Easy Homemade Date Bars | Healthy No Bake Squares
I don’t know about you, but, I love snack bars (lara bars) from the store. But, they can have ingredients that I don’t love so much! These homemade Date bars are so similar, yet, so simple!
The classic date bars from the grocery store can be quite expensive even if they are healthy.
I try to be thrifty, so, when I figured out I could make those bars from scratch, I knew I was going to be saving a lot of money!
This post may contain affiliate links. I may make a small commission on sales at no extra cost to you
Why I love this recipe
Healthy – These no bake date bars are the perfect healthy snack if you have a sweet tooth! With no added sugar, they are still perfectly sweet and delicious because of the natural sugar from the dates.
Quick and Easy – Using simple ingredients, this is a great recipe to whip up quickly for a delicious and healthy snack for the kiddos!
Delicious – With their chewy texture, this is a snack the whole family will love!
I buy my dates and peanuts in bulk so that I only have to order them once a month. This way, it’s more cost effective and means less trips to the store.
You can use other nuts, as well as dark cocoa powder. Use any nut at the same ratio, however, if you choose to use dark cocoa, decrease it to 1/4 cup. The dark cocoa can overpower the bars.
A few years ago, I started experimenting with making homemade bars and landed on the perfect recipe! This is a recipe I make about 2 times a week. We have these bars after dinner sometimes, and, I always put one in my husband’s lunch.
For one of the most delicious snacks, try my Sourdough Pumpkin Pop Tarts
Ingredients to make the homemade date bar recipe
2 cups Pitted dates – I use Medjool dates, but you can use Deglet Noor dates. I would caution against using chopped dates from the store as they have added ingredients that aren’t necessary. Aim to use whole dates.
2 cups Unsalted roasted Peanuts – I recommend using peanuts instead of peanut butter for a better texture. Be sure to use UNSALTED NUTS.
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 cup Cocoa powder
See recipe card below
How to make Healthy Homemade Date Bars
In a Food Processor, add the peanuts, salt, and cocoa powder.
Place dates on top.
Pulse a few times to start breaking them down. Then process the date mixture on high speed until the ingredients are well incorporated and of the same consistency. It will be crumbly.
Pour the mixture into a 6 cups glass storage container.
I use the Anchor Hocking 6 cup square glass container.
You could also line a glass pan with parchment paper and press the mixture in.
Press the mixture evenly and firmly into the dish. Make sure you really press it in evenly.
Place in the fridge and let chill for at least 2 hours.
Afterwards, you can cut the bars evenly and enjoy! I usually cut 12 bars, but you can cut smaller pieces if you wish. It is totally customizable!
Storage
Store these homemade date bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
Although these could be kept at room temperature, I find they are set up much better in the fridge.
Variations
For double chocolate date squares, mix in some chocolate chips as you press the mixture into the container.
A most delicious date nut bars variation is to add 1 cup macadamia nuts and 1 cup peanuts to the initial mix!
Add 1 cup peanuts and 1 cup walnuts for a date bar with lots of healthy fats!
Homemade Date Bars
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 2 cups Peanuts (unsalted, roasted)
- 1/4 cup Cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 2 cups Dates (pitted)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to food processor in order listed.
- Pulse until the mixture just begins to come together.
- Process on high speed for 30 seconds (mixture should be crumbly).
- Spoon mixture in to 6 cup square glass storage bowl (I use the anchor brand).
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Cut into squares the size of your choice.
Notes
See you soon!
I added coconut, I use carob powder instead of cocoa powder , also walnuts and sunflower seeds . If I had carob chips I would have put them in also. Thank you for recipe
How long will these last in fridge
Up to 7 days.
Love these because they use peanuts (cheaper and easier to grind), are super simple to make, the bars form up well and they taste great! Thanks for sharing!
My husband is allergic to peanuts, so we used pecans instead. We are really enjoying them. Thanks for the recipe.