Delicious Banana Sesame Energy Bars
Par Amelia Feuss.
These banana sesame energy bars, featuring chewy dried bananas, make for a fantastic snack, perfect for recharging on the go.
Préparation:
25 min
Cuisson:
30 min
Total:
55 min
Portions:
16 bars
Cuisine:
American
#energy bars
#healthy snacks
#no-bake
#meal prep
If you’re looking for an energizing and nutritious snack, these delicious banana sesame energy bars are a fantastic choice. Perfect for busy days, they are a healthy snack recipe that can be made in no time. These easy energy bars are both satisfying and wholesome, filled with the natural sweetness of Medjool dates and dried banana slices. Plus, you won’t need to turn on the oven for this no-bake snack, making it ideal for any time of the year. With a combination of oats, tahini, and dark chocolate, these bars provide a great balance of protein and carbs to help fuel your day. Let’s dive into how you can whip up your own batch of these delightful treats.
Ingrédients
- 170 g (1 cup) of pitted and chopped Medjool dates
- 45 g (1/2 cup) of unsweetened shredded or flaked coconut
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) of tahini
- 70 g (3/4 cup) of crushed dried banana slices
- 1 ml (1/4 tsp) of salt
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) of honey
- 85 g (3 oz) of roughly chopped dark chocolate
- 25 g (1 cup) of puffed rice
- 40 g (3 tbsp) of unsalted butter
- 150 g (1 1/2 cups) of quick-cooking oats
- 35 g (1/4 cup) of toasted sesame seeds
- 60 ml (1/4 cup) of water
À propos des ingrédients
About These Ingredients The base for these banana sesame energy bars is centered around nutrient-dense ingredients that not only taste great but also provide extended energy. The Medjool dates serve as a natural sweetener while also adding chewy texture—perfect for binding the bars together. Unsweetened coconut and crushed dried banana slices elevate the flavor profile, contributing to a tropical flair. To enhance the nutritional benefits, we use tahini, which is rich in healthy fats and protein. Quick-cooking oats are a great source of fiber, while toasted sesame seeds provide an extra crunch. Dark chocolate chunks add a decadent touch that will satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced energy bar that you’ll love returning to throughout the week.
Instructions
- Start by positioning the oven rack in the middle and preheating to 325°F (165°C). Prepare a 13 x 9-inch rectangular baking pan by greasing it and lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the dates, butter, water, honey, and tahini. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously for 5 minutes until the mixture transforms into a smooth paste. Let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, blend all other ingredients, excluding the chocolate. Incorporate the date mixture, folding until everything is evenly coated. Gently mix in the chocolate chunks. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan and press down firmly to flatten the surface. For a more uniform texture, cover with parchment paper and roll with a rolling pin or press with a flat object. Remove the top parchment layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until edges turn a golden brown. Let the bars cool completely on a wire rack. Once cooled, lift out of the pan and cut into bars. These treats will stay fresh for 1 week in an airtight container at room temperature, becoming softer with time.
Conseils de cuisson
Cooking Tips For optimal results when making your banana sesame energy bars, make sure to finely chop the Medjool dates before cooking. This ensures a smoother mixture when combined with the other ingredients. When folding in the date mixture, ensure that it’s cooled slightly to avoid melting the dark chocolate chunks too much. Firmly pressing down the mixture in the baking pan is crucial, as it helps to bind the bars together nicely. If you have trouble getting an even spread, using a piece of parchment paper to cover the mixture allows you to flatten it evenly without any stickiness. The bars should turn a nice golden brown around the edges after baking, giving you a visual cue for doneness.
Conseils de chef
- 💡 For a fun twist, experiment with different nut butters in place of tahini—peanut or almond butter works beautifully and adds a unique flavor.
- 💡 You can make these bars vegan by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a plant-based sweetener.
- 💡 To customize your energy bars further, try adding mix-ins like sunflower seeds, chia seeds, or even protein powder for an extra boost.
- 💡 If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, consider increasing the amount of dark chocolate chunks, or even try using chocolate chips with added cocoa.
- 💡 These banana sesame energy bars can be made ahead for busy weeks. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage.
- 💡 Feel free to adjust the sweetness to your preference. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract can enhance the overall flavor of the bars.
- 💡 For an even quicker snack option, turn them into energy bites by rolling the mixture into small balls instead of pressing it into a pan.
- 💡 If you want to lighten the calorie count, you can reduce the amount of butter or use a healthier substitute like coconut oil—just remember to adjust the consistency if needed.
Questions fréquentes
How to make banana sesame energy bars?
Making banana sesame energy bars is easy blend your dry ingredients, create a date mixture in a saucepan, then combine everything, press it into a pan, and bake until golden brown.
Are these energy bars healthy?
Yes, these banana sesame energy bars are a nutritious option, filled with wholesome ingredients like oats, nuts, and natural sweeteners that provide lasting energy.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free certified oats to ensure that the energy bars remain gluten-free while keeping their delicious taste.
How do I store banana sesame energy bars?
Once cooled, store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week, or freeze them for longer-lasting freshness.
What can I substitute if I don’t have certain ingredients?
You can swap out tahini for any nut butter, replace honey with maple syrup, or use any nuts or seeds you have on hand for added crunch.
