5 Ingredient Granola Bars

1 C. packed dates, pitted

¼ C. honey (you can also use maple syrup or agave)

¼ C. creamy salted natural peanut butter or almond butter

1 C. toasted unsalted almonds, loosely chopped (or any nuts you prefer)

1 ½ C. rolled oats

optional additions: chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, banana chips, vanilla, etc.

Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a "dough" like consistency.

Place oats, almonds and dates in a 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 dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily. (A loaf pan might work, but will yield thicker bars.)

Press down until uniformly flattened. Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let set in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden.

Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. I kept mine in the freezer to keep them extra fresh, but it isn't necessary.

Notes

*If your dates don't feel sticky and moist, soak them in water for 10 minutes then drain before processing. This will ultimately help hold the bars together better.