Chocolate-Peanut Butter Energy Bars

Chocolate-Peanut Butter Energy Bars

from eatingwell.com
Snack
85 min
16 servings
203 kcal / serving

Dates provide all the sweetness you need for these no-bake energy bars. Each square serves up a hearty dose of protein--thanks to peanut butter and peanuts--as well as fiber from rolled oats. Kids will love the chewy bites with crunchy nuts.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cupchopped medjool dates
  • 1 cupsmooth natural peanut butter
  • ½ cuprolled oats (see tip
  • ¼ teaspoonsalt
  • ½ cupchopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
  • ¾ cupbittersweet chocolate chips

Directions

  1. 1

    Soak dates in hot water to cover in a medium bowl for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking water.

  2. 2

    Meanwhile, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over 2 sides. Lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray.

  3. 3

    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.

  4. 4

    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.