Healthy Oatmeal Energy Bar with Dates & Nuts
These Healthy Oatmeal Energy Bars with Dates & Nuts are the perfect grab-and-go snack for anyone looking to fuel their day with a nutritious yet delicious treat. Packed with the goodness of rolled oats, sweet dates, and a variety of toasted nuts, these energy bars are ideal for breakfast, post-workout replenishment, or even a mid-day energy boost. With no added preservatives and a simple list of wholesome ingredients, these bars are naturally sweetened with honey or agave syrup, making them a great choice for those looking to maintain a healthy diet without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Instant Oats (Rolled Oats) | 1-1/2 cups |
Dates | 1 large, pitted |
Honey (or Agave Syrup) | 1/4 cup |
Peanut Butter | 1/4 cup |
Almonds (Badam), Toasted | 1/2 cup |
Pistachios, Toasted | 1/4 cup |
Pecans, Toasted | 1/4 cup |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | ~200 kcal |
Protein | 6g |
Carbohydrates | 24g |
Fiber | 4g |
Sugars | 14g |
Fat | 10g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Sodium | 30mg |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 2 bars (cut into 4 pieces each)
Instructions
-
Toast the Oats & Nuts:
Start by toasting the rolled oats in a non-stick pan. Over medium heat, dry roast the oats for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. The oats should turn a light brown color, indicating they are ready. In the same pan, toast the almonds, pistachios, and pecans for 2-3 minutes, just enough to bring out their natural flavors.โLink To Shareโ is your all-in-one marketing platform, making it easy and professional to direct your audience to everything you offer. โข Modern, customizable bio pages โข Link shortening with advanced analytics โข Interactive, brandable QR codes โข Host static sites and manage your code โข Multiple web tools to grow your business -
Process the Dates:
Place the pitted dates in a food processor and pulse until they form a coarse, dough-like consistency. You want the dates to stick together but not become a completely smooth paste. This will help bind the bars together when mixed with the other ingredients. -
Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, chopped nuts, and processed dates. Set this mixture aside. -
Prepare the Wet Mixture:
In a small saucepan, warm the honey (or agave syrup) and peanut butter over low heat. Stir gently to combine until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated. This will help bind the dry ingredients together and add sweetness to the bars. -
Mix Everything Together:
Pour the warm honey and peanut butter mixture over the oats, nuts, and dates. Stir everything together until well combined. If needed, break up any clumps of dates with the back of the spoon or your hands. The mixture should feel sticky and hold together when pressed. -
Shape the Bars:
Line a baking dish or pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan, pressing it down firmly to ensure it’s even and compact. This step is crucial for achieving dense, perfectly shaped bars. Use a flat surface (such as a glass or your hands) to press down the mixture. -
Set the Bars:
Cover the dish with plastic wrap or another sheet of parchment paper and place it in the refrigerator or freezer. Allow it to set for 25 to 30 minutes. This will help the bars firm up and make them easier to cut into squares. -
Slice & Store:
Once the mixture has set, remove the bars from the pan and cut them into even-sized rectangles or squares. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. These bars also freeze well if you want to store them for longer periods.
Tips for Success:
- Customizations: Feel free to substitute the nuts with other varieties like walnuts, cashews, or sunflower seeds depending on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness by increasing or decreasing the amount of honey or agave syrup. For a less sweet version, reduce the quantity of the sweetener.
- Add-ins: If you like extra flavor or nutrition, you can mix in dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots, or even add a scoop of protein powder for a protein-packed version.
Why Youโll Love These Bars:
- Healthy & Wholesome: These bars are rich in fiber, healthy fats, and protein from the oats, nuts, and peanut butter. They provide long-lasting energy without the sugar crash associated with many store-bought snacks.
- Easy to Make: With minimal prep time and no baking required, these energy bars are simple to make and come together quickly.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch of these bars and keep them in the fridge for a week of healthy snacks. Theyโre perfect for meal prep and busy days.
Enjoy these Healthy Oatmeal Energy Bars as part of your breakfast or as a nutritious snack any time of the day. Packed with goodness, theyโll keep you energized and satisfied while satisfying your sweet tooth naturally.