These 3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Covered Date Nut Bars are such a simple, good-for-you treat you’re most definitely going to want to keep your fridge stocked! All you need is a food processor, dates, nuts, melted dark chocolate and 10 minutes in the freezer for this healthy yet delectable dessert. Vegan and paleo-friendly.
True story: today I was supposed to share a “red, white, & blue” recipe… You know, to be all festive and whatnot. And I say “supposed to” in a sense that is what my calendar told me I was doing. Or what I wrote down in my calendar so I could tell myself what I was supposed to be doing… Am I confusing you yet? It’s cool, I confuse myself on the daily. Join the club.
So I had this brilliant beyond brilliant idea (or so I thought) that was going to be a delicious, easy no-bake bar using some fresh “Americana berries”, if you will…
Long story short let’s just say I wasn’t patient enough and I had a little bit of a flop, again *eyeroll*
So that dessert taunted me for a good week. I kept putting it in my planner to come back to. And each day I avoided it and made something else.
Maybe I’ll come back to the dessert one day for you all, but for now…
I BRING YOU CHOCOLATE
Healthy 3 Ingredient Date Nut Bars
Because who the heck doesn’t want chocolate? I probably choose chocolate over fruit desserts 95% of the time anyways, so why should my blog be any different? I mean, I TRY to balance with you guys, I do. But if you’re a familiar face around these parts, you know what’s up.
The thing about my “supposed to” dessert is that I am basically sharing the bottom crust portion of the bar with you all right now because it’s still pretty amazeballs.
So I’m kind of sharing part of the recipe with you…
And then I just covered it in chocolate and all was well in the world again!
These bars only take 3 INGREDIENTS. THREE. TRES…
I don’t know any other languages.
And you would not believe that three ingredients such as these would be so amazingly satisfying together.
But they are. And they’re freakin’ amazin’.
And an awesomely healthy treat.
The three ingredients needed to make this healthy vegan dessert
- dates
- nuts
- chocolate
THAT IS IT.
Get your food processor or high-powered blender out and these bars are ready in less than 15 minutes when it’s all said and done.
Simple 3-Ingredient Chocolate Covered Date Nut Bars
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 1x
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
These 3-Ingredient Dark Chocolate Covered Date Nut Bars are such a simple, good-for-you treat you’re most definitely going to want to keep your fridge stocked! All you need is a food processor, dates, nuts, melted dark chocolate and 10 minutes in the freezer for this healthy yet delectable dessert. Vegan and paleo-friendly.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, or use a silicone square pan and place on baking sheet, set aside. You may also use 9×5 loaf pan, your base will just be thicker.
- In a food processor add drained/pitted dates and nuts. Process until dates and nuts have broken down, and only small pieces of nuts can be seen. Mixture should be sticky.
- Transfer mixture to prepared pan, pressing evenly into all corners and press down flat.
- Pour melted chocolate (I used microwave) over bars and spread evenly.
- Place bars in freezer for 10 minutes to allow chocolate layer to set, or fridge for at least 20 minutes. Remove bars from pan and place on cutting mat for easier slicing. Using knife, gently slice into 24 bars. Enjoy!
Notes
–Bars should be stored in fridge (or freezer for longer periods of time) but can come to room temperature before enjoying.
- Category: Dessert
- Method: food processor
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 125
- Sugar: 11
- Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 2
Keywords: Chocolate Covered Date Nut Bars, chocolate date nut bars, date bars
SOME OF THE PRODUCTS I USED IN TODAY’S RECIPE
This post contains some affiliate links. Should you choose to purchase through said links, I will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support in helping keep Fit Mitten Kitchen up and running.
I have a feeling these chocolate covered date nut bars are going to be in rotation with these guys.
As far as a festive red, white, & blue dessert to celebrate our country’s birth? I’m sure you’ll find something.
But I will be bringing chocolate 😀
so tell me…
- Ever have a recipe flop turn into another (better) idea?
- Favorite festive red, white & blue dessert?
- 4th of July plans?! Drew and I will be headed up to the U.P. (Upper Peninsula of Michigan) for the whole week! So if I am a little M.I.A. next week, that’s why 😉 We’ll be out on the lakes and all the way up to Lake Superior! I am hoping to have enough time next after week to check in and share some of the trip with you 🙂 But until then, hasta la vista.
Marina @ A Dancer's Live-It says
Omg these bars though….they look SO GOOD! We’re hosting a big family 4th of July party, and you can bet there will be chocolate involved, especially in ice cream pie! 🙂 My fave patriotic dessert is probably a red velvet cupcake or a cheesecake bar with raspberries and blueberries!
★★★★★
Ashley says
Cheesecake bars sound phenomenal! Hope you have a great 4th Marina 🙂
Stella @ Stellicious Life says
These look delish! I’m pretty sure if I made these I wouldn’t be able to stop, and would reach for “just one more” at least 3 times! 😉
Ashley says
It is TRULY a test to stop at one. Probably should have just made 12 bars 😉
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie says
Only 3 ingredients?! I am all on board. I think chocolate for any holiday works just perfectly! Have an amazing trip up north! The weather is supposed to be wonderful so I am sure you will have a fantastic time!!
Ashley says
Thanks Brie! Nothing beats up north and the lakes 😀 Have a great holiday!
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday says
Chocolate = YUM. I say there’s plenty of red, white, and blue floating around right now, but there’s never enough chocolate 😉 These look perfect and so easy! Enjoy your time up north. I live in Ohio, and I definitely want to go to the UP sometime!
Ashley says
Glad you agree Ellen! And thank you! You really ought to make your way up there sometime, it’s like another world. And gorgeous!
