Healthy Chocolate Granola Bars
These no bake Healthy Chocolate Granola Bars are vegan, gluten-free, naturally sweetened with dates, and made with only six wholesome ingredients. They're chewy, chocolatey, easy to prepare, and perfect for healthy snacking or meal prep.
Equipment
- 8x8-inch baking pan
- parchment paper
- small saucepan
- Large Mixing Bowl
- wooden spoon or spatula
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup almond butter
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides for easy removal.
- Place the dates and water in a small saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to medium, and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the dates break down into a thick paste. Cool until just warm.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, cocoa powder, chopped pistachios, and dried cherries. Stir in the warm date paste and almond butter until everything is evenly combined.
- Using slightly damp hands, firmly press the mixture into the prepared baking pan in an even layer.
- Freeze for at least 2 hours, or overnight, until completely firm.
- Lift the slab from the pan using the parchment paper, transfer to a cutting board, slice into bars, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
Customize these bars with your favorite nuts and dried fruits, chopping larger pieces if needed. Almond butter can be replaced with peanut butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini. Store the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best texture.