Snack
Chocolate–Peanut Butter Energy Bars
Rich Medjool dates and creamy peanut butter bind hearty oats into chewy bars that taste deeply nutty and sweet, while a glossy blanket of melted bittersweet chocolate and a scattering of crunchy roasted peanuts finish every bite with satisfying contrast.
- Total
- 28 min
- Prep
- 25 min
- Cook
- 3 min
- Serves
- 16
Nutrition per Serving
- Calories
- 203
- Protein
- 5g
- Carbs
- 17g
- Fat
- 13g
- Fiber
- 3g
- Sugar
- 11g
- Sodium
- 90mg
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup chopped Medjool dates
- 1 cup smooth natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup rolled oats (see Tip)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
- 3/4 cup bittersweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Soak dates in hot water to cover in a medium bowl for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking water.
- Meanwhile, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over 2 sides. Lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray.
- Combine the soaked dates, peanut butter, oats and salt in a food processor; process until very finely chopped and starting to clump together. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved soaking water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Transfer to the medium bowl and stir in peanuts. Spread the mixture evenly and firmly into the prepared pan.
- Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on Medium (50%) until melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Spread the chocolate evenly over the oat mixture. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. Remove from the pan by lifting the overhanging parchment. Cut into 16 squares.