I’ve always had a soft spot for sweet treats that don’t require a ton of ingredients or effort. One time, after a particularly long day, I was craving something sweet but didn’t have the energy to whip up anything complicated.
That’s when I stumbled upon this recipe, and it quickly became my go-to for those moments when I need something sticky, sweet, and absolutely satisfying.
Imagine the rich taste of medjool dates combined with smooth almond butter and puffed quinoa, all wrapped up in a thick layer of dark chocolate. It’s like a toffee crisp, but better—and healthier! For those looking for a quick and easy snack that satisfies their sweet tooth while still providing some nutritional benefits, these dark chocolate date bars are the perfect option. They’re great for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or a post-workout treat. And if you’re in the mood for something more savory, try making some quick vegemite scrolls to pair with these date bars for a balanced and delicious snack combination.
Ingredients for the Base:
- 12 large medjool dates, pitted
- 1/2 cup smooth almond butter (120g)
- 1.5 cups puffed quinoa (40g)
Topping:
- 125g dark chocolate
Directions:
- Toast the Puffed Quinoa: Start by toasting the puffed quinoa in the oven at 180C/350F for about 5 minutes. Don’t skip this step! The toasting makes it crispy and gives the bars that satisfying crunch.
- Blend the Dates and Almond Butter: In a food processor, combine the dates and almond butter. Blend until the mixture is smooth. If your dates are a bit tough, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to help it along. Be careful not to add too much water—you don’t want the mixture to be too wet, or it’ll make the quinoa soggy.
- Mix in the Quinoa: Once the date and almond butter mixture is smooth, add in the puffed quinoa and pulse until everything is well combined. Shape the mixture into mini bars and place them in the refrigerator while you melt the chocolate.
- Dip in Chocolate: Melt the dark chocolate and dip each of the bars into it. Place the bars back in the fridge to set. And just like that, you’ve got yourself a batch of deliciously sweet and crunchy treats!
Recipe Details:
Servings | Prep Time | Cook Time | Cuisine | Type of Meal |
---|---|---|---|---|
10 bars | 15 mins | 5 mins | American | Snack |
Notes:
- Make sure your dates are soft for easier blending. If they’re a bit hard, soaking them in warm water for a few minutes can help.
- The toasting of the puffed quinoa is crucial for that perfect crunch!
These quinoa date bars are the perfect combination of sweet, sticky, and crunchy. With just four ingredients, they’re incredibly easy to make and even easier to enjoy. The dark chocolate coating adds a touch of indulgence, making them a treat you’ll want to have on hand for those moments when you need something sweet but still wholesome.
People Also Ask:
Q: Can I use a different nut butter?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to swap almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, or any other nut butter you prefer.
Q: How long will these bars last in the fridge?
A: These bars will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week, but they’re so tasty, they probably won’t last that long!
Q: Can I skip the chocolate topping?
A: You can, but the dark chocolate adds a rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the dates and the crunch of the quinoa.
4 Ingredient Toffee Crisp
Ingredients
Ingredients for base:
- 12 large medjool dates pitted
- ½ cup smooth almond butter 120g
- 1.5 cups puffed quinoa 40g
Topping:
- 125 g dark chocolate
Instructions
- Toast the puffed quinoa for 5 mins in the oven at 180C/350F so it’s crispy (don’t miss this step)
- Add the dates and almond butter to a food processor and blend until smooth. Add 1-2 tbsp of water as you blend if needed (only if your dates are harder. You don’t want the mix to be too wet as it will make the quinoa soggy).
- Add the puffed quinoa and pulse to mix well. Shape in mini bars and refrigerate whilst you melt the chocolate
- Melt the chocolate and dip each of the bars and place back in the fridge to set
Notes
- Make sure your dates are soft for easier blending. If they’re a bit hard, soaking them in warm water for a few minutes can help.
- The toasting of the puffed quinoa is crucial for that perfect crunch!
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