These No-Bake Almond Energy Bars are super simple, easy, and delicious no-bake bars that are so full of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits. It is one of those recipes that makes you wonder why you ever bought packaged snack bars.
They are chewy, nutty, chocolatey, and loaded with dried fruits, nuts, and seeds. The best part I love about this recipe is that there is absolutely no baking involved!
I just love the no-bake recipes that are this easy but still feel like an indulgent homemade treat.
Dals thicken naturally when cold. Adding water restores original consistency smoothly.
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Table of contents
You only mix everything together, press it and roll it into a pan, and chill it to set. Lastly, I top it with melted dark chocolate, sprinkle with flaky sea salt and orange zest for fresh aroma, and let it chill again until the chocolate shell is hardened. That’s it!
The combination of dried fruit and crunchy nuts gives them such a lovely texture, flavour, and taste, while the dark chocolate coating on top takes them to another level.
They are perfect for keeping in the fridge for those quick indulging moments when you want a quick homemade snack that also energizes you.
About These No-Bake Energy Bars
These no-bake energy bars are no bake, quick and easy. Prepared with soft dates, dried figs, dried apricots, almond flour, rolled oats, a mouthwatering mix of nuts and seeds, peanut butter, and a little orange zest, these almond oat orange bars come together in just 40 minutes, including chilling time.
If you love oat chia energy balls, or are looking for an easy no-bake energy bars recipe, this simple bar recipe is one that is definitely worth trying. The combination of dark chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, and orange zest makes these bars especially delicious.
I wanted these bars to have a little bit of everything; like chewy dried fruits, crunchy nuts and seeds, creamy peanut butter, almond flour, oats, a fresh touch of orange, and, of course, chocolate. So I added them all, and I can tell that everyone in my family just loves these. In fact, my daughter keeps insisting that I make a large batch over the weekend so she can devour it throughout the week.
Instead of making these bars with only dates, I like to use a combination of dried fruits like dates, dried figs, and dried apricots to add a variety of taste, color, and flavor. I love the way the three work together. The dates here provide the sweetness and help bind the mixture, while the figs and apricots add their own flavor and chewy texture.
For the crunchy texture, I used a mixture of nuts and seeds like walnuts, pistachios, cashews, and pumpkin seeds. I love the variety of nutty textures they give to these fruit and nut energy bars. The wonderful thing about the nuts is that you can absolutely change this combination depending on what you have in your pantry or what you like to use.
The base is finished with almond flour and a little rolled oats. I use blanched almond flour to keep the bars rich and tender, while the oats give them some structure without making them too dense. You can also grind almonds and use them instead.
And then comes the chocolate touch. A layer of melted dark chocolate goes over the top, and then a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and orange zest goes on top of it before the whole thing is chilled until firm.
Once firm, you cut them into desired bars, or just break them and you get that lovely contrast between the chewy fruit-and-nut base and the crisp chocolate topping. Just so addictive and irresistible!
So make a batch at the beginning of the week, and you have the most satisfying homemade energy bars ready whenever you need to grab one. Could it get any simpler?
Why You’ll Love These Almond Energy Bars
These Almond Energy Bars
✔️ are quick, simple & easy to make
✔️ are no bake
✔️ use only simple pantry ingredients
✔️ can also be customized
✔️ are perfect for meal prep
✔️ can also be made with other butter
✔️ are naturally sweetened with dried fruits
✔️ make a filling & delightful homemade snack
✔️ are great for a quick energy boost
✔️ can also be enjoyed for breakfast or snacking
✔️ are chewy, crunchy & chocolatey
✔️ are loaded with dried fruit & dark chocolate
✔️ are flavoured with fresh orange flavor
✔️ are packed with nuts and seeds
✔️ are great for on-the-go snacking
Ingredients
For the Energy Bars
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Almond flour: For the base of almond energy bars, almond flour is the main ingredient. I used blanched almond flour to give the bars a soft, slightly rich texture and a lovely almond flavor. You can also use finely blended almond here; they will work just fine.
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Oats: I use rolled oats to give these bars a little structure and texture while still keeping the bars soft and chewy. You can also use oat flour, or instant oats.
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Dates: I use four soft dates. Mine are smaller than Medjool dates, so this amount works beautifully with the other dried fruits.
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Dried figs: I used 4 chopped dried figs to add chewiness and a lovely fruity flavor.
