Who Knew Lentils Could Be This Delicious? No-Bake Frozen Lentil Bars!
I’m always on the lookout for easy and convenient snacks, and these no-bake lentil bars have become a new favorite. Packed with protein, they keep me feeling full and energized throughout the day. Plus, they’re vegan, gluten-free, and have no added sugar! Let me show you how easy they are to make.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links at no extra cost to you.
This no-bake lentil bar recipe is perfect for those times when I need a quick and easy snack. Made with cooked lentils and Medjool dates for sweetness, they are a unique and delicious take on energy bars. Plus, the no-bake aspect is always a win in my book.
The recipe itself is very simple to follow, and the fact that these bars are vegan and gluten-free makes them a great option for all. They also freeze well, so I can whip up a batch and have a convenient grab-and-go snack or even a refreshing frozen dessert on hand whenever I need it. Let me show you how to make them!
Ingredients
Cooked Brown Lentils: You can use canned lentils for convenience, but cooking brown lentils from scratch is also a great option if you prefer a fresher taste.
Peanut Butter: I like to use natural creamy peanut butter. The creaminess of the peanut butter helps bind the ingredients together. You can replace it with nut butter of your choice.
Coconut Oil: This adds a subtle coconut flavor and helps solidify the bars when chilled. I prefer using extra virgin coconut oil for the best taste.
Medjool Dates: These dates are larger, softer, and sweeter than other varieties. They provide natural sweetness and help bind the mixture.
Cocoa Powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor. It pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the dates and banana.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth to the flavor profile. A pinch of each goes a long way in enhancing the taste of the bars.
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1: Combine the lentils, peanut butter, coconut oil, banana, dates, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa powder in the food processor.
Step 2: Process until smooth and creamy. Keep scrapping the sides while processing.
Step 3: Transfer the mixture into a mixing bowl and stir in the almonds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, and dried fruits.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Freeze until hard, about an hour, or overnight.
Step 5: Cut them into bars (or cubes) and store them in the freezer. Enjoy frozen or let soften for a few minutes before eating.
Expert Tips
- If the dates are too firm, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before blending. This helps them blend more easily.
- Medjool dates are naturally sweet, but the ripeness can vary. Before transferring the mixture to the pan, taste it and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- After forming the bars, it’s crucial to chill them properly. Aim for at least 1-2 hours in the freezer, but overnight chilling is ideal.
- The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Experiment with different nut butters, spices, dried fruits, and seeds to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Once chilled, store the bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually for grab-and-go convenience.
- For a perfectly textured bar, take them out of the freezer for 5-10 minutes before enjoying. The outside will soften slightly, while the inside will remain delightfully chilled.
More Brown Lentil Recipes
- For a Tex-Mex twist, use the brown lentils to create a delicious filling for Chicken Lentil Enchiladas. The lentils add a hearty element to the enchiladas.
- Use brown lentils to make flavorful Cauliflower Lentil Tacos. It’s a delicious way to enjoy the lentils in a new format.
- Try this Lentil Buddha Bowl with Roasted Veggies for a wholesome and balanced meal. It’s a convenient way to enjoy a variety of flavors in one satisfying bowl.
- Spice up your meals with this easy pickled lentils recipe! These tangy, marinated brown lentils are perfect for salads, wraps, and more.
If you tried this Lentil Bars Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked brown lentils use canned lentils or cook brown lentils from scratch
- ½ cup peanut butter
- ¼ cup coconut oil melted
- 1 ripe banana
- ¾ cup Medjool dates
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ cup almonds chopped
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup shredded coconut
- ½ cup dried fruits raisins, cranberries, etc.
Instructions
- Lightly grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- Combine the lentils, peanut butter, coconut oil, banana, dates, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa powder in the food processor. Process until smooth and creamy. Keep scrapping the sides while processing.
- Transfer the mixture into a mixing bowl and stir in the almonds, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, and dried fruits. If the mixture is too dry, add one tablespoon of melted coconut oil and mix again.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly. Freeze until hard, about an hour, or overnight.
- Cut them into bars (or cubes) and store them in the freezer. Enjoy frozen or let soften for a few minutes before eating.
Notes
- If the dates are too firm, soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before blending. This helps them blend more easily.
- Medjool dates are naturally sweet, but the ripeness can vary. Before transferring the mixture to the pan, taste it and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- After forming the bars, it’s crucial to chill them properly. Aim for at least 1-2 hours in the freezer, but overnight chilling is ideal.
- The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! Experiment with different nut butters, spices, dried fruits, and seeds to create your own unique flavor combinations.
- Once chilled, store the bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Wrap them individually for grab-and-go convenience.
- For a perfectly textured bar, take them out of the freezer for 5-10 minutes before enjoying. The outside will soften slightly, while the inside will remain delightfully chilled.
