Medjool dates are my new experimental ingredient to work with. They’re great for binding ingredients, high in natural sugars so no additional ones are needed, and taste like a dessert.
My initial attempt was to make Homemade Clif Bars but that didn’t quite work out as planned—I think I should have added in a couple of extra dates! Either way, I still ended up with a healthy, compact snack for work which I’m happy with. Another thing I like about these is that they’re relatively cheap in comparison to store-bought granola bars, and there’s only 5 ingredients which you can all recognize and find in stores. No crazy preservatives or additives.
I’ve been trying to keep up with my posts since I started an internship…by the time I get home, it’s dark outside and food photos are much trickier with no natural light. So I apologize for the scarcity of recipes lately but I’ll try to pick it up once the days get a bit longer!
Ingredients
Make 8 bars
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup whole flaked oats (aka rolled oats)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
- 15 medjool dates, pits removed
- 1/2 cup water
Method
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a food processor, blend almonds and oats until in small crumbles. Add in coconut and dates, and process in short bursts until everything is well combined and there are no large chunks. Slowly pour in water and blend until a thick, sticky mixture has formed.
In either a parchment paper lined 8×8 glass baking dish or a loaf dish, transfer the mixture in and press it down with a rubber spatula. Bake for 20-25 minutes, remove from heat and allow to cool completely before cutting it into bars. You can choose how big to make them–it depends on how big of a snack you’ll want. Wrap in plastic wrap and store in a container for up to 5 days.
the vegetarian ginger 
Looks simple enough, healthy and delicious.:-)
So easy! I’m eating one at my work desk right now 😛
I’ll be making some this weekend at some point for sure!
I love medjool dates as a binder and sweetener! They are SO useful and a better alternative to sugar, honey, etc! These bars look really good!
It’s my first time using them but so far I’m really happy! I’m probably going to be making more variations of bars soon haha
Those are just like Larabars!
Yes! I think they need a few more dates to be as thick & dark as Larabars but the taste is similar!
Looks like a lovely idea! Can’t wait to try it, thank you 🙂
I hope you enjoy them! Super easy then you’ve got a snack for the whole week 🙂
Would they last me that long?! A week sounds too retrained 😉
These are so simple, and look delicious!
Thanks! I love being able to use so few ingredients in something.
I love dates! I even have a “date guy” at our local farmer’s market. I’ve tried making granola bars with dates a few times, but I have a really hard time getting them to bind. Most of the recipes I’ve seen are no bake. It looks like these stayed together pretty Well!
I want a “date guy”! Haha I’m sure ones from the farmer’s market are so much better, I got mine from a package but they still work well. I’d maybe suggest using more dates? Also, once I added the water it really helped make it into a sort of “dough”–I didn’t have any problems with them falling apart.
Yes, I love my “date guy.” He disappeared from our market for months and I was deeply concerned that I may never be able to eat his dates again. I later found out that they are seasonal.
Yes, I think you are right there on the number of dates. Most recipes I’ve seen call for 6-8 and have lots of nuts, so I always have trouble with the bars setting up.
These look great!
Oh, I’m definitely going to try this. I love the flavor of dates but the texture puts me off, so I’m always thinking of ways to sneak them into things.
I know what you mean about the texture on their own, I think these would work well for you!
Out of curiosity, did you try one raw? They sound wonderful!
I didn’t since this was my first real attempt at bars, but I might next time!
Just made these delicious bars. I put a handful of chocolate chips in them to disguise them as dessert for my boys. They are a big, delicious hit! Thank you!