No Bake Granola Bars*

1. Process 1 cup raisin/dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a “dough” like consistency. 

2. Place 1½ cup oats, 1 cup almonds, and dates in a large mixing bowl – set aside.

3. Warm ¼ cup maple syrup (or agave or honey) and ¼ cup peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout.

4. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8×8-inch baking dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily. (A loaf pan might work, but will yield thicker bars // adjust the size of the pan if altering batch size).

5. Press down firmly until uniformly flattened – I use something flat, like a rolling pin, to press down and pack the bars and hold them together.

6. Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let firm up in the fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes. Chop into even bars. Note: Can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.

7. Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars (or 9 squares // as original recipe is written). Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. I kept mine in the freezer to keep them extra fresh, but it isn’t necessary.

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*https://minimalistbaker.com/healthy-5-ingredient-granola-bars/