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Dried apricots: I have also added chopped dried apricots to add a slightly tangy sweetness that balances the dates. You can also use dried plums here; they will also work well.
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Nuts and seeds: I added a combination of a total of ½ cup of mixed nuts and seeds like walnuts, pistachios, cashews, and pumpkin seeds. You can also use sunflower seeds, melon seeds, pecans, coconut flakes, chia seeds, or flaxseeds. I love using a combination of nuts and seeds rather than using just one type of nuts because you get a little crunch in every bite, and variety makes a big difference.
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Peanut butter: I add creamy peanut butter to add richness and to help bring the mixture together. You can also go for crunchy peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter.
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Orange zest: I like to add a little bit of orange zest to flavor these energy bars, so don’t skip this little addition. A small amount of fresh orange zest gives these date nut energy bars a bright citrus flavor that works especially well with dark chocolate. You can swap it with ground cinnamon or ground cardamom for a different flavour.
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Milk: I used a little unsweetened almond milk to help bring everything together. Add it gradually because the amount you need can depend on how soft and moist your dried fruit is. You can also use other dairy-free milk, oat milk, or soy milk. You can also use regular dairy milk in this bar recipe.
For the Chocolate Topping
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Dark chocolate: This makes that delightful chocolate layer on top. It also makes these chocolate date energy bars feel extra indulgent. I used 75% dark chocolate for coating, but you can also go for 84% or more. Milk chocolate or dark chocolate chips can also be used in this recipe.
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Coconut oil: A tiny amount of coconut oil is used to help the chocolate melt smoothly and makes it easier to spread.
How to Make No-Bake Almond Energy Bars
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Prepare the dried fruit by roughly chopping the dates, dried figs, and dried apricots. Even pieces distribute much more evenly throughout the mixture and help the bars hold together.
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Roughly chop the walnuts, pistachios, and cashews.
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Add the almond flour, oat flour, chopped dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and orange zest to a large bowl. Now, add the peanut butter and mix everything well.
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Start by adding 2 tablespoons of almond or oat milk and mix again. If the mixture still seems dry, add a little more, one tablespoon at a time. The mixture should be soft and sticky enough to hold together when pressed.
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Line the work surface with parchment paper. Now, transfer the mixture to the parchment paper, cover it with another piece of paper, and flatten or roll it using a rolling pin into an even layer. Make sure to press the mixture really well so your no-bake date bars hold together nicely when you cut them.
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Chill for 30 minutes or until firm.
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Melt the dark chocolate with the coconut oil until smooth. Then pour it over the energy bar mixture and spread it evenly across the top.
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You don’t need a very thick layer. I prefer a thin chocolate topping so you can still taste all the dried fruit, nuts, seeds, and orange underneath.
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Sprinkle with some flaky sea salt and orange zest, and place the pan in the refrigerator and chill until the mixture is firm and the chocolate has set.
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Remove the slab from the pan, slice into bars, rectangles, or squares, and enjoy!
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And that’s it. Your no-bake chocolate energy bars are ready. Store the leftovers in a ziploc bag in the refrigerator and enjoy for up to 1 week.
Variations
Different Nuts
You can use different nuts in these almond energy bars depending on what you have on hand. Almond flour is the base and my favorite for this recipe, along with walnuts, cashews, and pistachios. You can also go with pecans, or hazelnuts, or any other nuts of your choice.
You can just use a combination of different nuts to add different flavors and textures to these homemade energy bars.
More Seeds
I only added pumpkin seeds to this no-bake energy bars recipe, but you can also add other seeds for some extra crunch. Pumpkin seeds work really well, but you can also use sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, flaxseeds, or a mix of all.
Feel free to use any of your favorite combinations of nuts and seeds to make these energy bars your own.
Other Dried Fruits
Dates are important in this recipe because they help bind the ingredients together and add natural sweetness. However, you can change the other dried fruits depending on what you have available.
The dried fruits you can use in this recipe are dried plums, dried apricots, dried figs, raisins, dried cranberries, or dried cherries. I love the combination of dates, figs, and apricots because they give these fruit and nut energy bars a lovely chewy texture and fruity flavor.
Use Other Nut Butter
I used peanut butter, but if you prefer other nut butter, you can try almond butter instead of peanut butter. Cashew butter is another delicious option.
For the best texture, use creamy nut butter that mixes easily with the dates, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits and makes it taste really satisfying.
