These whole grain teff energy bars are loaded with delicious flavour! There’s teff, almond flour, chia seeds, walnuts and chocolate for a touch of sweetness. It’s a treat you can feel happy about eating. An energy bar never tasted so delicious!
Hi friends!
How did the weekend treat ya? Did you watch the big game? See all the commercials that cost a small fortune to air? Tune into half time? Eat all the snacks?
What did you think of that half time show with Lady Gaga? Holy moly! Does she have energy! What a show!
After watching, I was seriously tired and pumped up at that same time.
So if you gorged a small bit yesterday, you may wanna flip the switch and go for some healthier snacks. These teff energy bars will do the trick. They’re made with whole grain teff, but have a bit of chocolate so that’s a fair compromise, don’t ya think?
These teff bars are a huge hit in our home. Hubby and I love them and hope you do too!
Why We Love Teff Energy Bars
- They’re prepped quickly.
- You can make vegan, by using vegan chocolate.
- They have extra (natural) sweetness from maple syrup and dates.
- Of course, they taste delicious!
What Is Teff?
So, what the heck is teff? This whole grain goodness only came into my world as of late. I was flipping through Ricardo magazine and they had a little section saying how teff is the new super grain.
You know how every now and then a food trends? Sometimes it’s kale, sometimes it’s cauliflower. Well, I thought, better not miss that train. I’m often late to the party, but not to this one!
Teff is an ancient grain originating from Ethiopia. It’s grains are super tiny, even smaller than chia seeds. Even though they’re small, they’re mighty!
Teff, to me, is mild in flavour and has a slight nutty taste. When used in this teff energy bars, it gives a lovely bite.
Teff adds a great texture these energy bars. Check it out …
How To Make Teff Energy Bars
Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:
- In a food processor combine dates, maple syrup, almond butter, coconut oil and salt. Process until it comes together like a paste.
- Next, add teff, almond flour and chia seeds. Process again.
- Finally, add chocolate chips and walnut and process until just combined. Don’t over process and lose the texture in your walnuts. The mixture will be kinda sandy, but moist.
- Pour mixture into parchment paper-lined baking dish. Press down hard to pack in the mixture. Use your hand or the bottom of a measuring cup.
- Bake.
- Carefully remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Place in the fridge for a couple hours (or to be speedy, freeze for a 20 minutes) before cutting into bars.
Recipe Variations
- Use pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds or flax seeds instead of chia seeds.
- Omit the chocolate and try dried cranberries.
- Sweeten with honey instead of maple syrup (though, it won’t be vegan).
- Try peanut butter instead of almond butter.
If you enjoy these homemade teff energy bars, you may enjoy these no bake granola bars.
If you make these teff energy bars, be sure to leave a comment below!
Teff Energy Bars
Ingredients
- 2 cups dates, pitted
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons almond butter, or peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons coconut oil
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup teff
- ¼ cup almond flour
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips, use vegan chips if you want a vegan version
- 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a food processor, combine dates, maple syrup, almond butter, coconut oil and salt and process until smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add teff, almond flour and chia seeds and process until combined.
- Add dark chocolate chips and walnuts and process until combined. Don't over process and lose texture in your walnuts.
- Line a baking dish (I used a 8-inch x 11-inch dish) with parchment paper.
- FIRMLY PRESS mixture evenly down into dish and bake for about 30 minutes. Important: Let cool for about 2 hours before placing in the fridge to cool for about 2 hours before cutting into bars (use sharp knife to cut into bars).
- Cut into 12 or 24 pieces (depending on how large you want them to be). Properly store in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within 5 to 7 days.
Notes
Nutrition (ESTIMATE ONLY)
Nutrition estimate (if provided) is based on 1 Serving.
Nutrition information (if provided) is provided as a courtesy and should be considered an estimate only. Ingredients can vary and Girl Heart Food makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are guidelines only.
Tried this recipe?
If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!
Sylvia
Wow, these are amazing!! My first experiment with Teff and I’m very pleased! They are chewy and delicious and the health benefits are a total bonus!
I just made my 3rd batch to bring on a week long bike trip with friends, good energy. Every other batch I made were gobbled up in 2 days! Thanks for the wonderful recipe 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thanks so very much, Sylvia! So happy that you enjoyed them! We love them in our home too 🙂
Blake
These are amazing. Do you have the nutrition facts on them?
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Blake! No, I don’t have a nutrition calculator on my site right now.
