Healthy Oat and Date Energy Bars with Dark Chocolate
These homemade energy bars are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, dates, raisins, almonds, and dark chocolate, making them the perfect snack for a quick energy boost or a satisfying treat. They’re easy to make, nutritious, and absolutely delicious!
Ingredients
- 150g oat flakes (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 200g dates, pitted (about 1 cup)
- 30g raisins (about 2 tablespoons)
- 20g honey (about 1 tablespoon)
- 50g almonds, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 30g sesame seeds (about 2 tablespoons)
- 100g dark chocolate (about 3.5 oz)
- Almonds for garnish (optional)
- Boiling water (for soaking the dates)
Directions
1. Prepare the Oats and Dates:
- Grind the Oats: Blend 150g of oat flakes into a fine texture using a blender or food processor.
- Soak the Dates: Remove the pits from 200g of dates. Place them in a bowl, pour boiling water over the dates, and let them soak for about 10 minutes to soften.
- Drain and Combine: After soaking, drain the dates using a colander and add them to the ground oats.
2. Blend the Oat-Date Mixture:
- In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked dates with the ground oats and blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Prepare the Add-Ins:
- Transfer the blended oat and date mixture into a large bowl.
- Stir in 30g of raisins, 20g of honey, 50g of chopped almonds, and 30g of sesame seeds. Mix everything together until fully combined.
4. Shape the Bars:
- Take half of the mixture and press it evenly into a rectangular mold or pan, compacting it firmly.
- With the remaining mixture, press it into small round molds (around 6 cm in diameter) or any small mold you prefer, compacting it down firmly.
5. Melt the Chocolate:
- Chop 100g of dark chocolate into small pieces.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session until fully melted and smooth.
6. Add the Chocolate Layer:
- Pour the melted chocolate over the bars in both the rectangular mold and the smaller round molds, spreading it evenly over the top.
- Garnish the chocolate layer with whole or chopped almonds for extra crunch.
7. Chill the Bars:
- Place the bars in the refrigerator for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chocolate is set and the bars are firm.
8. Serve:
- Once chilled and set, remove the bars from the molds. Slice them into the desired portions and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy these energy bars as a quick snack or pre/post-workout energy boost.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Serve as a healthy dessert option or pack them in lunchboxes for a nutritious on-the-go snack.
- Sprinkle with coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Soak Dates Properly: Be sure to soak the dates in boiling water long enough to soften them so they blend smoothly with the oats.
- Compact the Mixture: Press the mixture firmly into the molds to ensure that the bars hold their shape when removed.
- Customize the Nuts: Feel free to swap out the almonds for other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or cashews to suit your preference.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the mixture for a unique twist.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Dates: Rich in fiber, potassium, and natural sugars, dates provide a quick source of energy.
- Oats: High in fiber, oats are great for digestive health and provide a steady release of energy.
- Almonds: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, almonds add crunch and nutritional value to the bars.
- Dark Chocolate: A source of antioxidants, dark chocolate not only enhances the flavor but also provides health benefits.
These homemade Oat and Date Energy Bars are not only a healthy snack but also an indulgent treat, making them a perfect addition to your daily routine! Enjoy the wholesome goodness in every bite!