My secret to making healthy chocolate granola bars is skipping on the sugar and sweetening them with dates instead! Dates are an amazing natural sweetener and are also packed with fiber. Enjoy these delicious & healthy granola bars (see notes for a nut-free version).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Freeze time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 granola bars
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup pitted dates (about 9-10)
- 1/2 cup water (can use up to 3/4 cup)
- 1 1/4 cup large flake oats
- 2/3 cup nut butter of choice (or soy/seed butter for nut-free)
- 2 tbsp ground flax seed
- 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup melted vegan chocolate (about 3/4 cup chocolate chips)
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Granola bar mold
Instructions
- Add pitted dates to a blender or food processor with 1/2 cup water and blend for 30 seconds. You should get a paste with the consistency of apple sauce – if it’s not liquid enough, add up to a 1/4 cup more water.
- In a large bowl, mix together date paste, oats, nut butter, ground flax and chocolate chips.
- Add the granola mixture to the granola bar molds, making 8-10 granola bars. Leave 1/2 cm for the melted chocolate.
- In the microwave or over a double-boiler, melt chocolate. You’ll need about 1/2 cup melted chocolate, which is equivalent to about 3/4 cup chocolate chips.
- Spread the melted chocolate over the granola bars, then let set in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.
- Enjoy right away or store for a snack later!
Notes
*I’ve used almond butter and walnut butter with these chocolate granola bars, but feel free to use your favourite nut butter (or soy/seed butter for nut-free)!
