Healthy No-Bake Chocolate Oat Energy Bars

Ingredients

For the Base

• Oat flakes: 3.5 oz (100g / 1¼ cups)
• Walnuts: 2.8 oz (80g / ¾ cup)
• Dates: 8 large (approximately 5.3 oz / 150g)
• Honey: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
• Unsweetened cocoa powder: 1 teaspoon (5g)

For the Chocolate Coating

• Sugar-free dark chocolate: 4.2 oz (120g)
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30ml)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dates

• Place dates in a medium bowl
• Pour boiling water over them until fully submerged
• Let soak for 15 minutes until soft
• Drain and remove pits

1. Create the Oat Base

• Place oat flakes and cocoa powder in a food processor
• Pulse until fine flour-like consistency is achieved
• Add 1.8 oz (50g) of walnuts
• Pulse again until nuts are finely chopped

1. Make the Dough

• Add soaked dates to the oat mixture
• Process until well combined
• Transfer to a large bowl
• Add honey
• Mix with hands until a compact dough forms

1. Shape the Bars

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
• Take portions of dough (about 2 tablespoons each)
• Shape into rectangular bars
• Place on prepared sheet
• Freeze for 2 hours

1. Prepare Chocolate Coating

• Chop chocolate into small pieces
• Melt using double boiler method
• Stir in olive oil until smooth
• Chop remaining 1 oz (30g) walnuts
• Add to melted chocolate

1. Finish the Bars

• Insert toothpicks into frozen bars
• Dip each bar in chocolate coating
• Allow excess to drip off
• Place on parchment paper
• Let set at room temperature

Nutritional Information (per bar)

• Calories: 245
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 18g
• Fat: 14g
• Preparation time: 30 minutes
• Freezing time: 2 hours
• Total time: 2.5 hours
• Yield: 12 bars

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Toast the oats before processing for enhanced nutty flavor
• Use room temperature honey for easier mixing
• Keep bars in the freezer until right before coating
• Tap bars gently after dipping to create smooth chocolate coating
• Use high-quality dark chocolate for best results
• Line workspace with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Variations and Substitutions

• Nuts: Replace walnuts with almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts
• Sweetener: Substitute maple syrup for honey
• Chocolate: Use milk or white chocolate for coating
• Oats: Quick oats can replace rolled oats
• Add-ins: Include chia seeds, flax seeds, or dried cranberries

Common FAQs

Q: Can I make these bars gluten-free?
A: Yes, simply ensure you use certified gluten-free oats.

Q: How long do these bars last?
A: They keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and 3 months in the freezer.

Q: Can I skip the chocolate coating?
A: Yes, the bars are delicious even without coating, though less indulgent.

Q: Are these bars vegan?
A: Replace honey with maple syrup and use vegan chocolate for a fully vegan version.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Store in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers
• Keep refrigerated for up to 2 weeks
• Freeze uncoated bars for up to 3 months
• Thaw frozen bars in refrigerator overnight
• Allow to come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving
• Can be made ahead and coated just before serving
• Transport in cooler bag with ice pack to maintain shape

These bars make perfect meal prep snacks and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences while maintaining their delicious taste and nutritious properties. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, pre-workout energy boost, or satisfying dessert alternative, these no-bake chocolate oat energy bars deliver on all fronts.