Peanut Butter & Nut Granola Bars

I get so excited when I try a recipe for the first time, and I'm impressed with the finished product! That's the case with this simple, healthy and super delicious recipe??

Granola bars are like a staple in my diet.  Store-bought bars wrapped in healthy-looking packaging often include high-fructose corn syrup and other unhealthy ingredients and preservatives. If you make your own bars, you can customize the ingredients to satisfy your taste buds, but more importantly ensure the ingredients are simple and wholesome.

This is the first granola bar recipe that I've tried that doesn't require baking (although oats are toasted in the oven). I bet you'll be impressed with this recipe too - the only thing I'll be doing differently next time is doubling the recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup creamy salted natural peanut butter
• 1 cup nuts (any kind, or a combination)
• 1 1/2 cups rolled oats

Recipe

Preheat over to 350 degrees. Spread oats on a cookie sheet and toast for 15 minutes. Set aside.

With chopping blade inserted in food processor, place dates in food processor and process until dates form a ball.

Place oats, nuts and dates in a large mixing bowl. Set aside.

Put honey and peanut butter in small saucepan over low heat and stir contents until warm.

Pour honey and peanut butter mixture over oats, nuts and dates.

And mix until thoroughly combined, ensuring dates are dispersed throughout.

Pour mixture into an 8" x 8" square pan lined with plastic wrap. Press mixture down firmly so bars hold together well.

Cover with plastic wrap and place in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cutting.

Cut with sharp knife into 10 bars. Store in airtight container. Since bars have no preservatives, they'll only last a few days. Wrap individually and place in freezer to keep longer.

~minimalistbaker.com