No Bake Granola Bars

By charlotteh371

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups oats
• 1/2 cup almonds
• 2 cups crispy rice cereal
• 2 tablespoons flax seeds
• 1 cup almond butter
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 2 cups (14) large Medjool dates, pitted
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 ounces chocolate chips

Preparation

Step 1

Step 1:

Grease and line an 8″ square pan with parchment so that a few inches hang over the edge.

Step 2:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 4:

Toast the oats and almonds on a baking sheet, baking for 15 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.

Step 5:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crisp rice, seeds, cooled almonds and oats, then stir to mix.

Step 6:

Chop up the dates well to make a chunky paste.

Step 7:

In a small saucepan, combine the dates, almond butter, maple syrup and cinnamon. Set the pan on medium-low heat and add 2 tablespoons of water. Stir the mixture until everything is mixed well and warmed through.

Step 8:

Add the date mixture to the dry ingredients then stir everything until well combined.

Step 9:

Dump the mixture into the prepared pan, then use the back of a spatula to compress the mixture into a tight and even layer.

Step 10:

Top with the chocolate chips and press them into the bars just a bit.

Step 11:

Place the pan in the fridge to set for an hour before cutting into 24 1″ x 1 1/2″ bars.

The bars will keep for about 5 days in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.