No-Bake Chocolate Date Energy Bars: Healthy Vegan Sweet Treat! 🍫🍮🌰✨
Ingredients:
1 cup / 150g Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup / 140g raw nuts (like almonds, walnuts, or pecans, or a mix)
1/3 cup / 30g unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder
2 tablespoons / 16g chia seeds or ground flaxseed (optional)
1 tablespoon / 15ml melted coconut oil (optional, helps bind)
1/2 teaspoon / 2.5ml vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Directions:
1. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well. If they are soft and sticky, you can skip this step.
2. Add the raw nuts to a food processor and pulse until they are coarsely chopped into small pieces (don't process into flour). Transfer nuts to a bowl.
3. Add the pitted Medjool dates, cocoa/cacao powder, chia/flax seeds (if using), melted coconut oil (if using), vanilla extract, and salt to the now empty food processor. Process until the dates break down and form a thick, sticky paste.
4. Add the chopped nuts back into the food processor with the date paste. Pulse just a few times until the nuts are incorporated into the paste – you still want some nutty texture. Don't over-process.
5. Line an 8x4 inch (20x10 cm) loaf pan or a small square container with parchment paper, leaving overhang.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or your hands (slightly wet hands prevent sticking). Aim for an even thickness.
7. Cover the pan and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or freeze for 30 minutes, until the mixture is firm enough to slice.
8. Use the parchment overhang to lift the block out of the pan. Slice into bars or squares using a sharp knife.
9. Store the energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Recipe Information:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes | Chilling Time: 1-2 hours | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes - 2 hours 15 minutes | Calories per Serving: Approx. 150-200 per bar (depends on size) | Number of Servings: 8-10 bars
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