More Chocolate
If you love chocolate, then feel free to add some extra melted dark chocolate over the top of these energy bars. You can also add a little chopped dark chocolate or dark chocolate chips to the mixture before pressing it into the pan.
Serving Suggestions
These almond energy bars are tempting and filling on their own and make a great snack any time of the day when you are lacking energy or want something sweet but healthier.
I like serving them chilled, when the bars are firm and easy to hold. They can be served with a glass of date milk, iced coffee, or banana iced latte for an afternoon snack.
They are also perfect for breakfast, brunch, or whenever you want something quick and satisfying. When serving them at brunch, pair them with other date, fruit, and nut treats like chocolate banana bark, strawberry date bark,, date snickers, or date banana sushi.
You can also pack these homemade energy bars to take them with you for on-the-go snacking. They are excellent for meal prep because you can make a batch ahead of time and have them ready throughout the week.
For a simple snack, enjoy them with fresh fruits, plain Greek yogurt, iced tea, or peanut butter iced latte. They also make a lovely addition to a breakfast or snack platter.
Storage Suggestions
These no-bake almond energy bars should be stored in an airtight container or ziploc bag in the refrigerator. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
If you are stacking the bars, place a sheet of parchment paper between the layers so they do not stick together.
These almond energy bars are freezable, so you can also freeze them for longer storage. To freeze, wrap each bar individually and then place them in a freezer-safe container or a ziploc bag and freeze until needed.
When you are ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
If you are making these energy bars for meal prep, I recommend slicing the whole batch and storing them in the refrigerator. This makes them easy to grab whenever you need energy and need a quick homemade snack.
Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Almond Energy Bars
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Almonds: I like using roughly chopped almonds so you get a nice crunchy texture throughout the bars. Avoid chopping them too finely, as larger pieces give these energy bars a better texture.
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Dates: I used soft, moist dates for this energy bars recipe. They help bind the ingredients together and give the bars their natural sweetness and chewy texture. You can also use Medjool dates in this recipe.
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Dried Fruit: You need chopped dried fruits, so if your dried figs or apricots are very dry, soak them briefly in warm water and pat them dry before chopping. This helps them chop and blend more easily.
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Nut Butter: I prefer to use creamy peanut butter for this recipe as it mixes easily with the other ingredients and helps hold the bars together. But you can also use almond butter here.
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Orange Zest: This is an optional ingredient used for flavoring these bars. It adds a lovely fresh citrus flavor that works beautifully with the dried fruit, almonds, and dark chocolate. If possible, don’t skip the orange zest; it is highly recommended.
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Mixing: Make sure all the ingredients in these bars are mixed well so the nut butter and dates are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
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Pressing: Press the mixture firmly into the lined pan or roll it using a rolling pin. This is important because firmly packed bars hold their shape much better when sliced.
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Chocolate: Let the melted chocolate spread evenly over the top before chilling. Also, sprinkle your topping when the chocolate is still wet. I used orange zest and flaky sea salt as a topping. You can top with some chopped nuts or seeds over the chocolate for extra crunch.
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Chilling: These bars need chilling as it helps the bars firm up and makes them easier to cut into neat pieces. So don’t skip the chilling time.
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Slicing: Use a sharp knife to slice the chilled mixture into triangles, bars, or squares. If you want cleaner cuts, wipe the knife between slices.
FAQs
What are almond energy bars?
Almond energy bars are homemade snack bars made using almond flour, oats, dried fruit, seeds, nut butter, and other simple ingredients. They are deliciously chewy, crunchy, and easy to make without baking.
Are almond energy bars no-bake?
Yes. These are no-bake energy bars, so there is no need to use an oven. Simply mix the ingredients, roll using a rolling pin, add the chocolate topping, chill, and slice. That’s it.
How do I keep homemade energy bars from falling apart?
Make sure the mixture is well combined and holds its shape like dough. Also, press it firmly while rolling. The dates and nut butter help bind all the ingredients together, and chilling helps the bars become firm enough to slice.
Can I use different nuts for almond energy bars?
Absolutely, you can use different varieties of nuts for this recipe. You can replace some or all of the almonds with walnut powder, cashew powder, pistachio powder, pecan powder, or hazelnut powder. You can also use a combination of your favorite nuts.
Can I use different dried fruit?
Yes, feel free to use any of your favorite dried fruits. Dates are important for helping bind the mixture, but you can change the other dried fruits. Dried figs, apricots, raisins, dried plums, dried cranberries, and dried cherries are all good options for these bars.
Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes, almond butter goes really well in this recipe, so it can be used instead of peanut butter. You can also use cashew butter if you prefer cashews more.
How long do homemade energy bars last?
Store these homemade energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator and relish them within about 1 week for the best texture and flavor.
Can I freeze almond energy bars?
Yes, you can freeze these almond energy bars for longer storage. Wrap them individually and then freeze them in a freezer-safe container and thaw before serving.
Are almond energy bars good for meal prep?
Yes, these no-bake energy bars are excellent for meal prep. So make a large batch ahead of time, slice them into individual portions, and keep them refrigerated so they are ready whenever you need a quick little snack.
What can I serve with almond energy bars?
These fruit and nut energy bars are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with fresh fruit, yogurt, tea, or coffee. They make a simple breakfast or snack option for any time of the day.
Can I make these energy bars ahead of time?
Yes. These homemade energy bars are a great snack to make in advance. Prepare the full batch, chill until firm, slice, and store the bars in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
No Bake Almond Energy Bars (Step-by-step photo instructions)
How to Make No Bake Almond Energy Bars
- Add almond flour, rolled oats, chopped nuts and seeds, dates, dried figs, dried apricots, and orange zest to a large bowl.
- Add the peanut butter and mix everything well.
- Start by adding 2 tablespoons of oat milk and mix again. If the mixture still seems dry, add a little more, one tablespoon at a time. The mixture should be soft and sticky enough to hold together when pressed.
- Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined surface and place another sheet of parchment paper on top.
- Flatten or roll it into an even layer using a rolling pin. Press it firmly so the no-bake energy bars hold together nicely. Chill for 30 minutes or until firm.
- Melt the dark chocolate with the coconut oil until smooth.
- Pour it over the chilled mixture and spread it evenly across the top.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and orange zest, if desired. Chill again until the chocolate has set.
- Remove the slab from the refrigerator and slice into bars, rectangles, or squares. Enjoy your homemade no-bake almond energy bars.
Recipe Card
No Bake Almond Energy Bars [Recipe]
★★★★★
(Rating: 5 from 6 reviews)
| Prep time 🕐 | Cook time 🕐 | Total time 🕐 |
|---|---|---|
| Category ☶ | Cuisine ♨ | Servings ☺ |
| Snacks | American | 14 Bars |
| Nutrition Info ⊛ | Serving size ⊚ | |
| 180 calories | 1 Bar |
INGREDIENTS
For No Bake Almond Energy Bars
- 1 cup almond flour
- ½ cup rolled oats
- ½ cup mixed nuts & seeds, roughly chopped
- 4 soft dates, finely chopped
- 4 dried figs, finely chopped
- 4 dried apricots, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup peanut butter
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 2–4 tbsp almond or oat milk, as needed
- ½ cup 75% dark chocolate melted
- 1 tsp coconut oil
INSTRUCTIONS:
How to Make No Bake Almond Energy Bars
- Add almond flour, rolled oats, chopped nuts and seeds, dates, dried figs, dried apricots, and orange zest to a large bowl.
- Add the peanut butter and mix everything well.
- Start by adding 2 tablespoons of oat milk and mix again. If the mixture still seems dry, add a little more, one tablespoon at a time. The mixture should be soft and sticky enough to hold together when pressed.
- Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined surface and place another sheet of parchment paper on top.
- Flatten or roll it into an even layer using a rolling pin. Press it firmly so the no-bake energy bars hold together nicely. Chill for 30 minutes or until firm.
- Melt the dark chocolate with the coconut oil until smooth.
- Pour it over the chilled mixture and spread it evenly across the top.
- Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and orange zest, if desired. Chill again until the chocolate has set.
- Remove the slab from the refrigerator and slice into bars, rectangles, or squares. Enjoy your homemade no-bake almond energy bars.
Watch Full Recipe Video:
NOTES:
- You can also use your favorite combination of nuts depending on what you have in your pantry.
- The milk should be added gradually, as the amount needed can vary depending on how soft and moist your dried fruits are.
NUTRITION (Per Serving):
Calories: 180kcal | Fat: 11.7g | Carbohydrates: 16.6g | Protein: 4.7g | Fiber: 3.2g | Sugar: 9.4g | Sodium: 4.5mg
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Author: Anupama
Recipe Source Link: https://www.mygingergarlickitchen.com/no-bake-almond-energy-bars/
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