Don't imagine me devouring four granola bars while snapping these pictures. Just don't do that.
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I had just gotten back from the gym and was s-t-a-r-v-i-n-g! You might remember how in the winter, (gawd that feels like an eternity ago), I was all into the weight lifting thing. Well, I didn't admit this to you until now, but the summer weather lured me out of the gym, and I didn't exactly miss sweating over dumbbells. So this past week, I finally dragged my self back, and I didn't just go back, I went all hardcore and went to the gym 4, count em, 1-2-3-4 times!!! For someone as exercise lazy as me, that is HUGE. I have already made it to the gym 3 times this week too, and am going to try to go 4 times every week this month to whip myself back into shape with my mental drill sergeant. Who's with me? I'm happy to say my efforts have been paying off as I already lost 1 ½ inches on my waist!
There is just something about being a gym buff and the whole back to school season, that make me want to eat granola bars! My solution? You might have guessed it, MAKE THEM! The best solution always. Especially when they are so easy to make and can be customized endless ways! Just 4 ingredients will get you there, 5 if you want to be all fancy and add chocolate chips or fruit or something fun.
I was inspired by this recipe from the Minimalist Baker. If you haven't checked out that blog, you totally should, they have a lot of super yum recipes, and if you are into the blogging thing like me, a ton of blogger resources. Win win! Their recipe for granola bars contained honey (which isn't vegan), but I really wanted my granola bars to be optimum healthy, and extra sugar just wasn't gonna cut it for my new bulging biceps. (ha!)
I removed the honey, and lessened the oats a bit, and YUM! These things are so delish. They are lightly sweet, chewy while still having the crunch of nuts and oats, and I love adding some dried fruit for a little burst of fruity deliciousness every now and then. Perfect for a snack before the gym or to pack for a school lunch. They do tend to be a little more crumbly than store bought granola bars, so just wrap them tightly or pack them in an air tight container.
Pit the dates. If dates are new to you, all you have to do is to split the date open with your fingers, and pull out the pit. If you find your dates are a bit hard or dry, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before tossing in the food processor. We want to make sure they are at peak stickiness as they are the main glue for the bars.
Toss those dates in your food processor and pulse until it forms a gooey paste ball. I know, totally delicious sounding. It kinda really is tho.
If you like toasty flavours (and I like toasty flavours), heat your oven to 350F (180C) and toast the oats and nuts for 10 - 15 mins. You can skip this step if you want to keep your bars raw, or if you are just feeling lazy (no judgements!), but toasting will enhance the flavours.
In a small sauce pan, heat up nut butter just until it is heated through and becomes a bit runny. Add all the ingredients to a bowl and mix. If you are adding chocolate chips or anything else melty, let the mixture cool a bit before adding them so they don't melt.
You may need to get in there with your fingers to really finish mixing it all up. Be careful, it may be hot!
Once thoroughly mixed, scoop the granola mixture into the pans and smooth and pack the bars down until they are firmly packed into the bottom of the pan.
Super secret tip: You can use two loaf pans, or on 8" x 8" pan. In the photo, I divided the recipe into two bowls and added different seasonings to each so I made two types of granola bars! I know, so sneaky. On the left I have salted cashews and cranberries, on the right, almond blueberry.
Toss them in the freezer to set for a good 20 minutes or as long as you like. When ready to chop the bars, pop them out of the pan and using a sharp knife slice them up into bar shapes.
How to Make Granola Bars (Just 4 Ingredients!)
Ingredients
The basic bars:
- 1 cup medjool dates, pitted
- ¼ cup nut or seed butter (peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed, pumpkin seed, wowbutter, whatever you like!)
- 1 ¼ cup old fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup nuts or seeds (almonds, peanuts, cashews, hazelnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, whatever you like!)
Optional add-ins:
- ½ Cup Extras (chocolate chips, dried fruit like cranberries, raisins, apricots, coconut)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice mix, or salt
Instructions
Optional step: toasting the oats and nuts (for toasty flavour)
- To toast the oats and nuts (optional), preheat your oven to 350F (180C). Toast the oats and nuts for 10 – 15 mins, until fragrant and golden.
