Versatile Raw Energy Bars
These delightful Versatile Raw Energy Bars are packed with wholesome ingredients and are perfect for a quick breakfast or an on-the-go snack. With the flexibility to customize the nuts and dried fruits to suit your taste, these bars can be tailored to your dietary preferences. Simply maintain the 1:3 ratio of dates to nuts for a delicious and nutritious treat. Originally inspired by the Bunnyfoot Mostly Vegan blog, these bars are a fantastic way to fuel your day with natural energy!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
2
Ingredients
Ingredients
Medjool dates
1 cup (pitted)
Raw cashews
3 cups (chopped)
Instructions
1
Start by placing the pitted Medjool dates in a food processor. Pulse until the dates are broken down into a smooth, sticky paste.
2
In a separate bowl, roughly chop the raw cashews into smaller pieces to enhance the texture of the bars.
3
Combine the smooth date paste and the chopped cashews in a mixing bowl. Using your hands, knead and smoosh the ingredients together until the cashews are evenly distributed throughout the date mixture.
4
Once well combined, shape the mixture into a long rope. Aim for a thickness that you prefer for your bars.
5
To form the bars, place a cutting board over the dough rope and gently press down until you achieve a rectangular bar shape. You can adjust the thickness based on your preference.
6
Cut into 6 equal pieces and enjoy your homemade raw energy bars!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Versatile Raw Energy Bars?
Versatile Raw Energy Bars are wholesome, no-bake snacks made primarily from Medjool dates and raw cashews, designed for quick breakfasts or on-the-go energy.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires only two main ingredients: 1 cup of Medjool dates and 3 cups of raw cashews.
What is the ideal ratio for these energy bars?
The ideal ratio for these bars is 1 part dates to 3 parts nuts to ensure the proper texture and sweetness.
Are these energy bars suitable for a vegan diet?
Yes, these bars are entirely vegan as they consist only of fruit and nuts.
Do I need to bake these bars?
No, these are raw energy bars and do not require any baking or cooking.
What type of dates should I use?
Medjool dates are recommended because they are soft and create a smooth, sticky paste essential for holding the bars together.
How should I prepare the dates?
The dates should be pitted and then pulsed in a food processor until they form a smooth, sticky paste.
How should the raw cashews be prepared?
The raw cashews should be roughly chopped into smaller pieces to enhance the overall texture of the bars.
How do I mix the ingredients together?
Combine the date paste and chopped cashews in a bowl, then use your hands to knead and smoosh them until the cashews are evenly distributed.
What is the best way to shape the bars?
After mixing, shape the dough into a long rope of your preferred thickness, then press down with a cutting board to flatten into a rectangular shape.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 equal-sized energy bars.
Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes, the recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the nuts to suit your taste as long as you maintain the 1:3 ratio.
Can I substitute the dried fruit?
Yes, you can customize the dried fruits to your preference while maintaining the ratio of 1 part fruit to 3 parts nuts.
Are these bars considered a healthy breakfast?
Yes, they are packed with wholesome ingredients and natural energy, making them a great healthy breakfast option.
What equipment is necessary for this recipe?
You will need a food processor to pulse the dates and a cutting board to help shape and flatten the bars.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by the Bunnyfoot Mostly Vegan blog.
What is the texture of the date mixture?
The processed dates should be a smooth, sticky paste that acts as the binding agent for the nuts.
How do I ensure the nuts are distributed evenly?
Kneading the mixture by hand is the most effective way to distribute the chopped cashews throughout the sticky date paste.
Can I adjust the thickness of the bars?
Yes, you can adjust the thickness by how much you press down with the cutting board when shaping the dough rope.
Is there any added sugar in these bars?
No, these bars rely on the natural sweetness of Medjool dates and contain no added sugars.
Are these bars gluten-free?
Based on the ingredients list of dates and cashews, these bars are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add other ingredients like seeds?
The recipe is customizable, so you can likely incorporate seeds as long as the binding ratio remains sufficient.
What category does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Breakfast but also serves as a snack.
How do I cut the bars?
Once the mixture is flattened into a rectangle, use a knife to cut it into 6 equal pieces.
What makes these bars nutritious?
They are nutritious because they use whole, raw ingredients like fiber-rich dates and protein-containing cashews.
Is any special preparation needed for the cashews?
The cashews should be raw and roughly chopped before being added to the date paste.
Can I make a larger batch?
Yes, you can scale the recipe up by maintaining the 1 cup of dates to 3 cups of nuts ratio.
Why is the ratio of 1:3 important?
The 1:3 ratio ensures there is enough date paste to bind the nuts together without the bars becoming too sticky or falling apart.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include raw food, energy bars, snack, healthy breakfast, vegan, nutritious, and customizable.
Are these bars good for kids?
Yes, they are a natural, energy-dense snack that is generally appealing and healthy for children.