These Healthy Date Bars are delicious and nutritious treats made using dates, walnuts, unsweetened cocoa, vanilla, and a pinch of salt.
This simple no-cook walnut date bar recipe that’s delicious and easy to make, using the basic ingredients.
Combining elements from different cuisines creates innovative and exciting flavor profiles.
Table of contents
They are just perfect for a quick breakfast on the go, after-meal snack, or as a guilt-free late-night dessert for any day.
Made using 5 basic yet wholesome ingredients, these chocolate date walnut bars come together in just 5 minutes.
Plus, they are vegan and gluten-free, and no baking required for these refined sugar free date squares or bars.
I have shared step-by-step pictures and video recipes on how to make date bars with all the tips and variations.
About Healthy Date Bars
Our Healthy Date Bars recipe is a witness to the fact that deliciousness can be both healthy and satisfying. Since they have a fudge-like rich texture, looks and taste, You can also call them Chocolate Walnut Date Fudge.
This healthy and gluten free date bars recipe blends the natural sweetness of dates with the crunchy goodness of walnuts and the richness of chocolate, making a perfect blend of flavors.
Every ingredient of these delightful tasting healthy date bar makes it a guilt-free treat that satisfies the palate and nourishes the body.
With a multitude of textures and flavors, each bite is a truly unforgettable experience. Made only with natural ingredients like dates, walnuts, and dark chocolate, these bars are a powerhouse of nutrients, including fiber, protein, and healthy fats.
Without any added sugar, these bars are ideal for sweet cravings, health-conscious individuals or anyone looking for a scrumptious, energy-boosting snack. Also ideal for anyone seeking a healthy homemade snack that doesn’t bargain on flavor and taste.
They can be enjoyed as an indulging treat for breakfast, a midday snack, or as a dessert alternative.
If you are looking for an easy snack that is nourishing and delicious, these Healthy Date Bars are your answer.
If you’re interested in healthy date recipes, vegan date bars, or just healthy snack bars, these date snack bars are calling your name.
The fact that they are no-bake makes them an easy and convenient option for those busy weekday mornings or when you need a quick and healthy eat-on-the-go option.
Making these no-bake date bars is very quick, easy, and simple. All you need to do is blend all the ingredients using a food processor, transfer it to a tray, and let it chill for 30 minutes. Your healthy date bar recipe is ready to be devoured. Slice and enjoy!
These Healthy Date Bars
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are wholesome & nutrient-rich
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are versatile & no-bake
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satisfy the palate
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are easy and quick
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nourish the body
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are suitable for vegan & gluten-free diets
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have the goodness of dates and walnuts
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are naturally sweetened with dates
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are ideal for a healthy breakfast or a midday snack
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are satisfying and delicious
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are energy-boosting
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are guilt-free treats
Ingredients
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Dates: They are the base of these healthy bars and also work as a natural sweetener. They provide a caramel-like flavor, rich and a sticky texture.
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Soaking Dates: If the dates are not soft enough, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes, then drain. This will make them easier to blend.
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Walnuts: They are added for nuttiness and crunch. They also add omega-3 fatty acids to these easy and healthy bars.
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Unsweetened cocoa powder: This recipe makes Chocolate Date Bars. I have added natural unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolatey and decadent flavor in these bars. They make these bars or Chocolate Walnut Date Fudge rich in antioxidants.
You can also use Dutch-Process Cocoa Powder, Raw Cacao Powder, or even Black Cocoa Powder if you don’t mind bitter flavors.
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Vanilla extract: Adding a splash of good quality vanilla extract gives it a delicious flavor.
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Chocolate chips: I have garnished these bars with a bit of vegan dark chocolate chips. Topping these bars with chocolate chips is entirely optional here.
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Salt: A little bit of salt to balance the sweetness and to enhance the flavors.
How to Make Homemade Date Bars
The recipe for date bars is very simple. Just add all the ingredients for the date bars to a food processor and blend them until everything comes together.
Transfer the mixture to a tray lined with parchment paper and even out the top. Chill, cut into the desired shape, and enjoy your healthy date slice. Healthy bar recipes are pure bliss.
Enjoy your homemade no-cook walnut date bars as a nutritious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while providing energy and nutrients.
Variations
No Bake Healthy Date and Nut Bars:
To make date and nut bars, you can combine dates, nuts, and seeds of your choice. Then refrigerate until set. Slice and serve.
Cinnamon Date Bars:
Sweet-scenting spices taste really good in these healthy bars. You can also infuse these bars with a touch of cinnamon.
Almonds and Cashews Date Bars:
For a recipe variation, you can swap walnuts with an equal amount of almonds and cashews.
Healthy Ferrero Rocher Bars:
You can transform these healthy date bars into Ferrero Rocher-inspired healthy bars by swapping walnuts with roasted hazelnuts.