To make the bars:
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper or plastic wrap, and leave excess hanging over the sides so you have little handles to pick the bars up when you are done.
- Add the dates to a food processor and pulse until it forms a gooey paste ball.
- In a small sauce pan, heat up the nut butter just until it is heated through and becomes a bit runny.
- Add the date paste and warmed nut butter, along with the nuts, oats and any add-ins to a large bowl. If you are adding chocolate chips or anything else melty, let the mixture cool a bit before adding them so they don’t melt. Mix well.
- Scoop the granola mixture into the parchment lined pans and smooth and pack the bars down until they are firmly packed into the bottom of the pan. Really pack them down, so they hold together. Toss them in the freezer to set for 20 minutes or until set. Pop the bars out of the pan and using a sharp knife slice them up into bar shapes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
Nutrition
Bon Appetegan!
Sam
Feature Ingredient: Oats. 288 Days 90 Recipes to go!
Kerry says
My family absolutely loves these BUT making the dates into paste is burning up our food processor motor. Has anyone tried using commercial date paste?
Sam Turnbull says
I haven't, but I am sure that should work just fine as long as the date paste is nice and sticky and not too watery. Enjoy!
Josette says
Making date paste : chop dates in half, then add a tablespoon or two of water to the dates. Microwave in 30 second increments and mash with a fork.
Sarah-Beth says
I've tried both recipes (the original from the minimalist baker and your version) and both are fantastic! I'd say, though the original holds together better, I prefer yours in terms of health and taste (the original was a little too sweet for me). I replaced 1/2 the almonds with a mix of chia, hemp and flax seeds and it created a chewy bar that still had all the crunch and flavour!
Mine held together ok, a few bars crumbled and I had to eat them straight away (the tragedy) 😉 but I'm taking these on a trip and hopefully will be able to ration them for the two weeks i'm there (I'm storing mine in the freezer as that's what I did with the other version and it keeps them nice and fresh). Thanks for sharing!
Sam Turnbull says
Glad you enjoyed, Sarah-Beth!
Rox says
These are so good. I know I say that about everything but seriously. I went on a two week long RV road trip and I took 2 batches of these for roadie snacks. I ate them all. All. Way before the two weeks were up too. And not just as snacks, Id eat then before a run, after a run, for a quick breakfast with a coffee and an apple. I like to use almonds, dried cranberries, cinnamon and nutmeg and vanilla. But really Ive made them so many ways and have always devoured them (I love dates like normal people love chocolate). The possibilities are endless. Now home and in the comfort of my own kitchen, I still have an ever ready supply in my fridge. And I will still eat them. All of them.
Sara says
OMG... honestly these are absolutely A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! I make these on a weekly basis and they're always a big hit!
Thank you so much for sharing and keep doing what you do best.
-Sara <3
Sam Turnbull says
Woohoo!! So thrilled you like them so much, Sara! 🙂
Keisha-Gaye hayles says
Do I have to use dates or can I use Craisins, raisins
Sam Turnbull says
Dates are very sticky so that's why they work in this recipe. I don't think rains or crasins would be sticky enough unfortunately.
Janet says
Hello, I really want to try this recipe out, but can we skip peanut butter or any nut butter all-together or will it affect the recipe (by not sticking or anything)? Thank you for sharing and I will definitely give them a try. 🙂
Sam Turnbull says
Hi Janet,
The nut-butter is part of the "glue" so you can't really skip it, but you could try a seed butter instead! I hope that helps 🙂
Mary Ellen Millbranth says
I made these last night and they are fabulous and so easy. I thought my dates were soft enough but I had to add just a little hot water at the end to make them hold together. Once I did that, no problem. It made 10 beautiful bars. I used almond butter and toasted the pecans and oatmeal. Also added a few dark chocolate dairy-free chips (Life brand as you suggested and they are wonderful). My daughter-in-law is just starting her vegan journey. I plan to make her a batch of these to "sweeten" the transition. Know she will love them. Thanks so much.
