These energy bars are a delicious go-to snack that is easy to make, with no baking required. Simple, wholesome ingredients with a great flavor that everyone will love!
I created these Energy Oat Bars for my entire family to enjoy. I leave the chocolate off a small section and those bars are for my kid. The rest – for us!
They require very little work, just a food processor and a few ingredients that we always have on hand in the pantry. The base is simply made of dates, peanut butter, and oats.
The blackstrap molasses is a good source of calcium and magnesium and it provides a depth of flavor to the bars. Hemp seeds are a great source for omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, and many other nutrients. Feel free to add other toppings such as chia seeds, chopped walnuts, or dried fruit.
I roll out the mixture on a silicone pad to make it easy and quick to handle. But you can form balls
Melted chocolate spread on top makes these snack bars quite an indulgence – and I never skip it! Chocolate chips can be melted in the microwave or with a double boiler.
Once refrigerated, these bars hold up their shape quite well. Perfect for kid lunch boxes or a tea-time dessert!
No-Bake Energy Oat Bars
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 10 Medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1 tbsp blackstrap molasses
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
- 1 cup vegan chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Combine oats, dates, peanut butter, and blackstrap molasses in a food processor. Process until a dough consistency forms.
- Roll out the mixture on a silicone pad or parchment paper. Press firmly as you roll, this will help the bars to hold their shape. Form a square approximately 9” x 9”.
- If adding chocolate, set up a double boiler to melt the chocolate chips. Then pour on to the rolled out mixture and spread it equally.
- Sprinkle the hemp seeds on top of the mixture (with or without the melted chocolate).
- Transfer to the refrigerator to allow everything to set, for around 15 minutes. Remove and cut into approximately 18 bars. These can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
I love the walnuts and mini chocolate chips in this recipe, but feel free to get creative with your add-ins! Chopped almonds or pecans would be fantastic in place of the walnuts, and chopped dried fruit would be a great sub for the chocolate chips. Just make sure that you maintain the ratios in the original recipe and chop any mix-ins to a small size so that the balls still hold together. Toast the oats. These energy balls come together in no time in the food processor, but you ll actually do the first step on the stove! Toast the oats over low heat until they re just beginning to brown around the edges. This extra step takes no time at all just 1 or 2 minutes and it gives the balls a richer flavor and makes them easier to digest!
Thanks for your suggestions!!
I’ve made these bars like 4 times now and I wanted to thank you as they turn out very good and they don’t last very long at my house. I had to add an extra date as mine are quite small and I always add a pinch more peanut butter because the first time I made it didn’t stick together well, now I also leave them in the food processor a lot longer as well. I also find that 1/3 cup of chocolate chips yields the perfect thin layer of melted chocolate we prefer on top. Again thank you for this quick easy and delicious treat!
Thank you, Katie, for your kind words! I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying the bars. You’re totally right – the way these bind together really depend on the dates. If mine are too dry, sometimes I add a splash of water as well. Thanks for sharing your modifications!