Date and Nut Chocolate Bars are the perfect combination of sweetness, crunch, and wholesome ingredients. Made with soft Medjool dates, mixed nuts, and rich dark chocolate, these bars offer a naturally sweet and nutritious alternative to processed snacks. They are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and require absolutely no baking — ideal for a quick dessert, a pre-workout boost, or a healthy snack on the go.
This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a decadent treat that tastes indulgent while still nourishing your body.
⭐ Why You’ll Love These Bars
- Made from 100% natural ingredients
- Naturally sweetened (no added sugar)
- High in healthy fats, fibre, and plant protein
- No-bake and easy to prepare
- Customisable with any nuts or seeds
- Perfect for meal prep and weekly snacking
The combination of dates and nuts creates a chewy, caramel-like base, while the dark chocolate coating adds a rich, satisfying finish.
Ingredients
For the Bars
- 220 g Medjool dates (pitted)
- 85 g almonds
- 75 g cashews
- 75 g salted peanuts (or any nuts of your choice)
- A pinch of salt
For the Chocolate Coating
- 150 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa or more), melted
- Optional: chopped nuts mixed into the melted chocolate for extra crunch
Optional Flavor Step
To enhance the flavor, the dates can be soaked in brewed black tea. This adds a subtle, aromatic depth and makes the mixture softer and easier to blend.
Instructions
1. (Optional) Prepare the Tea-Soaked Dates
- Brew strong black tea and let it steep for 5 minutes.
- Place the pitted dates in a heatproof bowl and pour the hot tea over them.
- Soak for 15–20 minutes until soft.
- Drain completely.
This step makes the dates softer and enriches the flavor, but you can skip it if your dates are already very soft.
2. Process the Nuts
- Add the almonds, cashews, and peanuts to a food processor.
- Pulse until the nuts are roughly chopped — not too fine, so the bars keep a crunchy texture.
3. Add the Dates
- Add the softened (or unsoaked) dates into the food processor.
- Blend until the mixture starts to stick together and forms a thick, sticky paste.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
You’ll know the mixture is ready when it holds its shape when pressed between your fingers.
4. Shape the Bars
- Transfer the mixture to a lined loaf tin or a flat dish.
- Press firmly using your hands or the back of a spoon to create a compact, even layer.
- Place in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to help the mixture set.
This will make slicing easier.
5. Prepare the Chocolate Coating
- Melt the dark chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler.
- If you want extra crunch, stir in a handful of chopped nuts.
6. Coat the Bars
- Remove the chilled date-nut slab from the freezer.
- Slice into bars or small squares.
- Dip each bar into the melted chocolate or drizzle chocolate over the top.
- Place the bars on a tray lined with parchment paper.
7. Chill
- Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes until the chocolate sets completely.
Storage
- Keep the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze for up to 1 month.
They maintain their texture and flavor very well when chilled.
⭐ Tips & Variations
Nut-Free Option
Use pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, or a seed blend.
Extra-Protein Option
Add 1–2 tablespoons of protein powder to the date mixture.
Crunchy Version
Mix chopped nuts into the melted chocolate coating.
No-Chocolate Version
Skip the chocolate and enjoy them as classic date-nut energy bars.
Final Thoughts
Date and Nut Chocolate Bars are the perfect balance of health and indulgence. The creamy sweetness of dates, the crunch of mixed nuts, and the richness of dark chocolate make these bars incredibly satisfying. They’re quick to prepare, nutritious, and customizable — an ideal homemade snack for both adults and kids.