Almond & Cherry Granola Bars
If you are craving a wholesome treat that is simple and satisfying, these almond & cherry granola bars fit the bill. Packed with the natural sweetness of the dates and cherries and with the crunch of the almonds, they’re a delicious way to give your energy a boost! And even better - they don't need baking!
Ingredients
- 1½ cups soft medjool dates, pitted (200g)
- ½ cup natural peanut butter (120g)
- 3 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 cup unsalted almonds lightly chopped (140g)
- 1 cup of gf oats (80g)
- ⅓ cup dried cherries (50g)
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
- Pinch sea salt optional
Instructions
- Pit the dates and add to a food processor with the peanut butter and maple syrup. Blend until it forms a smooth and sticky ball. It should be a very smooth paste, if not add 1-2 tbsp water and blend again.
- Chop the almonds into smaller pieces. Add to a bowl with the date mixture, oats, cherries, seeds and salt. Mix thoroughly (I use my hands to get it mixed well). Alternatively, you can add the additional ingredients into the food processor and pulse to combine. If you do, make sure you keep checking and don’t overmix (you want some of the nut pieces intact).
- Press down into an 8 inch (20cm) square tin (greased and lined). Refrigerate to set, for at least an hour.
- Once harder, cut into 12 bars.
Notes
- After pressing the mixture in the tin,I like to top with a few extra nuts and seeds. This is optional but I think it makes them more appealing.
- Store in the fridge, so they stay hard. As they aren’t baked they will be too soft if you keep out the fridge for more than 5-6 hours. They will be fine for an hour to two, if you want to take with you on the go.
- You can also sub in any other nuts or fruit you like – just keep the quantities similar.
- You can use almond or cashew butter instead of peanut.
- I don’t soak my dates. If yours are very hard, try soaking in boiling water for 15-20 mins. Drain before you use.
Nutrition
Calories: 257kcalCarbohydrates: 32.7gProtein: 6.9gFat: 12.2gSaturated Fat: 1.7gFiber: 4.9g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!