These Energy Bars are the most decadent yet healthy thing to emerge from my kitchen this week, and let me tell you they are worth every crunchy bite! They are the perfect bake-sale treat, hiking snack, or healthy homey dessert. Or have one for breakfast, with your morning cuppa or a glass of milk.These home-made energy and protein bars are super healthy because they do not contain any butter or flour. Filled with the goodness of creamy house-made peanut butter and an assortment of nuts and dates, this delicious recipe is definitely a keeper.
1cupNutsraw or toasted, I used almonds, pistachios and pecans
Instructions
Chop the assorted nuts and keep aside.
Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (this may take about 1 minute or so). It should form a dough like consistency and will roll into a ball.
Dry roast or toast the rolled oats in a non-stick pan for a few minutes until the color has change to a light brown. Take care not to burn the oats.
Place the oats, chopped nuts and dates in a bowl and set aside.
In a small saucepan, warm honey and peanut butter over low heat. Stir and pour over the oats mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates till well combined.
Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to a dish/ pan lined with aluminium foil/ parchment paper so they lift out easily. Press down until uniformly flattened.
Cover with aluminium foil/ parchment paper or plastic wrap, and let it set in the refrigerator or freezer for 25 to 30 minutes to harden.
Remove the set bar from the dish and chop into even bars. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. These stay well.
Notes
I used home-made peanut butter and not store-bought to make it a completely healthy snack free of any preservatives. But you could use store-bought ones too.