These bars are made with 5 simple ingredients and are an easy snack to make ahead of time and freeze so that you can grab one when you're short on time. The peanut butter and chocolate mixed with dried fruit makes these bars sweet enough for dessert - with no added sugar and a good supply of protein, healthy fats and fiber. If you're looking for a great back-to-school snack, a snack for your upcoming road trip, or just a snack to have around the house, this is your #nobake, #nocook, #kidfriendly recipe. Oh, and did I mention there is minimal prep time and clean up required! They can get a little messy if the peanut butter starts to melt, so keep them in the freezer or in a cooler until serving.
Ingredients (yields 12 bars):
1 C creamy peanut butter (the only ingredients should be peanuts and salt)
20 pitted dried medjool dates
1/4 C walnut halves and pieces, unsalted or lightly salted
1 oz dark chocolate
3 Tbsp dried fruit of choice (I like to use dried mulberries or dried goji berries, but any small, dried fruit works)
Directions:
1. Place dates and walnuts in mini food processor. Cover, lock and grind until course and well combined. Set aside.
2. Line 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper. Add peanut butter to the center and spread evenly, slowly bringing the peanut butter to the outer corners to create a thin, even layer. Note: this is often easier if the peanut butter sits out for 5-10 minutes, as it can be difficult to spread if stored in the fridge.
3. Top peanut butter evenly with date and walnut mixture.
4. Cut dark chocolate into small shavings. Top bars with chocolate. Add dried fruit of choice, placing evenly throughout the dish.
5. Transfer baking dish to freezer and let freeze for at least 4 hours. Remove and cut into 12 bars (they will be square-shaped). Place bars in plastic bag or container and store in freezer. Enjoy!
Nutritional Analysis Per Serving (1 serving = 1 bar)
Calories 234 calories, Total Fat 15 g, Saturated Fat 3 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Carbohydrates 18 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 6 g, Sodium 76 mg, Calcium 12 mg
*Please Note: While this dish is free from gluten-containing ingredients, I recommend using certified gluten free products if you need to avoid potential sources of cross contamination, such as in the case of celiac disease.