Description
A simple, 4-ingredient no-bake energy bar recipe that is Whole30, Paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free. These bars provide clean energy with a chewy texture and natural sweetness from dates.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 150g)
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (70g)
- ½ cup natural almond butter or cashew butter (120g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- Optional: ¼ cup chopped almonds or walnuts
- Optional: ¼ cup Whole30-compliant mini dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prep the dates by removing pits. If dates are dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Place pitted dates in a food processor and pulse until they form a sticky, coarse paste (30-60 seconds). Scrape down sides as needed.
- Add nut butter and vanilla extract to the processor. Pulse until fully combined into a thick, creamy dough.
- Add shredded coconut and salt. Pulse 10-15 times just until combined, ensuring coconut flakes remain visible.
- Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the pan using a spatula or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or in the freezer for 15 minutes until firm.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into 12 bars or squares.
Notes
Use Medjool dates for best texture. Ensure nut butter is natural without hydrogenated oils. Press mixture firmly to prevent crumbling. Bars can be stored in the fridge for 2 weeks or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: 30
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 3
Keywords: Whole30, Paleo, no-bake, energy bars, healthy snacks, gluten-free, dairy-free, coconut date bars, meal prep