Chocolate Cherry Almond Pistachio Date Bars

Being hangry is a real thing. It’s ugly, it’s unpleasant, and no one likes it. Instead of grabbing for a Snickers, let’s avoid the hanger with these Chocolate Cherry Almond Pistachio Date Bars.

There are many, many reasons why you should make these.

1. Portable! These bars are easy to wrap up and stash pretty much anywhere. Bring one to work for a quick snack between meetings. Put one in your gym bag to have after an intense workout. Pack one in your purse to eat while you are out and about running errands. You get the idea.
2. Easy! This recipe comes together quickly with a big bowl and either a food processor or high-powered blender. I have made these using both devices and found that I prefer the blender over the food processor (mainly because it’s easier to clean). These bars only take a few minutes to whip up, but you will want to let the harden up in the freezer or refrigerator for a few hours. This will make cutting and wrapping them much easier. Trust me.
3. Healthy! The name of these bars is pretty transparent. In them you will find chocolate chips, cherries, almonds, pistachios, and dates. Surprised? There is also a little bit of vanilla extract and salt for an extra punch of flavor. Overall, these are filled with whole, healthy ingredients. They are full of protein and healthy fats and are naturally sweetened.
4. Delicious! Can you really go wrong with any of these things? All of the ingredients are tasty on their own, but throw them all together and it’s one delicious flavor bomb. Plus, if a snack isn’t delicious, why would we even eat it?

So that’s four reasons. Do I have you convinced?! I hope so! Make them today and never feel hangry again.

Chocolate Cherry Almond Pistachio Date Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup roasted almonds, divided
• 1 cup shelled pistachios, divided
• 7 medjool dates
• 1-2 tablespoons hot water
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• ½ cup dried cherries
• 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Directions:

• Line an 8×8” baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
• Place ¼ cup of both almonds and pistachios in a food processor or high powdered blender and pulse until you get to a find powder. Place into a large bowl.
• Coarsely chop the remaining ¾ cup of both almonds and pistachios (by hand or by machine). Add to the bowl with the nut powder.
• Place the dates and 1 tablespoon of the hot water in the food processor and process for about 2 minutes until a thick, sticky liquid has formed. Use another tablespoon of water, if needed. Add this mixture along with the remaining ingredients into the bowl with the nuts.
• Stir together until everything is thoroughly combined. You may have to use your hands.
• Add the mixture into the prepared dish and firmly press down. Place in the refrigerator or freezer to harden. Once hardened, cut into bars, wrap in parchment paper, and store in the freezer.

Notes:

• If your medjool dates are hard, soak them in water for 15-20 minutes before blending them.
• You can use a food processor or a high-powered blender to make these bars.
• If you are using salted almonds and/or pistachios omit the 1/8 teaspoon of salt.