Name: No-Bake Date Bars Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 225 g medjool dates, pitted; 2 tablespoons runny almond butter; 2 tablespoons lucuma or maca powder (or vegan protein powder); 1 teaspoon vanilla paste; ½ teaspoon sea salt; 100 g cashew pieces, roughly chopped; 35 g toasted sesame seeds (plus extra for topping); 120 g 70% dark chocolate; 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 9 reviews

If you are craving a wholesome, energizing snack that feels indulgent yet nourishing, this No-Bake Date Bars Recipe will quickly become your new favorite treat. Combining the natural sweetness of medjool dates with crunchy cashews and nutty sesame seeds, these bars are effortlessly delicious and require no oven time. Whether you need a quick pick-me-up during the day or a healthy dessert option, these bars offer a lovely balance of rich flavors and satisfying textures that keep you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds a large mound of granular, sticky mixture with visible chunks of nuts and sesame seeds, giving the mixture a textured appearance with brown and cream colors. A spatula with a light wooden handle and a gray silicone head rests inside the bowl, partially submerged in the mixture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This No-Bake Date Bars Recipe depends on simple, wholesome ingredients that work together perfectly to create a flavorful and textured snack. Each component has been thoughtfully chosen to provide natural sweetness, nuttiness, and a chocolatey finish that makes every bite a delight.

225 g medjool dates (pitted): These provide natural sweetness and a sticky base that holds the bars together beautifully.
2 tablespoons runny almond butter: Adds creaminess and richness while helping to bind the mixture.
2 tablespoons lucuma or maca powder (or vegan protein powder): A subtle boost of nutrition and mild sweetness that enhances depth of flavor.
1 teaspoon vanilla paste: For a warm, aromatic hint that rounds out the flavors perfectly.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the overall taste experience.
100 g cashew pieces (roughly chopped): Provide a pleasantly crunchy texture and buttery flavor.
35 g toasted sesame seeds (plus extra for topping): Offer nutty notes and a slight crunch that’s both unique and delicious.
120 g 70% dark chocolate: Delivers a rich, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet date base.
1 tablespoon coconut oil: Ensures smooth melting and glossy coating for the chocolate layer.

How to Make No-Bake Date Bars Recipe

Step 1: Make Date Paste

Start by blending the pitted medjool dates, almond butter, lucuma or maca powder, vanilla paste, and sea salt in your food processor. Pulse for a few minutes until all ingredients combine into a smooth, sticky paste that can be easily shaped into a ball. This step is crucial because the paste forms the foundation that holds everything together.

Step 2: Mix Nuts and Seeds

Transfer your luscious date paste to a large bowl and use a spatula to fold in the roughly chopped cashew pieces and toasted sesame seeds evenly. These add delightful texture and nutty depth, elevating the bars from simple sweets to exciting bites of flavor.

Step 3: Roll the Dough

Place the mixture onto a sheet of parchment paper and shape it into a rough log. Cover it with a second parchment sheet and use a rolling pin to gently roll it out into a neat rectangle approximately 10 inches long by 4 inches wide. This helps create uniform bars that look as good as they taste.

Step 4: Shape and Chill

Trim off any uneven edges and incorporate those trimmings back into the dough to avoid waste, continuing to shape a clean rectangle. Once your log is perfectly shaped, pop it into the freezer for about 10 minutes. This step firms up the mixture, making it easier to cut and coat later.

Step 5: Melt the Chocolate Coating

Combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a medium bowl, then set it over a simmering saucepan filled with water for a gentle bain-marie. Stir often until everything melts into a smooth, glossy chocolate sauce. This chocolate coating will add richness and a satisfying crunch once set.

Step 6: Cut the Bars

Retrieve your chilled log from the freezer and carefully slice it into 10 equal bars. Place these bars onto a baking sheet or tray lined with parchment paper, preparing them for their chocolatey transformation.

Step 7: Coat with Chocolate

Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, using a fork and spoon to lift and carefully coat every surface. Place the coated bars back onto the parchment-lined tray and return them to the freezer for 10 minutes. This quick chill locks in the chocolate’s glossy finish and delightful snap.

Step 8: Garnish and Set

Drizzle any remaining chocolate artistically over the top of the bars, then sprinkle extra toasted sesame seeds on top. Let them set in the freezer once more for a final 10 minutes before indulging in these stunning homemade treats.

How to Serve No-Bake Date Bars Recipe

A stack of six dark chocolate bars is shown on a piece of old newspaper, placed on a white marbled surface. The bars have a smooth, shiny chocolate exterior with light sesame seeds sprinkled on top, adding texture and contrast. Three bars at the bottom form the base, each with a thick chocolate coating. On top two bars are placed horizontally, one with a bite revealing a dense, nutty inner layer filled with white nuts and sesame seeds held in a brown, sticky mix. The top bar is drizzled with thin lines of chocolate and also sprinkled with sesame seeds, creating a layered look with a mix of smooth, crunchy, and chewy textures. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Beyond the sprinkled sesame seeds, these bars respond wonderfully to a dusting of finely chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a pinch of flaky sea salt to amplify the contrast of flavors. These finishing touches add personality and can make your presentation feel extra special.

Side Dishes

Pair these bars with a warm cup of herbal tea, a frothy latte, or a refreshing smoothie. Their natural sweetness and dense texture complement both hot and cold beverages, making them a versatile companion for breakfast, snack time, or dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or gifting, arrange the bars in a decorative tin or a lined box with parchment paper. You can also wrap individual bars in wax paper and tie them with twine for a charming homemade touch. Their rich colors and inviting texture always make them a hit on any dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover No-Bake Date Bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps maintain their firmness and flavor, and they should stay fresh for up to one week. Just be sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking.

Freezing

These bars freeze beautifully. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, then place them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Store for up to 3 months and thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy a sweet, energizing bite.

Reheating

Since this is a no-bake recipe, reheating isn’t necessary. However, if you prefer a softer texture, let the bars sit out at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before eating. Avoid microwaving to preserve the chocolate coating’s integrity and prevent melting.

FAQs

Can I substitute medjool dates with other types of dates?

While medjool dates are preferred for their soft, caramel-like texture and sweetness, you can use other varieties like deglet noor if medjools are unavailable. Just keep in mind that deglet noor dates are drier and less sticky, so you may want to soak them in warm water beforehand to soften.

Is it possible to use a different nut butter instead of almond butter?

Absolutely! Cashew butter, peanut butter, or sunflower seed butter can work well as substitutes. Each will subtly change the flavor profile, so feel free to experiment based on what you love or have on hand.

What can I use if I don’t have lucuma or maca powder?

If you don’t have lucuma or maca powder, a vegan protein powder, ground flaxseed, or even a bit of cinnamon can add extra flavor and nutrition. These ingredients give the bars an added superfood kick while keeping their natural sweetness intact.

Can these bars be made nut-free?

Yes, you can make these bars nut-free by omitting the cashew pieces and almond butter, replacing them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seed butter to maintain texture and binding. Just be mindful of the flavor changes when swapping ingredients.

How long do these No-Bake Date Bars stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, these bars stay fresh for up to 7 days, making them a fantastic make-ahead snack. Proper freezing can extend their shelf life up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Making this No-Bake Date Bars Recipe is like giving yourself a nutritious hug—sweet, satisfying, and simply delightful. These bars are perfect for when you want something wholesome but crave that luscious chocolatey touch. Give this recipe a go, and I promise it’ll become your go-to snack that brightens your day and feeds your soul every time.