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Looking for something sweet and chewy without marshmallows or a sugar overload? These bars fit the bill. Dates and a smooth nut butter do all the sweetening and hold things together, so you get a simple, gluten free, and vegan-friendly treat you can whip up fast at home
When I made these for a kid's party, the adults couldn't stop grabbing extras. That mix of dates and peanut butter makes these so rich and filling
Delicious Ingredients
- Medjool dates, whole: These add stickiness and natural sugar. Softer dates make them easier to mash up
- Almond or peanut butter, smooth: Pulls all the bits together and gives this snack a creamy bite. Go with the kind that's just nuts and salt for the best taste
- Vanilla extract: Brings all the flavors to life. Using real vanilla is worth it for a pure flavor
- Sea salt: Keeps the sweetness in check. Fine grain helps it blend easily
- Pure maple syrup: Adds a caramel-like flavor and also helps everything stick. Go for the real stuff only
- Rice crispy-style cereal: Brings the crunch. Check it’s fresh and gluten free if you need that
Simple Instructions
- Chill and Slice:
- Pop the pan into your fridge. Let it rest for half an hour to sixty minutes so the bars get firm. Take a sharp knife and cut them up into twelve pieces
- Press into Pan:
- Line a baking pan (nine by thirteen inch) with parchment or grease it lightly. Dump in the mix then press it down hard with a spatula or parchment for bars that stick together
- Mix in the Cereal:
- Quickly fold in the rice crispy cereal while the paste is warm. Use a tough spoon and work fast to get all the cereal coated
- Warm the Paste:
- Scoop the paste into a microwave bowl and heat it for about thirty seconds—not long, just to loosen it up. Don’t let it get soupy
- Blend the Mixture:
- Stick the squeezed dates, nut butter, salt, maple syrup, and vanilla in your food processor. Whirl it up into a thick, even paste, pausing to scrape the sides so nothing gets left behind
- Drain and Squeeze:
- Once the soaking is up, pour off the water, then press hard with your hands to get rid of any extra water. Getting them as dry as you can is key or the bars won't stick
- Soak the Dates:
- Put the dates in a bowl and cover them with water for about an hour. This step helps the dates blend smooth and thick
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I can't get enough of Medjool dates in these—they make the bars so chewy, kind of like caramel. Nobody ever believes there's zero sugar or marshmallows in them, just whole dates
Best Ways to Store
Pop the bars in a sealed container in your fridge and they'll last up to two weeks. They'll be fine on the counter for a few days, but colder temps keep them at their chewy best. Wrap them up and freeze if you want them to last for a month
Ingredient Swaps
If you want a milder nutty flavor, switch to almond butter instead of peanut. Not vegan? Use honey in place of maple syrup. Just double check your crispy cereal is unsweetened and gluten free if that's what you need
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Tasty Ways to Serve
These are awesome for lunches or as a grab and go breakfast. Cut them into little squares for snacking, or use a smaller dish to make chunkier ones. They look great wrapped up for gifting and are a hit at parties
Food Story and Traditions
Americans have been making versions of these treats since the 1950s but this style has a healthy spin. Using dates and nut butter brings in flavors you'd find in Middle Eastern snacks where dates are everywhere. It’s a fun mix of classic and fresh eating styles
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?
Totally! Almond butter does the trick too and it’ll taste a little nuttier.
- → Why do I need to soak and squeeze the dates?
Soaking softens them so you can mash them up easier. Squeezing just gets rid of the extra water—so you don’t end up with mushy bars.
- → Is it possible to use honey instead of maple syrup?
Yep, honey swaps in fine if vegan isn’t a must. The bars will taste a bit different and smell a little extra sweet.
- → How should I store the bars to keep them fresh?
Pop them in a sealed container in the fridge. They’ll keep for a couple weeks, or toss them in your bag for a few days if you want to snack on-the-go.
- → Can I make thicker bars?
If you want chunky bars, just use a smaller pan like 8x8. Squish the mix down so it sticks together better.