I can’t get by a day without a snack or two. If you reached into my jacket pocket, you would surely find some sort of food bar wrapper. I’m known to have a banana or protein bar in my purse wherever I go. Why? Because without food, I’m HANGRY and it’s bad. Throughout the years, I’ve learned to be prepared for when hunger strikes.
The good news is that I’ve got an incredible nourishing snack recipe for you: I’ve officially made these nut butter bars a gazillion times since I first developed the recipe a few years ago. They are just so good! The best part is that they are incredibly customizable. You could make a new version every week for yourself, the kiddos, friends and family and never get sick of them. Snack. Heaven.
I’m a big fan of old-fashioned no bake ‘things’, not having to turn on the oven is always a plus in my book. This no-bake recipe has been given a makeover and uses peanut butter, coconut oil, protein powder and dates in place of the traditional refined sugar, eggs, butter and white flour.
A traditional no bake granola bar recipe uses two cups of sugar. While this healthier version is sweet there is far less sweetener added and we are using dates instead which has added health benefits and is easier for our bodies to process. So, this easy recipe makes eating a little healthier, quick and delicious!
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 as I love to use dates as a base in most 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!
These delicious healthy bars make a delicious lunchbox treat or after school snack! They also happen to be really good frozen. Just pop one out of the freezer any time a craving hits. The thing I love about this recipe is that it is pretty fool-proof, meaning it is hard to mess up! You can easily substitute many of the ingredients with ones you may already have on hand.
Kind of like a clean-out-the-pantry bar and you can substitute any of the ingredients in this recipe for an equal portion of nuts, seeds, or dried fruit. The only thing you really have to do to make these work is to get the right ratio of wet to dry ingredients
Use raisins, sultanas or figs instead of dates or almonds or peanuts instead of walnuts if you prefer. If your mixture is too dry, add in a few more dates or a drizzle of honey and if it’s too wet, just blend in a few more nuts or seeds. See, it’s super easy!
The no baking part also means they are a lot faster to make and less fuss. Did I mention they taste freaking amazing? Perfect snack to take when you are on the go, super delicious and packed with goodness. They are such a simple recipe that come together in just under 20 minutes.
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. They are ideal for a grab and go breakfast.
This recipe is a ‘healthified’ take on traditional sugar-loaded candy bars. For those days where you are craving a candy bar, but want a healthy, delicious, low-effort way to enjoy the same sweet treat, I’ve got you covered with this recipe that tastes better than any store bought version.
Dates provide all the sweetness you need for these no-bake energy bars. Each square serves up a hearty dose of protein – thanks to peanut butter and protein powder as well as fiber from rolled oats. Kids will love the chewy bites with crunchy nuts.
OK, I really want to sell you all on these bars because they are honestly amazing. Like so so amazing. I can’t tell you how amazing they are. You have to make them. No sugar, no flour, no eggs.
Just dates, peanut butter, nuts, coconut, protein powder and vanilla and topped with melted chocolate and salt. OMG I’m freaking out they are so good guys. And they are easy. Please do yourself a favor and make them!
Peanut Butter Date Protein Bars
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1 cup walnuts, almonds or a mix
- 1/2 cup peanut (or any other nut or seed) butter
- 1/2 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate Topping
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips
- 1 teaspoon coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons peanut (or any nut or seed) butter
Instructions
- Line a 7x 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.In a food processor, combine the dates, walnuts, peanut butter, coconut oil, coconut, protein powder and vanilla. Pulse until well combined.Be careful not to over process as its nice to have texture variance and different sized “bits” in your base crust.Scoop mixture out into the lined pan and spread out evenly with the back of a spoon.
Chocolate Topping
- 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.Once melted add the peanut butter and mix until combined. Scoop out on top of base layer and spread out evenly with the back of a spoon.Top with sea salt or flaky salt if desired.Cut into 10 bars or more smaller squares.Store in the fridge for up to 1 week 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
