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No-Bake Date & Nut Granola Bars

A close-up view of delicious no-bake date and nut granola bars, beautifully arranged on a wooden cutting board. The bars are made with visible layers of dates, nuts, and seeds, showcasing their texture and wholesome ingredients. In the background, there's a soft-focus kitchen setting with natural light streaming in from a window, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. A few scattered nuts and dates around the bars add a touch of rustic charm. The image is captured at a slight angle, emphasizing the depth and layers of the granola bars, while maintaining a clean and fresh look. The colors are warm and earthy, reflecting the healthy, homemade nature of the snack.

These No-Bake Date & Nut Granola Bars are naturally sweet, chewy, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Sweetened with dates and made with hearty oats and crunchy nuts, they’re a clean-eating snack that’s perfect for breakfast, lunchboxes, or a healthy grab-and-go treat—no baking required.

Ingredients

  • 2½ cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup pitted dates, finely chopped
  • ¾ cup mixed nuts, chopped (almonds, walnuts, cashews, or pecans)
  • ½ cup creamy almond butter or peanut butter
  • 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Optional add-ins:

  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds or ground flaxseed
  • ¼ teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
  • ¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

Equipment Needed

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Food processor (optional, for chopping dates)
  • Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • 8×8-inch baking dish
  • Parchment paper

Tips & Variations

  • Extra sticky bars: Pulse half of the dates into a paste to help bind the mixture.
  • Nut-free option: Use sunflower seed butter and seeds instead of nuts.
  • More protein: Add hemp seeds or a scoop of plain protein powder.
  • Flavor twist: Add orange zest or a splash of almond extract.
  • Storage: Store bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Prep Time 30 mins
Rest Time 30 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Cuisine:
Courses: ,
Difficulty: Beginner
Servings: 8
Estimated Cost: 5
Calories: 240 kcal
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Description

Satisfy your sweet tooth with these chewy, nutty granola bars made from wholesome dates and nuts—perfect for a quick breakfast or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up!

Ingredients
    Ingredients for No-Bake Date & Nut Granola Bars
  • 2 cups pitted dates (Make sure they're soft to blend easily.)
  • 1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans) (Use your favorite nuts; toasted for extra flavor.)
  • 1 cup rolled oats (Old-fashioned oats work best for texture.)
  • 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew) (Creamy nut butter will bind the bars together.)
  • 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (This adds sweetness and helps hold the mixture together.)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (For a hint of warmth and depth in flavor.)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.)
Instructions
    Preparing the Base
  1. 1
    Gather Your IngredientsStart by collecting all your ingredients: Medjool dates, mixed nuts (like almonds, walnuts, and pecans), rolled oats, and a pinch of salt. Make sure your dates are pitted and soft for easy blending.
    If your dates are a bit dry, soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to soften them up.
  2. 2
    Blend the DatesIn a food processor, add the pitted dates and blend until they form a sticky paste. This will act as the glue for your granola bars, so you want it nice and smooth.
    Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything gets blended evenly.
    3. Combining Ingredients
  3. 3
    Mix in the Nuts and OatsAdd the mixed nuts, rolled oats, and salt to the food processor with the date paste. Pulse until everything is well-combined but still has some texture. You want those nutty bits to shine through!
    Feel free to use any nuts you have on hand or even add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for extra crunch.
    4. Shaping the Bars
  4. 4
    Press into a PanLine an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later. Transfer the granola mixture into the dish and press it down firmly with your hands or a spatula until it’s even and compact.
    The firmer you press it, the better the bars will hold together once they're chilled.
  5. 5
    Chill to SetCover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This allows the bars to firm up and makes cutting them much easier.
    If you're in a hurry, you can pop them in the freezer for about 30 minutes instead.
    6. Serving and Storing
  6. 6
    Cut and ServeOnce the bars are set, lift them out of the pan using the parchment overhang. Place them on a cutting board and slice into your desired shape—bars, squares, or even fun shapes with cookie cutters!
    Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for longer freshness.
Note
  • For optimal texture, use Medjool dates as they are softer and sweeter than other varieties.
  • If you prefer a crunchier bar, consider adding toasted nuts or seeds.
  • Substitute any nut butter of your choice, such as almond or peanut butter, for varied flavor profiles.
  • Feel free to mix in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for added sweetness and chewiness.
  • To enhance the flavor, a pinch of salt or a dash of cinnamon can elevate the overall taste.
  • When pressing the mixture into the pan, use a piece of parchment paper to ensure easy removal later.
  • For a chocolatey twist, fold in dark chocolate chips once the mixture has cooled slightly.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks to maintain freshness.
  • These bars freeze well; wrap individually and freeze for a quick, healthy snack on-the-go.
  • Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup based on your preference.
Keywords: granola bars, no-bake, healthy snacks, energy bars, date and nut
Read it online: https://bestrecipesblog.com/recipe/no-bake-date-nut-granola-bars/