Try my Almond Blueberry Bars Healthy Breakfast Cookies and this Trail Mix Granola next. oh and you will love this whole wheat Apple Coffee Cake and these Soft and Fluffy Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins (Healthy) too!
Find all healthy-ish recipes from Greedy Eats in one place.
Why you will love this Healthy Date Bar Recipe:
- It is naturally sweetened (no sugar added)
- Packed with wholesome ingredients
- These are no bake date bars, such a fuss free recipe!
- So easy to put together and is ready in no time
- Highly customizable- any nuts or seeds of choice can be substituted
- These are gluten free bars and they can also be made vegan friendly by subbing butter with coconut oil
- Suitable for people with dietary restrictions
- Perfect as Breakfast Bars, Travel Snacks, After Workout food, Grab and Go Snack or Dessert 😉
Date Nut Bars ingredients:
- Dates: I love to use medjool dates in these dates bar. They are so soft, larger in size and I just like their taste so much. However, you can use any type of dates you have on hand.
- Nuts: A combination of walnuts, cashews, pistachios and almonds (in equal amounts) tastes so good here,
- A tablespoon of butter: You may also replace it with regular butter or even coconut oil. But clarified butter gives these bars an unbeatable flavor.
As dates are very sweet to taste, these bars require no extra sugar at all. And the stickiness in them helps to bind nuts with ease!
This is such an easy breakfast bar recipe to put together. Keep them refrigerated as they taste so good right out of fridge. Grab one in the morning and out the door you go!
How to make these Healthy Bars (Step by Step Instructions):
These energy bars are super easy to make and are sure to provide a healthy energy boost!
You will need a blender or a food processor to process dates. You can even use it to roughly chop nuts or you can do it on a board with a knife.
Rest you just are blending the dates, chopping the nuts, quickly roasting and mixing them together, setting them in a pan and cutting them into bars!
Lets see how we are making these bars step by step!
- Step 1: Make dates paste by blending them in a blender/food processor. Roughly chop and roast the nuts in a pan. I used walnuts, cashews, pistachios and almonds in equal quantity.
- Step 2: Now take a tablespoon of butter and quickly add in dates paste and nuts.
- Step 3: Mix them together till everything gets well combined and all the nuts are coated in dates paste.
- Step 4: Quickly transfer the mix to a pre lined pan with overhangs and allow the bars to set.
- Step 5: Now top this mix with a few walnuts, pistachios, almond halves and cashew halves.
- Step 6: Press and stick the nuts well on these bars. This step is optional and purely for decorative purposes. But these sure add to the beauty of these bars. Allow to set in refrigerator/ or freeze if you want them to set quicker.
- Step 7: Cut into desired shapes. You can also form date squares out of these by further cutting each rectangular bar into two.
- Step 8: Enjoy!! Store left overs (if any) in the refrigerator
What are medjool dates?
Medjool dates are a variety of dates that is super soft, has caramel like taste and is packed full of fiber and nutrients.
They are also called as "The Fruit of Kings". These dates are naturally sweet and are often used as a substitute for sugar in desserts.
Coat them in chocolate, throw them in your smoothies, use them as caramel substitute, fill them with nut butters. Choices are endless!
How long are date squares good for?
Date squares/bars will last for 2-3 days at room temperature. For 7-10 days in refrigerator. Store them in air tight containers at all times.
For longer storage, you can always freeze them. Place them on a baking tray and allow to chill for about an hour in the freezer. Then stack them in freezer safe containers/ziploc bags.
Variations to these bars:
This is such a versatile recipe. As long as you keep the proportion of dates to nuts as the recipe suggests, you can put in almost any add-ons of your choice here.
- Swap the nuts I have added with nuts that you like- hazelnuts, pecans, peanuts etc.
- Nuts can be swapped with seeds like- chia seeds, sun flower seeds or pepita seeds.
- Some of the nuts/seeds can also be subbed with oats flour, almond flour or coconut flour.
- Mini Chocolate Chips and Coconut Flakes can also be great add ins.
- You can also coat these bars in some melted chocolate(I'd prefer dark).
Tips to make best date bars:
- Dates: Buying Pitted dates saves a little time, but pitting dates at home is very easy too. Just rip the fruit in half by holding it with both your hands in your thumb and forefinger. Then remove the pit.
- Dates Paste: A quality blender or food processor will be real help here! You will not need any water to make this paste.
Medjool dates are very soft in texture. But if you are using any other dates that have firm flesh, soak them in hot water for 30 minutes. Pat them dry and blend the dates into a fine paste then. - Chopping Nuts: Nuts can be chopped using a board and a knife. You can also make use of a food processor to chop the nuts.
- Salt: Add a pinch of salt to your bars if you too are a lover of sweet and salty treats just like me.
