No Bake Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Description:
These No Bake Peanut Butter Healthy Granola Bars were born out of an experimental collaboration with a friend who was considering entering the health food bar business. The goal was to create a bar that was both nutritious and delicious, balancing protein, carbs, micronutrients, and taste. After some trial and error, we achieved the perfect combination!
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Snack
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
- 1 cup Instant Oats (Oatmeal)
- 2 cups Dates (pitted, about 30)
- 1 cup Whole Almonds (Badam), coarsely powdered
- 1/2 cup Walnuts, coarsely powdered
- 1/2 cup Peanut Butter (or almond butter)
- 1/4 cup Flax seed powder (flax meal)
- Optional: Dry fruits such as prunes, apricots, cranberries, or other dried fruits
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (or orange zest)
- 1/2 cup Chocolate Bar, finely chopped
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
- Heat a heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat and toast the instant oats until they develop a subtle crunch. Once toasted, transfer them to a bowl and set aside to cool.
- Prepare the almond powder, walnut powder, and flaxseed powder separately. If you prefer a crunchier texture in your bars, make the nut powders coarse.
- In a food processor, blend the dates until they become a smooth paste. Add the nuts, flaxseed powder, peanut butter, and the toasted oats into the processor. Blend everything together until fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to an 8×8 square dish, pressing it down evenly. Use a flat pastry knife to help with this step.
- Refrigerate the dish for a couple of hours to allow the granola bars to set firmly.
- Once set, cut into desired sizes and store in an airtight container. These granola bars will stay fresh for about three weeks when refrigerated or about a week when stored in a cool, dark place.
Note: If the mixture feels too dry, feel free to add extra honey, peanut butter, or dates to adjust the texture.
Enjoy these wholesome, no-bake treats as a snack that balances health and flavor!