Melissa
Hello! Should the teff in this recipe be cooked first?
Girl Heart Food
Hi Melissa! No, just use as is for the recipe 🙂
Marissa
These look fantastic! I’ve been meaning to try teff for ages and boy does THIS look like the way to do it. Thank you!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Marissa!! I actually just made another batch yesterday 🙂 Hope you enjoy them!
Agness of Run Agness Run
This is such a great idea for a snack, Dawn. I can eat this at any part of the day!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Agness! I make them all the time 🙂
Miriam - londonkitchendiaries.com
They certainly look like you put a little magic in them 🙂 I saw teff in Wholefoods a few times and was wondering what it is and how to use it. My husband is on a gluten free diet now so I have to start experimenting with all those ingredients – I could imagine that he would very much like a teff energy bar in his lunch box too 🙂
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Miriam! I’m on my second bag of teff already and really enjoy it! Love the texture that it gives and you really can’t beat a healthy treat that tastes good, can ya?
[email protected]
Yay Patriots!!!! I ate & drank way too much for a Sunday night so i need these teff bars! I’ve never used teff at home before but I’m going to get some to try your recipe. If Mr. B likes them then I know I will too 🙂
btw, nice nail polish. I have that same color.
Girl Heart Food
I did too, girl. I did too! Hahaha! Thanks ’bout the polish. We definitely like the same stuff 😉 Thanks bestie!
Cindy
These look great. I recently got back into swimming, and I am S-T-R-U-G-G-L-I-N-G. I have set a goal to do a triathlon, and I could use some Teff in my life. I need to give these a go! Thanks for sharing.
Girl Heart Food
That sounds like a fantastic goal, Cindy! Swimming is awesome exercise….little at a time and I’m sure you’ll get there 🙂 Hope you like these teff bars. They disappear no time around our house! Thanks so much!
Kevin | Keviniscooking
I’ve heard of teff lately as well. Have you heard of Kaniwa? I read about it being the new replacement for quinoa. I’m not sure about that, but it sure is another good grain for the kitchen recipe arsenal. I am loving it. Need to try this one out.
Don’t think I’ll be jumping off stadium roofs or platforms or anything like Miss G, but this has me excited to try! Thanks! 🙂
Girl Heart Food
I have not heart of Kaniwa! I’ll have to look it up. Love trying new things, especially healthy ones! Those jumps were crazy, weren’t they? So much energy!! Thanks Kevin 🙂
Rachel @ Bakerita
I’ve never used teff! I need to get my hands on some so I can make these bars – they look so delicious!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks so much Rachel! it’s great stuff! I’m on my second bag of teff already 🙂
Adina
I’ve never made anything with teff, but this bars look delicious! The only thing I’ve seen related to the Super Bowl were a few of the adds, the Budweiser one and the one with the Mexican girl. I liked the message behind them.
Girl Heart Food
They are pretty tasty, Adina…my new favourite thing 🙂 Hope you get a chance to try them! Thank you!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks
Oh, I was so bad yesterday. I did not actually eat the wings that were fried in this house, but I did eat the beer brats and beer cheese. Oops. I think I need some of these energy bars to get me back on track!
Girl Heart Food
I hear ya, Rachelle, I hear ya!! By the time I feel back to myself again, it’ll be Friday, lol 😀 What’s a girl to do when there’s just so much good food? Thanks girl!
Jolina
Well that’s my word for today! It’s the first time I’m hearing of teff but hooray for every healthy new thing they discover! I’ve been experimenting with energy bars so a teff version will definitely go in there! And yes, I watched the “game” but really I just tuned in for Lady Gaga lol. I kinda want to jump off from up high like that! Happy Monday!
Girl Heart Food
I’m on my second bag of teff right now…love it! Lady Gaga jumping off that platform….I know, right?? I had to rewind and everything at the end when she caught the ball and just went for it 😀 Have a great week, Jolina! Thank you!
[email protected]
Yahoo! Now I won’t be late to the party, either, thanks to you! So, yes I did (almost) eat my weight in wings yesterday, making this superfood you’re offering here today, perfect timing!! These sound so good! And I wholeheartedly agree on Lady Gaga’s performance. She’s the definition of fierce. Have a wonderful week, my friend! XO
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Annie! I think we all overindulged a little this past weekend, but, hey, I guess that’s what weekends are for, right 😉 ? I think you’ll enjoy these bars! Have a wonderful week too! XO
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
These look and sound delicious Dawn. And I have a good friend who is vegan, so I’ll go with the vegan chocolate and make these for her the next time I visit! She’ll love them!
