Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line an 8x8-inch pan with parchment paper or foil with an overhang for easy removal. Don't spray with cooking spray as it makes these greasy. Set aside.
- In a small blender jar or a food processor, pulse the 1 cup packed pitted dates to create a very thick and sticky paste. (If your dates aren't moist, soak in warm water and then drain and dry very well) Scoop out the date paste and place it in a bowl.
- Slightly warm up the ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter and ⅓ cup pure maple syrup in a large bowl in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Add the date paste to the bowl and stir well. Add in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Stir in the ½ cup quick 1-minute oats and the 1 cup old-fashioned oats. Add in the ¾ cup shelled and chopped pistachios. Knead with your hands to get it all well mixed.
- Press the mixture into the prepared baking pan and set aside while assembling the melted chocolate.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl combine the 1 cup dark or milk chocolate chips and 2 teaspoons coconut oil (measured when the oil is in a hardened state).
- Microwave in 15-second increments stirring between each increment until melted.
- Pour the chocolate evenly over the bars and tilt the pan around to move the chocolate in an even layer on top.
- Cover the chocolate-coated bars and place them in the fridge until they are set. Remove from the pan and cut into bars and serve.
Notes
Storage: To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last for about a week.
Freezing: You can freeze these bars for up to three months. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
Variations: Feel free to swap the pistachios for other nuts like almonds or walnuts based on what you have available.
Flavor Boost: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
Chocolate Choices: Use a mix of dark and milk chocolate for a balanced sweetness, or try white chocolate for a different experience.
Nut-Free Option: To make these bars nut-free, simply omit the peanut butter and use sunflower seed butter instead.