As the self proclaimed Granola Queen (both in terms of the noun “granola” and the verb “granola”), I have played around with making granola bars. This granola bar is a winner. It takes under 30 minutes, requires no baking, has no sugar (unless you count honey and/or dates as sugar), and is delicious (obviously). MAKE ‘EM!
Ingredients:
* 1 cup pitted dates
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1/4 cup creamy nut butter (I used almond)
* 1 cup chopped nuts (I used hazelnuts, hands down my all time favorite nut)
* 1 1/2 cups rolled oats
Directions:
![Roast the oats for 10 minutes, just so they are a little brown and a tad bit crunchier.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.14.46-PM.png)
Roast the oats for 10 minutes, just so they are a little brown and a little crunchy.
![Blend (Pulse on vitamix) the dates.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.14.52-PM.png)
Blend (Pulse on vitamix) the dates until you get a dough-like consistency. It should be fairly smooth.
![Chop the nuts.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.14.57-PM.png)
Chop the nuts. Pounding till you crush something feels rather nice…
![In a bowl, combine the date puree, nuts, and mix.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.15.02-PM.png)
In a bowl, combine the date puree, nuts, and mix.
![Then add the oats, and mix with the dates / nut mixture.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.15.09-PM.png)
Then add the oats, and mix with the dates / nut mixture. Combine.
![On low heat, warm up the honey and nut butter. Mixing it together to combine and form one liquid.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.15.14-PM.png)
On low heat, warm up the honey and nut butter, mixing it together to combine and form one liquid.
![Pour it onto the oat mixture.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.15.20-PM.png)
Pour the hot liquid onto the oat mixture and get ready to get your hands MESSY! Using your hands (easiest utensil), mush everything together. Mix well!
![Add some oompph to it. I added white chocolate chips. Next time, cranberries.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.15.24-PM.png)
Add some oompph to it. I added white chocolate chips. Next time, cranberries.
![On a wax lined 8 by 8 dish, place the mixture on and flatten it.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.15.29-PM.png)
On a wax lined 8 by 8 dish, place the mixture on and flatten it.
![Store in a tightly sealed tupperware.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.15.45-PM.png)
Store in a tightly sealed tupperware and refrigerate.
![I mean, COME ON!](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.15.51-PM.png)
I mean, COME ON!
![A perfectly rectangular, healthy, filling, and tasty snack.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/josiegirlblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Screen-Shot-2014-10-16-at-7.16.02-PM.png)
A perfectly rectangular, healthy, filling, and tasty snack.
Hazelnuts are my favorite too. My superfood.
YUM!
looks amazing
OMG, looks so tasty!
These are great, I love them!