Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang to make it easy to lift the bars out once they're cooled.
- Step 2: Blend the Medjool Dates - In a food processor, combine the pitted Medjool dates with a splash of warm water. Blend until they form a smooth paste. This will act as a natural sweetener and binder for your granola bars.
- Step 3: Melt the Wet Ingredients - In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the light brown sugar, honey, almond butter, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the old-fashioned rolled oats, crispy rice cereal, flaked coconut, chopped almonds, and dried blueberries. Pour the melted mixture over the dry ingredients, followed by the date paste. Use a spatula to mix everything until it's evenly coated.
- Step 5: Press into the Pan - Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking pan. Press it down firmly using the back of the spatula or your hands, ensuring it’s packed tightly. This step is crucial for achieving the right texture.
- Step 6: Bake and Cool - Bake the granola bars in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown around the edges. Once done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, use the parchment overhang to lift them out and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
- Step 7: Slice and Store - Once cooled, slice the granola into bars or squares, depending on your preference. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week or in the refrigerator for longer freshness.
Notes
- These granola bars are perfect for meal prep! Make a batch on the weekend for a healthy snack during the week.
- Feel free to substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
- For a vegan option, replace butter with coconut oil and honey with maple syrup.