10 Mar 2025
Cook time 0 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
2 cups almonds
3 cups dried cranberries
26 dates
No-bake almond cranberry energy bars are the perfect on-the-go snack. Packed with natural sweetness from dates and a burst of tartness from cranberries, these energy bars are both delicious and nutritious. They require no baking, making them a quick and easy option for a healthy treat.
Instructions:
1. Prepare Ingredients:
- Begin by measuring out all your ingredients.
- If your dates have pits, make sure to remove them before proceeding.
2. Process Almonds:
- Place the 2 cups of almonds into a food processor or high-speed blender.
- Pulse until the almonds are finely chopped, but not completely turned into almond flour. You want a coarse texture to add some crunch to the bars.
3. Add Dates:
- Add the pitted dates to the food processor with the almonds.
- Pulse again until the dates are well combined with the almonds and the mixture starts to clump together. This might take a minute or two. The dates will act as a binder, holding the bars together.
4. Incorporate Cranberries:
- Add the 3 cups of dried cranberries to the processor.
- Pulse until the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the almond-date mixture. The mixture should now be sticky and hold together when pressed.
5. Prepare a Pan:
- Line an 8x8 inch baking dish or pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift out the bars later.
6. Press the Mixture:
- Transfer the mixture from the food processor into the prepared baking dish.
- Use your hands or the back of a spoon to press the mixture firmly and evenly into the dish. Make sure to pack it down well so the bars hold together.
7. Chill to Set:
- Place the dish in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1-2 hours. This will help the bars firm up and make them easier to cut.
8. Cut and Serve:
- Once the mixture is firm, lift it out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang.
- Place on a cutting board and cut into energy bars or squares of your desired size.
9. Store:
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should keep for up to two weeks. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
Tips:
- Use a food processor to ensure that the mixture is well combined.
- Line your baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean-up.
- Press the mixture firmly into the dish to help the bars hold together better.
- Refrigerate the bars for at least an hour before slicing to ensure they hold their shape.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Making no-bake almond cranberry energy bars is an effortless way to prepare a healthy and delicious snack that you can enjoy at any time. With only three ingredients and no need for an oven, these bars are simple, quick, and packed with flavor and nutrients. Enjoy making and eating these delightful treats!