Healthy Oatmeal Energy Bar With Dates & Nuts Recipe
Looking for a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious? These Healthy Oatmeal Energy Bars with Dates & Nuts are the ultimate choice! Packed with wholesome ingredients like creamy peanut butter, oats, and a variety of nuts, they are not only satisfying but also incredibly healthy. Whether you need a quick snack for a busy morning, a hike, or even a nutritious dessert, these energy bars will hit the spot. No flour, no butter – just natural sweetness from dates and honey combined with the crunch of toasted nuts. These bars are a great addition to any diet, offering a balance of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Ideal for a bake sale, breakfast, or a midday snack, they are a treat you’ll want to make again and again. Plus, they stay fresh for weeks if stored properly!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Instant Oats (Oatmeal) | 1-1/2 cups (rolled) |
| Dates | 1 cup |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Peanut Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Whole Almonds (Badam) | 1/2 cup (toasted) |
| Pistachios | 1/4 cup (toasted) |
| Pecans | 1/4 cup (toasted) |
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: About 10 bars
Instructions:
-
Prep the Nuts and Dates:
- Start by chopping the almonds, pistachios, and pecans into small pieces. You can adjust the size based on your preference for crunch.
- Next, process the dates in a food processor until you get a coarse “dough” consistency. The dates should stick together and easily form into a ball when pressed.
-
Toast the Oats:
- In a non-stick pan, dry roast the rolled oats over medium heat. Stir frequently and toast until they turn light brown. Be cautious not to burn the oats. This step brings out a delicious, nutty flavor.
-
Combine the Dry Ingredients:
- Once the oats are toasted, transfer them into a large bowl. Add the chopped nuts and processed dates. Set the mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
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Warm the Wet Ingredients:
- In a small pan, combine the honey and peanut butter. Heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the peanut butter becomes creamy and the mixture is well-combined. This will make it easier to pour over the oats mixture and ensure everything sticks together.
-
Mix Everything Together:
- Pour the honey and peanut butter mixture over the oats, dates, and nuts. Stir thoroughly, ensuring that all the ingredients are well incorporated. Break up the date clumps as you mix.
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Set the Mixture:
- Line a small dish or pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Transfer the oat mixture into the dish and press down firmly until the mixture is uniformly flattened. This step helps compact the mixture, which will make cutting the bars easier once set.
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Chill to Set:
- Cover the dish with more parchment paper, aluminum foil, or plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator or freezer for about 25 to 30 minutes. This will allow the bars to harden and hold together when cut.
-
Slice and Store:
- Once the mixture has set and hardened, remove it from the dish and place it on a cutting board. Slice into even bars or squares.
- Store the Healthy Oatmeal Energy Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These bars will stay fresh for up to a month, making them perfect for meal prepping.
Tips for Success:
- Feel free to customize the nuts to your liking. Walnuts, cashews, or macadamia nuts would also work beautifully in this recipe.
- If you prefer a sweeter bar, you can add more honey or a touch of maple syrup for extra sweetness.
- For a chocolatey twist, try adding dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs to the mixture.
These Healthy Oatmeal Energy Bars with Dates & Nuts are a great way to fuel your day. Enjoy them as a snack, breakfast, or even an energy-packed dessert. They’re simple to make, full of nutrients, and absolutely delicious!
