9-ingredient vegan and gluten-free granola bars loaded with 4 kinds of seeds: hemp, sunflower, flax, and chia! So healthy, naturally sweetened, and perfect as an on-the-go snack.
Toast your oats and almonds in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven for 13-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a “dough” like consistency (mine rolled into a ball).
Place oats, almonds and dates in a large mixing bowl. Add seeds and set aside.
Warm agave and peanut or almond butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout. Use a spoon or your hands to thoroughly mix.
Transfer to an 8×8 dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily. (Or use 2/3 of a 9×13 // as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size)
Cover with parchment or plastic wrap and press down with something flat, such as a book, to get them really packed tight. This will help them from being crumbly. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden.
Remove bars from dish and chop into 10 even bars (as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. I kept mine in the freezer to keep them extra fresh, but it isn’t necessary.
Notes
*If your dates don’t feel sticky and moist, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes then drain before processing. This will help hold the bars together better. *Adapted from my 5 ingredient granola bars *Nutrition information is a rough estimate. *Chia Seeds - If you have a history of swallowing issues, use caution and talk with your doctor before consuming raw chia seeds. If avoiding, sub with another seed of choice.