Chewy Chickpea and Date Protein Treats
Searching for a tasty and nourishing snack that is high in protein and naturally sweet? The ideal no-bake snacks for a rapid energy boost are Chewy Chickpea and Date Protein Treats! Rich in fiber, plant-based protein, and natural sweetness—without the use of refined sugar—these soft and chewy sweets are made with healthy ingredients like chickpeas, Medjool dates, nut butter, and oats. These protein bites are simple to prepare and incredibly filling, making them ideal for a healthy kid’s snack, lunchtime pick-me-up, or post-workout snack.
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained, and rinsed)
1 cup Medjool dates (pitted)
1/2 cup rolled oats
1/4 cup nut butter (almond, peanut, or cashew works well)
2 tablespoons protein powder (plant-based or whey)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Pinch of sea salt
Directions:
Prepare the Ingredients:
If you’re using dried chickpeas, make sure they are cooked and softened. You can also use canned chickpeas for a quicker option.
Pit the Medjool dates and roughly chop them into smaller pieces to help with blending.
Blend the Chickpeas and Dates:
In a food processor, combine the cooked chickpeas and chopped dates. Process until the mixture is smooth and starts to come together, forming a sticky dough-like texture.
Add the Remaining Ingredients:
To the chickpea-date mixture, add the rolled oats, nut butter, protein powder, vanilla extract (if using), cinnamon (optional), and a pinch of salt. Process again until everything is well incorporated, and the dough becomes more firm but sticky.
Form the Treats:
Scoop out spoonfuls of the mixture and roll them into small balls or press them into a lined baking dish if you prefer bars. For balls, aim for about 1-inch in diameter.
If you’re pressing into a dish, you can use a spatula to even out the mixture.
Chill the Treats:
Place the balls or bars in the fridge for at least an hour to firm up. This also helps the flavors come together.
Enjoy:
Once chilled, they are ready to enjoy! These treats should stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 1-2 weeks, or you can store them in the freezer for a longer shelf life.
Tips:
For extra crunch: Add some chopped nuts or seeds to the mix before processing.
For sweetness: If you prefer your treats sweeter, you can add a little honey, maple syrup, or more dates.
To make them vegan: Ensure your protein powder is plant-based, and use a plant-based nut butter.
These chewy, protein-packed treats are great for a post-workout snack or an energy-boosting treat during the day!
Nutrition Estimated Per Treat:
Approximately 90–110 kcal 3–4 grams of protein About 14g of carbohydrates Fiber: about 2–3g ~9g of natural sugars Approximately 3.5–5g of fat Fat Saturated: ~0.5-1g Sodium: around 30–50 mg
Important Nutrients:
Fiber: Keeps you full and aids in digestion.
Plant-Based Protein: Chickpeas, nut butter, and optional protein powder are excellent sources of protein.
Nut butter and any additional ingredients (such as nuts or seeds) provide healthy fats.
Natural Energy: Without processed sugar, dates offer natural sugars for a rapid energy boost.