Chocolate date and nut bars (no bake)

If you don't have time to bake but want a homemade treat, chocolate, date and nut bars are for you! These easy no bake chocolate bars are perfect for lunchboxes, kids' parties, picnics, bake sales or simply to enjoy at home.

This easy no bake recipe is great because it:

• Is made using only four store cupboard ingredients
• Does not need baking
• Can be prepared in very little time
• Does not require any special skills
• Contains wholesome ingredients

Ingredients for chocolate date and nut bars

• 300g (10.6 ounces) chocolate suitable for melting (preferably minimum 70% cocoa content)
• 150g (5.3 ounces) stoned dates
• 60g (2.1 ounces) dried blueberries or raisins
• 120g (4.2 ounces) pecan nuts

Equipment needed

• Chopping board
• Small sharp knife to cut the dates
• Medium sized bowl suitable to use in the microwave
• Dessert spoon to mix the ingredients
• 25cm by 15cm (10" by 6") tin
• Non stick lining paper
• Large sharp knife to cut the bars

How to make no bake chocolate, date and nut bars

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.
3. If you don't have pecans then other varieties of nuts can be used instead such as walnuts or pistachios.
4. The prepared chocolate bars should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge and will keep for several days.