This homemade energy bar recipe serves as an ideal nutritious snack! It’s naturally sweet, showcasing oats, chia seeds, and pecans.
Nutritious snacks is a subject that Alex and I receive inquiries about frequently. With kids in the picture now, it’s something we ponder a lot as well! This energy bar recipe is our latest creation for healthy treats.
And I must say, our kids are CRAZY about them, too! Not just are they kid-approved, they’re also great for adults to snack on. The sweet taste evokes memories of pecan pie, and they are packed with superfoods like pecans and chia seeds.
Ingredients in This Energy Bar Recipe
Why whip up an energy bar recipe at home instead of purchasing it? Well, it allows you to have control over the components so you are aware of exactly what goes into it! They’re also somewhat less expensive than store-bought options. The energy bars we enjoy making are comparable to store-bought Larabars. However, our homemade version costs about 2/3 less, and you have complete control over the ingredients! Here’s what’s included:
– Pecans
– Medjool dates
– Oats
– Chia seeds (provides a boost of protein, fiber, and Omega 3s!)
5 Star Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Fantastic recipe and a superb snack during the Daniel Fast!! These won’t last long in my home! Thank you!!” -Kiara
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made these yesterday, and they turned out incredible! I ended up mashing the medjool dates using a wooden spoon, then added the chopped pecan mixture to the dates. I simply used my hands to mix everything together; it turned out really well! No crumbling!” -Josie
How to Create Homemade Energy Bars
To prepare this energy bar recipe, you’ll require a large food processor for blending the components. Here are the essential steps:
– In a food processor, blend together Medjool dates, pecans, oats, chia seeds, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt until a sticky dough is formed.
– Press this mixture into a uniform layer on a baking sheet.
– Bake the bars for 30 minutes at 200 degrees to help dry them a little and enhance the texture so they’re not overly sticky.
– Cut them into bars measuring 3 inches long and 1 ½ inches wide.
Ingredient Highlight: Pecans
Pecans are the main attraction in this energy bar recipe! There are numerous aspects that Alex and I appreciate about this nut. Pecans are:
– Nutritious: Pecans are extremely nutrient-rich! They rank among the highest in “good” monounsaturated fats and include protein, fiber, flavonoids, and essential minerals (copper, manganese, and zinc).
– Versatile: They’re not just for pecan pie! They make an easy snack straight out of the bag or combined with dried fruit for a quick trail mix. We love adding them to our morning oatmeal, on yogurt, and onto green salads. Naturally, incorporating pecans into granola and energy bars is just the way to go.
– Local: Among the primary tree nuts consumed in the US, pecans are the only ones native to America! They were originally foraged and enjoyed by Native Americans. Today, they’re harvested in more than a dozen Southern states.
A Child-Friendly Snack
Our kids are so into these! They make for a fantastic child-friendly snack that’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free. Here are a couple of photos of our son Larson as a toddler savoring these pecan energy bars. (Where has our baby gone?)
Storage and Preparation Tips
These energy bars remain good for 1 month when refrigerated. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge layered with wax paper. If you want to package them for on-the-go snacking, cut out 4” x 6” rectangles of wax paper, wrap them around the bars, and secure them with tape.
Dietary Information
This energy bar recipe is vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, and inherently sweet.
Homemade Energy Bar Recipe
This homemade energy bar recipe serves as an ideal nutritious snack! It’s naturally sweet, showcasing oats, chia seeds, and pecans.
Author: Sonja
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 14 bars
Category: Snack
Method: Food Processor
Cuisine: American
Ingredients:
– 15 Medjool dates (9 ounces)*
– 1 cup raw pecan halves
– ½ cup gluten-free oats
– 1 tablespoon chia seeds
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon
– ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 200F.
2. Remove the pits from the dates with your fingers (they come out easily!). Place the dates in the food processor.