Homemade Granola Bars

No Bake Granola Bars

No Bake Granola Bars

Ingredients

Makes 10 bars

• 1 heaping cup packed dates
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar (or honey if not vegan)
• 1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter
• 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds loosely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free for GF eaters)
• chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, banana chips, vanilla, etc. (optional additions)

Method

1. Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute)

Optional Step.Toast your oats (and almonds if raw) in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown

1. Place oats, almonds and dates in a large mixing bowl – set aside
2. Warm maple syrup (or agave or honey) and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat
3. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout
4. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8×8-inch baking dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily
5. Press down firmly until uniformly flattened
6. Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let firm up in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes
7. Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars or 9 squares
8. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days