:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/EWELL_FS_MiniDateCaramelAppleBites-3x2-0b892267bfef47698443da3f5f1b5783.jpg "Caramel apple bites with chocolate and toothpicks in a dish")
Naturally sweet and full of fiber and other nutrients, dates make a healthy and delicious base for these snack recipes. From our make-ahead Iced Lemon Cookie Energy Balls to our simple 4-ingredient Mini Chocolate-Dipped Date-Apple Bites, we have something for everybody to enjoy. Next time you’re grocery shopping, make sure to never leave dates off your list.
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Peanut Butter & Date Granola Bars
These homemade granola bars could not be easier to make. Dates, peanut butter and honey create the glue that keeps everything sticking together. Toasting the hazelnuts gives these bars a fragrant, nutty flavor and helps loosen their skins, which can lend a bitter flavor if left on. If you don’t want to use hazelnuts, walnuts, cashews or pecans can be used in their place.
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Mini Chocolate-Dipped Date-Apple Bites
This easy, four-ingredient snack features dates stuffed with peanut butter and apples for a bite that will remind you of a caramel apple. A thin layer of dark chocolate adds the perfect amount of sweetness. Any nut butter works well here—try almond or cashew for a different flavor.
03 of 14
Iced Lemon Cookie Energy Balls
Next time you have a Girl Scout Cookie craving, try these healthier no-bake cookies instead. Their bright and lemony flavor is balanced by sweetness from Medjool dates, and they're held together with millet and almond meal. Keeping the dough chilled and dusting your hands with confectioners' sugar will keep them from sticking to your hands while you shape them.
04 of 14
Anti-Inflammatory Energy Balls
Drawing inspiration from the flavors of Cherry Garcia, these chocolate-cherry date energy balls are a tasty tribute to the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor named after Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. Packed with chunks of dark chocolate and dried tart cherries, they’re not only delicious but also contain polyphenols, a nutrient found in cherries that can help suppress inflammation.
05 of 14
3-Ingredient Chocolate & Almond Butter Dates
These stuffed dates can be an easy dessert or snack when you're craving something sweet. We love the mild flavor of almond butter, but natural peanut butter would be a nice substitute. A flaky sea salt like Maldon elevates the flavor. Be sure to sprinkle the salt over the dates before the chocolate has set.
06 of 14
Happy Smoothie
This happy smoothie blends blueberries, strawberries and kefir for a creamy, lightly tangy drink with natural sweetness from Medjool dates that makes a mood-boosting morning meal. Almond butter adds richness, while a touch of vanilla rounds out the flavor. It comes together in minutes for a quick breakfast or snack.
07 of 14
Peanut Butter Granola Bars
These no-bake granola bars are a simple snack made with just a handful of pantry staples. Naturally sweetened with dates and held together with creamy peanut butter, they come together quickly in the food processor, no oven required.
08 of 14
Sweet Potato Brownie Bites
These sweet potato brownie bites deliver rich chocolate flavor in a perfectly sized package. Dates and sweet potato add natural sweetness and moisture to eliminate the need for any added sugars. Cocoa powder and a hint of espresso powder (if you like) deepen the chocolaty flavor. Baked in a mini muffin pan, they’re easy to portion, quick to cool and just right for snacking.
09 of 14
Key Lime Pie Energy Balls
These Key lime energy balls are a bright and zesty snack that captures all the flavors of classic Key lime pie in one bite. Made with dates, cashews, coconut and fresh Key lime juice, they offer a sweet and tangy pick-me-up with a tropical finish. Easy to make, these grab-and-go energy balls are the perfect quick afternoon snack or pre-breakfast bite.
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Chocolate–Peanut Butter Energy Bars
Dates provide all the sweetness you need for these no-bake energy bars. Each square serves up a hearty dose of protein—thanks to peanut butter and peanuts—as well as fiber from rolled oats. Kids will love the chewy bites with crunchy nuts.
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Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls
If you're looking for a midday pick-me-up, these blueberry-lemon balls come together in minutes and make a perfect on-the-go snack. Walnuts add a boost of plant-based protein and help keep you energized, while a bit of maple syrup adds sweetness.
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Coconut Fruit & Nut Bars
With just five ingredients, these simple, no-bake energy bars are tastier than any bars you can buy! Dates, cashews, almonds and coconut whir up in the food processor for an easy homemade version of a Larabar. Pack one up for a healthy snack for work, or send some off with your kids for an energizing snack before soccer practice.
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Crunch Bar–Inspired Energy Balls
To emulate a Crunch Bar, we packed this energy ball with crispy puffed brown rice cereal inside a milk-chocolaty, chewy center. A dark-chocolate drizzle adds more intense chocolate flavor. Cashew butter has a mild, neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients, but you can substitute any nut butter if you prefer.
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Raspberry-Mango Chia Seed Smoothie
This creamy smoothie delivers sweet tropical flavors, with frozen mango blending with fiber-rich raspberries and coconut milk for a thick, frosty base. Greek yogurt adds protein and tang to keep you satisfied, while dates add natural sweetness and fiber. With just a quick spin in the blender, you’ll have a refreshing, nutrient-packed smoothie ready to sip.
Original Source:
https://www.eatingwell.com/healthy-snack-recipes-dates-12002095