First Date, Kinda Nervous
Don't worry, you're in for a sweet surprise with these apple date bars. Naturally sweetened with fresh dates and a hint of tartness from apple chips and Levelle's energy gel, these bars are not only delicious but also provide sustained energy. The addition of creamy nut butter adds a rich, satisfying texture while boosting protein content to keep you full longer and promote muscle growth. Easy to prepare and perfect for taking to the beach, park, or on a hike, these bars are a convenient and nutritious choice for your summer adventures.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 5 dates, pitted
- 1 cup water (for soaking dates) + 1 tbsp (for making date paste)
- 2 tbsp nut butter
- 2 tbsp Levelle Apple Spice energy gel
- 1/2 cup oats
- 1 tbsp flax seeds
- 1/2 tsp apple pie spice (can substitute with cinnamon + nutmeg)
- 1/2 cup apple chips, crushed
Instructions
1. Soak dates in a pot of warm water for 5 minutes to soften them
2. Use a food processor or blender to make the dates turn to a paste, add water as needed. You should get around 1/2 cup paste, if not you can soak and puree more dates
3. Add your dry ingredients (oats, flax, spice, chips) to one bowl and your wet ingredients (paste, nut butter, energy gel) to a separate bowl
4. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until fully combined
5. Scoop into a 7x5 inch rectangular dish lined with freezer paper (for easy removal) and chill in the freezer for 2-4 hours
6. Cut up into 6 2-inch squares and enjoy! Store in the fridge or freezer depending how firm you'd like them to be.
So, Who's the Date?
The nutritional "profile" for these bars is pretty attractive! Dates provide natural sweetness and are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Though high in calories and carbohydrates, they are low to medium on the glycemic index, and so are unlikely to spike your blood sugar levels. They're also high in antioxidants, and may even help reduce or ease labor time (if consumed during pregnancy)!1 Meanwhile, nut butter and flax seeds add healthy fats and protein, while oats and dates contribute fiber. The combination can provide sustained energy and help you feel fuller longer. All in all, these bars are definitely worth giving a chance, who knows... it might be a match made in heaven.
References
1Brianna Elliott, RD, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-dates
