates
These easy, no-bake chocolate peanut butter energy bars with dates and oats are a satisfying snack and easy to make ahead. The classic PB + chocolate combination is loved equally by adults and kids in our home!
Servings 12 bars
Calories 264kcal
Equipment
- Knife and cutting board
- Food processor
- 8-inch square baking pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup chopped pitted dates (about 18 medjool dates, see note)
- 1 cup almonds
- ¾ cup quick-cook oats (dry, see note)
- ¾ cup peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional, see note)
Instructions
- Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Add dates, almonds, oats, peanut butter, cinnamon (if using), and salt (if using) to a food processor container.
- Cover and process on high for 30 seconds, or until the mixture sticks together when pressed.
- Add chocolate chips (if using) and pulse 5 times, or until evenly mixed with the other ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined baking pan and press down firmly and evenly with your hands. (Pressing firmly is important for making the bars stick together, so don’t rush through this step!)
- Transfer the baking pan to the freezer and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Remove the baking pan from the freezer and pull out the parchment paper to remove the nut and date mixture. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 12 pieces.
Notes
Dates note: For the best flavor, I prefer to use whole dates and remove the pits and chop myself.
Oats note: Look for dry rolled oats that cook in one minute. They may be labeled as Quick Oats or Instant Oats. Use certified gluten-free oats if needed.
Chocolate chips note: I use Ghirardelli 60% Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips for this recipe. To make this recipe vegan/dairy-free and with no added sugar, use Lily’s Dark Chocolate Baking Chips, or a similar stevia-sweetened chocolate chip.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or in a freezer-safe, airtight container for up to three months.
Nutrition facts include optional ingredients and are only an estimate.
Nutrition
Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Sodium: 174mg | Potassium: 337mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 91IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 2mg