Date Bars or Squares {No Bake}

Quick and easy no bake date bars recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. These date squares are full of walnuts, cocoa powder, coconut, Medjool dates, sesame seeds.

These bars are loaded with flavor, texture, and the perfect amount of nuttiness just like my Date Balls (Energy Balls). I love to serve these as a healthier dessert for my family, or as a filling snack in work and school lunches. They contain so many healthy ingredients that provide energy throughout their long days.

Jump to:

• Key ingredients
• How to make easy no bake date bars recipe from scratch?
• Variations for healthy no bake date squares
• Tips and techniques for sesame bars 
• Storage
• More easy no bake desserts
• Recipe

Key ingredients

• Walnuts- I like to use these but you can replace with your nut of choice.
• Dates- Make sure their pits are removed.
• Coconut- I like to use unsweetened to prevent these treats from becoming too sweet.
• Cocoa powder- This adds a subtle bitterness and helps to counter the sweetness from all the dates.
• Sesame seeds- Make sure they are toasted.

How to make easy no bake date bars recipe from scratch?

The process is super simple. Start off my grinding the walnuts. Then, mix in dates, coconut and cocoa powder until you have a dough-like mixture. Spread in pan. Chill. Cut slices. Coat in sesame seeds and enjoy.

Variations for healthy no bake date squares

• Use other nuts- Such as cashews, pecans, pistachios, or peanuts. You can also use a combination of nuts.
• Cover slices in something besides sesame seeds- Such as shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts, if you don’t like sesame.
• Use frosting- Instead of covering in sesame seeds, ice it in Coconut Cream Chocolate Frosting. 
• Add spices- Such as cinnamon, ginger, or even pumpkin pie spice.
• Make it spicy- Add in a small amount of cayenne pepper for a spicy version.
• Add oats- For more texture and even more health benefits.
• Add orange juice- Instead of water, if it is too thick. It will add a citrus flavor that will pair nicely.
• Add salt- Add a sprinkle of sea salt or Himalayan salt before rolling in sesame seeds.

Tips and techniques for sesame bars 

• Don’t over-pulse the nuts- Because you will end up with nut butter. Then it won't hold in a solid bar.
• What to do if the mixture is too dry? Simply, mix in some water. A little amount at a time is the best approach.
• What to do if the mixture is too wet? Add more nuts or cocoa powder or even desiccated coconut.
• Add more or less cocoa powder- Based on your preference. 
• Toast sesame seeds- Because this enhances the nuttiness of the seeds and adds more depth of flavor.
• These squares must stay chilled to keep fresh- They cannot be stored at room temperature.
• Line the pan with wax paper or parchment paper- Because this makes it possible to remove the bars from the pan and to be sliced.
• Must chill before slicing- Because this helps the squares hold their shape.

Storage

• Refrigerate- In a sealed container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze- In a freezer safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge to enjoy again.
• Make ahead instructions- You can prepare these 1 day in advance and store them in a sealed container in the fridge until you are ready to serve.

More easy no bake desserts

• Chocolate Rum Balls {No Bake}
• Strawberry Icebox Cake {No Bake}
• Homemade Banana Pudding {No Bake}
• Strawberries and Cream {No Bake}
• Rainbow Cereal Balls {No Bake}

Recipe