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
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: If using, gently fold in 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips by hand to evenly distribute without melting them.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, ensuring the paper covers the sides for easy removal.
- Spread Mixture: Transfer the blended mixture into the prepared dish. Spread it evenly using a spatula or your hands to create a uniform layer.
- Chill to Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to firm up.
- 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.
