Our favorite dried fruit and nuts to use are cherries and almonds, but you can swap these out for whatever dried fruits or nuts just happen to take your fancy. Please keep the dates though as they help bind and sweeten the bars without the need for sugar.
If you like, you can also play around with adding some more ingredients to the mix: a couple of tablespoons of chia seeds, a handful of coconut, or even some chocolate chips. Keep the equal parts of the base ingredients (1 part dried fruit, 1 part nuts, and 1 part dates), and add any extras a bit at a time until you get the taste and texture that you're looking for.
As you're about to find out, making energy bars is so simple that you'll never need to buy them again.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Energy Bars at Home
Makes 8 large bars or 16 small square-shaped bars.
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
1. Roast the nuts (optional). Nuts can be used roasted or raw; roasting will add a nutty and toasty depth to the bars. If desired, roast the nuts at 350°F for around 10 minutes, until fragrant and golden. Let them cool before using.
2. Add the nuts, dried fruit and dates to the food processor and pulse a few times, just to break them up. Separate the dates if they start to clump together.
3. Process continuously for 30 seconds. At this point, all the ingredients should have been broken down into smaller pieces. Scrape the edges of the bowl to make sure nothing is sticking.
4. Continue processing for another minute or two, until the ingredients have clumped together into a ball.
5. Place a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper on your work surface and dump the dough on top. Press the dough with your hands until a thick square, roughly 8" by 8" in size, has formed. Wrap and chill for an hour, or leave in the fridge overnight.
6. Divide into bars. Unwrap the chilled dough and place on a cutting board. Cut into 8 large bars or 16 small squares, as desired. Wrap each bar in wax paper or plastic wrap.
7. Store the bars. The bars can be stored in the fridge for several weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Additional Notes
Source: thekitchn
Photos: Emma Christensen
Treat Your Friends to These Delicious Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a major crowd pleaser. Here's how you can make these tasty snacks at home.
These Chocolate Eclairs Are the Perfect Dessert!
This is how you can make yourself some delicious chocolate eclairs at home. Take a look!
Improve Your Brunch with These Delicious Eggs Benedict!
This is how you can make a delicious Eggs Benedict at home. It's a lot easier than you have heard!
These Delicious Onion Rings Will Impress All Your Guests!
Here’s how you can make some tasty homemade onion rings that are just as good as those from the local diner.
These Delicious Onion Rings Will Impress All Your Guests
Here’s how you can make some tasty homemade onion rings that are just as good as those from the local diner.
These Snacks Are Both Delicious and Healthy! Try Them Out!
People associate snacking with being unhealthy, but the following 6 snacks taste great and are also good for you.
Guide: The Right Seasoning Can Do Wonders!
A steak is easy to make. A well seasoned one, though, can make all the difference.
How to Make Delicious and Healthy Avocado Chocolate Cake
Everyone thinks cakes are unhealthy, but it doesn't always have to be the case! This tasty and healthy chocolate avocado cake is a great example of this!
Cook a Traditional Czech Meal With These 5 Recipes
To enjoy the unique tastes of Czech cuisine, you no longer need to fly abroad. The following recipes will allow you to cook a traditional Czech meal yourself.
10 Piping Hot Soups to Keep You Warm Throughout Winter
These soups are amazingly tasty, and will keep you warm on a cold winter's day. Yet the most amazing thing is that they are all under 300 calories.
9 Great Dressing Ideas to Freshen Up Your Salad
Hungry for some juicy salad dressing ideas to spice up your salad? These simple and healthy recipes are just what you need for inspiration!
Make 8 Super-Simple Yet Healthy Treats
Discover how to transform simple ingredients into delicious, healthy snacks.
Trying to Cut Meat from Your Life? Try These Substitutes!
Vegetable and plant-based meat substitutes that are juicy, savory and rich in proteins and vitamins.
5 Ancient Grains You Never Thought to Have for Breakfast
It’s no secret that one of the hardest things about cooking is deciding what to cook. We’re here to suggest 5 warm breakfasts you never thought of.
This Crispy Lemon Pie Is Made From Just One Batter!
It's hard to believe how this delicious dessert's creamy filling and perfect crunchy crust is made. Take a look and save the recipe.
13 Delicious Juice Recipes to Detox Your Body With...
Follow this guide to learn how to make 13 delicious juices that'll help you detoxify your body.
THIS is Why I Love Italian Cuisine!
What makes the Italian cuisine one of the best in the world? Watch and learn.
The 12 Best Foods for Your Abs!
Introducing the 12 best foods to burn excess stomach fat and keep your body trimmed and thin.
