Date & Nut Energy Bars Recipe – Easy Indian Sweet Snack

Last Updated on 4 months by Neha Deshmukh

Date & Nut Energy Bars Recipe – Easy Indian Sweet Snack

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for healthy-ish snacks that actually taste good. And let me tell you, these Date & Nut Energy Bars are a total game-changer. I first made these when my kids were prepping for exams, needing a little boost, and they’ve been a family favorite ever since. They’re packed with goodness, super easy to make, and honestly? They satisfy that sweet craving perfectly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average energy bars. They’re inspired by traditional Indian sweets, bringing together the rich flavors of dates, nuts, and a hint of cardamom. They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or even a healthy dessert. Plus, they require minimal cooking and no baking! What’s not to love? They’re also great for gifting – everyone appreciates a homemade treat.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious bars:

• 1 tsp ghee (approximately 5ml)
• ?? cup almonds (approximately 75g)
• ?? cup cashew (approximately 75g)
• ?? cup walnuts (approximately 75g)
• 3 tbsp pumpkin seeds (approximately 30g)
• 3 tbsp pistachios (approximately 30g)
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds (approximately 20g)
• 1.5 cup dates (approximately 240g)
• 2 tbsp anjeer (dried figs, approximately 30g)
• 2 tbsp raisins (approximately 20g)
• ?? tsp cardamom powder (approximately 1-2g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little things can make a big difference:

• Date Varieties: I prefer using Medjool dates for their soft, caramel-like texture. But if you can’t find them, Deglet Noor dates work well too – you might just need to soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften them up a bit.
• Nut Combinations: Feel free to play around with the nuts! Pecans, macadamia nuts, or even hazelnuts would be lovely additions. I like a mix for texture and flavor.
• Ghee Quality: Good quality ghee really shines through. If you can, use homemade or a brand you trust. It adds a beautiful aroma and richness.
• Cardamom Source: Freshly ground cardamom is always best. The aroma is incredible! If you’re using pre-ground, make sure it’s relatively fresh.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! It’s easier than you think.

1. First, heat 1 tsp of ghee in a pan over low heat. Add the almonds, cashews, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, and sunflower seeds.
2. Roast them gently, stirring often, until they become nice and crunchy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn them! Once roasted, set them aside to cool.
3. In another pan, heat another 1 tsp of ghee. Add the chopped anjeer (dried figs) and raisins. Roast until they become plump and fragrant – about 3-5 minutes.
4. Now, it’s time for the dates! Grind them into a smooth paste using a mixer grinder. You might need to scrape down the sides a few times.
5. Add the date paste to the pan with the roasted anjeer and raisins. Cook on medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes glossy and starts to come together.
6. Add the roasted nuts and cardamom powder to the pan. Mix everything really well until it’s all combined and the mixture starts to hold its shape.
7. Let the mixture cool slightly. Then, using your hands (lightly greased with ghee if needed!), shape it into a cylindrical log or small ladoos (balls). You can optionally roll them in poppy seeds for a little extra texture.
8. Wrap the log or ladoos tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This helps them firm up nicely.
9. Finally, slice the log into bars before serving. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the roasting step for the nuts! It really enhances their flavor.
• If the mixture is too sticky to handle, lightly grease your hands with ghee.
• For a smoother texture, you can pulse the roasted nuts in a food processor before adding them to the date paste.

Variations

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply substitute the ghee with coconut oil.
• Gluten-Free Suitability: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
• Spice Level – Mild: If you love a little extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny bit of cinnamon along with the cardamom. My friend, Priya, loves adding a tiny pinch of black pepper!
• Festive Adaptations – Diwali/Holi: During Diwali, I sometimes add a sprinkle of edible silver leaf (varak) for a touch of elegance. For Holi, a dash of rose water adds a beautiful fragrance.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but they’re also great with a cup of chai or a glass of milk. They make a fantastic addition to a lunchbox or a healthy snack plate.

Storage Instructions

Store the energy bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for longer storage – just wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing.

FAQs

Q: What type of dates work best for this recipe?

A: Medjool dates are my go-to because they’re so soft and flavorful. But Deglet Noor dates work too, just soak them first!

Q: Can I add other seeds like chia or flax seeds?

A: Absolutely! A tablespoon or two of chia or flax seeds would add extra nutrients and a nice texture.

Q: How can I make these bars less sticky?

A: Make sure you roast the nuts well and cool the mixture slightly before shaping. Lightly greasing your hands with ghee also helps.

Q: Is it necessary to refrigerate the bars after shaping?

A: Yes, refrigerating them helps them firm up and makes them easier to slice.

Q: Can these be made ahead of time for gifting?

A: Definitely! They actually taste even better after a day or two in the fridge. Just package them nicely with a ribbon and a little note.