These Healthy 5Ingredient Granola Bars are a simple and wholesome snack, packed with natural ingredients to fuel your day. With a combination of dates, oats, almonds, and peanut butter, they provide a perfect balance of energy, crunch, and sweetness.
Ingredients:
1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter
1 cup roasted unsalted almonds (loosely chopped; see instructions for roasting nuts)
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (glutenfree, if needed)
1 heaping cup packed dates (pitted; Deglet Noor or Medjool)
1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar (or honey if not vegan)
Optional Additions:
Chocolate chips
Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, etc.)
Banana chips
Vanilla extract
Extra nuts or seeds
Instructions:
1. Process the Dates:
Add the pitted dates to a food processor. Process for about 1 minute until the dates are broken down into small bits and the mixture starts to form a doughlike consistency. You may notice it rolling into a ball.
2. Toast the Oats and Almonds (Optional):
Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Spread the oats and almonds (if raw) on a baking sheet and toast them for 1015 minutes or until they turn lightly golden. Toasting adds a deeper flavor, but you can skip this step if you prefer a softer bar.
3. Combine Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the toasted oats, almonds, and processed dates. Set aside while you prepare the binding mixture.
4. Prepare the Binding Mixture:
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the maple syrup (or your choice of sweetener) and peanut butter. Stir continuously until the mixture is well combined and smooth. Be careful not to overheat and burn the mixture.
5. Mix Everything Together:
Pour the warm peanut butter and syrup mixture over the oat mixture. Stir thoroughly, ensuring the dates are evenly dispersed throughout.
6. Shape the Bars:
Line an 8x8inch baking dish with parchment paper or plastic wrap for easy removal. Transfer the granola mixture into the dish and press it down firmly until the mixture is evenly spread out and flat. Use the bottom of a glass or your hands to pack it tightly, which will help the bars hold together.
7. Chill and Set:
Cover the baking dish with parchment or plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator or freezer for 1520 minutes to allow the bars to firm up.
8. Cut and Store:
Once chilled, remove the mixture from the dish and cut it into 10 even bars (or 9 squares, depending on your preference). Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a few days, or keep them in the fridge or freezer for longer freshness.
Tips for Success:
1. Use fresh, soft dates or soak dry ones for better texture.
2. Toast oats and almonds for added flavor but skip if you prefer a softer bar.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the pan to ensure bars hold their shape.
4. Chill thoroughly before slicing for clean, even cuts.
Recipe Details:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 10 bars
These granola bars are the perfect snack for busy mornings, midday energy boosts, or as a healthy treat. Customize them with your favorite addins for endless variations. Enjoy!
