Granola Bars with Date Powder: A Healthy and Easy Snack

Ingredients:

• 100 g date powder
• 150 g rolled oats (ideally whole grain)
• 50 g seeds (sunflower, pumpkin, chia, flax, etc.)
• 30 g nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, pecans, etc.)
• 30 g hazelnut or almond butter (or peanut butter)
• 2 tablespoons date syrup
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil (or olive oil)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla (optional)
• A pinch of salt
• 2-3 tablespoons water (if necessary to adjust the texture)

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a square mold (20 x 20 cm) of parchment paper, or lightly grease it with a little oil.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine date powder, oats, seeds, chopped nuts, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
3. Add wet ingredients: In a small saucepan, melt hazelnut (or almond) butter, coconut oil, and date syrup over low heat until melted and smooth. Add vanilla if using.
4. Mix everything: Pour wet mixture over dry ingredients and mix well until coated. If dough is too dry, add a little water, a tablespoon at a time, until slightly sticky but not too runny.
5. Press into pan: Pour mixture into prepared pan and press firmly to compact dough. Use the back of a spoon or your hands to make sure it is spread evenly and firmly packed.
6. Bake: Bake the bars for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly browned around the edges. If you prefer them a little crunchier, bake for 5 minutes longer, but be careful not to burn them.
7. Cool: Once baked, let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares or rectangles.
8. Serve: They will keep well for about a week in an airtight container at room temperature.

Tips:

You can add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or dried apricots for an extra touch of sweetness.

If you want a “chocolate” effect, you can add dark chocolate chips or cocoa powder to the mixture.

For a more exotic touch, try adding some grated coconut or lemon zest.