Description
These delicious no-bake date bars combine naturally sweet Medjool dates with creamy almond butter, crunchy cashews, and toasted sesame seeds for a wholesome snack. Coated in rich 70% dark chocolate and enhanced with a hint of lucuma or maca powder, these bars are perfect for an energizing treat that requires no baking and is ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Medjool dates (pitted)
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1 tbsp lucuma powder or maca powder (choose one)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (just a pinch)
- 1/2 cup cashew pieces (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (plus extra for topping)
Chocolate Coating
- 4 oz 70% dark chocolate (melted)
- 2 tbsp coconut oil (for melting the chocolate)
Instructions
- Prepare the Date Paste: Add the pitted dates, almond butter, lucuma or maca powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt into a food processor. Blitz for about 2-3 minutes until a smooth, uniform ball or paste forms.
- Mix in Nuts and Seeds: Transfer the date paste to a large bowl. Gently fold in the roughly chopped cashew pieces and toasted sesame seeds until well combined and evenly distributed.
- Shape the Mixture: Place the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper. Using a second sheet of parchment paper, roll and mold it into a rectangle approximately 10 inches by 4 inches. Trim any uneven edges and knead those bits back into the dough to maintain a clean rectangle shape.
- Chill the Log: Place the shaped log into the freezer for about 10 minutes to firm up, which makes slicing easier.
- Melt the Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt the dark chocolate with the coconut oil. Stir often until smooth and fully combined, then remove from heat.
- Slice the Bars: Remove the chilled log from the freezer and carefully slice it into 10 equal bars. Arrange the bars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy handling.
- Coat in Chocolate: Dip each bar into the melted chocolate. Using a fork and spoon, lift the bars out to let excess chocolate drip off, then place them back on the parchment-lined tray.
- Freeze to Set: Freeze the coated bars for another 10 minutes to allow the chocolate to harden and set properly.
- Finish with Toppings: Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the bars and sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top before the chocolate completely sets to add texture and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can substitute lucuma powder with maca powder depending on your preference or availability.
- Make sure the cashew pieces are roughly chopped to add a nice crunch without overpowering the texture.
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely chop dates and mix thoroughly with the other ingredients but it will require more effort.
- Use high-quality 70% dark chocolate for a rich flavor and healthier option.
- Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain freshness and firmness.
- These bars make an excellent on-the-go snack or energy boost before workouts.
