Prepare the Bar Mixture:
Soften the Dates: In a small bowl, soak the dates in warm water for 10-15 minutes until they soften.
Crush the Rice Cakes: While the dates are soaking, crush the rice cakes into small pieces.
Blend the Mixture: In a food processor, add the softened dates (without excess water), rice cakes, almonds, dried apricots, and 100ml of water. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth and sticky.
Add the Peanut Butter: Add the peanut butter to the food processor and blend again until everything is well combined.
Shape the Bars: Press the mixture into a lined baking dish or mold, smoothing it out evenly to form a thick layer. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Prepare the Chocolate Coating:
Melt the Chocolate: In a small pan, melt the dark chocolate over low heat. Once melted, add the vegetable oil and stir until smooth.
Coat the Bars:
Slice the Bars: Once the date mixture has firmed up, remove it from the refrigerator and slice it into bars of your desired size.
Coat with Chocolate: Dip each bar into the melted chocolate or drizzle the chocolate over the top. Sprinkle the bars with coconut flakes while the chocolate is still wet.
Chill: Place the coated bars back into the refrigerator for the chocolate to set, about 15-20 minutes.
Serve:
Once the chocolate has set, the bars are ready to enjoy. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions:
Enjoy as a pre-workout or post-workout snack.
Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a mid-afternoon treat.
Serve as a healthy dessert after a meal.
Take on the go for a quick energy boost during busy days.
Add to lunchboxes for a nutritious snack option.
Cooking Tips:
Make sure the dates are soft and sticky for easy blending. If they are too dry, soak them in water for longer.
You can substitute almonds with other nuts like cashews or walnuts for a different flavor.
For a firmer texture, add more rice cakes or reduce the water.
Use natural peanut butter without added sugar or oil for a healthier option.
If you prefer a thicker chocolate coating, double the chocolate and oil mixture.
Nutritional Benefits:
Dates: Rich in natural sugars, fiber, and essential vitamins like B6, providing quick energy.
Almonds: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, supporting heart health.
Peanut Butter: A great source of protein and healthy fats, keeping you full and energized.
Dried Apricots: High in fiber, potassium, and antioxidants, supporting digestion and overall health.
Dietary Information:
Vegan: Yes (ensure chocolate and peanut butter are vegan-friendly)
Gluten-Free: Yes (ensure rice cakes are gluten-free)
Dairy-Free: Yes
Contains Nuts: Almonds and peanut butter
Nutritional Facts (Per Bar, Approximate):
Calories: 220
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 10g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 18g
Storage:
Refrigerate: Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freeze: You can freeze the bars for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before eating.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
It’s a no-bake recipe, making it quick and easy to prepare.
The bars are packed with natural sweetness and wholesome ingredients.
They’re perfect for a healthy snack or a dessert without added refined sugars.
The combination of dates, almonds, and chocolate provides a balanced blend of flavors.
These bars are versatile and can be customized with different nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
Conclusion:
These Date and Nut Energy Bars with Chocolate and Coconut Coating are the perfect balance of sweet, chewy, and crunchy. Packed with natural ingredients like dates, almonds, and peanut butter, they offer a healthy and delicious way to stay energized throughout the day. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, dessert, or pre-workout boost, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Plus, with the added indulgence of chocolate and coconut, they’re hard to resist!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter you prefer.
Can I make these bars without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand, but a food processor helps achieve a smoother consistency.
How can I make the bars firmer?
Reduce the amount of water used or add more rice cakes to make the bars firmer.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use any type of chocolate you prefer, though dark chocolate offers a more balanced flavor.
Can I make these bars nut-free?
Yes, you can substitute the almonds and peanut butter with sunflower seeds and sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
ADVERTISEMENT
