Healthy No Bake Date Bars

Homemade Lara Bar Recipe - bars stacked on wire rack

5 from 12 votes

These healthy No Bake Date Bars are a lifesaver when my kids and I need a quick, wholesome snack that keeps us satisfied and energized. With just five natural ingredients and ten minutes of prep, they’re ready to enjoy after a quick chill in the fridge. Perfect for a healthy snack or a low-sugar treat.

Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Total Time2 10

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Calorie, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: bars

Calories: 138kcal

Author: Anjali Shah

Ingredients

½ cup organic Medjool dates pitted and chopped (comes to about 4 dates)
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup whole macadamia nuts
4 tbsp almond or cashew butter
Dash of sea salt

Instructions

Add all of the ingredients into a food processor. Blend on high until the ingredients form a smooth dough.
Press the dough into an 8x8 baking pan lined with parchment. Chill in the fridge for 2 hours to set. Cut into 12 equal rectangles and serve.

Video

https://youtu.be/Y4iDp-httqc

Notes

My #1 Tip for making the best Healthy No Bake Date Bars is to use whole Medjool dates instead of pre-chopped ones. Pre-chopped dates are often coated in sugar or cornstarch, which can affect the texture and sweetness of the bars. Whole Medjool dates are naturally sticky and blend smoothly, helping to bind the ingredients together for the perfect chewy texture.
Try different nuts: I love switching things up by using almonds, cashews, or pecans instead of macadamia nuts. Each one adds a slightly different flavor and texture to the bars.

Extend freshness: A little lemon juice helps keep the bars fresh at room temperature for longer. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference.

Chill for best results: I always refrigerate for at least two hours before slicing to help the bars firm up. If I have extra time, letting them chill even longer makes them easier to cut.

Soften the dates: If my Medjool dates feel a little dry, I soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before blending. It adds moisture and enhances their natural sweetness.

Nutrition