PS - for some reason, it will not let me give this recipe a star rating but it would definitely be 5 stars if I could.
Sam Turnbull says
Aww that's so lovely, so happy you enjoyed them so much, and they will make a great gift! Thanks for the heads up about the star rating, I will look into that. Congrats on your daughter-in-law's new vegan journey, let me know if you ever have any questions or need any support 🙂
Ella says
Also, can I make the date paste with a blender or is there another method other than with a food processor that still works?
Sam says
It might be very difficult as blenders are designed to process liquids. I would stick with a food processor if you can!
Janet C Fowler says
I make date paste by simmering on low the dried dates for about 15 minutes - Just add enough water to clear the top of the dates by at least 1 1/2". then cooling. If you use medjool dates the left over water can be simmered down until it's thick then you have date syrup which is a very expensive natural sugar replacement.
After their cooled, drain the water (save if you want to simmer it down to syrup) and I use a stick blender right in the pan - works great. I then freeze the date paste in those Glad blue twist top containers for recipes.
Only time there is a glitch is when I forget to check for pits and it gets stuck in the blade.
Sam says
Thanks for the tips Janet!
Janet C Fowler says
I usually package up the date paste by the 1/2 cup in freezer so I'll try to add this. I usually have to add around 1 cup of water to the Vitamix while blending the hot dates so I hope the extra water won't be too much of a problem.
Sam says
Yeah the water might mean that the bars don't hold together as well. The dates really act as the glue. I am sure it will still be delicious however!
Ella says
Do I have to put the nuts in? Or will it affect the bars?
Sam says
Nope, but they might be a little boring. Up to you!
Camille says
I've been making this recipe for a few months now, but this is the first time that I'm leaving a comment. My family and I absolutely love this recipe. I've used various combinations of the add-ons, but these are the add-ons that my 9-year old son and I have chosen for his Blue and Gold Cub Scouts event today: coconut flakes, chia seeds, sunflower seed butter, cinnamon, pumpkin spice and vanilla.
Thanks for sharing this recipe! It's easy and delicious! (I've actually stopped making a granola bar recipe that I made for years).
Sam says
Awww you're so welcome Camille! I love that it's become your go-to recipe and that you son gets to customize his own bars 🙂
Judi says
I made these today. Had I not added extra PB and coconut oil and honey it would have simply been crumbly topping for ice cream. I was totally loose crumbs, sorry to say. It was really was disappointing.
Miles says
Just wanted to say a big thank you for these.
I went on a (refined) sugar free diet and these were a fantastic treat when I started craving sweet food.
They taste divine, and I've recommended them to lots of people who loved them as well.
Sam says
You're very welcome Miles! So happy you love them 🙂
Lane says
Thank you so much for this recipe! These look delicious! Have you tried freezing them at all? I would love to make some with blueberry and freeze the rest because I don't think I'll be able to finish them before the blueberries go bad! Thanks so much.
Sam says
So happy you enjoyed them! If you are thinking of fresh blueberries, I don't think those would work well in these bars, but dried blueberries should work fine and keep for awhile. I haven't tried freezing them, but as long as they don't get wet, I think it would work fine. Enjoy!
Julie says
Since they are a little more crumbly than normal bars, Could I turn this into granola to sprinkle on yogurt? If so, what would you recommend as the bake time and temp?
Sam says
Hi Julie,
Sure! It would be more of a chewy granola than a crunchy granola. Just break up the bars and sprinkle away. I am not sure baking them would be a good idea, I am pretty sure the mixture would melt. I have never baked this recipe, so I couldn't recommend a temp or time. Hope that helps!
Pailin Harris says
Just made these, so healthy and delicious!! The steps were easy and clear, thank you!
Sam says
Yay! So happy you loved them Pailin. You're very welcome 😀
yaya says
Really love this recipe! Easy to do!! amazing for mi kids, I love your website I want to do a lot of recipes.
