Description:
These Nutty Date Better Granola Bars are the epitome of a perfect snack - they're easy to make, packed with nutritious ingredients, and irresistibly delicious. Ideal for an after-school treat or a convenient healthy snack, these bars offer a delightful crunch, a touch of sweetness, and a burst of energy to get you through the day.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Set Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 10 bars
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup almond butter or another nut butter of your choice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cup crispy brown rice or puffed rice cereal
- 1 cup your favorite granola
- 1/2 cup peanuts, almonds, or pecans, roughly chopped
- 2 Date Better Snacks, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Step One: Warm the Nut Butter Mixture
- In a small pan, combine 1/2 cup of almond or other nut butter with 1/4 cup of maple syrup.
- Heat the mixture over low heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until they meld together. Whisk to ensure they are well-combined and smooth, let cool slightly.
Step Two: Combine Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, toss in 1 cup of crispy brown rice or puffed rice cereal, 1 cup of your favorite granola, and 1/2 cup of your choice of nuts.
- Add in the chopped Date Better Snacks and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to the mix. Toss the dry ingredients together until they are well-mixed.
- Drizzle the nut butter mixture over the dry ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir well, ensuring every piece is nicely coated.
Step Three: Set the Granola Bars
- Lightly grease an 8-inch square baking dish and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal.
- Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared dish. Use the back of your spatula or your hands to press the mixture down firmly and evenly.
- Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the bars to set.
Step Four: Slice and Enjoy
- Once set, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the block of granola out of the dish. Place it on a cutting board.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the block into 5 long slices, then make two horizontal cuts to create a total of 10 bars.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy them as a convenient and healthy snack anytime you need a quick energy boost!
Notes:
Feel free to customize these bars with additional ingredients like dried fruits, seeds, or a drizzle of chocolate on top for an extra treat. They’re versatile, so make them your own!