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Healthy 5-Ingredient Granola Bars Recipe

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4.1 from 9 reviews

These Healthy 5-Ingredient Granola Bars are a quick and nutritious snack made from wholesome ingredients like dates, oats, almonds, and natural nut butter. Perfect for a natural energy boost, these bars are easy to prepare without baking, making them ideal for busy days or on-the-go snacks.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 heaping cup packed dates (pitted, deglet noor or medjool)
  • 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)

Optional Additions

  • Chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, banana chips, vanilla, etc.

Instructions

  1. Process Dates: Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain, about 1 minute, creating a dough-like consistency that rolls into a ball.
  2. Toast Oats and Nuts (Optional): Optionally toast your oats and almonds in a 350°F (176°C) oven for 10-15 minutes until slightly golden for enhanced flavor. Otherwise, use raw.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: Place oats, almonds, and processed dates into a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  4. Warm Syrup and Nut Butter: Warm maple syrup (or agave or honey) and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until combined.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the warmed syrup and peanut butter over the oat mixture, mixing thoroughly while breaking up the dates to evenly disperse them throughout.
  6. Press Into Pan: Transfer the mixture to an 8×8-inch baking dish lined with plastic wrap or parchment for easy removal. Press firmly with a flat object like a drinking glass to compact the mixture firmly.
  7. Chill to Set: Cover with parchment or plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze for 15-20 minutes until firm.
  8. Cut Into Bars: Remove the set mixture from the pan and cut into 10 even bars (or 9 squares). Store in an airtight container for several days, refrigerating or freezing to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Using gluten-free oats makes this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets.
  • Toasting the oats and nuts enhances flavor but can be skipped for a raw version.
  • You can customize the bars by adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or vanilla extract.
  • Storing bars in the freezer extends their freshness.
  • Adjust pan size if altering batch quantity to maintain bar thickness.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/healthy-5-ingredient-granola-bars-recipe/