Craving a delicious snack that’s both healthy and satisfying? We’ve got you covered with these easy no-bake chocolate granola bars. Naturally sweetened with dates and packed with fiber, they’re perfect for any time of the day. Plus, they’re simple to make and require no baking!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 granola bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pitted dates (about 9-10 dates)
- 1/2 cup water (can use up to 3/4 cup if needed)
- 1 1/4 cups large flake oats
- 2/3 cup honey peanut butter (natural and smooth)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate (about 3/4 cup chocolate chips)
Craving a snack that’s both healthy and hits that sweet spot? Say no more! These easy no-bake chocolate granola bars are just what you need. Naturally sweetened with dates and packed with fiber, they’re perfect for any time of the day. And the best part? No oven required!
So, if you’re ready to whip up something delicious without breaking a sweat, let’s get started.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 granola bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pitted dates (about 9-10 dates)
- 1/2 cup water (you might need up to 3/4 cup)
- 1 1/4 cups large flake oats
- 2/3 cup honey peanut butter (go for natural and smooth)
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate (that’s about 3/4 cup chocolate chips)
What You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Granola bar mold or an 8×8-inch baking pan lined with parchment paper
Instructions
- Make the Date Paste
First things first, let’s get that natural sweetness going.
- Toss the pitted dates and 1/2 cup water into your blender or food processor.
- Blend for about 30 seconds until you have a smooth paste, kinda like applesauce.
- If it’s too thick, no worries! Add a bit more water (up to 1/4 cup) and blend again.
- Mix It All Up
Time to bring everything together.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Your freshly made date paste
- Large flake oats
- Honey peanut butter (mmm, so good)
- Ground flaxseed
- Dark chocolate chips
- Stir it all up until everything’s well mixed and nice and sticky.
- Shape Your Granola Bars
Let’s get these into bar form!
- If you’re using granola bar molds:
- Spoon the mixture into the molds, filling them about 1/2 cm below the top. We need room for that chocolate layer!
- If you’re using a baking pan:
- Press the mixture evenly into your prepared pan, again leaving a little space at the top for the chocolate goodness.
- Melt the Chocolate Topping
Because what’s life without a little chocolate?
- Melt 1/2 cup of dark chocolate.
- Microwave method: Pop the chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until it’s smooth and melted.
- Double boiler method: Place the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, stirring until melted.
- Add the Chocolate Layer
- Pour that melted chocolate over your granola mixture.
- Spread it out evenly so every bar gets its fair share of chocolate love.
- Chill Out
- Place your molds or pan in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Patience, my friend!
- Enjoy!
- Once set, remove the granola bars from the molds or cut them into bars if you used a pan.
- Take a bite and savor the deliciousness you just created.
A Few Notes
- Storage: Keep these bars in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’ll stay good for up to one week. If you want them to last longer (though I doubt they’ll stick around!), you can freeze them for up to three months.
These homemade granola bars are seriously the best. They’re perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a midday pick-me-up, or even a healthy dessert. The combination of oats, dates, and honey peanut butter not only tastes amazing but also keeps you feeling full and energized.
So next time you’re in the mood for a snack, ditch the store-bought stuff and try making these instead. Trust me, once you do, there’s no going back!
Enjoy your homemade chocolate granola bars, and happy snacking!
