These oat and date bars are a nutritious snack option, perfect for a quick energy boost. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, dates, and nuts, they are naturally sweet and satisfying.
The recipe is simple and can be customized with your favorite nuts or seeds. They make a great on-the-go snack or a healthy dessert.
Wholesome Ingredients for Your Snack
Creating a nutritious snack is simple with the right ingredients.
The foundation of these oat and date bars is rolled oats, which provide a hearty base packed with fiber and essential nutrients.
Chopped dates add natural sweetness and a chewy texture, making them a delightful addition to the mix.
Nut butter, such as almond or peanut butter, binds everything together while contributing healthy fats and protein.
Adding a touch of honey or maple syrup enhances the sweetness, ensuring each bite is satisfying.
Chopped nuts, like walnuts or almonds, introduce a crunchy element that complements the chewy oats and dates.
Preparation Made Easy
Preparing these bars is a straightforward process that takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Begin by preheating your oven and lining a baking dish with parchment paper, which makes removing the bars easier later on.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dates, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and your choice of nuts. Mix until everything is well incorporated.
Once mixed, transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly with a spatula.
This step is crucial for achieving the right texture, ensuring the bars hold together after baking.
Bake in the preheated oven until the edges turn golden brown, filling your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma.
Cooling and Cutting
After baking, allow the bars to cool in the dish for about 10 minutes.
This cooling period helps them firm up, making it easier to cut them into squares or bars.
Using the parchment paper, lift the entire batch out of the dish and place it on a cutting board for slicing.
Cutting them into squares not only makes for easy snacking but also allows you to control portion sizes.
These bars can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Customizing Your Bars
One of the best aspects of these oat and date bars is their versatility.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding chocolate chips or dried fruit for an extra burst of flavor.
You can also experiment with different types of nuts or seeds to suit your taste preferences.
Consider incorporating spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch.
This flexibility makes the bars a great option for various dietary needs and preferences, allowing you to create a snack that truly reflects your taste.
Enjoying Your Healthy Snack
These oat and date bars are perfect for a quick energy boost, whether you’re heading out for a busy day or need a healthy dessert option.
Their chewy texture and natural sweetness make them a delightful treat that satisfies cravings without compromising health.
Serve them on a rustic wooden table, accompanied by a small bowl of honey for drizzling, and enjoy the wholesome goodness.
With their simple preparation and nutritious ingredients, these bars are sure to become a staple in your snack rotation.
Next time you need a pick-me-up, reach for these delicious oat and date bars for a guilt-free indulgence.
Nutritious Oat and Date Bars Recipe
These oat and date bars combine rolled oats and chopped dates, bound together with nut butter for a chewy texture. The recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and yields 12 bars.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup nut butter (such as almond or peanut butter)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or almonds)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, chopped dates, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, chopped nuts, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Cut: Allow the bars to cool in the baking dish for about 10 minutes, then lift them out using the parchment paper. Cut into squares or bars.
- Store: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 12 bars
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
