With this summer heat, the last thing you want to do turn on your oven. So what better way to whip up a nourishing and delicious snack than with dates and a freezer! No bake granola bars can be made several ways depending on the flavours you are craving. Here are 2 different options that I really enjoy. I’ll grab one of these out of the freezer in the morning for breakfast if I am running late or pack one in my lunch bag for a satisfying snack in the afternoon, remembering to pop it in the fridge/freezer at work.
The dates provide a natural sweetness, are a good source of fibre and are blood building. Be sure to use all natural nut butter to avoid added sugars and to get the right taste. These bars have both protein and good fats from the nuts. Use raw cacao powder for the chocolate bars if you can find it. It is a fantastic superfood packed full of nutrients and antioxidants.
Chocolate Granola Bars
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups dates (soaked for a couple hours)
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup raw cacao powder/dark cocoa powder
- 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 3/4 dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
Directions:
Blend dates, walnuts, almonds and cocoa powder in a food processor. In a large bowl mix that with oats, chocolate chips, almond butter and maple syrup. Pour mixture into a 9x9 baking sheet or loaf pan (depending on the size of granola bars you want) lined with parchment paper and press firmly down. Freeze for 1 or more hours until hardened. Lift from parchment paper and cut into bars or squares. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or wax paper and store in the freezer.
Maple Granola Bars
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dates (soaked)
- 3/4 cup almonds
- 1.5 cups rolled oats
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond butter
Directions:
Blend dates in a food processor. Add almonds and blend again. Lastly oats, maple syrup and almond butter and blend a third time until it forms a ball. Pour mixture into a 9x9 baking sheet or loaf pan (depending on the size of granola bars you want) lined with parchment paper and press firmly down. Freeze for 1 or more hours until hardened. Lift from parchment paper and cut into bars or squares. Wrap individually in plastic wrap or wax paper and store in the freezer.
Enjoy!
Do you have a favourite granola bar recipe? Let me know in the comments below.
In health & happiness,
Dr. Karen