Indulge in wholesome goodness with these *Sugar-Free Chewy Granola Bars*, the perfect grab-and-go snack for health-conscious eaters. Made with nutrient-rich rolled oats, crunchy chopped nuts, and naturally sweet Medjool dates, these bars strike the perfect balance between chewy texture and satisfying flavor. Toasted coconut and chia seeds add a delightful crunch, while almond butter and unsweetened applesauce bind everything together without any added sugar. A hint of cinnamon and vanilla creates an irresistible warmth, and optional cocoa nibs or sugar-free chocolate chips elevate them into a guilt-free treat. Easy to prepare with just 15 minutes of prep time, these homemade granola bars are ideal for meal prepping, post-workout fuel, or simply satisfying mid-day cravings. Store them for up to two weeks to keep the magic of homemade snacking alive!
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
Place the rolled oats, chopped nuts, and shredded coconut onto a baking sheet. Toast in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly golden. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
While the dry ingredients are toasting, place the pitted dates in a food processor. Pulse until the dates form a sticky paste. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides a couple of times.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the date paste, almond butter, and applesauce. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Add the vanilla extract, salt, and ground cinnamon to the date mixture, stirring until well incorporated.
Fold in the toasted oat, nut, and coconut mixture, along with the chia seeds and optional cocoa nibs or chocolate chips, until everything is evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula or your hands to press and flatten it firmly into an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
Remove the pan from the oven and let the mixture cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out of the pan and onto a cutting board.
Cut into 12 equal-sized bars. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or refrigerate for up to two weeks.
Calories |
3364 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 222.9 g | 286% | |
| Saturated Fat | 80.3 g | 401% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 636 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 292.9 g | 107% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 82.0 g | 293% | |
| Total Sugars | 84.5 g | ||
| Protein | 83.5 g | 167% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 775 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 27.6 mg | 153% | |
| Potassium | 3951 mg | 84% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.