Around here "granola
" bars are a common snack item. They are perfect for on-the-go and don't require any prep when we are busy.
The problem is that most store-bought bars, even organic ones
, have a laundry list of ingredients. And even if those ingredients aren't necessarily harmful, I still prefer to avoid products that are super processed and contain added sugars.
Which is why I love making date
bars.
They don't require cooking, they don't have added sugars and you can pretty much create any combination you want. And they really are super easy to make.
Vanilla Coconut Almond Date Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds - soaked and dried
- 1 ⅓ cups pitted dates
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup shredded coconut
- ⅛ tsp salt
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients into food processor or high powered blender.
- Blend until solid and slightly sticky. It will become a large lump with most of it stuck together.
- Remove lump and press any loose pieces into it and place on a sheet of wax paper.
- Place another piece of wax paper on top of the lump and do your best to flatten and form into a square or rectangle.
- Place in a fridge for a few hours to make it easier to cut.
- Cut into squares or rectangles and store in fridge in between sheets of wax or parchment paper, or you can wrap each one individually in wax paper for putting in lunches or for on the go. You can use a cute sticker to seal them for kids lunches!
This is one of my favorite flavors of date bars but I also have made some other flavor combinations:
- Chocolate Chip Brownie Larabars
- Almond Coconut Larabars Recipe (similar to this one but with less coconut)
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Larabar Recipe
You can purchase dates at your local health food store or even get them online at Amazon.com
!
Cristina
I’ve made these bars three times and am about to start my fourth batch! I was looking for a bar that my 15 month old son could easily eat and enjoy and these have been a great go to for my family.
Kim
I'm so glad that you and your son enjoy them, thank you for taking the time to let me know!
Michelle
Just wondering what the reason is for soaking and drying the nuts??? Thanks!
Kimberly Grabinski
Raw almonds have a protective coating on them making them potential disruptive to the human digestive system. Soaking and drying helps make them more digestible. Thanks for asking, that was a great question!
gina
these...are...amazing! thank you so much <3
Nichol
Much better then any store bought bar you can buy. I love the ingredient list!
Kimberly Grabinski
I cringe when I read store-bought ingredients list, even on organic products. These are so simple yet taste so good.
[email protected]
YUM! We love granola bars, too! This recipe looks simple to make and so yummy!
Kimberly Grabinski
It is very simply and they go FAST 🙂
Chris
Great recipe. You are getting me hungry.
God bless.
Chris
Robin (Masshole Mommy)
I'm a sucker for anything with coconut in it. These sound awesome.
Kimberly Grabinski
It's funny how many people don't like coconut. I LOVE it.