5-Ingredient Granola Bars

Know exactly what you're eating in your granola bar with this hearty, no-bake snack!

Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 5 minutes Serves: 10

Great source of…

✓ Healthy fats ✓ Protein ✓ Carbohydrates ✓ Fiber ✓ Magnesium ✓ Vitamin E

Ingredients:

• 1 heaping cup packed dates (pitted)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 cup creamy nut butter of choice
• 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds or pecans (loosely chopped)
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
• Optional: dark chocolate chips or coconut flakes

Steps:

1. Process dates in food processor until small bits remain.
2. Optional step: toast your oats (and almonds if raw) in oven at 350 degrees F for 10-15 minutes (or until slightly golden brown). Otherwise, leave raw.
3. In a large mixing bowl, place oats, almonds and dates. Set aside.
4. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm honey and peanut butter. Stir and pour over oat mixture and mix. Dates should break up and mix throughout.
5. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to 8x8-inch baking dish or small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper.
6. Using a drinking glass or other utensil, press down until flattened. Cover with plastic wrap or parchment paper and put in freezer for 15-20 minutes.
7. Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars (or 9 containers). Store in airtight container for a up to a few days. Keep in freezer to keep them extra fresh!

Tips:

• Step 2 is highly recommended for best taste!
• Make sure to really pack down the bars to help hold them together.