No Bake Granola Bars January 12, 2017 by Jill Foucre Leave a Comment No Bake Granola Bars 2017-01-12 12:01:37 Print Ingredients 1 heaping cup packed dates, pitted 1/4 cup maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey 1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds, loosely chopped 1 1/2 cups rolled oats 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds optional additions: chocolate chips, dried fruit (Jill used dried cranberries), vanilla, etc. Instructions Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a "dough" like consistency. Toast your oats (and almonds if raw) in a 350 degree F oven for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Place oats, almonds and dates in a large mixing bowl - set aside. Warm honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8x8-inch baking dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily. Press down firmly until uniformly flattened - use something flat, like a drinking glass, to press down and really pack the bars, which helps them hold together better. Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let firm up in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes. Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars (or 9 squares). Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. Notes Can store in freezer By Jill Foucré Adapted from Minimalist Baker Adapted from Minimalist Baker Marcel's Culinary Experience https://www.marcelsculinaryexperience.com/