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Protein-Packed Chickpea and Date Snack Bars Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 71 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 bars 1x
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: Fusion
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These delicious protein-packed chickpea and date snack bars are perfect for a quick energy boost. Combining creamy chickpeas, naturally sweet dates, and wholesome oats with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, they make a nutritious and satisfying snack. Easy to prepare with no baking required, these bars are ideal for meal prepping and on-the-go bites.


Ingredients

Scale

Snack Bars Ingredients

  • 1 cup Cooked Chickpeas
  • 1 cup Pitted Dates (soaked if dry for smooth blending)
  • 1/2 cup Oats (use certified gluten-free oats for gluten-free option)
  • 1/4 cup Peanut Butter or Almond Butter (can substitute with sunflower seed butter for nut-free)
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup (agave syrup for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (can be replaced with almond extract)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 cup Dark Chocolate Chips (optional, can be replaced with carob chips or omitted)

Instructions

  1. Blend Chickpeas and Dates: Combine 1 cup of cooked chickpeas and 1 cup of pitted dates in a food processor. Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, ensuring no large chunks remain.
  2. Add Remaining Ingredients: To the chickpea-date mixture, add 1/2 cup oats, 1/4 cup nut butter, 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Blend again until all ingredients are fully combined and form a thick dough-like consistency.
  3. Fold in Chocolate Chips: If using, gently fold in 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips by hand to evenly distribute without melting them.
  4. Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the sides for easy removal.
  5. Spread Mixture: Transfer the blended mixture into the prepared dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula or your hands to create a uniform layer.
  6. Chill to Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to firm up.
  7. Slice and Serve: Once set, remove the slab from the baking dish using the parchment paper edges. Slice into 12 bars and serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later.

Notes

  • Use soaked dates if they are dry for a smoother blend.
  • Substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter for nut allergies.
  • Swap honey for maple syrup or agave syrup to keep it vegan-friendly.
  • Optional cinnamon adds warmth but can be omitted for a milder taste.
  • For gluten-free bars, ensure oats are certified gluten-free.
  • Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For longer storage, freeze bars for up to one month.