Healthy Granola Bars
A fantastic, convenient snack option packed with nutrients and flavor. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, dates, nuts, seeds, and dried fruits, these bars are glorious.
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Servings: 10 bars
Ingredients
- 200 grams rolled oats toasted
- 140 grams raw almonds roughly chopped and toasted
- 30 grams green pumpkin seeds toasted
- 50 grams sesame seeds toasted
- 50 grams dried apricots diced
- 50 grams dried cranberries
- 3 tbsp warm water
- 160 grams dried dates pitted
- 80 grams peanut butter or nut butter smooth or crunchy
- 100-120 grams raw honey or maple syrup
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Start by toasting the oats, almonds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds*this is optional but toasting them does add loads of flavour. I prefer toasting the oats and almonds in the oven and the seeds on my stovetop but everything could be don in either the oven or stovetop - depends on you. Preheat the oven to 200℃/ 390℉. Spread the rolled oats in an oven proof dish and toast for until its slightly golden brown. Pour the oats straight into a large mixing bowl once toasted. Do the same to the almonds. Pour the pumpkin seeds into a small saucepan and toast on a medium heat until they pop. Toast the sesame seeds until light golden brown in colour.
- Pour the toasted oats, roughly chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds into a large mixing bowl followed by the dice dried apricots, cranberries and give it a rough mix. Set aside.
- Prepare 9x9inch dish with baking paper. This will ensure an easier release once set.
- Add the dried dates and water to a NutriBullet or food processor. Blend as smooth as possible and add the blended dates to a small saucepan with the peanut butter and honey or maple syrup. The amount of honey you add will depend on how sweet you'd want the granola to be - I used 120g (on the sweeter side). Melt the wet ingredients together and add the dry ingredients. Mix until well combined. Try a small amount of the mixture and add any salt if needed.
- Place the mixture into the prepared tin and cover with another piece of baking paper. Using a glass, flatten the mixture until compressed and evenly spread. Keep covered and place in the fridge for a minimum of 30minutes or overnight for best results.
- Cut into 10 bars or as desired and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Dates: You can use whichever dates you'd like, I used Deglet Noor dates as they are more affordable but Medjool dates are delicious as well. I add the 3 tbsp of water as the dried Deglet Noor dates aren't as 'juicy' as Medjool dates.
- Nut Butter: I used salted crunchy peanut butter but you can use any nut butter you like. If it isn't salted then I'd recommend you add 1/2 teaspoon salt - this'll help enhance the flavour.
- Dish size: I used a 9x9 inch/23cm x 23cm x 6cm dish but you can use whatever you'd like. It would depend on how thin or thick you'd like the bars to be. Using a 9x9 inch dish delivered bars that were 10cm L/3cm W/2.5cm H.
- Storing: You can place the bars in an airtight container and freeze up to 3 months. SO a great meal prep or snack option for you and the family.
- Muesli: This recipe can also make for a tasty muesli. Just spread the granola on a 9x13" pan, spread the mixture evenly and bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.