I love granola bars. As a college student in NYC, granola bars became a luxury food to me. This may sound silly, but (excluding Trader Joe’s), granola bars are very expensive in most stores/bodegas in NYC. Like, I’m talking $7.99 for a box of Kashi expensive. Yikes. So here today I am sharing these easy no-bake granola bars for granola bar lovers of all budgets. I hope you are ready.

These easy no-bake granola bars are sweet and chewy, thanks to the date paste and syrup that binds them together.

The nut butter adds some richness, and the chopped nuts add a satisfying crunch. Cinnamon and vanilla add a warm hug. Yum.

Feel free to use whatever nut butter, nuts, and/or dried fruits you have around. Anyway you make it, these easy no-bake granola bars are sure to satisfy.

For best results, keep in the freezer to prevent the dates from getting that weird musty old-date taste (anyone know what I’m talking about?). Pull a bar out and allow to thaw for a few minutes if desired. Personally, I think they taste best cold.

I hope you make these and I hope you enjoy them! Feel free to leave questions or comments below, or say hello on Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube!

Easy No-Bake Granola Bars

Prep Time: 10 minutes; 1 hour chill time

Yield: 12 small bars

INGREDIENTS:

2 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 cup pitted dates

1/3 cup nut butter (use your favorite)

1/3 cup maple syrup or agave

3 tablespoons apple sauce or mashed banana (sub additional maple syrup if you don’t have this)

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla (optional)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup chopped nuts (use your favorite; I used a combination of walnuts, pecans, and almonds)

1/2 cup dried fruit of choice

METHOD:

If dates are hard, soak dates in warm water for about 10 minutes or until soft. Drain. If dates are soft, skip this step. In a food processor or blender, combine dates, nut butter, apple sauce, vanilla, and syrup. Process until a smooth sticky paste. In a large bowl, combine oats, cinnamon, salt, nuts. and dried fruit. Mix. Pour wet date mixture onto oat mixture. Mix well until a dough forms. Prepare an 8x8inch or 9×13 inch pan with a neutral oil or parchment paper. Pour dough into pan and press down with a spatula. Allow bars to set in the refrigerator or freezer for at least an hour. Slice and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer. For best results keep in the freezer.

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