Chewy No-Bake Granola Bars

Many store bought granola bars are high in sugar and low in fiber -- no better than eating a candy bar! Whether you need a quick snack or wholesome sweet treat, these homemade bars are satisfying and easy to make. Nutritional Bonus: the oatmeal, nuts and seeds give these bars a big dose of fiber, healthy fat and protein to keep you full and energized until your next meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup dates (around 12 Medjool dates), pitted
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond butter (or other nut or seed butter)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey
• 1/3 cup dried fruits, chopped
• 1/3 cup roasted, unsalted, sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup sliced or chopped almonds
• 2 tablespoons chia or hemp seeds
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Cover the bottom and the sides of an 8 inch square pan with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a bit of excess to make it easier to remove the bars from the pan.
2. Add the pitted dates and water to a food processor (or small blender such as Nutri-Bullet) and blend until the dates become a dough-consistency paste.
3. Place the oats, nuts, dry fruits, seeds, vanilla extract, almond butter, and date paste in a large mixing bowl and mix well.
4. Transfer the mixture into the pan, and press it firmly using your hands or something flat like a measuring cup or a spatula.
5. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or put in the freezer for 30 minutes until set.
6. Remove from the pan using the extra parchment paper hanging from the sides, and slice into 10 bars with a sharp knife.

Adapted from Gathering Dreams