Chocolate Almond Date Energy Bars

Name: Chocolate Almond Date Energy Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted; 1 cup almonds, raw or roasted; 1/2 cup rolled oats; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup nut butter (like almond or peanut); 1 tsp vanilla extract; A pinch of sea salt

Highlighted under: Healthy Table Creations

I absolutely love making Chocolate Almond Date Energy Bars because they are the perfect on-the-go snack. Packed with wholesome ingredients like nutrient-rich almonds and naturally sweet dates, these bars satisfy my sweet tooth without the guilt. Each bite offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures, making them ideal for a quick breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare, allowing me to whip up a batch anytime I need a healthy treat.

Created by

Adeline Morris

Last updated on 2026-01-18T04:31:09.139Z

When creating these Chocolate Almond Date Energy Bars, I experimented with various ratios of nuts to dates until I found the perfect balance. The natural sweetness of the Medjool dates paired with the crunchiness of the almonds creates a delightful treat. I also discovered that by adding a pinch of sea salt, it enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully, giving each bite a satisfying finish.

These bars have saved me countless times on busy days when I need a quick source of energy. I've even started packing them for hikes, and they’ve proven to be a favorite among friends and family. If you want to make them even more decadent, consider drizzling melted dark chocolate on top!

Why You'll Love These Bars
Rich chocolate flavor balanced with the natural sweetness of dates
Crunchy texture from almonds and a slight chewiness from the dates
Perfect for pre or post-workout snacks or simply indulging your sweet cravings

Ingredient Insights

The star ingredients in these bars are Medjool dates and almonds. Medjool dates are naturally sweet and sticky, acting as a binding agent that gives the bars their chewy texture. When selecting dates, go for ones that feel slightly soft and plump; this ensures that they will blend easily into a smooth mixture. If you're short on time, pre-chopped dates can still yield delicious results, but pitting them yourself offers fresher flavor.

Almonds bring a crunchy contrast to the soft dates, enhancing both the texture and nutritional profile of the bars. You can opt for raw almonds to retain their natural oils and nutrients or roasted ones for a deeper flavor. Roasted almonds should be unsalted to keep the bars wholesome and balanced; however, feel free to toast raw almonds in a dry skillet for a few minutes until they are fragrant for an extra flavor boost.

Batch Preparation and Storage

Making a double batch of these energy bars is a fantastic way to ensure you always have a healthy snack on hand. Once the mixture is prepared and pressed into the baking dish, you can choose to slice them into smaller squares for smaller portions or larger rectangles for a more filling bite. Just remember, the size will affect how quickly they will firm up, so thinner bars may chill in the fridge slightly faster, around 25–30 minutes.

Storage is also crucial for maintaining the freshness of your bars. After slicing, I recommend placing them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent them from sticking together. They will keep well in the fridge for up to a week. For longer storage, consider wrapping each bar individually in foil and freezing them; they'll stay good for up to three months, allowing you to grab a healthy snack at a moment's notice!

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make your delicious energy bars:

Ingredients

1 cup Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup almonds, raw or roasted
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup nut butter (like almond or peanut)
1 tsp vanilla extract
A pinch of sea salt

Makes 12 energy bars that are perfect for any snack craving!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your energy bars:

Prepare the Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the pitted Medjool dates, almonds, rolled oats, cocoa powder, nut butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Pulse until the mixture becomes sticky and starts to clump together.

Form the Bars

Line a square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal. Transfer the mixture into the dish and press it down firmly using your hands or a spatula to create an even layer.

Chill and Slice

Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to firm up. Once set, remove from the dish using the parchment paper overhang and slice into bars.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Almond Date Energy Bars as a healthy snack!

Pro Tips

Store these bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze them for longer shelf life. For added flavor, feel free to include other nuts, seeds, or dried fruits in the mixture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common issue when making energy bars is not blending the dates sufficiently. If the mixture remains crumbly and doesn’t stick together after pulsing, it’s often due to old or dry dates. To remedy this, soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes before processing. This will soften them and help create a smoother, more cohesive mixture, resulting in bars that hold together beautifully.

Another mistake is not pressing the mixture firmly enough in the baking dish. If not packed tightly, the bars may crumble easily when sliced. Use a flat spatula or the back of a measuring cup to apply even, firm pressure over the mixture, ensuring it is compacted and evenly distributed throughout the dish. This step is essential for achieving structurally sound energy bars.

Flavor Variations

While the classic chocolate-almond combo is irresistible, consider experimenting with additional flavorings to customize your energy bars. Adding a tablespoon of espresso powder can enhance the chocolate flavor, giving the bars a deeper richness. Alternatively, a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm, aromatic tone that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the dates.

For those who enjoy a bit of tropical flair, add in unsweetened shredded coconut or chopped dried fruits, like apricots or cherries, to the mix. Just keep the total volume of solid ingredients consistent to maintain the perfect texture. These small tweaks can open up a world of varied tastes, ensuring you won’t tire of the same flavor combination.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I substitute the almonds with another nut?

Yes, you can use any other nut of your choice such as walnuts, cashews, or pecans.

→ Are these bars vegan-friendly?

Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based, making them a perfect vegan snack.

→ How can I make these bars gluten-free?

Simply ensure that the oats you use are labeled gluten-free, and you’ll have a safe snack for a gluten-free diet.

→ How long can these bars be stored?

They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to three months.