Post-Run Energy Bars – No-Bake, Nutty & Chocolatey Treat for Runners

Celebrating my favorite runner who completed the Cluj Wizz Half Marathon in an impressive 1 hour 54 minutes! Huge congrats to all participants and organizers — the event keeps growing and getting better every year. The weather and scenery were perfect, colorful, and energizing just like the runners themselves.

This no-bake energy bar recipe is quick, packed with wholesome ingredients, and fully customizable to your taste — perfect for a post-run snack to refuel and reward your efforts.

🕒 Prep Time & Portions

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: minimum 3 hours
Servings: about 8 bars

📝 Ingredients

250 g dark chocolate (50% cocoa, chopped or chips)
250 g peanut butter (or any nut butter: hazelnut, cashew, almond)
50 g unsalted butter (82% fat) or coconut oil for vegan version
¼ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, or substitute other spices)
3 tbsp maple syrup (or honey, or another liquid sweetener)
200 g mixed nuts, seeds & dried fruits (e.g., rolled oats flakes, raisins, cranberries, figs, dates, sliced almonds, store-bought granola)

🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Melt the chocolate and fats:
Place the chopped chocolate, butter, and peanut butter in a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler). Ensure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Stir occasionally as the chocolate melts slowly to avoid burning.
Sweeten the mixture:
Remove the bowl from the heat. Gradually add your chosen sweetener, one tablespoon at a time, mixing and tasting as you go. Stop when it reaches your preferred level of sweetness (I used 3 tbsp maple syrup). Avoid adding granulated sugar, as it won’t dissolve properly.
Combine with dry ingredients:
Pour the melted chocolate mixture over the nut, seed, and dried fruit mix. Sprinkle in the cinnamon (if using). Stir thoroughly until everything is well coated and combined.
Set in a mold:
Lightly grease a loaf pan with oil and line it with plastic wrap. Transfer the mixture into the pan, pressing it down evenly. Fold the edges of the plastic wrap over the top and smooth the surface with your hand.
Chill & firm up:
Refrigerate for at least a few hours until firm enough to slice.
Serve & store:
Before slicing, remove from the fridge about 10 minutes to soften slightly — this helps you get clean, neat slices. Cut into bars about 2-3 cm thick. Wrap each bar individually in plastic wrap. Store in the fridge but serve at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

💡 Tips & Variations

Swap peanut butter for any nut or seed butter for different flavors and allergen-friendly options.
Mix in your favorite dried fruits, like cherries or apricots, for extra chew and sweetness.
Add a pinch of sea salt for a balanced sweet-salty profile.
Use vegan butter or coconut oil to make the bars fully plant-based.
For crunchier bars, lightly toast nuts and oats before mixing.
These bars freeze well — thaw in the fridge overnight before eating.

🧾 Final Thoughts

These homemade energy bars are a perfect mix of rich chocolate, wholesome nuts, and sweet dried fruits — a natural power-up after a tough run or a healthy snack any time of day. They’re easy to make, no bake, and endlessly adaptable to your taste and dietary preferences.

Treat yourself or share with your running buddies — fueling your body deliciously has never been so simple!