Mealtimes Healthy Snack Recipes Healthy Snack Bar Recipes Healthy Granola Bar Recipes Chocolate-Peanut Butter Energy Bars 4.4 (8) 7 Reviews Dates provide all the sweetness you need for these no-bake energy bars. Each square serves up a hearty dose of protein—thanks to peanut butter and peanuts—as well as fiber from rolled oats. Kids will love the chewy bites with crunchy nuts. By Carolyn Casner Carolyn Casner Carolyn Casner is a longtime recipe tester and contributor for EatingWell. Over the years, she has tested and developed hundreds of recipes for the magazine and website. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Updated on April 19, 2024 Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen Tested by EatingWell Test Kitchen The EatingWell Test Kitchen is comprised of a group of culinary professionals who develop and test our recipes. Our recipes go through a rigorous process, which includes testing by trained recipe testers, using different equipment (e.g., gas and electric stoves) and a variety of tools and techniques to make sure that it will really work when you make it at home. Testers shop major supermarkets to research availability of ingredients. Finally, a Registered Dietitian reviews each recipe to ensure that we deliver food that's not only delicious, but adheres to our nutrition guidelines as well. Learn more about our food philosophy and nutrition parameters. Meet the EatingWell Test Kitchen Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Emily Lachtrupp, M.S., RD Emily Lachtrupp is a registered dietitian experienced in nutritional counseling, recipe analysis and meal plans. She's worked with clients who struggle with diabetes, weight loss, digestive issues and more. In her spare time, you can find her enjoying all that Vermont has to offer with her family and her dog, Winston. EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines Rate PRINT Share Prep Time: 25 mins Additional Time: 1 hr Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins Servings: 16 Yield: 16 bars Nutrition Profile: Low-Sodium High-Fiber Vegetarian Egg-Free Gluten-Free Jump to Nutrition Facts Ingredients ¾ cup chopped Medjool dates 1 cup smooth natural peanut butter ½ cup rolled oats (see Tip) ¼ teaspoon salt ½ cup chopped unsalted dry-roasted peanuts ¾ cup bittersweet chocolate chips Directions Soak dates in hot water to cover in a medium bowl for 10 minutes. Drain, reserving the soaking water. Meanwhile, line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over 2 sides. Lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray. Combine the soaked dates, peanut butter, oats and salt in a food processor; process until very finely chopped and starting to clump together. If the mixture seems dry, add a little of the reserved soaking water, 1 tablespoon at a time. Transfer to the medium bowl and stir in peanuts. Spread the mixture evenly and firmly into the prepared pan. Place chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on Medium (50%) until melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Spread the chocolate evenly over the oat mixture. Refrigerate until cold, about 1 hour. Remove from the pan by lifting the overhanging parchment. Cut into 16 squares. Tips Tip: People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should use oats that are labeled “gluten-free,” as oats are often cross-contaminated with wheat and barley. To make ahead: Refrigerate bars for up to 1 week. Originally appeared: EatingWell.com, July 2018 Rate It Print Nutrition Facts (per serving) 203 Calories 13g Fat 17g Carbs 5g Protein Show Full Nutrition Label Hide Full Nutrition Label Nutrition Facts Servings Per Recipe 16 Serving Size 1 square Calories 203 % Daily Value * Total Carbohydrate 17g 6% Dietary Fiber 3g 10% Total Sugars 11g Added Sugars 3g 6% Protein 5g 11% Total Fat 13g 16% Saturated Fat 3g 15% Vitamin A 14IU 0% Folate 8mcg 2% Sodium 90mg 4% Calcium 12mg 1% Iron 1mg 4% Magnesium 24mg 6% Potassium 131mg 3% Nutrition information is calculated by a registered dietitian using an ingredient database but should be considered an estimate. * Daily Values (DVs) are the recommended amounts of nutrients to consume each day. Percent Daily Value (%DV) found on nutrition labels tells you how much a serving of a particular food or recipe contributes to each of those total recommended amounts. Per the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the daily value is based on a standard 2,000 calorie diet. Depending on your calorie needs or if you have a health condition, you may need more or less of particular nutrients. (For example, it’s recommended that people following a heart-healthy diet eat less sodium on a daily basis compared to those following a standard diet.) (-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a special diet for medical reasons, be sure to consult with your primary care provider or a registered dietitian to better understand your personal nutrition needs. Powered by the ESHA Research Database © 2018, ESHA Research, Inc. All Rights Reserved