Thanks for sharing
Sam says
Aww thanks yaya!! So happy you love my recipe and my site so much. I look forward to seeing you around 🙂
Vanna says
Love the recipe...super easy! And I love super easy! I made them with walnuts and a dried fruit medley that included banana chips, golden raisins, dried pineapple, dried mango and coconut. Delish! Thanks!
Sam says
Welcome Vanna!
Yay! So happy you enjoyed the recipe. Who doesn't love super easy!? Your bars sounds like a magical tropical treat. Yum!
Praveena says
Instead of using dates, are there any other alternatives for the "glue"?
Sam says
I would try raisins. Soak them in hot water so that they become soft, then drain, and pat dry before making the paste. I think they should work just fine.
imaddictedtosewing says
These are amazing and so easy!!!! Yep, pre soak your dates for gooey goodness, they stuck together perfectly!!! I will make these over and over again!! Thanks for sharing!!
Sam says
Thank you so much! Glad they stuck together for you, I was beginning to worry that I had magical bar sticking together talent! haha. I'm so happy you love the recipe. 🙂
Sangitha says
Hi Samantha, these look so simple, healthy and good!
I was wondering how I could make the whole oats (I do not want to use the quick oats) softer for my one and half year old. I do not mind baking the whole thing or baking just the whole oats but I suppose it needs moisture to soften it. Any ideas? Thank you so much!
Sam says
Hmmm, this is a tough one Sangitha! I wouldn't want to add moister because then the bars won't stick together. You could try pulsing them in a blender or food processor to try to break them down a bit first. Hope that helps, let us know what you try and how it turns out!
Aly says
Is there an easy way to print this recipe? It looks so yummy and I so want to try it out, but I am still a print and read kind of girls 🙂
Sam says
Hi Aly,
I keep meaning to go back and format recipes this way. All my new recipes are printer friendly. Thanks for the reminder for this one! You will also find nutrition information below. 🙂
Jessica says
I just made these. I did the double cashew, delicious!! I even toasted the cashews and oats. Like a lot of other commenters these are a lot more crumbly than bars, but I only soaked my dates for about five minutes, and I wanted bigger chunks of cashew but next time I will chop then so they stick together better. I am so excited to keep trying this.
Sam says
Ooooo double cashew! Love it. Update us of all your flavour combos to come Jessica! I hope if you soak the dates longer you will find the bars stick together better. 🙂
Danielle says
These Are amazing but mine fell apart. How many dates did you use to make them stick?
Samantha Turnbull says
Hi Danielle,
I used one cup packed. I didn't count how many individual dates. They are a little softer than store bought granola bars, but I find if you store them in the fridge or freezer they stiffen right up. I am glad you liked them anyways!
Anonymous says
Mine fell apart as soon as I cut into it, I just put it into a baggy and ate it like that it was good but definitely need to try other recipes.
Sam says
aww bummer. Try really packing it down next time, and then letting them chill in the fridge or freezer for a couple of hours before cutting. Glad you like the flavours anyways!
C Z Greenwald says
I had the same problem. However I didn't read all the way to the bottom of the page where it said to use 2 loaf pans. That my have solved the problem, but this is some darn good granola and at least I know what is in it.
Sam says
Welcome C Z! Yeah it sounds like your bars might have been too thick if you only used one pan. Happy you enjoyed it as granola anyways!
Anonymous says
If i want to take these bars on a trip with me will they keep fresh outside the fridge?
Samantha Turnbull says
Hi! Yes they should be just fine. I would store them in an airtight container and I would guess that they would stay fresh for about 2 weeks. They may be a little more soft and fall apart easier, but the taste will all be there. Enjoy!
sebestyen2 says
Love this! I love making healthy treats for my son's lunchbox and bars are one of the easiest. Will be experimenting soon!
Samantha Turnbull says
Awesome! Do let us know what delicious combos you come up with. 🙂