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Key Lime Energy Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 12 reviews

These Key Lime Energy Bars are a refreshing and nutritious snack made from dates, almonds, cashews, and lime juice, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. They require no baking and can be prepared quickly using a food processor, making them an ideal energy-boosting treat for any time of day.

Ingredients

Energy Bar Base

  • 20 pitted deglet dates (or 10 Medjool dates, pitted)
  • ¾ cup whole almonds
  • ¾ cup raw cashews
  • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • Zest of 2 limes (about 2 teaspoons)
  • Juice of 1 medium lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Pinch of fine salt

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: Place all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor, ensuring the dates are pitted for smooth processing.
  2. Process Mixture: Pulse the ingredients until the mixture becomes crumbly yet cohesive enough to hold together when pinched between your fingers.
  3. Adjust Texture (Too Dry): If the mixture feels too dry and crumbly, add another date and process again, or add water one teaspoon at a time until the mixture holds together well.
  4. Adjust Texture (Too Wet): If the mixture is too sticky or wet, gradually add 2 tablespoons of nuts at a time and process until you achieve the desired moist but firm consistency.
  5. Shape Bars or Balls: Press the mixture firmly onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to form a 9 x 9-inch square, or roll the mixture between your hands to form 16 individual balls. Chill in the refrigerator if the bars or balls are sticky.
  6. Cut and Store: Cut the large square into 12 bars, wrap each in parchment paper, and store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to two months.

Notes

  • Use Medjool dates for a chewier texture and sweeter flavor, or deglet dates for a milder sweetness and firmer texture.
  • Ensure nuts are raw and unsalted to control the flavor and nutrition of the bars.
  • For a nuttier flavor, lightly toast the almonds and cashews before processing, but allow them to cool first.
  • Adjust lime juice and zest quantities to taste for more or less tartness.
  • Store bars chilled as the natural sugars and lime juice keep them fresh and pliable.
  • These bars are perfect as a pre- or post-workout snack or for a healthy on-the-go energy boost.