EXPERT TIP:
If you don't want to wait around for two hours to cut into these bars, you can quickly chill them in the freezer. Set the pan in freezer for around 30 minutes or till the mix gets cold and very firm to touch. Then cut them with a sharp knife and devour!!Â
Can I replace Medjool dates with regular dates?
Yes you can use normal dates, if you don't have medjool ones. Since regular dates would be little smaller in size you will have to take a few more.
Also regular dates can be a little dry in texture. You can soak them in hot water for about ½ an hour. After ½ an hour take the water out, Pat them dry and blend then.
These bars are:
- Gluten Free: These bars are gluten free since no flour is used to make them. You can replace half of the nuts with almond flour, coconut flour or even gluten free oats flour if you wish to.
- Can be easily made Vegan: Instead of butter use coconut oil to make these bars vegan friendly.
- Naturally Sweetened: We aren't using any processed sugar to make these healthy bars. The sweetness from dates fruit is just enough to sweeten them.
These are just the best treats made with clean ingredients for guilt free snacking. - No bake recipe: I am sure you will appreciate the fact that there is no baking involved in making these bars. No turning the oven on, no heating up the kitchen.
Do dates need to be refrigerated?
Date fruits are needed to be stored in refrigerator since they are prone to losing moisture. Keep dates covered tightly to help them retain their moisture content.
Are dates a healthy snack food?
Undoubtedly! This humble sweetener and a great snack on its own, contains a lot of minerals like potassium, magnesium etc. Also they are fibrous and are known to fight fatigue and give a quick energy burst!
What flavors go well with dates?
- Dates pair well with any kinds of nuts, nut butters and seeds
- A splash of vanilla imparts them a great taste too
- Spices like ginger, cinnamon and cardamom taste so good with dates
- Sweeten your fruity smoothies with dates
More fun and sweet snack recipes for you:
Vegan Oatmeal Bars (Butter and refined sugar free)
Chocolate Cherry Muffins (made with healthier ingredients)
If you liked this recipe give it a star review. Also, tell me in the comments below, how did this turn out for you! And don’t forget to share your creations with me on Instagram at #greedyeatsblog Also follow me on Pinterest and Facebook!
Recipe
Healthy Date Bars
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Mejdool Dates (grounded)
- ¾ Cup Mixed Nuts (Chopped, I used walnuts, cashews, almonds and pistachios)
- 1 tablespoon Butter (Or clarified butter, also known as ghee)
- a pinch Salt (Optional but tastes so good here)
Instructions
- Lightly roast all the chopped nuts for 2-3 minutes on medium flame.
- Now add grounded dates in the pan and add in a tablespoon of butter.
- Stir and mix dates with nuts for another 2-3 minutes over medium-high heat. Or till all the nuts are coated in dates paste.
- Invert the mixture in a parchment or foil lined square/rectangle pan. Press it using a spatula/back of a spoon or with your hands to set the mixture, covering whole pan. Garnish with a few chunks of nuts like- almond, cashews and pistachio halves or walnuts etc (optional but pretty!).
- Cover the pan and allow to set in the refrigerator for 2 hours minimum. QUICK TIP: To speed up this process freeze the bars for 30 minutes.
- Cut using a sharp knife. Left overs can be saved at room temp. or in the refrigerator (Covered at all times).
Video
Notes
- Nuts can be subbed with other nuts like pecans, hazelnuts etc.
- You may use seeds like chia seeds, pepitas and sunflower seeds.
- Coconut flakes and chocolate chips taste so yum in these bars.
- The bars can also be coated with dark chocolate (I prefer 70% dark since dates are already on the sweeter side). Melt and spread a layer of chocolate on the mix before chilling and cutting them into bars.
- You can also top these bars with sea salt, skip mixing salt in the mix in that case.
- Try adding a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the mix (before setting the bars).
Carolyn
My dates just end up as one big clump when grinding, do you mix them together with the nuts by hand?
GreedyEats
Hi Carolyn! I mix them in the pan I heat my butter in, making use of a spatula. You can check my video of dates bars for reference. 🙂
Maria
How long will these keep in the fridge
GreedyEats
They stay good in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks Maria, since they don't contain any water or dairy! Enjoy!!
Rachel
I have an Rx bar addiction and wanted to try my hand and making my own. This recipe is so simple yet so good. The texture and sweetness make this taste so indulgent yet everything in this is natural and good for you. I’m never buying Rx bars again!
Rebecca
Best sub for vegan butter?
Maya
How long are the shelf life of these bars?
GreedyEats
These will stay good for 2-3 days at room temperature. You can also store them in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
LouAnn
I can’t have any oil or butter. Do I really need to use it in this recipe??
GreedyEats
Hey, not at all! Just skip it altogether. Enjoy!
jonathon
Do I measure the dates before or after pitting and grinding them?
