Soak the dates briefly in hot water and roughly chop the walnuts. This softens the dates and makes them easier to work with.
Blend the dates with the peanut butter and salt into a thick, caramel-like paste. If needed, add just a little of the soaking water.
Work the oats and walnuts into the date mixture until you have a mouldable dough. Press the mixture together firmly so the bars hold well later.
Shape the dough into bars or press it into a small tin and chill everything. This firms up the mixture so it can be coated neatly.
Stir the coconut oil and cocoa powder into a smooth glaze and spread it over the chilled bars. Then chill them again until the top is firm.
Cut the mixture into pieces or serve the finished bars straight from the fridge. A few roughly chopped walnuts make a good topping.
Good to know
These bars are simple, moist and pleasantly chocolatey. Just right when you want something sweet that's quick to make and still leaves you wanting more.
Contains peanuts and walnuts; the oats contain gluten unless they're certified gluten-free. For children, offer small pieces that are easy to chew; in pregnancy the ingredients are generally fine in normal amounts. Contains: gluten (oats).
