Healthy 5-Ingredient Granola Bars¶
 Serves |
 Total Time |
|---|---|
| 10 | 36 minutes |
Ingredients¶
1 heaping cup packed dates, pitted (deglet noor or medjool)
¼ cup (84 g) maple syrup or agave nectar (or honey if not vegan)
¼ cup (68 g) creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter
1 cup roasted unsalted almonds, loosely chopped
1½ cups (135 g) rolled oats (gluten-free for GF eaters)
Optional additions: chocolate chips, dried fruit, banana chips, vanilla, etc.
Cookware¶
- 1 food processor
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 small saucepan
- 1 8x8-inch baking dish or loaf pan
Instructions¶
Step 1¶
Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a "dough"-like consistency.
Step 2¶
Optional: Toast oats (and almonds if raw) in a 350°F (176°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
Step 3¶
Place oats, almonds, and dates in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.
Step 4¶
Warm maple syrup and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over the oat mixture, breaking up dates to disperse throughout.
Step 5¶
Transfer to an 8x8-inch baking dish (or loaf pan for thicker bars) lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper. Press down firmly until uniformly flat — use the bottom of a glass to pack tightly so bars hold together.
Step 6¶
Cover and let firm up in the fridge or freezer for 15–20 minutes.
Step 7¶
Remove from pan and cut into 10 bars (or 9 squares). Store in an airtight container for up to a few days, or freeze for longer freshness.
Source