Almond, Date & Orange Granola Bars
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Adapted from MinimalistBaker.com ("Healthy 5-Ingredient Granola Bars")
Author:
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
  1. 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).
  2. 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.
  3. 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).
  4. In a small skillet over low heat, combine the honey, peanut butter (and almond butter, if using). Mix and pour over the dry ingredients.
  5. Using a sturdy wooden spoon (this makes it easier), combine all the ingredients.
  6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Press into each corner and ensure it’s packed in tightly.
  7. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate 20-30 minutes.
  8. Remove bars from pan. Place on a cutting board and cut into squares or bars.
  9. The bars can be stored in an airtight container for several days.
Recipe by My Delicious Blog at https://www.mydeliciousblog.com/almond-date-orange-granola-bars/