Alton Brown's no-bake seedy date bars are an easy and healthy make-ahead snack packed with toasted seeds and naturally sweet dried fruit.

Course: Breakfast

Keyword: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Healthy, Make-Ahead, Seedy Date Bars, Snacks

Seedy Date Bars

ACTIVE TIME: 15

TOTAL TIME: 2 15

Yield: 12 bars

Seldom do so many superfoods come together in a recipe you would actually want to eat.

Packed with dates, dried apricots, and nutrient-dense seeds like pumpkin, chia, and flax, these bars are best consumed for breakfast or anytime a quick energy boost is required.

This recipe first appeared in EveryDayCook.

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8 ounces Medjool dates, pitted
4 ounces dried apricots
1 ounce crystallized ginger
1 tablespoon orange zest, from 1/2 orange
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup pepitas or green pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2 tablespoons chia seeds
1 tablespoon flaxseed
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Specialized Hardware

Digital kitchen scale

Food processor

ACTIVE TIME: 15

TOTAL TIME: 2 15

Yield: 12 bars

Procedure

Line an 8-by-8-inch pan with parchment paperSpritz the baking pan with water to help hold the paper in place. and set aside.
Combine the dates, apricots, ginger, orange zest, and salt in the bowl of a food processor and blend until the mixture forms a thick paste, about 1 minute. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl one time.
Set a 12-inch skillet over medium-low heat. Add the pepitas to the pan and cook, tossing occasionally for 1 1/2 minutes, then add the sunflower seeds and continue toasting for another 5 minutes. Finally, add the coconut, chia seed, flaxseed, and sesame seeds, and toast for 3 minutes. The mixture should be fragrant and the sunflower seeds and coconut flakes lightly browned.
Add the toasted seeds to the date mixture in the food processor and pulse 5 to 10 times or to desired consistency.
Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and press into an even layer. Refrigerate for 2 hours, then cut into 12 bars with a pizza cutter. Store in an airtight container separated with parchment for up to 1 week.