Healthy No-Bake Energy Bars are a delightful treat you can whip up in no time! Perfect for on-the-go snacking, these bars are both nutritious and delicious. With a mix of natural sweetness from dates and the crunch of various seeds and nuts, they offer a great boost of energy whenever you need it. Whether you’re heading to the gym, going for a hike, or just looking for a healthy snack at home, these energy bars are an excellent choice. Let’s dive into how to make them!
What You’ll Need for Healthy No-Bake Energy Bars
To create these tasty energy bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 100g (about 3.5 oz) dates, pitted and chopped
- 150g (about 5.3 oz) oatmeal
- 50g (about 1.8 oz) peanuts
- 40g (about 1.4 oz) raisins
- 30g (about 1 oz) sunflower seeds
- 30g (about 1 oz) pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 100g (about 3.5 oz) dark chocolate, for drizzling
Step-by-Step Healthy No-Bake Energy Bars Recipe
- Start by pitting and roughly chopping the dates.
- In a food processor, combine the chopped dates, oatmeal, peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and honey.
- Process the mixture until everything is finely chopped and well combined. It should stick together when you pinch it.
- Line a rectangular dish or baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Transfer the mixture into the lined dish and press it down firmly and evenly using the back of a spoon or your hands.
- Melt the dark chocolate using your preferred method (microwave or double boiler).
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the mixture in the dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 1-2 hours, or until it firms up.
- Once set, remove the energy bar slab from the dish using the parchment paper overhang.
- Place it on a cutting board and cut it into bars or squares of your desired size.
How to Serve Healthy No-Bake Energy Bars
Serving these energy bars is a breeze! You can enjoy them as they are, or for a little extra flair, try pairing them with a side of fresh fruit or a dollop of yogurt. They make for a great post-workout snack or a quick breakfast on busy mornings. You can also wrap individual bars in parchment paper for a handy grab-and-go option that keeps well in your bag or fridge.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Flavors and Mix-ins: Feel free to swap out the nuts or seeds for your favorites! Almonds, walnuts, or even chia seeds could add different flavors and textures.
- Sweetness Levels: If you prefer a sweeter bar, increase the amount of honey. Alternatively, you can add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Chocolate Lovers: For a richer taste, consider adding cocoa powder to the mixture before blending or using milk chocolate instead of dark.
Healthy No-Bake Energy Bars FAQs
Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?
Yes! Maple syrup or agave syrup can work well as alternatives.
How long will these energy bars last?
When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they can last up to a week. You can also freeze them for a longer shelf life!
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Absolutely! You can omit the peanuts and replace them with more seeds or even oats to keep the texture.
These Healthy No-Bake Energy Bars are easy to make and packed with goodness! Give them a try and enjoy a snack that’s both satisfying and wholesome. Happy snacking!
Healthy No-Bake Energy Bars
Ingredients
Method
- Pit and roughly chop the dates.
- In a food processor, combine the chopped dates, oatmeal, peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and honey.
- Process the mixture until everything is finely chopped and well combined. It should stick together when pinched.
- Line a rectangular dish or baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Transfer the mixture into the lined dish and press it down firmly and evenly using a spoon or your hands.
- Melt the dark chocolate using your preferred method (microwave or double boiler).
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the mixture and spread it evenly with a spatula.
- Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until it firms up.
- Once set, remove the energy bar slab from the dish using the parchment paper overhang.
- Place on a cutting board and cut into bars or squares of desired size.