A wholesome, no-bake treat that combines the natural sweetness of dates with the tropical richness of coconut. These energy squares are easy to make, require no oven time, and deliver a perfect balance of flavor and nutrition—ideal for snacking, breakfast, or a post-workout boost.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Naturally sweetened with dates—no refined sugars
Quick and easy, with no baking required
Packed with fiber, healthy fats, and energy-boosting nutrients
Easily customizable with different nuts, seeds, and add-ins
Vegan and gluten-free friendly

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

⅓ cup slivered almonds
½ cup unsweetened flaked coconut
10 pitted dates
¼ cup cashews
1 teaspoon coconut oil

directions

Add almonds and coconut to a food processor and pulse until coarsely chopped.
Add the pitted dates and blend until the mixture starts to stick together.
Add cashews and coconut oil, then blend until the mixture forms a cohesive, sticky dough.
Press the mixture firmly into a square shape on a piece of parchment or wax paper.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes until firm.
Cut into 4 large squares or 8 smaller bars and serve.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 bars
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Nut-free: Use sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead of almonds and cashews
Add protein: Mix in a scoop of your favorite protein powder
Chocolate lovers: Add mini dark chocolate chips or a drizzle of melted chocolate on top
Spiced version: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for extra flavor
Crunchy texture: Stir in cacao nibs or crispy rice cereal before pressing the mixture

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 10 days
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container or wrap for up to 3 months
Serving: Best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature; no reheating required

FAQs

What if my mixture is too dry?

Add an extra date or a small splash of warm water to help it bind.

What if my mixture is too sticky?

Mix in a few more nuts or some rolled oats to balance the moisture.

Can I use different nuts?

Yes, walnuts, pecans, or macadamia nuts work well in place of almonds or cashews.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any add-ins.

Are these bars vegan?

Yes, this recipe is completely vegan-friendly.

Can I add oats?

Yes, adding ¼ to ½ cup of rolled oats will make the texture heartier and more filling.

Can I make them into energy balls instead?

Absolutely. Simply roll the mixture into small balls instead of pressing into squares.

How long do these keep in the fridge?

They stay fresh for about 10 days when stored in a sealed container.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch.

What kind of dates should I use?

Soft, moist dates like Medjool are best for binding and sweetness.

Conclusion

Date and Coconut Energy Squares are the perfect solution for healthy snacking with minimal effort. Their naturally sweet, chewy texture and rich coconut flavor make them a hit for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a pre-gym bite, a lunchbox filler, or a wholesome treat, these squares deliver both taste and nutrition with every bite.