Date Banana Energy Bars

In desperate need of a delicious afternoon pick-me-up" These Date Banana Energy Bars are the best! They're equal parts chewy and crunchy, and are super simple to make. I always like to keep a batch of these on hand for when the dreaded 3 o'clock slump hits! You can even double (or triple!) this recipe and make ahead – they'll keep for up to 6 months in the freezer.

150 g mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, pecans or walnuts)
180 g dried bananas
10 medjool dates (pitted)
1 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional:

5 dried apricots
10 g puffed rice

Preheat oven to 180°C / 160°Fan / Gas Mark 4. Place the nuts on a baking tray and roast for 5-10 minutes until golden. Remove and leave to cool.
Place the dried bananas and dates in a bowl and cover with warm water. Leave to soak for 10 minutes, then drain and place in the mixing bowl.

Add the nuts, ground cinnamon and puffed rice and apricots (if using) and combine 20 Sec / Speed 6. If this is too coarse for your liking, use 10 Sec / Speed 10. While mixing ensure the mixture isn't completely dry. Add a splash of water if needed.

Place the mixture into a small loaf tin lined with greaseproof paper and press down using your fingers. Refrigerate for 30 minutes, then remove and cut into bars.

Alternatively, you can also roll the mixture into balls – the mixture should make about 20 – and refrigerate the balls for 30 minutes before serving.

The energy ba...