Description
These No-Bake Date Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack made with natural ingredients like Medjool dates, almond butter, nuts, and toasted sesame seeds, coated in a rich layer of 70% dark chocolate. With a creamy date paste base and crunchy texture from cashews and sesame seeds, they are perfect for a quick energy boost or a healthy dessert option. No baking required, and ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Date Paste
- 225 g Medjool dates (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons runny almond butter
- 2 tablespoons lucuma or maca powder (or vegan protein powder)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Mix-ins
- 100 g cashew pieces (roughly chopped)
- 35 g toasted sesame seeds (plus extra for topping)
Chocolate Coating
- 120 g 70% dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Make date paste: Add the pitted dates, almond butter, lucuma or maca powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt to a food processor and blitz for a few minutes until the ingredients turn to a smooth, uniform paste that forms a ball.
- Mix nuts and seeds: Transfer the date paste to a large bowl and fold in the roughly chopped cashew pieces and toasted sesame seeds using a spatula, ensuring even distribution.
- Roll: Place the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper and roughly shape it into a log. Cover with a second sheet of parchment paper and use a rolling pin to roll the dough into a rectangle approximately 10 inches long by 4 inches wide.
- Shape: Trim any uneven edges and knead the trimmings back into the dough to form a neat, even rectangle. Place the shaped log in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up while preparing the chocolate coating.
- Melt chocolate: Combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a medium bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (bain-marie). Stir gently and continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Cut the bars: Remove the date log from the freezer and slice into 10 equal bars. Arrange the bars on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Coat bars: Dip each bar individually into the melted chocolate, using a fork and spoon to lift and coat evenly. Return coated bars to the parchment-lined tray and place them in the freezer to set for 10 minutes.
- Garnish: Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the set bars and sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top before the chocolate hardens. Allow to set completely.
Notes
- Note 1: Use soft Medjool dates for easier processing and better texture.
- Note 2: Runny almond butter helps bind the paste smoothly; avoid thick or chunky varieties.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during rolling and coating processes.
- Freeze bars adequately to ensure the chocolate coating sets properly.
- Optional: Substitute lucuma or maca powder with your preferred vegan protein powder for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan/Healthy
Keywords: No-Bake Date Bars, Healthy Snack, Vegan Dessert, Medjool Dates, Almond Butter, Dark Chocolate, Gluten-Free Snack, Energy Bars
