Chewy Granola Bars

Do you feel it? The clock is slowly ticking forward towards 3:00pm & that hunger sensation is coming on strong. Energy levels are starting to plummet. These Chewy Granola Bars have been the perfect afternoon snack for the last few weeks! They are packed with fiber, protein & just the right amount of sweet, chewy & salty. Oh yeah, they also require no cooking & can store in the freezer forever. It just doesn’t get much easier than that!

These have been a lifesaver since I started a new strength training workout program. Lifting those weights is causing my muscles to get bigger, but even more it’s causing me to crave protein bites throughout the day. I’ve been cutting these granola bars into bite-size squares for snacks in the afternoon & then storing full-bars for on-the-go breakfasts or lunches. Perfect little chewy energy boosts to get you through the day!

These granola bars can be customized to your favorite add-ins. Not the biggest fan of almonds? Swap your favorite nuts. Do you like extra sweet bites? Add in your favorite dried fruits. Chocolate addiction? Sprinkle in those chocolate chips. It all works, no matter how you customize.

Want more snack ideas? Here you go…

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Print Recipe

Chewy Granola Bars

Beat that afternoon slump with these Chewy Granola Bars packed with all the nutrition you need to fuel your day!

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time1 hour hr

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Keyword: granola, oats, vegan, vegetarian

Servings: 8 full bars

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups oats
• 10 medjool dates, pit removed
• 1 cup almonds sub your favorite nuts
• 1/4 cup hemp seeds sub chia seeds
• 1/4 cup creamy cashew butter sub your favorite nut or seed butter
• 2 tbsp agave nectar sub maple syrup

Instructions

• In a food processor or blender add the dates & puree until they break down & form a ball of paste.
• In a large bowl add the dates & remaining ingredients until well blended. You may have to really get in there to mash it up.
• Line a baking dish (11×7 or 9×9) with parchment paper (it makes it easier to remove once finished). Spoon the mixture into the baking dish & press down firmly until it spreads out filling all corners of the dish. You really want to pack it down so I grab a flat bottomed glass & press firmly into the mixture.
• Place in the freezer for 1 hour. Remove from the freezer & cut into desired portion sizes. (I get about 8 full size granola bars or 16 small brownie bites). Store in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to consume.

Notes

The beauty of this recipe is the versatility.  You really only need to ensure you have the dates, oats & nut butter.  From there you can add in your favorite ingredients.  Swap out your favorite nuts, seeds, dried fruits or chocolates.

The dates work as a natural sweetener.  Once you have mixed it all together give it a little taste test.  It’s perfectly safe & welcomed!  If you would like it to be a little sweeter you could add a bit more of the agave.  For salty fans maybe a pinch of salt.

Depending on how much you substitute with your add ins you may have to add just a bit more nut butter or dates to ensure that it really packs together into a firm bar.

Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks & in the freezer it lasts for months.  I usually do half & half.  They can be consumed directly from the freezer or you can place on the counter to thaw for a few minutes before eating.

Enjoy!