Also, add about 2 tablespoons of hazelnut butter for more intense flavors. And don’t forget to top them with vegan chocolate ganache and crushed hazelnuts.
Healthy Date Bars with Oatmeal
To make oatmeal date bars a healthy recipe, swap out walnuts and replace them with oatmeal, then follow the same recipe.
Storage Suggestions
These healthy bars with dates stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature when stored in an airtight container.
You can also refrigerate them for extended freshness. They can last up to a month when stored in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
These can be served as a go-to snack, quick & healthy breakfast, easy and satisfying snack, or a healthy dessert option. Simply wrap individual bars in parchment paper, and they are ready to snack or breakfast on the go.
You can also serve them at parties along with other healthy desserts like chocolate covered grapes, dry fruit laddus, cream cheese-stuffed dates, chocolate pomegranate bites, chocolate banana bark, banana peanut butter chocolate bites, or chocolate coffee chia pudding.
For an extravagant experience, pair them with date milk, banana date smoothie, or a cup of caramel chai.
Professional Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Healthy Date Bars
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Quality Ingredients: Make sure to use fresh, moist dates and organic walnuts to get the best texture and flavor.
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Texture Variations: For crunchier bars, you can keep the walnuts coarse.
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Flavorings: I have used vanilla extract to flavor these bars. You can also flavor them with spices like cardamom, cinnamon, or nutmeg.
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Seeds: For an extra boost of fiber and nutrients, you can also add flaxseeds or chia seeds to these bars.
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Protein-rich: To make them protein-rich, you can add 1/4 cup of creamy or crunchy peanut butter to these bars. Not only does it add protein, but it also enhances the overall texture of these bars.
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Setting Time: Chill the bars in the refrigerator before cutting to ensure they set properly and hold their shape.
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Coconut Oil: For a touch of coconut-y flavor and added healthy fat that helps bind the ingredients, you can also use coconut oil.
FAQ
Can I make these bars vegan?
These bars are vegan-friendly because they use ingredients that don’t contain any dairy.
Are Healthy Date Bars gluten free?
Yes, these healthy bars are naturally gluten-free as they don’t contain gluten ingredients.
How can I make these bars nut-free?
Substitute nuts with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.
Can I freeze Healthy Date Bars?
Absolutely, these bars are freezable. A wonderful option for a longer shelf life. To freeze, wrap individual bars in plastic wrap.
Then place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Healthy Date Bars (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to Make Healthy Bars with Dates
- Add 2 cups of pitted dates to a food processor along with 1½ cups of walnuts.
- Also add 4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Process until the date and walnut mixture is finely chopped and sticks together.
- To check for doneness, press it between your fingers. If the mixture is cohesive and holds its shape, it is ready. If not, continue to process until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Transfer the date and walnut mixture to the prepared dish.
- Press the mixture firmly into an even layer, using the back of a spoon or your hands. The more compact and pressed the mixture is, the better the texture of the bars will be.
- Chop some extra walnuts and sprinkle them over the top of the mixture along with chocolate chips for garnish.
- Gently press them into the surface so they adhere. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to set. This chilling step is crucial for the bars to firm up and become easier to slice.
- Once it is chilled and firm, lift the mixture out of the dish using the edges of the parchment paper.
- Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares of your desired size.
- Enjoy them as a dessert bar, snack, or as a healthy breakfast option.
Recipe Card
Healthy Date Bars [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 7 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 mins | ||
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Serves ☺ |
| Desserts | American | 8 |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 198 calories | 1 |
INGREDIENTS
For Healthy Date Bars
- 2 cups Medjool or any soft dates, pitted
- 1½ cups walnuts, plus extra for garnish
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- A pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate chips, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to Make Healthy Bars with Dates
- Add 2 cups of pitted dates to a food processor along with 1½ cups of walnuts.
- Also add 4 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Process until the date and walnut mixture is finely chopped and sticks together.
- To check for doneness, press it between your fingers. If the mixture is cohesive and holds its shape, it is ready. If not, continue to process until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Transfer the date and walnut mixture to the prepared dish.
- Press the mixture firmly into an even layer, using the back of a spoon or your hands. The more compact and pressed the mixture is, the better the texture of the bars will be.
- Chop some extra walnuts and sprinkle them over the top of the mixture along with chocolate chips for garnish.
- Gently press them into the surface so they adhere. Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours to set. This chilling step is crucial for the bars to firm up and become easier to slice.
- Once it is chilled and firm, lift the mixture out of the dish using the edges of the parchment paper.
- Place it on a cutting board and slice into bars or squares of your desired size.
- Enjoy them as a dessert bar, snack, or as a healthy breakfast option.
WATCH RECIPE VIDEO: Click the play button and video will load ...
NOTES:
- Storage — Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. They can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature for a softer texture.
- If the mixture is too dry and not holding shape, you can add a teaspoon of water to help it come together.
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/healthy-date-bars/
