Ami These healthy, no bake chocolate energy bars are easy to make with only 8 simple ingredients. These bars are:
- lower in sugar,
- vegan (if you choose vegan chocolate),
- gluten-free, and,
- perfect for the trail.
Sometimes you need a treat that feels indulgent but still fuels your body—that’s exactly what these homemade energy bars deliver. Rich, chocolatey, and lightly sweetened, they’re perfect for a day on the trail, a post-workout snack, or a wholesome dessert.
Why You’ll Love It
No-Bake Convenience – There’s no need to turn on the oven or monitor for baking time. These bars come together quickly in a food processor and firm up in the fridge. It’s as simple as blend, press, chill, and enjoy.
Whole-Food Ingredients – At the heart of this recipe are Medjool dates, which provide natural sweetness, fiber, and energy-boosting carbohydrates—no refined sugar required. Paired with protein-rich almonds and healthy fats from peanut butter (or almond butter), each bar delivers the nutrition you need. Dates provide natural sweetness, potassium, and fiber. Almonds or peanuts add crunch, healthy fats, and protein. Cocoa powder is packed with antioxidants and rich chocolate flavor. Dark chocolate is a source of magnesium and heart-healthy flavonoids.
A Chocolate Fix You Can Feel Good About
These bars pack a double dose of chocolate from unsweetened cocoa powder and a dark chocolate topping. You’ll enjoy the rich, decadent flavor without loading up on processed sugars or additives.
Customizable & Allergy-Friendly
This recipe is flexible and can be modified to suit your dietary needs. Need a vegan version? Swap honey for maple syrup, and choose vegan chocolate. Nut allergy? Try using sunflower seed butter and pumpkin seeds instead of almonds.
Notes
- Storage: Store the bars in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for longer-lasting convenience. They’re great straight from the fridge or slightly softened at room temperature.
Enjoy!
Print
Chocolate Almond Date Bark – The Best Homemade Energy Bar
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 bars 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These healthy, no bake homemade energy bars are easy to make with only 8 simple ingredients. They are lower in sugar, vegan (if you choose vegan chocolate), gluten-free, and perfect for the trail.
Ingredients
Cocoa Date Layer
- 1 cup pitted Medjool dates
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (can substitute for your preferred nut butter)
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (can substitute for your preferred liquid sweetener)
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp salt
Chocolate Topping
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
Cocoa Date Layer
- In a food processor, combine dates, almonds, cocoa powder, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt.
- Pulse until the mixture is well combined and crumbly.
- Press the mixture into a 9×9-inch pan lined with parchment paper.
- Flattening mixture evenly in the pan.
Chocolate Topping
- In a glass or stainless steel bowl, melt the dark chocolate using a double boiler. (If you don’t have a double boiler, place your glass or stainless steel bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Always be cautious of escaping steam.) Alternatively, you can microwave the chocolate in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until melted.
- Pour the melted chocolate over the cocoa date layer and spread evenly.
Chill
- Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to firm up.
- Cut into chunks or bars and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snacks
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: North American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 196
- Sugar: 10.1 g
- Sodium: 59 mg
- Fat: 13.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16.3 g
- Fiber: 3.4 g
- Protein: 4.4 g
- Cholesterol: 1 mg
