Vegan & Gluten-Free Yogi Oat & Date Bars

If you need something to give you energy and satisfy your hunger while you’re heading out the door, this is the recipe for you! Holistic Nutritionist Jesse Lane shared this delicious bar recipe with us and explains why she loves it so much.  

This recipe can be made into balls or bars—whatever you prefer. We made the bar form here, but feel free to experiment! They are so quick, so easy, vegan, gluten free (as long as you use gluten free oats), and sweetened with dates—nothing else. Packed with fibre, protein, and healthy fats, they’re the perfect energizing snack, not just before yoga, but for any activity or afternoon craving.  

Here is what Jesse Lane has to say about her recipe:  

“Things are often really busy in my life so I am constantly looking for quick snack ideas that I can grab on the go, especially when I’m heading out the door to yoga. I find that having a quick snack about 30 minutes before yoga helps boost my energy levels for a great class. Yogi Date Balls (or Bars) are one of my favourite snacks because they are easy to make ahead of time, store in the freezer and then grab as I’m running out the door.  

Yogi Date Balls (or Bars) are naturally sweetened with dates and full of delicious and nutritious seeds and nuts. They are packed with protein and fibre to give you fuel throughout your practice. The best part is you can make them in less than ten minutes with ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry! They are raw so there is no baking required and the nutrients in the ingredients will stay intact.”  

Yogi Oat Bars
Prep time: 10 minutes or less
Optional chill time: 30 minutes
Serving size: 12 large balls (or an 8x8 baking pan filled, cut into squares)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups (roughly 250g) pitted dates
• 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp warm water
• 3/4 cup oats
• 1 cup coconut flakes
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp chopped almonds

1. Place dates and warm water in a food processor and process until smooth.
2. Scoop the creamed dates into a bowl and fold in the remaining ingredients, with the exception of ½ cup coconut flakes. If the mixture is soggy, slowly add more oats. If the mixture is too dry, slowly add warm water until desired consistency.
3. For the balls, shape balls between 3 to 4 cm in diameter and roll them in the reserved ½ cup coconut. For the bars, press the mixture into an 8x8 baking pan and top with the remaining ½ cup coconut.
4. Enjoy right away or place in the freezer for 30 minutes to set. Enjoy straight out of the freezer for a quick pre yoga energy boost.