Description
Delicious and nutritious no-bake date bars featuring medjool dates, almond butter, cashews, and toasted sesame seeds, coated in rich dark chocolate. These bars are quick to prepare, naturally sweetened, and perfect for a healthy snack or dessert.
Ingredients
Date Paste
- 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
Nuts and Seeds
- 100 g cashew pieces, roughly chopped
- 35 g toasted sesame seeds (plus extra for topping)
Chocolate Coating
- 120 g 70% dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Make date paste: Add the pitted dates, almond butter, lucuma or maca powder, vanilla paste, and sea salt into a food processor. Blitz for a few minutes until the ingredients combine into a uniform, sticky paste forming a ball.
- Mix nuts and seeds: Transfer the date paste to a large bowl. Gently fold in the roughly chopped cashew pieces and toasted sesame seeds using a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Roll: Place the dough onto a sheet of parchment paper. Shape roughly into a log, then cover with a second sheet of parchment. Use a rolling pin to flatten into a rectangle approximately 10 inches long by 4 inches wide.
- Shape: Trim any uneven edges and reincorporate them into the dough to form a neat rectangle. Place the shaped log into the freezer for 10 minutes to firm up while preparing the chocolate coating.
- Melt: Combine the dark chocolate and coconut oil in a medium bowl. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water (bain-marie), stirring often until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
- Cut the bars: Remove the log from the freezer and slice into 10 equal bars. Arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray.
- Coating: Dip each bar into the melted chocolate, using a fork and spoon to lift and coat thoroughly. Place coated bars on the prepared tray and return to the freezer for 10 minutes to let the chocolate set.
- Garnish: Drizzle any remaining melted chocolate over the top of the bars and sprinkle with additional toasted sesame seeds. Allow the drizzle to set before serving.
Notes
- Use medjool dates for their soft texture and natural sweetness.
- If you can’t find lucuma or maca powder, vegan protein powder is a good alternative.
- Rolling the dough between parchment sheets helps to achieve an even thickness without sticking.
- Freezing the date log and coated bars helps them to firm up quickly and maintain shape.
- Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Vegan
