Easy Chewy Granola Bars with Dates and Pumpkin Seeds
These healthy and chewy Granola Bars with Dates and Pumpkin Seeds are a delicious and easy treat. Filled with wholesome ingredients, they're simple to make in about 10 minutes (plus setting time) with no oven needed!
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 97kcal
Ingredients
- 1 and ½ cup old fashioned oats
- ½ cup crispy cereal *see note
- ½ cup pumpkin seeds
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup Medjool dates (packed and pitted)
- ¼ cup peanut butter or nut butter of choice
- ⅓ cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a paste-like consistency (mine usually rolls into a ball).
- In a large bowl, add oats, crisps, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruit.
- Warm maple syrup (or agave or honey) and peanut butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or over low heat in a saucepan. Stir and pour over the oat mixture; mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout the granola.
- Once thoroughly combined, transfer to a 9 x 9-inch baking dish (or 8 x 8-inch) lined with parchment or even plastic wrap to lift out easily.
- Press down firmly and tightly until evenly flat. It's important to press very firmly so the bars hold together. Use the back of a spoon, drinking glass, or even the bottom of a measuring cup. It's important to pack them in tightly.
- Cover and refrigerate or even freeze for an hour or two before cutting into bars or squares.
Notes
Crispy Cereal:
My family loves crispy cereal so I generally add it to these bars. If you want to eliminate them, increase the rolled oats to 2 cups instead of 1 and ½ cups.Toasting:
For added flavor, you can add an optional step of toasting the oats and pumpkin seeds in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. Then proceed by adding them to a bowl and continuing with the recipe.Storing:
You can store in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days. Although I like to keep them in the refrigerator so they stay firm.Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 97kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 111mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 12g