Energy Bars (3 Ingredient Recipe) (2024)

January 7, 2019

by Kirbie

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Thesehomemade energy barsare just 3ingredientsand easy to make and customize. They make a great afternoon pick-me-upsnack.

Energy Bars (3 Ingredient Recipe) (1)

I used to buy theseenergy barstosnackon after yoga class, but found them to be a little expensive. And then I realized how easy they are to make at home. Plus you can customize with your favorite fruits andnuts.

Thisenergy barrecipeis very simple and doesn’t have any refined sugar oroats. I use dates to give them a chewy texture andnatural sweetness. Somedried fruitalso adds some sweetflavorandnutsadd crunch.

This is a nobakerecipeand you can store them in the refrigerator orfreezer. I like to make a batch over the weekend so I have them on hand forhealthy snacksduring the week.

Ingredients

  • Dates
  • Dried fruit
  • Unsalted nuts

Energy Bars (3 Ingredient Recipe) (2)

How to MakeEnergy Bars

  • The mainingredientis dates. The dried dates are the binding agent that hold these bars together.
  • You need to make sure the dates are soft and moist. I try to start with a new package of dried dates. If you are using old dates that may have lost their moisture, you will need to soften them first by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes.
  • The dates are blended until they form a paste. Then the otherdried fruitsandnutsare added.
  • For otherdried fruits, I usually use driedcranberries,apricots,cherriesor blueberries.
  • Fornuts, I usually usealmonds, cashews, andpecans. You could also usewalnutsor macadamianuts.
  • The fruits andnutsare added to the paste until they are roughly chopped.
  • Press themixturefirmly into apanto set and chill overnight. Once the bars are set, they are ready to cut and serve or store them in anairtight container.

Other Mix-In Ideas

You can add up to 1 cup ofmix-ins, so if you don’t likenutsordried fruityou can easily swap them. Here are some ideas – I haven’t tested all of them, but think they would work fine. Also, not all of them are refined sugar-free.

You can mix and match your favorites to customize yourenergy bars.

  • Dark chocolatechips or minichocolate chips. If you want sugar-free, I like Lily’s brand.
  • Unsweetened coconut flakes
  • Seeds likechia seeds, finely choppedpumpkin seeds,flax seeds, or shelledsunflower seeds

Energy Bars (3 Ingredient Recipe) (3)

MoreHealthy Snacks

  • HealthyHomemade Granola BarsRecipe
  • 2IngredientAlmondCrackers
  • Pumpkin Pie Energy Bites
  • NoBakeOatmealBars

Energy Bars (3 Ingredient Recipe) (4)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups pitted dried dates medjool preferred
  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (I used dried cranberries and apricots)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted nuts (I used almonds, cashews, pecans)

Instructions

  • In a food processor, blend the dates. At first they will become finely chopped. As you continue to let the food processor run, they will eventually stick together again until a big ball forms. Stop once the ball forms.

  • Add in dried fruit and nuts. Pulse for a few seconds until nuts and fruits are chopped into finer pieces and mixed into the date mixture, but stop before the nut and dried fruit pieces completely dissolve into the date mixture. The mixture may loosen up from ball form with the addition of fruits and nuts. That's okay.

  • Take your energy bar mixture and press onto a small pan lined with parchment paper. Press down firmly so that the energy bar becomes compact and the nuts and fruits are firmly embedded into the date mixture. Energy bar mixture should be about 1/2 inch in thickness.

  • Chill for a few hours or overnight. Remove from fridge and using a sharp knife, cut to desired bar lengths. Bars can be stored in fridge or freezer.

Notes

You want to use dried dates that are soft and moist. I recommend using medjool dates. I try to start with a new package of dried dates. If you are using old dates that may have lost their moisture, you will need to soften them first by soaking them in warm water for a few minutes.

The nutrition information provided are only estimates based on an online nutritional calculator. I am not a certified nutritionist. Please consult a professional nutritionist or doctor for accurate information and any dietary restrictions and concerns you may have.

