


Almond, Date & Orange Granola Bars
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
Adapted from MinimalistBaker.com ("Healthy 5-Ingredient Granola Bars")
Author: My Delicious Blog
Recipe type: Snack
Serves: 10 large or 20 small
Ingredients
- 1 c. packed Medjool dates, pitted (I added raisins to cover the gap, but you could also use dried figs or dried apricots)
- ½ c. honey (I used Grade A maple syrup)
- ½ c. creamy, salted peanut butter (I only had ¼ c. crunchy PB, so I added ¼ c. almond butter)
- 1 c. unsalted almonds, loosely chopped (I only had ¼ c. whole almonds, so I added slivered almonds and chopped walnuts)
- 1½ c. rolled oats (I added flax and chia seeds to cover the gap)
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)
- ½ tsp. dried orange peel, minced (optional)
Instructions
- Line an 8X8 baking dish with plastic wrap or parchment paper so the edges stick out (this will allow the square bar to come out easily).
- In a food processor, combine dates and raisins. Process until you get a paste consistency (when the blade starts to have a hard time turning, you know it’s done). Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl.
- Toast the oats and almonds on a sheet pan in a 350 degree oven for about 15 minutes. Check regularly to turn the mixture and ensure it’s not burning. Remove from oven and cool slightly. Transfer to the mixing bowl, along with other substitutions (chia, flax, nuts, etc.), and cinnamon and orange peel (optional).
- In a small skillet over low heat, combine the honey, peanut butter (and almond butter, if using). Mix and pour over the dry ingredients.
- Using a sturdy wooden spoon (this makes it easier), combine all the ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press into each corner and ensure it’s packed in tightly.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 20-30 minutes.
- Remove bars from pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars.
- The bars can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
Nicole, I can’t wait to make these. Do you like the maple syrup better than the honey?
Hi Cathy! I like either in terms of flavor. The only minor difference I’ve found is that the maple syrup can produce a slightly softer granola bar. But you can’t go wrong either way 🙂
You had me at “no bake”. Can’t wait to try them – perfect addition to kids’ lunches.
I hope you give them a try, Michelle – they’re yummy. The core recipe is delicious, and substitutions work, too!
You had me at “5 ingredients!” I am going to scavenge around my kitchen and see what I have to throw into a granola bar! I’m not sure I am ready for 7, but I should be able to handle 5 ingredients. These look so tasty and fun to eat!
Glad you like this one. Maybe I should develop a recipe with only FOUR ingredients?!?
These look great….something that would be perfect to take kayaking. Good to see you really can substitute when you don’t have all the exact ingredients. Living on the Gulf Coast of Florida….love your blog!!!!
Thanks for following and loving my blog! The original recipe from #MinimalistBaker is awesome, and even if you have to make replacements, they’re still awesome 🙂