These homemade oatmeal energy bars are packed with wholesome ingredients like oats, dates, raisins, and almonds. Sweetened naturally with honey and dates, these bars are a great option for a healthy snack or a post-workout treat. The dark chocolate layer on top adds a rich and indulgent touch, making these bars both nutritious and satisfying. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for meal prep, giving you a grab-and-go snack throughout the week.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chill Time: 1-2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 10-12 bars
Ingredients:
- 150g oat flakes (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 200g dates, pitted (about 1 cup)
- 30g raisins (about 2 tablespoons)
- 20g honey (about 1 tablespoon)
- 50g almonds, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 30g sesame seeds (about 2 tablespoons)
- 100g dark chocolate (about 3.5 oz)
- Almonds for garnish
- Boiling water (for soaking the dates)
Directions:
- Prepare the Oats and Dates:
- Grind 150g of oat flakes into a fine texture using a blender or food processor.
- Remove the pits from 200g of dates.
- Place the dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them soak for 10 minutes to soften.
- Drain the dates using a colander and add them to the ground oats.
- Blend the Oat-Date Mixture:
- In the blender or food processor, combine the soaked dates with the ground oats and blend until smooth.
- Prepare the Add-Ins:
- Pour the oat and date mixture into a bowl.
- Add 30g of raisins, 20g of honey, and 50g of chopped almonds to the mixture.
- Stir in 30g of sesame seeds and mix well to combine all ingredients.
- Shape the Bars:
- Take half of the mixture and press it into a rectangular mold or pan, compacting it evenly.
- With the remaining mixture, fill a silicone mold with a 6 cm diameter (or any small mold you prefer), and press it down firmly.
- Melt the Chocolate:
- Chop 100g of dark chocolate into small pieces.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
- Add the Chocolate Layer:
- Pour the melted chocolate over the bars in the rectangular mold and the smaller round shapes, spreading it evenly across the top.
- Garnish the chocolate layer with whole or chopped almonds for extra crunch.
- Chill the Bars:
- Place the bars in the fridge for 1-2 hours to set the chocolate and firm up the bars.
- Once set, slice them into bars or pop them out of the silicone molds. Store in an airtight container for up to a week.
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy as a quick breakfast on the go with a cup of tea or coffee.
- Pair with a smoothie for a balanced post-workout snack.
- Serve with a dollop of peanut butter or almond butter for extra protein.
- Pack in lunchboxes for a healthy snack during the day.
- Offer as a homemade treat during picnics or outdoor gatherings.
Cooking Tips:
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey depending on your preference.
- If you prefer a chewier texture, reduce the amount of oats slightly.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the mixture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Oats: Rich in fiber and essential nutrients, oats are great for heart health and digestion.
- Dates: Natural sweeteners, providing fiber and a good amount of antioxidants.
- Almonds: Packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E.
- Sesame Seeds: A good source of calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Dietary Information:
- Vegan: Yes, as long as you omit the honey or use a plant-based sweetener.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, when using certified gluten-free oats.
- Dairy-Free: Yes, no dairy is used in this recipe.
- Nut-Free: Can be made nut-free by omitting the almonds and using sunflower seeds instead.
Nutritional Facts (per bar):
- Calories: ~180
- Protein: ~3g
- Carbs: ~24g
- Fiber: ~4g
- Fat: ~9g
- Sugar: ~12g
Storage:
Store these energy bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for longer shelf life (up to 2 weeks). You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- It’s a healthy, wholesome snack with no added preservatives.
- These bars are customizable to suit your tastes—swap raisins for cranberries or use cashews instead of almonds.
- They’re incredibly easy to make and require just a few simple ingredients.
- Perfect for meal prep and as a grab-and-go snack throughout the week.
Conclusion:
These homemade oatmeal energy bars are the perfect blend of sweet and savory, offering both a boost of energy and a satisfying snack. Packed with nutritious ingredients, they are perfect for those who want a healthy alternative to store-bought bars. Whether you’re looking for a pre-workout snack, a breakfast option, or a midday energy boost, these bars have got you covered. With a touch of dark chocolate and almonds, they’re as indulgent as they are nutritious.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use a different type of nut?
- Yes, you can substitute almonds with cashews, walnuts, or peanuts depending on your preference.
- Can I make these bars without a food processor?
- Yes, you can manually grind the oats using a blender or food processor, and chop the dates and almonds by hand.
- Is there a substitute for honey?
- Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other liquid sweetener if you prefer.
- Can I make these bars gluten-free?
- Yes, ensure you use certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe gluten-free.
- How do I store these bars?
- Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate them for up to two weeks.
- Can I make these bars without the chocolate?
- Absolutely! You can omit the chocolate for a simpler snack or top with dried fruits or seeds.
- How do I make these bars more protein-packed?
- You can add a scoop of protein powder or add more nuts to increase the protein content.
- Can I use dried apricots instead of dates?
- Yes, dried apricots would work as a substitute, though the taste will differ slightly.
- Can I freeze these bars?
- Yes, these bars freeze well. Just store them in a freezer-safe container and thaw them before eating.
- Can I make these bars less sweet?
- Yes, you can reduce the amount of honey or sweetener to your taste preference.