Description
A simple, healthy, and satisfying snack made with just five ingredients. These no-bake bars are chewy, sweet, and salty, perfect for curbing afternoon cravings without refined sugar.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups Medjool dates, pitted (about 300g)
- ½ cup natural almond butter (120g)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
- Optional: ¼ cup dairy-free dark chocolate chips
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped almonds
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cacao nibs
Instructions
- If dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Place pitted dates in a food processor and pulse until they form a fine, crumbly mixture.
- Add almond butter, vanilla extract, sea salt, and coconut oil to the processor. Pulse until the mixture clumps together when pinched.
- If adding mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in gently with a spatula.
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture into the pan and press it down firmly and evenly (about ½ inch thick).
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or freeze for 30 minutes until firm.
- Lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper and cut into 12 squares or bars.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.
Notes
Ensure dates are soft and plump for the best texture. If using hard dates, soak them in warm water first. Pack the mixture tightly into the pan to prevent crumbling. Use natural almond butter without added sugars or oils.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 50
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 4
Keywords: Whole30, no-bake, almond butter, date bars, healthy snack, gluten-free, vegan, paleo, meal prep