No-Bake Date Bars

These No-Bake Date Bars are my favorite grab-and-go snack when I want something naturally sweet, energizing, and simple to make. With just a few wholesome ingredients and no oven required, they come together quickly and always satisfy my cravings. I love how the dates give them a soft, chewy texture, while oats and nuts add just the right amount of crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I reach for this recipe when I want a healthy treat that’s both easy and delicious. Here’s why I keep making these bars on repeat:

• No baking required—just blend, press, and chill
• Naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and honey or maple syrup
• Packed with whole grains, fiber, and healthy fats
• Customizable with different nuts, seeds, or add-ins
• Great for snacks, lunchboxes, or pre-workout fuel
• Quick to make with minimal cleanup

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 cups Medjool dates, pitted
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ½ cup almonds (or walnuts)
• ¼ cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Directions

1. I start by blending the pitted dates in a food processor until they form a smooth, sticky paste.
2. I add the rolled oats, nuts, shredded coconut (if using), vanilla extract, honey or maple syrup, and salt.
3. I pulse the mixture until everything is well combined and starts to clump together.
4. I press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan, making sure it’s even and compact.
5. I refrigerate the bars for at least 1–2 hours to let them set.
6. Once firm, I slice them into bars and enjoy, or store them in the fridge for later.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 to 10 bars, depending on how I cut them. It takes 10 minutes to prep, and they’re ready to enjoy after 1–2 hours of chilling.

Variations

I like to switch things up by adding a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed meal for extra nutrition. Sometimes I throw in a handful of dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries for added flavor. If I want a nut-free version, I use sunflower seeds instead of almonds.

Storage/reheating

I store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. They also freeze well—I wrap them individually and thaw as needed. Since they’re no-bake, there’s no reheating required.

FAQs

Can I use regular dates instead of Medjool dates?

Yes, but I soak them in warm water for 10–15 minutes first to soften them, since they’re usually drier than Medjool dates.

Can I make these nut-free?

Definitely. I substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to keep it allergy-friendly.

Do I need a food processor?

A food processor works best, but I’ve made these using a high-powered blender—it just takes a bit more patience and scraping.

Can I add protein powder to these bars?

Yes, I sometimes mix in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder. If I do, I usually add a splash of water to help the mixture hold together.

How do I keep them from falling apart?

I press the mixture very firmly into the pan and make sure to chill it well before slicing. A damp spatula or the back of a spoon helps pack it tightly.

Conclusion

These No-Bake Date Bars are a staple in my kitchen when I want something healthy, sweet, and easy. I love how I can throw everything into the food processor and have a delicious snack ready in no time. Whether I need an afternoon pick-me-up or a quick bite before heading out the door, these bars always hit the spot.

No-Bake Date Bars

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These No-Bake Date Bars are soft, chewy, and naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and honey or maple syrup. Packed with oats, nuts, and coconut, they’re the perfect wholesome snack or energy bar—quick to prep, customizable, and ideal for on-the-go fuel without turning on the oven.

• Author: Lizaa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 to 10 bars
• Category: Snack, Energy Bar
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 2 cups Medjool dates, pitted
• 1 ½ cups rolled oats
• ½ cup almonds (or walnuts)
• ¼ cup shredded coconut (optional)
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Blend the pitted dates in a food processor until smooth and sticky.
2. Add rolled oats, almonds, shredded coconut (if using), honey or maple syrup, vanilla, and salt.
3. Pulse until well combined and mixture begins to clump together.
4. Press the mixture firmly into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan until even and compact.
5. Refrigerate for 1–2 hours until firm.
6. Slice into bars and enjoy or store for later.

Notes

• Add chia seeds, flaxseed meal, or protein powder for extra nutrition.
• Use sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
• Throw in dark chocolate chips or dried cranberries for variety.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Use a damp spatula or spoon to pack the mixture tightly in the pan to avoid crumbling.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 40mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 0mg