Nutty Energy Bars

These bars are super simple to make and make a great snack when you want to satisfy your sweet tooth without filling your body with junk food. I adapted this recipe years ago from a Larabar knockoff recipe. I found the original recipe had way too many dates and not enough almonds. Add a little peanut butter and some chocolate chips and you end up with a nutty energy bar that is not too sweet and super yummy.

I like to use the super plump Mejdool dates. Regular dates work just fine, but you may need to add a couple of tablespoons of water to get the bars soft enough to hold together. Make sure to buy dates that have the pits removed, or remove them yourself before blending them.

Nutty Energy Bars

2 Cups Whole Almonds

2 Cups Whole Dates, Pitted

1/4 Cup Peanut Butter

1/2 Cup Chocolate Chips (Optional)

In a food processor, process whole almonds until well chopped, but not powdery. There will still be some medium sized chunks. Remove almonds and set aside in a bowl.

Add the dates to the empty food processor and process until they are well chopped and come together in a ball. Break up the ball of dates into chunks with a spatula and then add the almonds back to the food processor bowl with the dates. Process together until well combined. Add the peanut butter and chocolate chips to the food processor and mix until well combined.

Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper. Add the bar mixture to the dish and spread in an even layer. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours. Remove the bars from the baking dish and cut into bars or squares. These bars will hold at room temperature, so they make a great snack to pack for outings. I prefer to store them in the refrigerator until I am ready to pack them in a lunch or take them for a snack. They will last in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.