Protein-Packed Chickpea and Date Snack Bars for Energy Recipe

Introduction

These protein-packed chickpea and date snack bars are a delicious and nutritious way to fuel your day. Combining creamy chickpeas, natural sweetness from dates, and a touch of indulgent chocolate, they make a perfect energy boost on the go.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas
• 1 cup pitted dates (soak if dry for smooth blending)
• 1/2 cup oats (use certified gluten-free for a gluten-free option)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter or almond butter (sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (agave syrup for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (can replace with almond extract)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional, can use carob chips or omit)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Blend the cooked chickpeas and pitted dates in a food processor until creamy and smooth.
2. Step 2: Add oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend again until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Fold in dark chocolate chips by hand if using.
4. Step 4: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
6. Step 6: Slice into bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes if they’re dry to ensure smooth blending.
• For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut or almond butter.
• Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber and omega-3s.
• If you prefer sweeter bars, increase the honey or maple syrup slightly to taste.
• Omit the chocolate chips and add chopped nuts or dried fruit for a different texture.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze them for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw bars in the refrigerator or at room temperature. They can also be enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Yes, canned chickpeas work well. Just make sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly before blending.

Are these bars suitable for vegans?

They can be made vegan by using maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey, and choosing a plant-based butter.

Protein-Packed Chickpea and Date Snack Bars for Energy Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 611 reviews

These protein-packed chickpea and date snack bars are a delicious and energizing treat perfect for a quick boost anytime. Combining creamy chickpeas, natural sweetness from dates, and the richness of nut butter, these bars offer a wholesome mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Enhanced with warming cinnamon and optional dark chocolate chips, they provide a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition, ideal for on-the-go snacking or post-workout fuel.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 bars 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Healthy Snack
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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For the Base

• 1 cup Cooked Chickpeas (an excellent source of plant-based protein)
• 1 cup Pitted Dates (soak if dry for smooth blending)
• 1/2 cup Oats (use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free option)

For the Flavor

• 1/4 cup Peanut Butter or Almond Butter (can substitute with sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
• 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup (substitute with agave syrup for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (can be replaced with almond extract)
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional for milder flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)

For a Little Indulgence

• 1/4 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (optional; can be replaced with carob chips or omitted)

Instructions

1. Blend Chickpeas and Dates: In a food processor, combine 1 cup of cooked chickpeas and 1 cup of pitted dates. Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, which forms the base of your bars.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add 1/2 cup of oats, 1/4 cup of your chosen nut butter, 1 tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the food processor. Blend again until all ingredients are thoroughly combined into a sticky dough.
3. Fold in Chocolate Chips: If using, fold in 1/4 cup of dark chocolate chips gently by hand to distribute evenly without breaking them up.
4. Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
5. Spread the Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly to form a compact layer.
6. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the dish for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to firm up and set properly.
7. Slice and Serve: Once set, remove from the fridge, slice into bars of your preferred size, and enjoy immediately or store for later.

Notes

• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For longer storage, freeze the bars for up to three months.
• Use gluten-free oats if you require a gluten-free version.
• Swap honey and peanut butter for vegan-friendly alternatives to keep the bars vegan.
• Soak dates in warm water for 10 minutes if they are dry to achieve smoother blending.

Keywords: protein bars, chickpea snack bars, healthy energy bars, no-bake snack, high protein snack, gluten-free snack, vegan option