Toasted Oat Granola Bars

I love granola bars but it's unfortunate that majority of the pre-packaged ones have sugar/syrup as the second or third ingredient - even the healthy, "natural" ones. The ones that are refined sugar free are generally super expensive, so making your own is healthier and budget friendly....win win! This recipe only has six ingredients, things you often have at home, and are super delicious. They're chewy, crunchy, fibrous and sweet but refined sugar free (except for the chocolate chips, unless you use special ones).



The oats are toasted for additional flavor, then mixed with peanut butter, dates, honey and roasted almonds, then topped with chocolate chips - which is "optional" but in my book necessary because I'm a chocolate freak. These are actually filling, unlike some of the tiny store bought granola bars that are full of empty calories that hardly curb your hunger. They're perfect for a light breakfast, a mid-morning or afternoon snack, but are best outside post run or hike.







You could add in dried fruits and other nuts and get creative with it - this recipe is flexible! I also prefer topping them with the mini chocolate chips, but you could mix them into the bars and/or use regular size chocolate chips.
They store well in the fridge for days so it's great to make them ahead of time and keep them to eat throughout the week. This is another Minimalist Baker inspired recipe.






Toasted Oat & Almond Granola Bars

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 heaping cup pitted dates, packed
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup peanut butter
1 cup roasted salted almonds, roughly chopped
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

• Toast the oats by heating a skillet (with no oil) over medium high heat and add the oats, stirring occasionally until they start to turn a light golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
• Line a 8x8 or 9x9 square pan with parchment paper.
• Pulse the dates in a food processor until it forms a paste, a few small chunks are fine.
• Put dates, oats and almonds in a medium bowl and set aside.
• Microwave the peanut butter and honey for a few seconds, then stir, then a few seconds again just to make it smooth and easier to mix. Pour over the other ingredients and stir to combine. 
• Dump mixture into parchment paper lined pan and use hands to press down thoroughly and evenly. Let it cool for a minute and then top with chocolate chips and use hands so they're secure in the bars (weird but make sure your hands are cool because if they're warm the chocolate chips will melt into your hands when you press them).
• Let sit in fridge for ten minutes or so then cut into bars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.