Skip to content
LumaxisLumaxis
All recipes

American·Snack

Chocolate & Medjool Date Energy Bars

A fast, inexpensive, and healthy alternative to store-bought fruit and nut bars. These energy bars use the natural stickiness of Medjool dates and the rich flavor of Dutch-process cocoa to create a snack that tastes remarkably like a fudge brownie.

Prep

15m

Cook

—

Total

195m

Serves

12

Method

  1. 01

    Prep the Medjool dates by breaking them open to remove the pits, then give them a rough chop to ensure they blend easily in the food processor.

    Step 1
    Watch · 0:44
  2. 02

    Place the raw cashews and toasted almonds into the food processor. If you prefer a chunky texture, pulse them briefly; for a smoother bar, process the nuts more thoroughly before adding other ingredients.

    Step 2
    Watch · 1:28
  3. 03

    Add the shredded coconut, chopped dates, cocoa powder, melted coconut oil, vanilla extract, cold espresso, salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the food processor.

    Step 3
    Watch · 1:40
  4. 04

    Process the mixture by pulsing on and off until it begins to clump together and forms one consistent, sticky mass. If the mixture appears too dry, add a teaspoon more of water or coffee.

    Step 4
    Watch · 2:30
  5. 05

    Transfer the mixture into a pan or casserole dish lined with plastic wrap. Use a spatula to spread it out, then place another piece of plastic on top and use your hands to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the mold.

    Step 5
    Watch · 4:31
  6. 06

    Wrap the pan tightly and refrigerate for 2 to 3 hours until firm. Once chilled, lift the block out of the pan and slice into bars or roll into individual balls.

    Step 6
    Watch · 5:15

From Chef John

  • “You are the boss of your bars, which reminds me you can also be the boss of your balls.”
  • “Medjool dates... provide the perfect amount of stickiness with which to hold all our other ingredients together.”
  • “It's all about significantly slowing down those molecules.”