Mint Chocolate Chip Homemade Energy Bars (Easy, Healthy, Paleo)

These double chocolate homemade energy bars take just minutes to whip up! Made with seven ingredients and sweetened with dates, these no-bake bars are also a hit with kids. Easy, healthy and the perfect gooey flavor combo of mint chocolate chip, these bars make the perfect fueling (or pre-workout!) snack to have on hand.

If someone were to tell me that I basically live off of no-bake snacks they wouldn't be lying! As a busy but healthy mom as a Certified Nutrition Coach, I love having snacks prepped in the freezer but I hate actually spending a significant amount of time in the kitchen (learn more about making meal prep practical so hours in the kitchen isn't necessary!)

These chocolate energy bars are the perfect solution to the busy mom problem.

They're quick to whip up, easy to store, and provide a great hit of energy when you need it!

And the mint chocolate chip flavor combo doesn't hurt either 😉

Homemade Bars Are Better

• cost-effective
• no hidden ingredients
• sneaky healthy ingredients

The truth is, nowadays you can find some pretty decent packaged snack options out there. However, convenience doesn't come cheap. When your kids go through as many snacks as mine do, having homemade options on hand just makes more sense for your wallet.

Plus, most store bought snacks contain a lot of hidden ingredients like unhealthy oils and processed sugars.

While this energy bar recipe is high in carbohydrates, they're at least an unprocessed variation. Likewise, there's enough protein and healthy fats in the recipe to balance out the sugar spike.

This is also why these bars are best used and an energy source and not right before bedtime. They do make a great pre-workout snack as well!

A Note On The Ingredients

These bars are date-based. This is how they are sweetened and how they stick together (dates make the best energy recipes! Learn to make your own date-based homemade energy balls). Dates do not freeze solid when placed in the freezer however they do make the bars a bit tacky. So, make sure to keep them between pieces of parchment paper!

However, dates are still a sugar. Which is why in this recipe they're paired with a healthy fat (almonds) as well as a kid-safe protein (collagen) to help release the sugars a bit more slowly.

One thing to make note of with these homemade energy bars is the mint/peppermint extract. Keep in mind that while these bars are full of chocolate goodness, peppermint isn't great when you're breastfeeding as it's rumored to reduce milk production.

Collagen Powder

Collagen is a beneficial part of bone broth and wonderful for your hair, skin, and nails. Learn more about collagen and why you may want to boost your intake. However, unlike bone broth, it doesn’t taste like well, bone broth.

Similarly, collagen powder is odorless and flavorless. Plus, if ethically sourced one of the purest forms of protein you can give to your kids! I grab my collagen from Perfect Supplements and while I love their big tub of powder, I love the individual packets even more!

I find collagen the easiest way to boost protein in smoothies, vegan yogurts, oatmeal, or any other dish. It blends and mixes well and there’s zero flavors to it. Plus, Perfect Supplements sources their collagen from pasture-raised (grass-fed) cows. So, I trust it.

Grab some collagen powder and use code mamabear10 to save some money.

 

When To Use These Healthy Energy Bars

These dairy-free, gluten-free, energy bars recipe are perfect for:

• Busy mamas who don't want to be in the kitchen
• On the go days
• High energy days (lots of park play/sports)
• When you have a chocolate craving 😉

So if you're looking for a super-fast, easy, no-bake snack recipe, these homemade healthy energy bars are perfect.

Tips To Make The Bars

• Grind the almonds first. you can leave some texture to them but the bars will hold together better with small, super fine pieces
• Store the bars in the freezer between pieces of parchment paper. The bars are tacky if they've been sitting out so this helps keep them separate but also reduces sticky hands when eating them
• The bars only need 5 to thaw in the fridge or at room temperature before eating

Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Energy Bars

Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful

• Vitamix
• Silicone spatula

 

How To Make them

Soak the dates in warm water for twenty minutes (this makes them easier to blend!). in a blender, chop the almonds.

You can grind them into a flour or leave some a bit chunky for texture.

Pour the almonds into a bowl and add in the cacao powder.

In a blender, blend the dates, mint and water until a paste forms.

Scoop out the paste into the almond mixture and combine.

Mix in the mini chocolate chips.

Line an 8x4 pan with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and using another piece of parchment paper, press the mixture into the pan until even.

Top with chopped almonds if desired.

Place in the freezer for one hour to set.

Makes five bars.

Don't forget to pin these healthy, homemade energy bars.

A simple snack full of real food, nutritious ingredients. These no-bake energy bars are simple to make and will keep you full and fueled. They're the perfect no-bake recipe to stock your freezer with and munch on when a chocolate craving hits!