Protein-Packed Chickpea and Date Snack Bars Recipe

Introduction

There’s something magical about discovering a snack that not only satisfies your cravings but also fuels your body with wholesome goodness. These Protein-Packed Chickpea and Date Snack Bars offer a deliciously chewy and sweet bite, packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Perfect for a healthy grab-and-go treat, these no-bake bars combine natural ingredients to create a guilt-free indulgence.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (165 g) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (150 g) pitted dates
• 1/2 cup (50 g) rolled oats
• 1/4 cup (60 g) peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) salt
• 1/4 cup (30 g) dark chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Place the cooked chickpeas and pitted dates into a food processor. Blend until they form a smooth, sticky paste. If the dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 5–10 minutes before blending. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
2. Step 2: Add the oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt to the food processor. Blend again until the mixture is well combined with a uniform texture. Scrape the sides occasionally to mix thoroughly.
3. Step 3: If using, transfer the mixture to a bowl and gently fold in the dark chocolate chips by hand to keep them intact.
4. Step 4: Line an 8×8 inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish using your hands or a spatula, smoothing the surface.
5. Step 5: Refrigerate the dish for at least 1 hour to set the bars. Once chilled, lift the mixture out using the parchment paper and cut into bars with a sharp knife, wiping the knife clean between slices for neat cuts.

Tips & Variations

• Soak dry dates before blending to achieve a smoother texture.
• Toast oats lightly for added nuttiness and a crispier texture.
• For a nut-free version, substitute sunflower seed butter and use carob chips instead of chocolate.
• Add superfoods like chia seeds or matcha powder for extra nutrition.
• Try a tropical twist by replacing vanilla extract with coconut extract and oats with shredded coconut.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, keep them frozen for up to three months. To serve, thaw frozen bars in the fridge or at room temperature. These bars can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature for the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned chickpeas for this recipe?

Yes, canned chickpeas work perfectly. Just be sure to drain and rinse them thoroughly to remove excess sodium and canning liquid.

My mixture is too dry. What should I do?

If the mixture feels crumbly, add a teaspoon of water, nut butter, or a drizzle of honey to help bind the ingredients together.

Protein-Packed Chickpea and Date Snack Bars Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 109 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 bars 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Protein-Packed Chickpea and Date Snack Bars are a deliciously chewy, sweet, and nutritious no-bake snack combining creamy chickpeas, naturally sweet dates, and wholesome oats. Perfect for an energizing grab-and-go treat, they provide a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats with optional chocolate chips for an indulgent touch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 cup (165 g) cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup (150 g) pitted dates (softened if dry)
• 1/2 cup (50 g) rolled oats
• 1/4 cup (60 g) peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1 g) salt

Optional

• 1/4 cup (30 g) dark chocolate chips

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Instructions

1. Blend the Chickpeas and Dates: Place the cooked chickpeas and pitted dates into a food processor and blend until a smooth, sticky paste forms. Soak dates in warm water for 5–10 minutes beforehand if they are dry to ensure a smoother blend. Scrape down sides as needed.
2. Add the Remaining Ingredients: To the blended chickpea-date paste, add oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend again until the mixture is fully combined with a uniform texture. Stop occasionally to scrape the bowl for even mixing.
3. Incorporate Optional Chocolate Chips: Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and gently fold in the dark chocolate chips by hand to keep them intact and evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4. Press into Baking Dish: Line an approximately 8×8 inch square baking dish with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal. Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish using hands or spatula to create a smooth, compact surface.
5. Chill and Cut: Refrigerate the dish for at least 1 hour to allow the bars to set and firm up. Once chilled, lift the bars out using the parchment paper, transfer to a cutting board, and slice into evenly sized bars. Clean the knife with a damp cloth between cuts for neat edges.

Notes

• Adjust moisture if the mixture feels dry by adding a teaspoon of water or extra nut butter; add a tablespoon of oats if too sticky.
• Refrigeration or chilling is essential to set the bars and achieve the perfect sliceable texture; skipping this step results in softer bars.
• Soften dry dates by soaking in warm water for 5–10 minutes before blending for better cohesion.
• Pulse oats just enough to retain texture but avoid powdery consistency.
• Apply firm, even pressure when pressing mixture into the pan for uniform texture and chewiness.
• For nut-free adaptation, substitute nut butter with sunflower seed butter and chocolate chips with carob chips.
• To toast oats, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for enhanced nuttiness and crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern-inspired

Keywords: chickpea snack bars, no bake bars, protein snack, healthy snack bars, date bars, plant-based protein, vegetarian snack, chickpea recipes