Healthy 5-Ingredient Granola Bars

Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

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

Preparation

1. 1

   Step 1

   Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a "dough" like consistency. (Mine rolled into a ball.)
2. 2

   Step 2

   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. Otherwise, leave them raw - I prefer the toasted flavor.
3. 3

   Step 3

   Place oats, almonds and dates in a large mixing bowl - set aside.
4. 4

   Step 4

   Warm maple syrup (or agave or honey) and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout.
5. 5

   Step 5

   Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8x8-inch baking dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily. (A loaf pan might work, but will yield thicker bars // adjust size of pan if altering batch size).
6. 6

   Step 6

   Press down firmly until uniformly flattened - I use something flat, like a drinking glass, to press down and really pack the bars, which helps them hold together better.
7. 7

   Step 7

   Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let firm up in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes.
8. 8

   Step 8

   Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars (or 9 squares // as original recipe is written). Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. I kept mine in the freezer to keep them extra fresh, but it isn't necessary.

9. Bon appetit!