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Key Lime Energy Bars Recipe

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4.4 from 14 reviews

These Key Lime Energy Bars are a refreshing and nutritious snack made with naturally sweet dates, crunchy almonds and cashews, and zesty lime for a burst of citrus flavor. They are easy to prepare in a food processor, require no baking, and provide a perfect on-the-go energy boost with wholesome ingredients.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 20 pitted deglet dates (or 10 Medjool dates, pitted)
  • ¾ cup whole almonds
  • ¾ cup raw cashews
  • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • Pinch of fine salt

Flavoring

  • Zest of 2 limes (2 teaspoons)
  • Juice of 1 medium lime (2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients, making sure the dates are pitted for easy processing. Zest and juice the limes to ensure fresh citrus flavor.
  2. Process Ingredients: Place the dates, almonds, cashews, shredded coconut, lime zest, lime juice, and salt into the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes crumbly but still holds together when pinched between your fingers.
  3. Adjust Texture: If the mixture is too dry and crumbly, add an additional date or one teaspoon of water at a time, processing again after each addition until the mixture holds together well. If too wet or sticky, add 2 tablespoons of nuts, processing again to achieve a moist texture that still binds well.
  4. Shape Bars or Balls: Transfer the mixture onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and press it down forming a 9×9 inch square. Alternatively, roll the mixture between your hands to form 16 equal-sized balls. Chill in the refrigerator if the mixture feels sticky to make handling easier.
  5. Cut and Store: Cut the square into 12 bars. Wrap individually in parchment paper and store in a covered container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, place bars in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Notes

  • Use Medjool dates for a sweeter and softer texture; deglet dates yield a slightly firmer bar.
  • You can substitute almonds and cashews with other nuts like walnuts or pecans if preferred.
  • Adjust lime juice and zest to taste for a more or less tangy flavor.
  • If the mixture is too dry, avoid adding too much water at once; add gradually to prevent sogginess.
  • These bars can be enjoyed as a quick energy-boosting snack before or after workouts.