No-Bake Chocolate-Peanut Butter Energy Bars

Prep time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Serves: 16

Ingredients

¾ cup chopped Medjool dates
1 cup smooth natural peanut butter
½ cup rolled oats
¼ tsp. salt
½ cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts
¾ cup bittersweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Soak dates in hot water in a covered medium bowl for 10 minutes. Drain and reserve the soaking water.
2. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over 2 sides.
3. Lightly coat the parchment paper with cooking spray.
4. Combine soaked dates, peanut butter, oats, and salt in a food processor and process until finely chopped and clumps begin to form.
5. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved soaking water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
6. Transfer to the medium bowl and stir in peanuts.
7. Spread the mixture evenly and firmly into the prepared pan.
8. Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on medium (50%) until melted (about 2 to 3 minutes).
9. Once melted, spread the chocolate evenly over the oat mixture.
10. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
11. Remove from the pan by lifting the overhanging parchment and cut into 16 squares.

Nutrition Facts (per Serving): Calories: 203 cal | Carbohydrates: 17.4g | Protein: 5.4g | Fat: 12.7g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 90mg | Fiber: 2.7g | Sugar: 11.1g

Related: Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bites

Reference: “Chocolate-Peanut Butter Energy Bars.” Eating Well, July 2018, https://www.eatingwell.com/recipe/266632/chocolate-peanut-butter-energy-bars/.