Name: No-bake Nutty Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 100 min
Ingredients: 175 g oats; 100 g pitted dates; 80 ml tahini; 80 ml maple syrup; 55 g Brazil nuts; 35 g almonds; 20 g pumpkin seeds; 45 g linseeds (flaxseeds work as an alternative); 100 g dried apricot (chopped); 180 g dark chocolate; 12 g coconut oil; 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract; Pinch salt

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This recipe is perfect to prep for those busy days when you need a quick, nutritious bite.

No-bake nutty bars are a tasty combination of oats, nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, all topped with a luscious layer of dark chocolate.

These bars are not only packed with flavour but also provide a great energy boost.

They are high in fibre, plant-based protein, and healthy fats, making them a wonderful alternative to store-bought snacks.

Whether you’re after a healthy snack on the go or a post-workout re-fuel, these no-bake treats are quick, easy, and utterly delicious.

Let’s dive into the recipe!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make this No-Bake Nutty Bars recipe:

175g oats
100g pitted dates
80ml tahini
80ml maple syrup
55g Brazil nuts
35g almonds
20g pumpkin seeds
45g linseeds (can use flaxseeds instead)
100g chopped dried apricot
180g dark chocolate
12g coconut oil
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Why These Bars Are Perfect for Busy Days

These no-bake bars are ideal for those with busy schedules, as they require minimal prep and are made with nutrient-dense ingredients.

Each ingredient is chosen for its energy-boosting properties, making these bars a wholesome snack you can enjoy anytime.

With ingredients that require no cooking beyond toasting, they’re a great solution when you’re short on time but still want a filling and nutritious snack.

Ingredient Swaps for Personal Preferences

These bars are highly versatile, so you can swap out ingredients based on your taste preferences or dietary requirements.

For example, if you’re not a fan of tahini, you can substitute it with almond or peanut butter.

Likewise, swap out apricots for cranberries or raisins to add a different fruity note.

If you’re aiming for lower sugar, feel free to replace the dates with a blend of nuts and a little additional tahini or nut butter. The flexibility of this recipe means you can make it truly your own.

Tips for Perfect No-Bake Bars

To ensure your bars hold together well, make sure the mixture is well-compressed when pressing it into the baking dish.

Use the back of a spoon or spatula to really pack it down; this will make slicing much easier and prevent the bars from crumbling.

Also, allowing the bars to chill fully before slicing helps them hold their shape and creates a firm, satisfying texture.

These tips ensure every bar is packed with flavour in a perfect, portable form.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these bars as an on-the-go snack, or enjoy them as a quick breakfast with a side of fresh fruit.

They’re also delicious as a dessert, perhaps served with a drizzle of warm chocolate or a dollop of yogurt for an extra treat.

For a little extra crunch, you can crumble a bar over a bowl of coconut yoghurt or top with berries, adding colour and a fresh burst of flavour.

How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Toast the oats

Begin by toasting the oats. Lay all the oats out on a baking tray and toast in the oven at 180°C for about 10 minutes.

Toasting gives the oats a warm, rich flavour, enhancing the final taste of the bars. It’s a simple step but elevates these bars from good to irresistible.

Keep an eye on them as they toast – you want a light golden hue, as darker browning may overpower the other ingredients.

After removing the oats, let them cool to ensure they don’t melt the date paste when combined.

Step 2: Soak the dates

While the oats are toasting, place the pitted dates in a mug and cover them with boiling water.

Let them sit for 10 minutes. Soaking the dates softens them, making them easy to blend.

Dates are rich in natural sugars, providing sweetness while also giving these bars a slightly chewy texture that contrasts beautifully with the crunchy nuts and seeds.

Once the dates are softened, drain the water and set them aside, ready for blending.

Step 3: Make the date paste

Add the soaked dates, tahini, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to a food blender.

Blitz these ingredients into a creamy paste.

This blend of sweet dates and creamy tahini holds the bars together while offering a rich, caramel-like taste.

Tahini’s subtle nuttiness combines beautifully with the sweetness of the dates and maple syrup, creating a balanced flavour that complements the chocolate topping perfectly.

Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding a touch more syrup if desired.

Step 4: Combine the ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together.

Add the toasted oats, 40g of Brazil nuts, 80g of the chopped dried apricots, and 20g of linseeds to the blender with the date paste.

Blend briefly until a sticky, slightly chunky mixture forms.

This texture is key for binding the base, ensuring every slice holds its shape.

Next, chop the remaining nuts and seeds and fold them into the mixture by hand. This step creates little pockets of crunch, so each bite is loaded with texture.

Press the mixture evenly into a baking dish, making sure it’s compact for easy slicing.

Step 5: Top with chocolate and set

Melt the dark chocolate and coconut oil together. You can use the microwave for quick results, heating in short intervals and stirring to prevent burning.

Alternatively, place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water, stirring until smooth.

Pour this glossy chocolate layer over the pressed oat mixture in the dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. For a decorative touch, sprinkle extra pumpkin seeds and linseeds over the chocolate before it sets.

Place the dish in the fridge to allow the chocolate to firm up.

Once chilled, slice into bars and enjoy your delicious, no-bake nutty bars!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these bars gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free oats, and all other ingredients in the recipe are naturally gluten-free.

This switch makes these bars suitable for anyone following a gluten-free diet without compromising flavour or texture.

Can I add protein powder to this recipe?

Yes, you can add a scoop of your favourite plant-based protein powder to increase the protein content.

Just be mindful of the texture; you may need a bit of extra tahini or maple syrup to balance the dryness of the powder.

How can I store these bars?

Store them in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh. This will also help maintain the chocolate’s firmness, giving the bars a satisfying snap when you bite into them.

Can I substitute other nuts or seeds?

Yes, you can easily swap out nuts and seeds based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Walnuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, or chia seeds can all be added to this recipe, giving you endless ways to customise these bars.

Can I use another sweetener besides maple syrup?

Certainly. Agave syrup, date syrup, or even honey if you’re not strictly vegan can be used as alternatives.

Each will add a slightly different flavour profile, so feel free to experiment and find the perfect taste for your liking.

And that’s it for this No-Bake Nutty Bars recipe. You can find the whole thing on a handy recipe card just below, so be sure to Pin it for later!

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