Craving a dessert that's both sinfully delicious and surprisingly healthy? Get ready to discover the ultimate treat that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you! These Chocolate Walnut Date Bars are not just another dessert - they're a magical fusion of rich cocoa, nutty walnuts, and sweet dates that will transform your snacking experience forever. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a chocolate lover, or someone looking for a quick energy boost, these bars are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
- In a food processor, combine the pitted dates and walnuts. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and starts to stick together. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cocoa powder, honey, vanilla extract, and salt to the date and walnut mixture in the food processor. Blend until all ingredients are well combined and form a sticky dough. You may need to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is mixed evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands to press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the dish, ensuring it is compact and smooth.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are slightly firm and the top looks set. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack before cutting them into 12 equal squares or rectangles.
- Store the chocolate walnut date bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for longer freshness.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade chocolate walnut date bars as a nutritious snack or dessert!
Tips
- Use Medjool dates for the best texture and natural sweetness
- Ensure your walnuts are fresh and lightly toasted for enhanced flavor
- Don't over-process the mixture - you want a slightly chunky texture
- Line your baking pan with parchment paper for easy removal
- Let the bars cool completely before cutting to get clean, neat edges
- For extra indulgence, sprinkle some sea salt on top before baking
- Store in an airtight container to maintain freshness and texture
- These bars are perfect for meal prep and can be frozen for up to a month
- Experiment with adding a tablespoon of chia seeds for extra nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 0mg
