Protein-Packed Chickpea and Date Snack Bars for Energy Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easy.
- Spread the Mixture: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and press it down evenly to form a compact layer.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the dish for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to firm up and set properly.
- 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