Did you make this recipe?I'd love to see it! Mention @KirbieCravings and tag #kirbiecravings!

Posted in: 4 Ingredients or Less, Recipes, Snacks

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12 comments on “Energy Bars (3 Ingredient Recipe)”

  1. Cathy January 25, 2022 @ 3:03 am Reply

    Hi I would like to try making these but want to know the nutritional values please using the same ingredients as you. Thanks

    • Kirbie's Cravings Team January 26, 2022 @ 12:54 pm Reply

      Sorry, but we don’t have the nutritional info for this recipe. There are free online calculators you can use to get the information.

  2. Stephanie McNamara June 6, 2021 @ 12:00 pm Reply

    Wondering if Almond paste might be another substitute for those averse to dates? Love yourself 3 ingredient stuff for meager cooks like me. It’s perfect!!

    • Kirbie's Cravings Team September 22, 2021 @ 1:59 pm Reply

      We haven’t tried almond paste so we can’t say how that will work. We’re glad to hear you love the easy recipes!

  3. Nuri January 8, 2019 @ 2:23 pm Reply

    Thanks for recipe. I usually use date paste, instead of actual dates, I get date paste at Middle Eastern halal stores, brand called Ziad Baking Paste, it costs under 3$.

    • Kirbie January 9, 2019 @ 12:16 am Reply

      thanks for sharing!

  4. Ambre November 12, 2013 @ 8:52 am Reply

    HI! I found this recipe via Lauren Conrad’s blog today and i so want to try it!! But i just have one stupid little quesiton: is it okay if i use a blender instead of the food processor?? Because i don’t have one on hand and I still want to do your recipe!!!

    Thanks for the clarification!! 🙂

    • Kirbie November 12, 2013 @ 9:47 am Reply

      I’m not sure if a blender will properly be able to make this. This doesn’t have any liquids, so this may just sit in the blender and not mix right.

  5. Kathleen September 12, 2013 @ 3:18 pm Reply

    Don’t the dates get all stuck into the blades of the processer?

    • Kirbie September 12, 2013 @ 4:30 pm Reply

      No, the processor should be powerful enough to work through the stickiness.

  6. Gwyn April 5, 2013 @ 1:08 pm Reply

    Hi,

    OMG! I just made these and I can not stop snacking on them. They will be perfect for moving across the country in 2 months! There affordable and fairly easy to make. I added pretzels, chocolate almonds, and reduced sugar crasins. I wonder if the base would work with something like part dark chocolate and part dates because SOME people in my house don’t like dates (wonder if their related to me?). Next time I’m going to put in chocolate protein powder!

    • Kirbie April 5, 2013 @ 4:14 pm Reply

      Hmm, I think if try to get rid of the dates or take some out, the energy bar loses the base that keeps it together. I guess maybe dark chocolate might work but I’m not sure and it might get more messy. I was thinking of trying some other sticky fruits, like dried figs, but haven’t gotten a chance to experiment yet.

Energy Bars (3 Ingredient Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What makes a good energy bar? ›

Read the Ingredients: Look for energy bars with natural and wholesome ingredients. Avoid bars with high levels of added sugars or artificial ingredients. Nutritional Balance: Choose bars that offer a good balance of macronutrients like protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

What is the composition of the energy bar? ›

A typical energy bar weighs between 30 and 50 g and is likely to supply about 200–300 Cal (840–1,300 kJ), 3–9 g of fat, 7–15 g of protein, and 20–40 g of carbohydrates — the three sources of energy in food.

What to avoid in energy bars? ›

Emulsifiers
  • Soy lecithin.
  • CSL Calcium Stearoyl Di Laciate.
  • PolyGlycerol Ester (PGE)
  • Sorbitan Ester (SOE)
  • PG Ester (PGME)
  • Sugar Ester (SE)
  • Monoglyceride (MG)
  • Acetylated Monoglyceride (AMG)

How do you pack homemade energy bars? ›

Slice chilled bars into twenty 2x3-inch squares. Wrap each bar in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.

