Homemade Date Bars

Oh my goodness, I love a good energy bar but I HATE to pay for them.

I mean seriously, standing in front of the row of all the "good for you bars" at the store is enough to give my wallet heart palpitations!

Have no fear- here is an easy, 5 ingredient hack on some of the most popular bars on the shelf.

And if the idea of an energy bar or healthy bar scares you away,

I promise these taste like a total splurge!

Here's what you need:

1 cup whole dates, pitted (make sure they are nice and moist)

1 cup other dried fruit with no added sugar (my preference is Cherries or Cranberries)

1 cup raw almonds, or other nuts

2 TBSP nut butter of choice

Optional add-ins: 1 tsp cinnamon or cocoa powder, shredded desiccated coconut

In a food processor, add the dates and half the other dried fruit.

Process until the mixture becomes sticky and forms a large ball.

Add nut butter and half the nuts and cinnamon or cocoa powder if desired

Pulse until nuts are finely processed and well combined.

Add the remaining dried fruit and nuts and process in pulses for chunkier bits of nuts.

Press a large sheet of cling wrap into the bottom/sides of an 8×8 square pan, with overhang on the sides.

Press bar mixture evenly into the bottom of pan.

Place cling wrap directly on top of the bars for an airtight seal and chill for at least an hour

To slice, remove entire bar mixture using the cling wrap overhang. Place on a cutting board and use a sharp (or serrated) knife to cut into bars.

They last longer if you keep them chilled in airtight container until ready to serve, but they can also be put wrapped individually to use as an on the go snack

These make great snacks.

They are easy to eat pre or post workout and my kids even love them cut up into their lunches as a special treat.