Consuming Too Much of These Healthy Foods Can Be Deadly
While they may appear to be healthy on the surface, you may be surprised to discover just how fatal these 6 foods can be.
Ever Wondered What Presidential Meals Look Like?
State dinners are more than a fancy meal. Here's a brief look at what goes on inside presidential state dinners.
The KFC Secret Recipe Cat Is Out of the Bag - Here it Is
Colonel Sanders' nephew reveals the original secret recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken.
This is the Fluffiest Omelet You'll EVER Make!
If you like your breakfast eggs fluffy but juicy, don't miss out on this mouthwatering Soufflé Omelet recipe!
We Bet You've Never Tasted Potatoes As Delicious As These
These are the best potatoes you have ever tasted!
I Never Realized You Can Serve a Watermelon Like This!
In this article, you’ll find creative serving suggestions, efficient ways to cut a watermelon, and even a guide to choosing the perfect specimen.
Cook the Juiciest Chicken Breasts Ever With This Recipe
Chicken breasts are easy to cook, but they need to be cooked properly to be enjoyed. This recipe will ensure you cook the tastiest chicken breasts imaginable.
These 10 Superfoods Are Extremely Beneficial to Our Health
These 10 Superfoods are extremely good for you. Read on to find out what they are and how they are beneficial to our bodies.
Incredibly Delicious and Easy-To-Make Chicken Dish
A simple recipe which will leave you with mouthwatering chicken every time.
Impress Your Guests With This Easily Made Apple Swan!
A simple and easy way to beautify any set table with beautiful little apple swans!
These Halloween Cupcakes Are Simply the Best!
Halloween is always a fun time of year, but it's about to become more delicious and more fun thanks to this gorgeous trio of cupcakes! Here's the recipe.
8 Drinks That Help Burn Extra Fat Around Your Waistline
You may be surprised to discover that there are a number of drinks that can help you lose weight. Let's take a look at 8 of them.
Why You Should Never Add Cheddar Cheese To Your Omelet
You can't make an omelet without breaking some eggs, but other than that, how do you make a truly superior omelet every time? This is how...
Whet Your Appetite with These Delicious Salmon Fish Cakes
Fish cakes can be served as a starter or a main course, this recipe will teach you how to make delicious salmon fish cakes.
KFC's Original Fried Chicken Recipe is Finally Revealed...
Colonel Sanders' nephew reveals the original secret recipe for Kentucky Fried Chicken.
Here's How You Can Dice Green Onions Like a Professional
Prepare to take your cooking skills to the next level by learning about the correct way to dice green onions.
4 Heavenly Chicken Soups to Spoil Yourself with This Winter
Chicken is a common soup ingredient because of its ideal tenderness and taste. Presenting 4 of the many irresistible ways to make the chicken soup of your dreams.
Reduce Your Carbs By Choosing the Right Food Alternatives
Reducing our carbohydrate intake is not as hard as it may seem. Find out what healthier alternatives you can make here.
Surprise Your Sweetheart With a Valentine’s Day Breakfast
All of these recipes are simple in preparation, but very different in taste and food preferences. Find the perfect one for your special someone...
This is How You Make Delicious Home-Made Hummus
Hummus is delicious, and you'll be surprised how easy it is to make your own.
Why Did No One Tell Me That Beer Is So Amazing?
Did you know any of this stunning beer trivia? Frankly, I had no idea that beer was this amazing.
I Could Eat This Yummy No-Oven Cake Every Day!
When a sweet tooth strikes, this is the dessert to make! No oven is needed.
This Spice Cheat-Sheet Gives the Full Delicious Picture
This spice chart allows you to maximize the taste of any meal.
8 Foods That Make for the Most Filling Low-Calorie Snacks
Do you want to control your weight? Our list of top 8 most filling foods ranks the ones with the lowest calories!
For a Twist on Carrot Cake, Try These Bite-Sized Cookies
For a delicious twist on carrot cake, try these cookie bites! Perfect for an afternoon snack.
A Formula For Whipping Up Healthy 20-Minutes Meals
This video offers a delightfully simple solution for busy people - a go-to formula for healthy 20-minute meals.
A Guide to 7 Unique Tomato Varieties and How to Use Them
Whoa! I never knew there were so many different varieties of tomatoes out there.
9 Ice Cream Recipes You Can Make with a Food Processor
9 easy, healthier ice cream recipes that you can prepare in a food processor.
Make Much Better Eggs With These 10 Awesome Tips
You may think you're able to cook eggs well, but these tips will simply take your ability to a whole new level. Learn how to cook eggs right in this post.