When you're after a healthy boost, these Honey, Date, Oat & Nut Energy Bars are just what you need. The perfect mid-afternoon pick-me-up!
These energy bars are no-bake, which I think is always a winner. There's something to be said for a recipe that you can make from start to finish in 10 minutes flat.
I also like to use the microwave to melt the honey, peanut butter, sea salt and vanilla extract together - again, it's just a time saving thing! Nothing like a quick recipe.
Because these energy bars contain nuts, I totally get that they aren't going to be allowed at some schools and kindys. BUT they make the perfect after-school snack. Far better than a Freddo Frog (not that I am knocking Freddo Frogs... I would never, ever do that!).
If you're a gym bunny, then these would be an awesome post-workout treat. Clearly I am not a gym bunny - so that last sentence is pure speculation! I'm 'guessing' that these would be good after a big gym session.
And if you're just an average chick like me, these Honey, Date, Oat & Nut Energy Bars are pretty much the best thing ever at 4pm... when you're getting tired and over it... and dinner is still a few hours away. Yep, that's when these bars come in super handy. Pour me a cuppa, pass me a little energy bar and there's a small chance that I'll make it through to dinner time (note that I said 'small chance!' - there's an even bigger chance that the Freddo Frog craving may still come calling).
Now let me tell you the BEST thing about these bars. They freeze beautifully! Let the slice set for a few hours in the fridge, then cut it into bars. Freeze the pieces in an airtight container with baking paper in between each layer. That way, whenever you feel that you need a little energy boost, you can just grab one straight out of the freezer (they only take a few minutes to defrost). How brilliant is that!
PS. If you're after more healthy treats, make sure you check out my favourite Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss Balls!
Honey, Date, Oat & Nut Energy Bars
Ingredients
- 110 g (1 cup) roasted almonds roughly chopped
- 135 g (1 ½ cups) rolled oats
- 200 g (1 cup) pitted medjool dates
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch sea salt
- 85 g (¼ cup) honey
- 65 g (¼ cup) cup peanut butter
Instructions
Conventional Method
- Grease a 20cm X 20cm square cake tin and line with baking paper. Set aside.
- Place the chopped roasted almonds and the rolled oats into a bowl.
- Place the medjool dates into a blender and chop for 30 seconds or until small chunks remain. Add the chopped dates to the bowl.
- Place the vanilla extract, sea salt, honey and peanut butter into a microwave safe bowl.
- Melt together in 30 second bursts on 50% power for 2-3 minutes (stirring between each interval).
- Pour the liquid into the bowl and mix together until completely combined.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and press down firmly.
- Place the tin into the fridge for 3 hours or until firm (the bars will still be slightly soft and bendy).
- Cut into slices and place into an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days (you can also freeze the slices).
Thermomix Method
- Grease a 20cm X 20cm square cake tin and line with baking paper. Set aside.
- Place the roasted almonds into the Thermomix bowl and roughly chop by pressing Turbo 3-4 times. Set aside in a bowl.
- Place the medjool dates into the Thermomix bowl and chop by pressing Turbo 8-10 times or until the dates resemble small chunks. Add the chopped dates to the almonds.
- Place the vanilla extract, sea salt, honey and peanut butter into the Thermomix bowl.
- Melt together for 3 minutes, 80 degrees, Speed 2. Add the rolled oats, dates and almonds to the Thermomix bowl and mix on Reverse Speed 3 for 10 seconds or until completely combined (use the spatula to help).
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin and press down firmly. Place the tin into the fridge for 3 hours or until firm (the bars will still be slightly soft and bendy).
- Cut into slices and place into an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days (you can also freeze the slices).
Lyn
Just made these yummy bars this morning. I roasted my oats, nuts and added peppita seeds, chia seeds and sesame seeds and then followed the recipe and made them in my Thermomix. Very yummy and very moorish. They set beautifully and were easy to cut. This will be my go to recipe from now on. Thank you for the lovely recipe.
Lucy
Yay! I'm so thrilled that you liked them!
Jodie
These were delicious. I made mine with Almond spread and roasted my own almonds. The whole family loved them.
Lucy
YUM!
Paul Hutchin
Mixed it together with wet hands...nightmare with a spoon tho but yes looking forward to one in the next couple of hours....
May youssef
I tried them and they came out really Good ! My question is How many calories are in one slice of the delicious energy bars.