Protein-Packed Chickpea and Date Snack Bars for Energy Recipe

Introduction

These protein-packed chickpea and date snack bars are the perfect energizing treat for any time of day. Naturally sweetened and filled with wholesome ingredients, they offer a satisfying and nutritious boost that’s simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cooked chickpeas (an excellent source of plant-based protein)
• 1 cup pitted dates (soak if dry for smooth blending)
• 1/2 cup oats (use certified gluten-free oats for a 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 (substitute with agave syrup for vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (can be replaced with almond extract)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for milder flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (optional; can be replaced with carob chips or omitted)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Blend 1 cup of cooked chickpeas and 1 cup of pitted dates in a food processor until creamy and smooth.
2. Step 2: 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 until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Fold in 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips by hand if using.
4. Step 4: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
6. Step 6: Slice into bars and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For a nut-free version, use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut or almond butter.
• Soak the dates in warm water for 10 minutes if they are dry to help them blend smoothly.
• Add a pinch of sea salt on top of the bars before refrigerating to enhance the flavors.
• Swap dark chocolate chips with carob chips for a caffeine-free alternative.
• Press the mixture firmly into the baking dish to help the bars hold together better.

Storage

Store the snack bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. They can also be frozen for up to three months; just thaw in the fridge before serving. To enjoy, eat chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Yes, canned chickpeas work well. Be sure to rinse and drain them thoroughly before using to reduce excess moisture and salt.

Are these bars suitable for a vegan diet?

Yes, to make these bars vegan, use maple syrup or agave syrup instead of honey and ensure the chocolate chips are dairy-free.

Protein-Packed Chickpea and Date Snack Bars for Energy Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.4 from 91 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegan

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

These protein-packed chickpea and date snack bars are a delicious and nutritious energy boost, combining creamy chickpeas, sweet dates, and wholesome oats with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla. Perfect for a quick snack or pre/post-workout fuel, they are vegan-friendly and can be easily customized with your choice of nut or seed butter and sweetener.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup Cooked Chickpeas (An excellent source of plant-based protein.)
• 1 cup Pitted Dates (Soak if dry for smooth blending.)
• 1/2 cup Oats (Use certified gluten-free oats for a 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 (Substitute with agave syrup for vegan option.)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (Can be replaced with almond extract.)
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon (Optional for milder flavor.)
• 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: In a food processor, blend the cooked chickpeas and pitted dates until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which creates the base of the bars.
2. Add Remaining Ingredients and Blend: Add the oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the food processor. Blend everything together thoroughly until fully combined into a cohesive mixture.
3. Fold in Chocolate Chips: If using dark chocolate chips, fold them into the mixture by hand carefully to distribute them evenly throughout.
4. Prepare Baking Dish: Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Spread the mixture evenly into the dish, pressing down gently to compact it.
5. Refrigerate to Set: Place the dish in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to firm up and set properly.
6. Slice and Serve: After chilling, slice the set mixture into 12 bars. Serve immediately or store for later consumption.

Notes

• For a nut-free option, substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter.
• Use certified gluten-free oats to make the bars gluten-free.
• If you prefer vegan bars, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Soaking dates beforehand, especially if dry, helps achieve a smoother blend.
• Chocolate chips are optional and can be replaced with carob chips or omitted altogether for a simpler bar.
• Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week for freshness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: International

Keywords: chickpea snack bars, energy bars, vegan protein bars, date and oat bars, healthy snacks