The Secret to a Perfect Energy Bar

DIY No-Bake Energy Bars

Quick, easy and perfect to make on a hot summer day when you don’t want to turn up the oven, these bars can be made ahead and wrapped in wax paper or plastic wrap.

Whether you are taking advantage of the season with century rides, leisurely hikes or tackling some trail runs, energy bars are a convenient way for many of us to get the energy we need to fuel our fun. And there is no shortage of bars to choose from either, which—as it turns out—can be both a blessing and a curse.

The old adage that the best things come in small packages couldn’t be further from the truth because in this case the best energy bars don’t come in a package at all—you can make them at home at a fraction of the price with this easy recipe:

1 cup (225 g) packed, pitted soft dates

1/2 cup (75 g) almonds

3/4 cup (75 g) oats

1/4 cup (40 g) hemp seeds

1/4 cup (70 g) natural peanut butter (or any other nut or seed butter)

1 tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup

1. Place the almonds and dates in a food processor or high-powered blender and mix until it forms a dough and the almonds are broken down.

2. Add the oats, hemp seeds, peanut butter and maple syrup and pulse until it forms a thick dough.

3. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper or saran wrap then press the dough into the pan.

4. Place in the fridge or freezer for at least a few hours.

5. Cut into 8 squares or bars and store in the fridge in an air-tight container.

For more about what makes these ingredients so good for athletes, click here.

As the Director of Nutrition at The Edge in Burlington, Jamie Sheahan, M.S., R.D. works closely with athletes to develop customized fueling plans. Sheahan is also an adjunct professor of sports nutrition at UVM and has completed more than 20 marathons.