No bake date bars with creamy tahini, chopped walnuts and dark chocolate are your favorite childhood candy all grown up. Supremely easy to make, these bars are my go-to when I’m craving something indulgent.
They are sweet but not too sweet, with a nutty sesame flavor and a decadent chocolate coating They are protein-rich to help meet healthy macros (protein, healthy carbs and fats).
When I’m short on time, even just a quick little dip into the fridge for a bite gives me that boost I need. And, trust me, I find myself dipping into the fridge quite a lot when I make these tahini date bars! They taste just like a Snickers candy bar, only better!
This recipe makes 10 bars or more smaller squares, but they stay fresh for up to two weeks (and they are always eaten well before then in my house)! If you are making them for just yourself, you can freeze them for up to three months. Simply pop a few in your fridge to thaw the night before and you have a nice little snack waiting for you to enjoy.
The main ingredients in these bars is dates. I love to use dates as a base in many of my snack balls, no-bake bars, or if I need a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars. You don’t need many dates to make something sweet!
I. LOVE. DATES. They are just one of those snack cabinet staples I can’t live without. In my quest to find healthier snacks, I have started buying more dates, to use as a natural sweetener in a cookie or frosting.
Dates are a great snack on their own and they are high in fiber, rich in antioxidants, great for heart health and they provide a little energy boost thanks to the natural sugars. The dried fruit has a caramel-like sweetness that can also help reduce cravings for sugary snacks. I’m always on the hunt though for creative ways to dress up my dates, and I just knew these date bars would be delicious! If you haven’t cooked with dates yet, you have so many delicious uses just waiting to be discovered!
The other main I would like to mention is tahini. Every time I post a recipe that includes tahini I still get asked the question “what is tahini”? It surprises me because it seems to me that tahini is now everywhere. So many people on social media use it in both sweet and savoury recipes. It’s become somewhat of a trendy ingredient. That part doesn’t surprise me at all – I have been singing its praises for years. I add it to so many of my recipes – it’s by far one of my all-time favourite foodie ingredients to use, especially in desserts.
Tahini, is pure sesame seed paste, which adds a slightly bitter, nutty flavor. Combined with the sweetness of the dates and the properties of coconut oil, mixing these together allows the tahini to harden up in the freezer, becoming a chewier texture that you can enjoy as dessert! I have probably said this about a million times before and I don’t think I will ever stop saying it – tahini and dates are the best dessert combination EVER!
You will love the toasty tahini flavor and the caramelly date filling. With just a small handful of ingredients, these healthy bars are an easy treat or snack, to keep stashed away for …well, any reason!
As well as being really easy to make, these bars are healthier than your average treat as they are made with wholesome REAL food ingredients. With the added protein powder it makes them more balanced than traditional high carb recipes. Old fashioned baked recipes always had tons of sugar, carbs and fats. The new modern way it to add protein making the recipe more balanced and healthy.
They are the perfect clean eating dessert! This recipe is really the perfect treat for an any time healthy snack or dessert! Or any time you are craving a little something sweet but want to stay on track with your healthy eating plan.
Date Protein Bars With Chocolate & Tahini
Ingredients
- 2 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup tahini (sesame seed paste) or any nut butter
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Coating
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Flaky salt - optional
Instructions
- Line an 7 x 5-inch loaf pan or dish with parchment paper on the bottom and sides leaving some overhanging to act as a handle to get the bars out easier for cutting. Or use a silicon baking pan.Add the dates, tahini, protein powder, coconut oil and vanilla to the bowl of a food processor and process until the mixture is well combined into a thick paste. Some date chunks remaining is fine as it adds texture to the bars.Stir in the chopped walnuts.Press the mixture into a pan in an even layer using a spatula, back of a spoon or even wet hands. Chill in the freezer for 1 hour.Remove from freezer and remove from pan using the parchment paper overhang on opposite sides, and seton a large cutting board. Cut into 10-12 bars or more smaller squares.
Chocolate Coating
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in small dish and microwave with 20 second bursts stirring between each one until melted and smooth.Or use double boiler method - (pot of boiling water with a bowl resting on top) melt the chocolate chips and the coconut oil together.Roll the bars in the melted chocolate using two forks and place bars on a parchment lined baking sheet. Once the bars are all dipped, place in the freezer to set for 15 minutes. Sprinkle with sea salt if desired.Place the tray of chocolate covered date bars in the freezer for 30 minutes or until the chocolate hardens. Store any uneaten bars in a tightly closed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezer for up to 3 months.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
