Chocolate date and nut bars (no bake)

If you don't have time to bake but want a tasty homemade treat, these chocolate, date and nut bars are for you! These no bake, 4 ingredient snack bars are perfect for lunchboxes, kids' parties, a post workout snack, bake sales or simply to enjoy with a cup of coffee

These easy no bake snack bars are great because:

• You only need four ingredients.
• They are simple to prepare and do not require baking.
• They contain wholesome ingredients.
• You can vary the add-ins to customise this recipe.

If you are looking for other no bake chocolate recipes you might like to try these chocolate tahini squares, this marble topped chocolate tiffin, this fun chocolate salami which resembles a meat salami, chocolate banana truffles which are made using mashed banana in place of cream, rum truffles which are perfect for a homemade gift, double chocolate cheesecake, creamy white chocolate truffles or no churn chocolate ice cream which can be made without an ice cream maker.

Ingredients

• Chocolate - use a type suitable for melting (preferably minimum 70% cocoa content).
• Dates - deglet nour or medjool dates
• Dried blueberries
• Pecans

Make them vegan

To make vegan chocolate date bars, use a non-dairy vegan chocolate,

How to prepare

Start by chopping each date into around eight to ten pieces and break the pecan nuts using your hands.

Break the chocolate into pieces and melt using a microwave on half power at 30 second intervals, stirring between each burst of power. Don't be tempted to microwave on a higher power setting or for longer bursts to save time as you may overheat or burn the chocolate.

Add the chopped dates, broken nuts and blueberries (or raisins) to the melted chocolate and stir until the dry ingredients are completely covered with chocolate and everything is well mixed together.

Place a sheet of non stick lining paper in the base of the tin and then pack the mixture into the tin. Flatten down the surface using the back of a spoon to make sure the mixture is well compacted. Place in the fridge for about an hour to chill and set.

Tips

1. Don't be tempted to microwave the chocolate for longer than 30 seconds at a time at half power as it can easily become overheated or burned and this will impair the flavour of the chocolate.
2. If you don't have a microwave the chocolate can be melted in a heatproof bowl over a pan of hot water, but be careful not to allow any water to come in contact with the chocolate as this will affect its qualities.

Storage instructions

Store in a cool place or in a fridge for several days.

Variations

• Substitute other types of nuts such as walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts.
• Swap other types of dried fruits such as raisins, apricots or figs.
• Add seeds such as pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.

Other no bake chocolate recipes