GreedyEats
Hey! Just take care not to measure pits. So I measure mine after pitting if not using pitted dates.
Marcella
for you why do not you have the exact amount of materials? !!!
Zainab
These look really good. I'll try them.
The dates I have are fresh and very soft, will it work if I use them or do I have to use dry dates?
GreedyEats
Hi Zainab! Yes, those dates will work too. Let me know how these turned out for you. Enjoy!
Sue Segel
THESE ARE EXCELLENT!!! They made up perfectly! I had my moments of doubt about incorporating all of the nuts, but took my time to keep stirring and folding, and it came together beautifully. Really great job Neha, thank you so much! I took to share with my work-out buddies and everyone loved them!
Bobby McFee
Amazingly easy to make and surprisingly healthy but I wouldn't eat more than one or two a day unless I was hiking the John Muir trail.
Me: do you like dates?
Friend: I hate dates
Me: try these
Friend: OMG these are so good!
Lynne Susan Parrish
Do you use salted or unsalted mixed nuts?
GreedyEats
Hi Lynne! I used unsalted. You may use salted if you'd like sweet and salty bars. 🙂
Marcie Fiola
How do you make the ground dates?
GreedyEats
I just grind them in a processor or even pulse them in a blender a few times.
Ratna Chowdhury
I am looking for healthy greedy eat date bars to sell.plz contact me 9748541460
alice
can i add protein powder to this for more protein content??
GreedyEats
I have not added protein powder to these bars ever. Let me know how they turn out if you try it that way.
Crick
Filed this under my "Best of the Best" on Pinterest. I used pecans and pistachios. I originally went looking for a recipe to use up a giant Costco container of dates...then I had to go buy another giant container to have on hand to make more. 😅
Linda
Looks like there is some kind of melted sugar or honey. What holds them together if not?
GreedyEats
No there isn't any other sweetener than dates in these bars. Stickiness of dates hold them together.
Patty J Cote
I made these bars and they stuff not sick together so I have a delicious granola- like snacking treat. I was disappointed as I was making them for an event- trying to be healthy!
GreedyEats
Hi! I am sorry to hear you could not form them into bars. It sounds like you ended up adding too many nuts to it. Next time this happens, just grind a few more dates and add it to the mix. They will turn out just fine then!
Patty Cote
They did* not stick together. 🥴 Darn auto correct!
John H
Salt may not seem so healthy but 1/2 - 1 tsp is needed IMO to bring out the most of the dates and nuts.
Michelle Tadian
What is grounded dates? Is that date paste?
Thank you
GreedyEats
Hi Michelle! These are whole seedless dates finely grinded at home in a processor or even blender without using water. This isn't date paste, it contains water in it.
Michelle
Looks delicious and I cannot wait to try! I bet hemp and chia seed would be delicious in these as well plus offer additional protein!
Lynn
Hello there
I loved this recipe, so good. I used coconut oil, and drizzled the top with melted dark chocolate and then lightly sprinkled it with very fine cashew nuts. Yum!
Simrat
It looks lovely n decadent can I use this for gifting how long does it stay without fridge.
Mary
Can you use prunes instead of dates?
GreedyEats
Hi Mary! I haven't tried these bars using prunes. Let me know how they turn out, if you take this route!
Rebecca
Just made these omg they are delicious. I added pumpkin seed.
Melanie
Can you add dried fruit? Would reduce the amt of nuts if You add it in?
GreedyEats
Sure can! Just keep the amount of nuts and dried fruit to 3/4 cup for 1 cup dates and these will turn out fine.
Robin
These sound amazing. I was wondering if I could use date paste instead? Thanx in advance
GreedyEats
Hi Robin! I wouldn't recommend using dates paste because of the water content in it.
Julia
What size Tin are you using as mine came out so this and broke apart so now I have nut cracklin;)
GreedyEats
I use a 6 inch square pan or sometimes a 6x3 inch rectangular pan to make these bars.
Terry
Absolutely delicious!
Mitu
Can we use peanut butter in place of fat
Aryane
Hi Neha,
What do you mean by "ground dates"? Do you blend them before adding them to the pan or just chop them with a knife?
These bars look delicious, thank you! 🙂
GreedyEats
Hi Aryane! Yes you need to ground them using a blender before adding them to the pan. Let me know hoe these turn out for you! 🙂
Sumaiya
Hi! These look amazing! I was wondering if I could add rolled oats in this too?
GreedyEats
Of course you can. Just dry roast oats, to enhance flavor and reduce the amount of nuts, equal to the amount of oats you are adding. Like if you decide to add 1/4 cup of oats, reduce the quantity of nuts to 1/4 cup.
Donna
Don't you mean reduce nuts to 1/2 cup?
GreedyEats
Oh yes, thanks for catching that Donna! It will be 1/2 a cup of nuts in this case.