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No Bake Date Bars

These no bake date bars are a chewy, fudgy treat made with simple ingredients like Medjool dates, toasted nuts, and cocoa powder. They come together quickly without oven baking, resulting in a dense, indulgent bar with a rich flavor and satisfying texture. Perfect for a nostalgic snack or a quick energy boost, they are easily customizable with optional add-ins and toppings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 10
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Healthy Snacks
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cup Medjool dates pitted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup cup toasted nuts chopped, almonds or walnuts preferred
  • 2 tbsp tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
  • 1 tsp teaspoon vanilla extract
  • a pinch sea salt optional, for contrast
  • 1 tbsp tablespoon coconut oil optional, for gloss and ease of pressing

Equipment

  • 20cm (8-inch) square pan
  • Spatula
  • Sharp knife
  • Parchment paper
  • Skillet

Method
 

  1. Line your square pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
  2. Chop the pitted Medjool dates into small pieces, about 1cm each, to help them melt quickly and evenly.
  3. Toast your nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and golden, then let them cool slightly before chopping coarsely.
  4. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped dates and coconut oil in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and sticky, about 1-2 minutes.
  5. Add the cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt to the melted mixture, then stir well until everything is combined into a dark, glossy paste.
  6. Fold in the toasted nuts until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  7. Transfer the mixture to your prepared pan and press it firmly with a spatula or your fingers to create an even layer, smoothing out the top.
  8. Place the pan in the fridge and chill for at least 2 hours, or until the mixture is firm and set.
  9. Once firm, lift the parchment paper to remove the set mixture from the pan, then use a sharp knife to cut into rectangular bars, about 2.5cm wide.
  10. Serve immediately or store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze and thaw before enjoying.

Notes

For extra flavor, sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top before chilling. Feel free to customize by adding dried fruits or seeds for added texture.