Girl Heart Food
They totally are, Mary Ann! I’ve made them multiple times now, tweaking here and there and they disappear in no time! I hope your friend (and you) enjoy them 🙂 Thank you!
annie
I’ve been meaning to try teff for a long time now, but honestly didn’t want to use money/time experimenting with it. I’m glad you did the grunt work for me! These look amazing.
Also…the word “teff” always makes me giggle, I don’t know why. like “what the teff is going on here?!?!”
I know. I’m a dork.
Girl Heart Food
Thanks so much, Annie! I love ’em! And, seriously, your comment just made me laugh out loud. Now, I’m going to think the same thing about the word ‘teff’. Too funny!!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I have never heard of teff! It certainly sounds like a grain worth trying! I love how you’ve made these bars and you were right….I overindulged yesterday. Not on wings, but on nachos! Time for something a bit healthier today!
Girl Heart Food
It definitely is, Kathy! We are on our second bag already! Nachos! Sounds delicious…can’t go wrong with that on game night 🙂 Thank-you!!
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary
Well, since I don’t care for either team that played yesterday we didn’t watch the whole game. We tuned in for the halftime show (because Umm Lady Gaga rocks) and then we watched the rest of the game after that. What a game! Anyways, I have heard of teff, but I have yet to use it, so wahoooo to you! Look at you all rollin with the cool kids and the new fad! 😉 These energy bars look amazing! I love the dates and maple syrup in here! These are snack-tastic, my dear! Cheers!
Girl Heart Food
It definitely was quite the game for sure! History made and everything! Hahaha! They are our new favourite thing ’round here for sure. We’ve been going through the teff like crazy. Thanks Cheyanne!!
Nicoletta @sugarlovespices
I love bars that have dates inside, but I’ve never used teff! This is the time to try 🙂 . Yes, I’ve heard it’s one of those super foods, Ok, I’ll jump on the train, too 😉 . They also loook pretty and decadent, so we can’t go wrong. P.s. No watching super bowl for us… Pp.ss. Pinned!
Girl Heart Food
I’m already on my second bag of teff. I love it! Hope you do too 🙂 Thanks so much, Nicoletta for the sweet comment and Pin! Appreciate it!!
Shashi at RunninSrilankan
You definitely put some magic in these bars, Dawn! They look fantastic! Glad you jumped on the teff train – there’s a little South Asian store I frequent that has finely ground teff and millet flours on sale all the time and I’ve experimented with it before though everytime I make something it disappears too quick so nothing has made it onto my blog yet – such a versatile and healthy grain!
You echoed my sentiments regarding Lady Gaga – phew the energy – she was non-stop – and what a fantastic performance – even though the dirty birds lost, it was a great game – and I’m not even a big football fan! Happy Monday to ya!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Shashi!! I’m so happy to be on the teff train. I’m already on my second bag! It definitely was a crazy game! I can only imagine the energy for those people who were actually there! Hope you have a fantastic week 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice
I hope you had a great weekend, Dawn! I’m not really a football fan, so I just tuned in for some of the commercials and the half-time show, but my husband was glued to the TV haha. We didn’t go to a superbowl party this year, so I didn’t overeat too much, but I definitely need to get back on track after the weekend. I love the looks of these energy bars! I’ve never heard of teff before today, so now I’m intrigued and will be on the lookout for it. Sounds like the perfect snack! Pinned, of course! Hope your week is off to a great start, friend!
Girl Heart Food
No super bowl party for us either, but we did enjoy some good eats. Hubby made homemade pasta again and it was so good! I think I’m still full now, lol. I found the teff in the health food section of my supermarket. Thanks so much for the kind words and Pin, Gayle! Hope you have a great week too…snowing here today!!
David @ Spiced
So I’ve heard the same thing about Teff…it’s supposed to be the newest supergrain fad. I haven’t had the chance to try it yet, but I love that you jumped in with both feet and made these energy bars! How perfect are these for a Monday morning…especially the Monday morning after the Super Bowl. I definitely need to track down some teff and try these out now. Fun! Also, I totally agree with you about Lady Gaga. I found myself “dancing” in my seat during her performance last night. Talk about energy!!
Girl Heart Food
I found the teff in the health food section of my supermarket. It definitely has a unique texture. Lady Gaga was insane, right? So funny at the end when she just jumped off the platform. I had to rewind back and everything 😀 Thanks David!