Chocolate Date Walnut Energy Bars

Name: Chocolate Date Walnut Energy Bars
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12 bars
Ingredients: 2 cups Medjool dates, pitted; 1 cup walnuts; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup almond butter; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making these Chocolate Date Walnut Energy Bars! They are quick to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients. The combination of dates, walnuts, and rich cocoa gives them a satisfying chewiness that you can’t resist. I often keep a batch in my fridge for those afternoons when I need a quick pick-me-up or a healthy snack before hitting the gym. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll want to keep these bars on hand all the time!

Created by

Margaret Hill

Last updated on 2026-01-14T03:07:24.623Z

When I first experimented with these bars, I thought about how I could create a snack that was both healthy and indulgent. The rich chocolate combined with the natural sweetness of dates turned out to be a match made in heaven. I’ve since refined the recipe, ensuring the texture is just right by pulsing the ingredients until they are perfectly combined but not over-processed.

I recommend soaking the dates in warm water for about 10 minutes to enhance their sweetness and make them easier to blend. This small step made a big difference in the final flavor of the bars. They were a hit at a recent gathering, disappearing faster than anything else!

        Why You'll Love These Bars
        Nutty crunch from walnuts balancing rich chocolate flavors.
Natural sweetness from dates without added sugars.
Perfectly portable and great for on-the-go snacking.

      

The Role of Dates

Medjool dates are the backbone of these energy bars, providing natural sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the crunch of walnuts. Their high fiber content not only aids in digestion but also helps sustain your energy levels, making them an ideal base for snacks. When choosing dates, it's best to pick soft, plump Medjool dates for optimal moisture and flavor. If you're in a pinch, you can substitute with other varieties like Deglet Noor, but the flavor and texture may vary.

To prepare the dates, make sure to remove the pits and chop them roughly before adding them to the food processor. This ensures they blend seamlessly with the other ingredients. If your dates feel too dry, soaking them in warm water for about 10 minutes can help soften them, making blending easier and enhancing their natural sweetness.

Nutty Goodness of Walnuts

Walnuts not only add a delightful crunch to the energy bars but are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. When coarsely chopped, they bring a great texture that contrasts beautifully with the soft dates. Instead of walnuts, you could easily swap in pecans or almonds, but be aware that this may alter the flavor profile slightly—a sweeter taste with pecans or a milder one with almonds.

To enhance the flavor of the walnuts, consider toasting them lightly in a dry skillet for about 5-7 minutes until they become fragrant. This simple step amplifies their nuttiness and adds depth to the bars. Just make sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Storing and Serving Tips

Once cut into bars, these energy-packed delights can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing them; they can last for up to three months in an airtight container or wrapped individually. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge for a few hours before enjoying—a quick grab-and-go snack that retains all its flavor and texture!

These energy bars are versatile too! Feel free to drizzle dark chocolate over the top just before slicing for an extra touch of indulgence. They also pair well with a cup of tea or coffee, making them a perfect snack or even a light breakfast option. If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of cinnamon or a handful of dried fruits like cranberries or apricots to the mixture for added flavor variations.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Chocolate Date Walnut Energy Bars:

Ingredients

2 cups Medjool dates, pitted
1 cup walnuts
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup almond butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Make sure to measure out all your ingredients accurately for the best results!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your energy bars:

Blend the Ingredients

In a food processor, combine the pitted dates, walnuts, cocoa powder, almond butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the mixture is well-combined and sticky.

Press into a Pan

Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Transfer the mixture to the dish and firmly press it down into an even layer.

Chill and Slice

Refrigerate the pressed mixture for at least 30 minutes to set. Once set, remove it from the dish and cut it into bars.

Store your energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Pro Tips

Feel free to add your favorite nuts or seeds to customize these bars to your taste.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

If your mixture feels too crumbly after blending, this may indicate insufficient moisture from the dates. You can remedy this by adding a teaspoon of water or additional almond butter to help bind the ingredients together. Conversely, if the mixture is too sticky, consider adding a bit more cocoa powder or oats to balance out the consistency.

Also, ensure that your food processor is powerful enough to blend the mixture without leaving chunky pieces of nuts or dates. If you find it difficult to blend, pause and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything combines evenly.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe is easily scalable if you want to make a larger batch for meal prepping or sharing. Simply double or triple the quantities while keeping the ratios the same. When scaling up, ensure your food processor can handle the increased volume; otherwise, consider blending in batches to ensure everything mixes evenly.

If you plan to create smaller energy bites instead of bars, you can use a small cookie scoop to portion out the mixture before pressing it into the pan. This method provides perfect bite-sized snacks that are easy to grab and enjoy anytime!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other nuts instead of walnuts?

Yes! You can substitute walnuts with almonds, pecans, or any nut of your choice.

→ How long do these bars last?

They can last up to a week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.

→ Can I freeze these energy bars?

Absolutely! Wrap individual bars in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to three months.

→ Is there a substitute for almond butter?

You can use peanut butter or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for almond butter.