I make a version of these chewy granola bars every week for our busy on-the-go family. They are made with delicious natural ingredients and can be put together very quickly. I change them up each time I make them by altering the combinations of nut butters, dried fruit, seeds, nuts, coconut and dark chocolate. They are always chewy and amazing and we never get tired of them. When our son starting eating solids we became more aware of EVERYTHING that we buy for our family and made some pretty significant changes in the way we shop, cook and eat. He loves granola bars so I decided to recreate my own healthy natural version. I feel like this version is better for us, but also much more cost effective. If you are looking for healthy on-the-go snacks that are easy to make, versatile and delicious, give this recipe a whirl.
Ingredients
Makes 10 granola bars
1 cup pitted dates
1 1/2 organic quick oats
1 1/4 mixed dried fruit, nuts, seeds, coconut or chocolate
( The picture above includes: raisins, craisins, unsalted sunflower seeds, coconut, and dark chocolate chips)
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/4 cup nut butter or sunflower butter- I used natural peanut butter in this version
1/4 cup of honey or maple- I used honey in this version
Directions
1. Line an 8x8 pan with parchment paper or use an 8x8 silicone pan.
2. Pulse the pitted dates for about a minute until the dates form into dough like ball.
3. Dump the pureed date ball into a medium bowl and add the oats, salt, as well as the 1 1/4 of desired dried fruit, nuts, chocolate and coconut.
4. Microwave the nut butter and honey for 30 to 45 seconds, stir and add into the bowl.
5. Mix the ingredients making sure to break up the date ball and have all the topping well incorporated.
6. Dump into the 8x8 pan and flatten the mixture evenly. Cover and store in the fridge to set for at least 1 hour before cutting. Slice into 10 full size granola bars and continue to store in the fridge for up to one week. Once they are sliced you can individually wrap them for lunches.
7. Enjoy!
Note: If your child has a nut allergy you can substitute sunflower butter in this recipe. Most schools and day cares are nut free but will allow sunflower butter.
