Description
These Homemade Energy Bars are a delicious and nutritious snack packed with a variety of nuts, seeds, dates, and oats. Roasting the nuts and seeds enhances their flavor, while the combination of honey and olive oil binds the ingredients together to form bars that provide a natural source of energy and strength. Perfect for a quick breakfast, pre- or post-workout snack, or a healthy treat on the go.
Ingredients
Scale
Nuts and Seeds
- 70g (½ cup) cashews
- 70g (½ cup) walnuts
- 70g (½ cup) almonds
- 40g (¼ cup) pine nuts
- 70g (½ cup) hazelnuts
- 70g (⅓ cup) pumpkin seeds
Other Ingredients
- 150g (1 cup) dates, pitted
- 50g (½ cup) oatmeal
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 160ml (½ cup) honey
Instructions
- Roast the Nuts: In a dry frying pan over medium heat, lightly roast the cashews, walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, and hazelnuts until fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Roast the Pumpkin Seeds: Using the same pan, roast the pumpkin seeds for a few minutes until they start to pop. Set aside.
- Soften the Dates: Soak the dates in cold water for 15 minutes to soften them.
- Prepare Dates: Drain the dates, remove any pits if necessary, and chop into small pieces.
- Process the Oatmeal: Use a food processor or mixer to pulse the oatmeal until finer in texture, leaving some small pieces for added crunch.
- Heat Olive Oil: Warm 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Cook the Dates: Add the chopped dates to the pan and cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until softened and beginning to break down.
- Add Nuts, Seeds, and Oatmeal: Stir in the roasted nuts, pumpkin seeds, and processed oatmeal, mixing well with the softened dates.
- Season and Sweeten: Add ½ teaspoon salt and pour in 160ml honey. Mix everything together gently, taking care not to overheat the honey to preserve its nutrients.
- Prepare the Mold: Line a baking dish or mold with parchment paper greased with olive oil or use siliconized parchment paper for easier removal.
- Form the Bars: Press the mixture firmly into the lined dish using the back of a spoon or your hands to create an even, compact surface.
- Cool and Chill: Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for 1 hour to set.
- Cut the Bars: After chilling, cut the mixture into individual bars using a wet knife to prevent sticking.
- Final Chill: Return the bars to the refrigerator for an additional 30 minutes to fully firm up.
- Store the Bars: Wrap each bar in cling film for easy storage and portability. Keep refrigerated for freshness or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use siliconized parchment paper for easier removal of the bars from the mold.
- Do not overheat the honey as it helps retain its natural nutrients.
- Soaking the dates helps soften them and makes blending easier.
- Store the bars refrigerated and consume within a week for best freshness.
- Freezing the bars extends their shelf life for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: International