Date Nut Bars

a stack of 3 date bars with nuts and chocolate on top

These easy no bake old fashioned homemade Date Nut Bars need just 4 ingredients, and you can make them in under 15 minutes. They’re sweet, chewy and nutty and chocolatey all in one and they have no added sugars.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Australian

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 5

Chilling Time 1

Total Time 15

Servings Bars

Calories 157kcal

Author Kim

Equipment

Food Processor

Ingredients

11-12 large Medjool Dates, (380 grams) pitted and soaked for 5 minutes, drained
1½ cup Mixed Nuts, (255 grams)
¾ cup Shredded coconut, (100 grams)
1⅔ cup Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Chips, (300grams)

Instructions

Line a 7x11 inch loaf pan with parchment paper for easy removal, or use a silicone pan for a non-stick surface and place it on a baking sheet for stability.

Base

Using a food processor, blend the pitted dates with the nuts and the shredded coconut until small pieces of nuts are visible and the mixture is sticky.
11-12 large Medjool Dates, (380 grams), 1½ cup Mixed Nuts, (255 grams), ¾ cup Shredded coconut, (100 grams)
Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan, using the base of a measuring cup or your hands to press evenly into all corners and flatten the surface.

Melting Chocolate

For a smooth and creamy texture, melt the chocolate in a glass bowl over a pot of water on low heat on the stovetop. Stir frequently to avoid burning and to ensure the chocolate is fully melted. (See tips below for alternative methods for melting chocolate)
1⅔ cup Sugar Free Dark Chocolate Chips, (300grams)
Once melted, pour the chocolate over the bars and spread evenly to create a chocolate layer.

Chilling

To set the chocolate layer, place the bars in the fridge for 60 minutes.
Use a sharp knife dipped in hot water to slice into 24 bars.

Notes

Dates: Fresh, soft dates are the best for this recipe as they are easier to mix with the other ingredients.
- Soak the dates: Soaking the dates in warm water for 5 minutes will help to soften them and make them easier to blend into a smooth paste.
Mix Nuts: You can use any combination of nuts that you like, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, cashews, etc. Nuts add crunch and flavor to the snack. If you have any nut allergies, you can substitute with dried fruit or seeds.
Sugar Free Dark Chocolate: Sugar free dark chocolate chips or a bar will both work. If using a bar, dice chocolate before melting.
- Can't find sugar free chocolate? Look for a high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for the best flavor. Dark chocolate provides a rich, intense flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the dates and nuttiness of the mix nuts.
Melting Chocolate: If you don't have a glass bowl to go over a pot on the stove, chocolate chips can be melted in the pot alone, just be extra careful to keep watch on it so it doesn't burn. Or, Chocolate can be melted in the microwave, on medium heat in 30 seconds bursts, stirring in between until "just" melted.
Optional ingredients: You can also add spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, for extra flavor, or add a sprinkle of sea salt for a touch of saltiness.
Adjust the sweetness: You can control the sweetness of your bars by adjusting the number of dates used. If you prefer sweeter bars, add more dates. If you prefer a less sweet taste, use fewer dates or add more nuts.
Line the pan: Line your 7x11 inch baking pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make it easier to remove the bars from the pan.
Chill the bars: Once the bars are finished baking, let them cool completely in the pan before cutting them into squares. Chilling them in the refrigerator for 60 minutes will help the bars hold their shape and make them easier to slice.

Nutrition