What makes energy bars stick together? ›

Honey – Along with the nut butter, it helps all these ingredients stick together! I love its warm amber flavor in this recipe. Vanilla extract – It amps up the bars' warm flavor.

Do energy bars actually help? ›

Energy bars are, by definition, high in readily available calories and carbohydrates, which makes them great workout fuel. If you're eating them purely as a healthy snack and hoping they'll make you fitter and healthier, they may contain more energy than your body requires at that moment and may not be the best choice.

How much sugar should be in an energy bar? ›

Look for how much fat and sugar it contains.

If you're eating it as a meal replacement, it should have no more than 4 grams of added sugars and 4 grams of saturated fat per bar. If you're eating it as a snack, choose bars with no more than 2 grams of added sugar or 2 grams of saturated fat per bar.

What is protein energy bar? ›

Protein bars are usually lower in carbohydrates than energy bars, lower in vitamins and dietary minerals than meal replacement bars, and significantly higher in protein than either. Protein bars are mainly marketed to athletes or exercise enthusiasts for muscle building or as a wellness-themed convenience food.

What is the classification of energy bars? ›

Energy bars are generally classified as a type of snack. They are designed to provide a quick and convenient source of energy and nutrition, often containing a balanced combination of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Is it OK to eat energy bars everyday? ›

While protein bars can be enjoyed regularly, consuming them as meal replacements or as your primary protein source isn't recommended. Pay close attention to nutrition labels, as many protein bars contain added sugars, saturated fats and other low-nutrient ingredients.

Is it bad to eat energy bars everyday? ›

They are high in sugars: Many commonly available protein bars at the supermarket contain added sugars. Eating these daily can be harmful in the long run, as we all know that high sugar intake can increase weight, body fat, and tooth decay.

What ingredients are bad in protein bars? ›

Added sugars and artificial sweeteners

While a protein bar isn't as nutritionally empty as a bag of ultra-processed potato chips, many brands contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, such as high-fructose corn syrup, and fatty oils like canola or palm that keep the bar from falling apart.

How long do homemade energy bars last? ›

Kept dry and tightly wrapped, these energy bars will keep at room temperature for weeks, months even. Just don't let them get too hot in your car or wherever, because they will melt, just like any other energy bar.

How long can you store homemade energy bars? ›

Another study concluded that an energy bar made from underutilized Chironji seeds was safe to consume within 15 days after production if kept at room temperature . Additionally, energy bars made from sorghum were found to be acceptable up to 60 days of storage and had good shelf life .

Can you live off energy bars? ›

While eating only energy bars isn't that realistic, it's reassuring to know that they can provide you with all the nutrients you need.

What should I look for in a health bar? ›

Look for how much fat and sugar it contains.

If you're eating it as a meal replacement, it should have no more than 4 grams of added sugars and 4 grams of saturated fat per bar. If you're eating it as a snack, choose bars with no more than 2 grams of added sugar or 2 grams of saturated fat per bar.

How do I choose a good bar? ›

What makes a great bar great?
  1. Service, décor, atmosphere, drinks selection and food, or at least bar snacks, all contribute to make a good bar but within those broad headings it is numerous small things that contribute to make a truly great bar. ...
  2. Door staff. ...
  3. Friendly welcome. ...
  4. Consummate host. ...
  5. Table service. ...
  6. Clean toilets.

What makes an energy drink good? ›

Gives a boost in energy – Two key ingredients in energy drinks are sugar and caffeine. The combination of these supplements is what charges your mind and body to stay awake and energized to combat a long day.

How do I choose a healthy bar? ›

Read the ingredient list and look for whole, natural foods like fruit, nuts and seeds. Avoid any ingredients that are chemically altered or highly processed. Many bars contain a high amount of synthetic fibers and sugar alcohols—which can cause digestive upset in many people.

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