These date bars are made up of only two ingredients but are a delicious, kid friendly, high fibre treat, perfect for mid afternoon. Customize them by adding some nut butter for protein, salt for flavour or sprinkles for fun, the possibilities are endless!
A note on some of the ingredients:
Medjool dates: I prefer to use Medjool dates for these date bars as they are soft and sweet. They also offer a subtle caramel flavour to the bars. Medjool dates are higher in fibre and potassium than other dates. I buy dates with the pits in as I find they keep fresh longer.
Semi sweet chocolate chips: I buy President’s Choice Semi sweet chocolate chips as they are accidentally vegan and gluten free. You can easily find them in the grocery store’s baking aisle. You can use whichever chocolate chip brand is your favourite. As the Medjool dates are already very sweet, I use semi sweet chocolate for the top of the bars. Dark chocolate would also be a delicious option.
Cashew butter (optional): Add a layer of cashew butter to these date bars to raise protein and enhance richness. Cashew butter has a subtle flavour that pairs well with the dates and chocolate. Other nut butters such as peanut or almond would also go well with these date bars. Often I leave the bars as only chocolate and dates in order to keep them nut free for school.
How the Simple Date Bars are Made:
Pit the dates by splitting them in half lengthwise. Don’t cut through the entire date as this will make it easier to spread them out.
On a piece of parchment paper, lay the dates cut side down and press them firmly into the shape of a rectangle.
Ensure that there are no gaps or spaces between the dates. It may be helpful to fold the parchment paper over and use a rolling pin to flatten the dates if they are not very soft. Carefully flip the dates over and peel back the parchment paper so that the cut sides of the dates are now up.
In a microwave safe bowl add the chocolate chips and melt in 30 second increments, stirring after each time. Melt the chocolate chips completely, then spread the melted chocolate over the dates.
At this time you can top with either flaky or coarse sea salt and sprinkles. Place the date bars in the freezer for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is firm. Cut the date bars into 12 bars and store in an air tight container in the fridge.
Enjoy!
Looking for other mid afternoon snack ideas? Try my Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Two Ways, my Chocolate Glazed Donut Holes or my Best Roasted Chickpeas!
Simple Two Ingredient Date Bars
The perfect sweet treat for the middle of the afternoon!
12
servings5
minutes120
kcal30
minutes35
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
12 medjool dates, pitted
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
1/2 tsp coarse sea salt
1/4 cup cashew butter (optional)
sprinkles (optional)
Directions
- Spread a piece of parchment paper out and open each date in half. Press the dates down firmly onto the parchment paper with each one slightly overlapping the next to form a rectangle. Fold the parchment paper over and roll the dates out with a rolling pin. Carefully pull the top piece of parchment paper off the dates.
- In a microwave safe bowl add the chocolate chips and melt them 30 seconds at a time, stirring well in between until they are fully melted.
- If using cashew butter, spread it out over the dates.
- Spread the melted chocolate over the dates in an even layer. Top with a few sprinkles and coarse sea salt. Put the date bars in the freezer for 30 minutes until the chocolate is firm. Once the chocolate has firmed up slice the bars into 12 bars. Store in the fridge.
Notes
- Nutritional information is a rough estimate.
- Nutritional information is for dates and chocolate chips only.
Nutrition Facts
- Total number of serves: 12
- Calories: 120kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24.7g
- Protein: 1.1g
- Fat: 2.7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.7g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0.2mg
- Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugar: 20.6g
