No-Sugar Energy Bars with Chocolate & Nuts

Looking for a naturally sweet, energy-packed snack that satisfies your cravings without the sugar crash? These homemade energy bars are loaded with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, dried fruits, and a rich dark chocolate topping. They’re perfect for busy mornings, post-workout fuel, or an afternoon pick-me-up. With no refined sugar and packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats, these bars prove that healthy snacks can be absolutely delicious. Once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought granola bars!

Ingredients

For the Energy Bars:

150g / 1½ cups / 5.3 oz oat flakes (rolled oats)
50g / ⅓ cup / 1.8 oz dried cranberries, chopped
25g / ¼ cup / 0.9 oz dried apricots, chopped
25g / ¼ cup / 0.9 oz prunes, chopped
70g / ½ cup / 2.5 oz almonds, roughly chopped
70g / ½ cup / 2.5 oz peanuts, roughly chopped
50g / ½ cup / 1.8 oz hazelnuts, roughly chopped
20g / 3 tablespoons / 0.7 oz pumpkin seeds
2 ripe bananas (240g / 8.5 oz), mashed
2 tablespoons / 15g cocoa powder
2 tablespoons / 30ml maple syrup or Jerusalem artichoke syrup

For the Chocolate Topping:

100g / ⅔ cup / 3.5 oz sugar-free dark chocolate, chopped
1 tablespoon / 15ml coconut oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 180°C (360°F). Line a 32cm × 21cm (13″ × 8″) baking tray with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.

Step 2: Prepare the Dried Fruits and Nuts Chop the dried cranberries, apricots, and prunes into small pieces. Roughly chop the almonds, peanuts, and hazelnuts into chunky pieces for better texture.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flakes, chopped dried fruits, all nuts, pumpkin seeds, and cocoa powder. Stir well to distribute the ingredients evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, mash the 2 ripe bananas with a fork until smooth. Add the maple syrup (or Jerusalem artichoke syrup) and mix well.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Pour the mashed banana mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly with a spatula or wooden spoon until everything is well coated and sticks together.

Step 6: Press into the Pan Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking tray. Using the back of a spoon or your hands (slightly dampened), press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan, creating a compact, uniform layer about 2cm thick.

Step 7: Bake Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes until the edges are golden and the bars feel firm to the touch.

Step 8: Cool Completely Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan for at least 30 minutes. This helps them firm up and makes cutting easier.

Step 9: Prepare the Chocolate Topping While the bars cool, create a double boiler by placing a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Add the chopped sugar-free dark chocolate and coconut oil. Stir constantly until melted and smooth. Alternatively, melt in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

Step 10: Cut and Decorate Once the bars are completely cool, use the parchment paper overhang to lift them out of the tray. Cut into 10 rectangular bars using a sharp knife. Drizzle or spread the melted chocolate over the top of each bar. For extra decoration, top with additional dried cranberries while the chocolate is still wet.

Step 11: Set the Chocolate Allow the chocolate to set at room temperature for 30 minutes, or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes for faster setting.

Time & Servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Cooling Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Servings: 10 bars

Why This Recipe is Good for You

These energy bars are a nutritional powerhouse designed to fuel your body naturally. Oats provide soluble fiber that supports heart health and sustained energy release, while the mix of nuts delivers protein, healthy fats, and vitamin E for cellular health. Dried fruits offer natural sweetness along with antioxidants and minerals like potassium and iron. Bananas act as a natural binder while adding potassium and vitamin B6. The cocoa powder provides flavonoids that support cardiovascular health, and pumpkin seeds contribute zinc and magnesium. By eliminating refined sugar and using natural sweeteners like banana and a touch of maple syrup, these bars provide steady energy without blood sugar spikes. The dark chocolate topping adds antioxidants and makes these bars feel indulgent while remaining nutritious. Perfect for active lifestyles, these bars support sustained energy, muscle recovery, and overall wellness.

Storage Tips: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to 10 days for extended freshness.