Healthy No-Bake Pumpkin Seed Chocolate Bars

It’s been a while since I last shared a healthy recipe. That’s because I took a break from the gym. You know how everyone starts the new year with resolutions to work out more and eat healthier? Well, I’m exactly the opposite. I never set foot in the gym in January or February because it’s simply too crowded. That’s why I don’t kick off my “gym season” until a little later. 🙂

In the meantime, though, I really missed making simple snacks for those days when I don’t feel like spending much time in the kitchen.

These Pumpkin Seed Chocolate Bars are exactly the kind of no-bake dessert I make whenever I’m craving something delicious, satisfying, and effortless. They come together with just a handful of ingredients and are perfect for those moments when you’re craving something sweet.

Why You’ll Love These Pumpkin Seed Chocolate Bars

I always like having something ready in the fridge for busy mornings or an afternoon coffee break. These bars are one of my favorite healthy snacks because they:

• are filling thanks to the combination of pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds, both rich in healthy fats;
• contain no added sugar, with all the sweetness coming from dried fruit and dark chocolate;
• require no baking and come together in just a few minutes;
• keep well in the refrigerator for several days.

Customize the Recipe with What You Have on Hand

I like using dried prunes for their texture and subtle flavor, but you can easily substitute them with dates if that’s what you have on hand. Both work well to bind the mixture together.

The rest of the ingredients are just as flexible. If you prefer a simpler version, you can leave out one or two ingredients. That said, the almond butter adds a lovely flavor, while the dark chocolate topping brings everything together with a rich taste and a slight crunch. I recommend using dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa, but feel free to use your favorite.

Storage

Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The chocolate will firm up nicely, making the bars easy to cut into even squares. They keep well for about a week, although if you ask me, they’ll disappear long before then. 😉

These Pumpkin Seed Chocolate Bars are one of the easiest no-bake desserts you can make at home. You’ll find the full ingredient list, exact measurements, and step-by-step instructions below.

Healthy No-Bake Pumpkin Seed Chocolate Bars

Recipe by Loredana Arion

Servings

16

squares

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories per square

155

kcal

Timp asteptare

1

hour 

30

minutes

Protein per square

4.8

g

Fiber per square

2.6

g

Healthy homemade bars packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. An easy no-bake dessert cut into perfect bite-sized squares, made with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and dark chocolate – ideal for a quick snack.

Ingredients

• For the Bars

• 200 g pumpkin seeds

• 50 g sunflower seeds

• 200 g dried prunes

• A few walnuts (optional)

• For the Topping

• 2 teaspoons almond butter

• 100 g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)

Directions

• Soak the pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and dried prunes in water for 1 hour.
• Drain well, then blend until smooth. If you’re using a small food processor, blend the mixture in two or more batches.
• Line an 18 × 18 cm (7 × 7-inch) pan with parchment paper or plastic wrap. Transfer the mixture to the pan and press it down evenly using the back of a spoon.
• Spread the almond butter evenly over the surface.
• Melt the dark chocolate and pour it over the top. Gently tilt the pan to spread the chocolate evenly, or use a spoon or spatula to smooth it out.
• Refrigerate until the chocolate has set, then cut into 16 squares.