Go Back
–+ servings
healthy peanut butter bars on the plate

Healthy Peanut Butter Bars (With Dates)

By Jigna
These Healthy Peanut Butter Bars are loaded with natural peanut butter, rolled oats, roasted peanuts, and naturally sweetened with dates. They are topped with melted dark chocolate and a natural peanut butter mixture for a delicious chocolatey treat.
No ratings yet
Print Pin
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Snack
Diet Eggless, Vegetarian
Servings 16

Ingredients
  

For The Base

  • 200g Medjool dates (10-12 dates)
  • ⅔ cup (60g) rolled oats
  • 1 cup (250g) natural peanut butter
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1-2 tablespoon Maple syrup (only if needed)
  • ½ cup dry-roasted peanuts

For The Topping

  • ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
  • ¼ cup peanut butter

Instructions
 

Making The Base

  • Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving extra hanging over two sides. Lightly coat the parchment with oil spray.
  • Soak the dates in hot water for 10-15 minutes, drain well, and set aside.
  • While the dates are soaking, dry roast the oats on low-medium heat, stirring continuously, for about 4-5 minutes or until lightly toasted. Remove from the pan and allow them to cool completely.
  • Add cooled oats to the food processor and process until they are coarsely ground. Add soaked and drained dates and process until the mixture clumps together.
  • Then, add peanut butter and salt and process until everything is mixed well and the mixture clumps together like a dough.
  • If the mixture looks dry and crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoon maple syrup. If you want to avoid adding maple syrup, add a bit more peanut butter.
  • Finally, add peanuts and process for a few pulses until peanuts are evenly incorporated.
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and spread evenly and firmly.

Topping The Bars

  • Add chocolate chips and peanut butter to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 20-second increments until chocolate chips are melted. Mix well to make a smooth mixture.
  • Pour the melted chocolate peanut butter over the peanut butter base. Then, place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or until the chocolate is set.
  • Remove from the pan by lifting the overhanging parchment. Cut into bars or squares of desired size, and serve.

Storing Suggestions

  • The healthy peanut butter bars can be stored in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 8-10 days.
  • You can also freeze them in a freezer-safe bag or container for an extended period.

Notes

  1. Rolled Oats: I highly recommend dry roasting the oats for the best outcome. However, you can skip this step to quicken the process.
  2. Dates: I always use Medjool dates for energy balls and bars. They are juicy, fruity, and easy to process. But if you use other types of dates, ensure to soak them in hot water until they become very soft.
  3. Peanut Butter: For a healthy recipe, use natural peanut butter containing only peanuts or peanuts and salt. If using salted peanut butter, skip the salt from the recipe.

Nutrition (Approximate Values)

Calories : 243kcalCarbohydrates : 23gProtein : 7gFat : 15gSaturated Fat : 5gPolyunsaturated Fat : 3gMonounsaturated Fat : 6gCholesterol : 0.1mgSodium : 85mgPotassium : 296mgFiber : 3gSugar : 14gVitamin A : 19IUVitamin C : 0.04mgCalcium : 49mgIron : 1mg
Tried this recipe?Tag @vegehomecooking On Instagram