No-Bake Date & Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped and packed
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy)
- 2 cups rolled oats (old fashioned)
- 1/3 cup dried fruit: cranberries, cherries, apricots
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp. ground flaxseed
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 1-2 tbsp. water
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
-
1 tbsp. chia seeds
Instructions
1. Soften the dates
If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Drain well before using.
2. Make the date paste
Add the dates to a food processor and blend until a thick, sticky paste forms. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add the peanut butter & vanilla
Add the peanut butter, vanilla extract and salt (if using) to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Mix in the dry ingredients
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the oats, dried fruit(s) of your choice, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds until everything is evenly coated.
If the mixture feels dry or crumbly, add warm water one tablespoon at a time until it sticks together when pressed.
5. Press into a pan
Line an 7×11 pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into an even layer — pressing well helps the bars hold together.
6. Chill and set
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or place in the freezer for about 30 minutes. They will cut better if you freeze them first.
7. Slice and enjoy
Lift the slab out using the parchment paper, slice into bars, and enjoy.
Storage Tips
Simply Wanderfull Tip
These bars are wonderfully flexible. Swap peanut butter for almond butter, add shredded coconut or dark chocolate chips. Make them your own.
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