Oat and Date Energy Bars with Chocolate and Almond Topping
Ingredients:
- 150g oat flakes (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 200g dates, pitted (about 1 cup)
- 30g raisins (about 2 tablespoons)
- 20g honey (about 1 tablespoon)
- 50g almonds, chopped (about 1/4 cup)
- 30g sesame seeds (about 2 tablespoons)
- 100g dark chocolate (about 3.5 oz)
- Almonds for garnish
- Boiling water (for soaking the dates)
Directions:
1. Prepare the Oats and Dates:
- Grind 150g of oat flakes into a fine texture using a blender or food processor.
- Remove the pits from 200g of dates.
- Place the dates in a bowl and pour boiling water over them. Let them soak for 10 minutes to soften.
- Drain the dates using a colander and add them to the ground oats.
2. Blend the Oat-Date Mixture:
- In the blender or food processor, combine the soaked dates with the ground oats and blend until smooth.
3. Prepare the Add-Ins:
- Pour the oat and date mixture into a bowl.
- Add 30g of raisins, 20g of honey, and 50g of chopped almonds to the mixture.
- Stir in 30g of sesame seeds and mix well to combine all ingredients.
4. Shape the Bars:
- Take half of the mixture and press it into a rectangular mold or pan, compacting it evenly.
- With the remaining mixture, fill a silicone mold with a 6 cm diameter (or any small mold you prefer), and press it down firmly.
5. Melt the Chocolate:
- Chop 100g of dark chocolate into small pieces.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until fully melted.
6. Add the Chocolate Layer:
- Pour the melted chocolate over the bars in the rectangular mold and the smaller round shapes, spreading it evenly across the top.
- Garnish the chocolate layer with whole or chopped almonds for extra crunch.
7. Chill the Bars:
- Place the bars in the refrigerator for about 30-40 minutes, or until they are fully set.
8. Serve:
- Once chilled and firm, remove the bars from the mold, slice them into desired portions, and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions:
- Enjoy as a quick snack or energy boost before or after workouts.
- Pair with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying afternoon treat.
- Serve as a healthy dessert option.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a wholesome snack on the go.
- Sprinkle with coconut flakes for added texture and flavor.
Cooking Tips:
- Soften Dates Well: Make sure to soak the dates properly in boiling water to ensure they blend easily with the oats.
- Compact the Mixture: Press the mixture firmly into the molds to ensure the bars hold their shape.
- Customize the Nuts: You can swap almonds for other nuts like walnuts, pecans, or cashews.
- Add Flavor: For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the mixture.
Nutritional Benefits:
- Dates: Rich in fiber and natural sugars, dates provide a quick source of energy and are packed with essential minerals like potassium.
- Oats: High in fiber and nutrients, oats are great for digestive health and provide a steady energy release.
- Almonds: Full of healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, almonds add crunch and nutritional value.
- Dark Chocolate: A good source of antioxidants and a satisfying way to add indulgence.