Good Source of Fiber & Healthy Fats
Makes 10 bars
Prep time: 20-25 min
Total time: 30-45 min
Ingredients:
1/2 cup salted almond butter
1/4 cup honey or agave
1 cup of dates
1 cup of almonds, unsalted
1.5 cup rolled oats
Optional: Handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can add any dried fruits, nuts, or vanilla.
Directions:
- Optional: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and toast the oats and raw almonds on a baking sheet for 10-15 minutes.
- Place the dates in a food processor, and blend until it reaches a dough-like consistency. Takes about ~1 minute.
- After the almonds come out of the oven, let them cool and roughly chop them. Place the almonds, dates, and oats into a large mixing bowl and set to the side.
- Grab a small saucepan and set it on low heat. Add the nut butter of choice, agave or honey, and consistently stir.
- Pour it over the oat mixture.
- Thoroughly mix all the ingredients. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper or plastic wrap.
- Place the mixture into the lined baking dish. Press down firmly on the mixture with a baking spatula or a small sheet of parchment paper on top until it is evenly flattened so that the bars are packed together.
- Add the semi-sweet chocolate chips on top and press again into the bars.
- Cover with plastic wrap and set in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
- Take the bars out of the freezer and cut them into 10 equal-sized bars. Storage: Wrap individually with plastic wrap for a to-go snack or store them in an airtight container for a few days!
The Health Benefits
Fiber
Oats, dates, and almonds are great sources of fiber. Fiber has been shown to control blood sugar levels, normalize bowel movements and reduce cholesterol. Plus, dates contain disease-fighting antioxidants!
Protein
Oats and almond butter provide protein that will keep you satiated between meals, and help curb excessive snacking. This would be a great pre-workout snack!
Healthy Fats
Nuts and nut butter such as almond and peanut butter are high in monounsaturated fat. This type of fat increases the “good” cholesterol in the body and may help reduce unhealthy levels of cholesterol in the body.
Overall, these homemade granola bars are full of essential nutrients that are tasty and a healthy, convenient snack.
Cooking Utensils
- Baking Sheet
- Food Processor
- Measuring Cups
- Rubber Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Small Saucepan
Shopping List and Quantities
- Almond or Peanut butter, 1 container
- Honey or Agave, 1/4 cup
- Dates, 1 container
- Almonds, 1 bag
- Rolled Oats, 1 container