Allie @ Miss Allie's Kitchen says
LOL i always try to plan things out and, lo and behold, the things you plan to make flop and the random stuff you throw together is bomb. Such is life. These look amaze, though! Love!
Ashley says
Lol true dat sista
Natalie @ A Fit Philosophy says
Wow!!! It’s hard to believe that those delicious babies come from only 3 ingredients!!! I can’t wait to make these myself! YUM!
★★★★★
Ashley says
Right?! It’s amazing.
Megan @ Skinny Fitalicious says
Haha! I have this EXACT recipe on my blog except it’s made with peanuts. Posted it a couple months back. I bet it’s delicious with pecans!
http://skinnyfitalicious.com/peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-bars/
Ashley says
That’s too funny! Great minds 😉 Chocolate solved all of my problems with this one.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’ll take these over anything red,white, and blue 😉
Ashley says
Haha, right?!
Erin @ Erin's Inside Job says
Get in my belly
Liz says
Well these are pretty perfect! 15 minutes and three of my favorite ingredients? Sign me up!
Ashley says
Seriously they are amazing!
Kristy from Southern In Law says
These look amaaaaaazing! Especially how thick that chocolate layer is, haha!
Ashley says
hee hee, the chocolate is kind of my favorite (obviously).
Laura says
Chocolate > Fruity desserts always and forever!
rachel @ athletic avocado says
I’m pretty sure I’d take these over anything red, white or blue any day because CHOCOLATE!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama says
I’ll take every last crumb of this please and thank you! Have fun in the UP – where are you going? I’m originally from there! This time of year is THE best time to be there. Enjoy!
Ashley says
Oh my gosh! We went over to Drummond Island and then made our way to Munising. Where are you from?
Cassie says
Is it bad that I’d rather have chocolate than real food sometimes? No? Yes? Hope I’m not alone! No but in all seriousness I adore anything with chocolate, but of course I have to prioritize real food first! Glad that this dessert IS made with real whole foods, so I could totally enjoy these bars!
Jess @hellotofit says
That is a beautiful, generous layer of chocolate 😛 you know how to partayyyyyy in da kitchen!!
Chrissa- Physical Kitchness says
I love you. Was the berry dessert the same one you snap chatted about? I mean, I still would have at those babies! But you really can never ever ever (EVER) go wrong with chocolate or a freaking easy recipe like this!!!! GAWD I want your photog skillzzzzzzz
Ashley says
lol YES it was! I was so annoyed and trying to fix that recipe taunted me, so I just went with chocolate 😀 Thank you Chrissa, you’re too kind <3
Marg says
I do get miffed when a recipe says 3 ingredients & one of those (the chocolate in this case) is a product with many ingredients.
Ashley says
Hi Marg! Thank you for your comment and feedback! I am sorry to have misled you. Chocolate does contain many ingredients but all you need to purchase would be three ingredients. Again, thank you for your comment!
Sana says
I found the base to be quite soft/mushy to the touch even right after taking it out of the freezer. Is there any way to amend this? I did add a heaped tsp of ground flax seed powder to the base.. otherwise tastes good, very sweet and crunchy!!
Ashley says
Hi Sana, thanks so much for your comment and feedback. It could be that you processed just a bit too long? I would process the ingredients for a less amount of time next time. The base is going to be on the softer side though. If you’re looking for a firmer texture you could add some oats in after the dates and nuts are processed together. Let me know if that helps!
Sana says
Ooo yes that could be it since the few almonds I added didn’t get chopped so I did try to pulse it a bit more than I wanted to. Thanks for the response!
Carla says
I want to try these but nobody is giving a review of the recipe! Or am I missing them?
Ashley says
Hi Carla, it looks like no one has written an official review in the comments except the person above your comment 🙂 there might be more reviews on Pinterest! Here is one Pinterest Review. Hope that helps! If you try them out, just be sure you don’t over-process the dates and nuts together or the base will be too mushy 🙂
Carla says
Thanks Ashley. I did find the dates and nuts didn’t process well and I did end up over processing. Maybe it was my food processor. Unfortunately it is mushy 🙁 Maybe I’ll try again with a different food processor. Thank you!
Julie Cavaney says
Thanks loved this recipe
Ashley says
So glad you enjoyed, Julie! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Charlotte Wilson says
Used 1/4 cup hazelnuts. 1/4 almonds, 1 cup pecans and 3 oz Lindt 90% Cacao . And, of course the dates. Has a toffee flavor! All I can say in WOW!!
Ashley says
Ah that sound incredible! Love the hazelnuts. Thanks for sharing with me, Charlotte! 🙂
AT says
Have you tried making this without nuts? Would I need to add in something else?
Ashley says
I have not tried making this without nuts, but the nuts do help provide texture. You may be able to mix in oats but I am not sure how much as I haven’t tested that before.
ali says
Hello, the combination of walnuts and dates is firm.
What to do to prevent rigidity.
Ashley says
You may just need to pulse a little bit more to break down the mixture. Also making sure your dates are soft before adding in – soak them for 5 minutes and drain water. Hope that helps!
Michele says
So easy and everyone loved them!!
★★★★★
Ashley says
So glad! Thanks so much for your comment and review! I appreciate it more than you know!
Mike DuBord says
Total Awesomeness! From a True Blue Yooper from Escanaba, who just recently moved to Clearwater, Fl. I hope you don’t mind but I added a half cup of oats to the recipe and these bars are nothing short of INCREDIBLE! Thank you for sharing.
★★★★★
Ashley says
The addition of oats sounds like an awesome idea! So glad you liked them Mike – Thanks for your comment and review!