Yule Log Energy Bars (Buche de Noel!) – A Festive, No-Bake Snack
Think of these energy bars as a playful nod to the classic Bûche de Noël, minus the rolling, frosting, and stress. They look like mini log slices, taste cozy and chocolatey, and keep you fueled through holiday chaos. No baking, no fancy equipment—just wholesome ingredients and a clever shape.
They’re great for gifting, packing into lunch boxes, or stashing before your next winter walk. If you love a seasonal treat that actually leaves you energized, this one’s for you.
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the dates: If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain well. Pat dry. This helps them blend smoothly.
- Pulse the dry base: In a food processor, add rolled oats, nuts, coconut, cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), and salt. Pulse until the mixture looks like coarse sand with tiny nut bits.
- Add the sticky stuff: Add pitted dates, almond butter, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Process until the dough clumps together. If it’s crumbly, add the remaining tablespoon of syrup or 1–2 teaspoons of water. You want a dough that holds when pressed.
- Fold in chocolate: Add dark chocolate chips and pulse once or twice to distribute without fully breaking them up.
- Shape the log: Lay a sheet of parchment on your counter. Transfer the dough onto it and form a tight cylinder, about 8–9 inches long and 2–3 inches thick. Use the parchment to roll and compress the log so it’s smooth and compact.
- Chill to set: Wrap the log in the parchment and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or freeze for 20–30 minutes if you’re in a hurry. Chilling makes slicing clean and easy.
- Add the festive details: Melt the white chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between each, until smooth. Slice the log into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Drizzle a small spiral on each slice to mimic tree rings. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Serve or store: Enjoy right away, or stack the slices in a container with parchment between layers. Keep chilled for best texture.
Why This Recipe Works
These bars use dates and nut butter to bind everything together, so you get a chewy, sliceable dough that sets quickly. Cocoa powder, vanilla, and espresso (optional) create deep, chocolatey flavor without adding refined sugar.
Rolled oats and nuts provide crunch and lasting energy. A dusting of powdered sugar mimics “snow” on the log, and a swirl of white chocolate gives the look of tree rings. The result is festive to the eye and simple to make.
Shopping List
- Medjool dates (pitted) – about 2 packed cups
- Almond butter or peanut butter – 1/2 cup, natural and unsweetened
- Rolled oats – 1 1/2 cups (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- Raw nuts (walnuts, almonds, or pecans) – 1 cup, roughly chopped
- Unsweetened shredded coconut – 1/2 cup
- Unsweetened cocoa powder – 1/3 cup
- Maple syrup or honey – 2 to 3 tablespoons (to taste)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
- Fine sea salt – 1/4 teaspoon
- Instant espresso powder (optional) – 1 teaspoon
- Dark chocolate chips – 1/2 cup
- White chocolate chips – 1/4 cup (for “tree rings” drizzle, optional)
- Powdered sugar – 1 tablespoon (for “snow,” optional)
Instructions
- Prep the dates: If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain well.
Pat dry. This helps them blend smoothly.
- Pulse the dry base: In a food processor, add rolled oats, nuts, coconut, cocoa powder, espresso powder (if using), and salt. Pulse until the mixture looks like coarse sand with tiny nut bits.
- Add the sticky stuff: Add pitted dates, almond butter, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.
Process until the dough clumps together. If it’s crumbly, add the remaining tablespoon of syrup or 1–2 teaspoons of water. You want a dough that holds when pressed.
- Fold in chocolate: Add dark chocolate chips and pulse once or twice to distribute without fully breaking them up.
- Shape the log: Lay a sheet of parchment on your counter.
Transfer the dough onto it and form a tight cylinder, about 8–9 inches long and 2–3 inches thick. Use the parchment to roll and compress the log so it’s smooth and compact.
- Chill to set: Wrap the log in the parchment and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or freeze for 20–30 minutes if you’re in a hurry. Chilling makes slicing clean and easy.
- Add the festive details: Melt the white chocolate in short bursts in the microwave, stirring between each, until smooth.
Slice the log into rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Drizzle a small spiral on each slice to mimic tree rings. Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a snowy effect.
- Serve or store: Enjoy right away, or stack the slices in a container with parchment between layers.
Keep chilled for best texture.
Storage Instructions
These bars keep well and actually taste better the next day. Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking, and thaw in the fridge or at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before eating.
Why This is Good for You
- Steady energy: Dates, oats, and nuts deliver a mix of carbs, fiber, and healthy fats that keep you full and energized.
- Natural sweetness: Dates and a touch of maple replace refined sugar while adding minerals like potassium and magnesium.
- Antioxidants: Cocoa offers polyphenols that support overall wellness and may help curb cravings.
- Protein boost: Nut butter and nuts provide plant-based protein that helps with satiety and recovery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using dry dates without soaking: This can leave your mixture crumbly. If it won’t hold together, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it does.
- Overprocessing the nuts: You want some texture. If you blend too long, the mixture can become pasty.
- Skipping the chill time: Slices will smear and crumble if you cut before the log is firm.
- Overloading with syrup: Too much liquid sweetener makes the bars sticky.
Start with less and add only if needed.
- Thick chocolate drizzle: If white chocolate is too thick, thin it with a tiny bit of coconut oil so it drizzles nicely.
Alternatives
- Nut-free: Swap almond butter for sunflower seed butter and replace nuts with more oats and coconut or pumpkin seeds.
- Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free oats. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.
- Extra protein: Add 2 scoops of unflavored or chocolate protein powder and reduce oats by 1/2 cup to balance texture.
- Mocha kick: Keep the espresso powder and toss in cacao nibs for crunch.
- Spiced holiday version: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a cozy twist.
- Vegan drizzle: Use dairy-free white chocolate or skip and dust with cocoa and powdered sugar.
FAQ
Can I make these without a food processor?
Yes. Finely chop the dates and nuts by hand, then mix with the remaining ingredients in a large bowl.
It takes more effort, but pressing the mixture firmly will bring it together.
What if my mixture is too sticky?
Add a little more oats or shredded coconut, a tablespoon at a time, until it’s workable. Chilling the dough for 10 minutes also helps.
Do I have to use white chocolate for the tree rings?
No. You can pipe a thin swirl of almond butter, use a tiny drizzle of yogurt (for immediate serving), or simply score rings with a toothpick for a subtle wood-grain look.
Can I make this into bars instead of a log?
Absolutely.
Press the mixture into a parchment-lined 8-inch pan, chill, and cut into squares. For the yule log effect, dust the top with cocoa and powdered sugar.
How sweet are these?
They’re gently sweet from dates with a chocolate-forward flavor. If you prefer sweeter, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or use semi-sweet chips.
What nuts work best?
Walnuts give a brownie-like vibe, almonds add crunch, and pecans bring buttery richness.
Use what you have or mix them.
Can kids help make these?
Yes. Kids can help measure, press the log into shape, and add the “ring” drizzle and powdered sugar. Just handle the melting chocolate for them.
Final Thoughts
Yule Log Energy Bars bring holiday charm to a snack that actually supports your day.
They’re quick to assemble, easy to customize, and festive enough for a cookie tray. Keep a batch in the fridge for busy mornings and last-minute gatherings. When you want a treat that feels special and fuels you well, these little logs deliver every time.
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