Homemade Sugar-Free Energy Candy Bars
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Assembly Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
For 16 servings:
100g (3.5 oz) Medjool dates, pitted
150g (1½ cups) old-fashioned oatmeal
50g (⅓ cup) raisins
80g (½ cup) salted peanuts
30g (¼ cup) pumpkin seeds
30g (¼ cup) sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon (15ml) natural honey
80g (2.8 oz)sugar-free dark chocolate (melted)
Instructions
Preparation Phase (15 minutes)
Line an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal
Remove pits from dates if necessary and roughly chop them
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for better binding
Assembly Phase (20 minutes)
Place chopped dates in a food processor and pulse until they form a paste-like consistency
In a large mixing bowl, combine processed dates, oatmeal, raisins, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds
Add honey and mix thoroughly using clean hands or a sturdy spatula until well combined
Break dark chocolate into small pieces and place in a microwave-safe bowl
Chocolate Melting (5 minutes)
Microwave Method:
Heat chocolate in 30-second intervals, stirring between each
Continue until completely melted (about 1-2 minutes total)
Double Boiler Method:
Place chocolate in a heat-safe bowl over simmering water
Stir occasionally until melted (about 3-4 minutes)
Final Assembly (5 minutes)
Pour melted chocolate over the mixture
Stir quickly to incorporate evenly
Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish
Press firmly and evenly using the back of a spatula
Refrigerate for minimum 1 hour until completely set
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 165
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 3g
Natural Sugars: 12g
Added Sugars: 1g
Healthy Fats: 8g
Iron: 2mg
Magnesium: 50mg
Pro Tips and Tricks
Toast the oats and nuts beforehand for enhanced flavor
Use warm hands when mixing to help ingredients bind better
Slightly wet the spatula when pressing mixture into pan to prevent sticking
Score the bars while slightly soft for easier cutting
Use a sharp, hot knife for clean cuts
Variations and Substitutions
Nut-Free: Replace peanuts with additional seeds or coconut flakes
Grain-Free: Substitute oatmeal with coconut flakes and additional nuts
Date-Free: Use dried figs or dried apricots
Chocolate Options: Try sugar-free chocolate or white chocolate
Additional Mix-ins: Add goji berries, cacao nibs, or hemp seeds