No Bake Chocolate Granola Bars (vegan & Gluten Free)!
These no bake chocolate granola bars are a healthy snack you will actually love!
you can’t have too many healthy snack ideas!
People assume that – as a food photographer – I have no end of varied and delicious meals, snacks and treats to choose from all day long. And on the one hand, this is not incorrect.
But.
After prepping, styling, shooting and cleaning said meals, snacks and treats, the last thing I want to do is then eat them. Honestly? I want to pack them up and either freeze them, eat them the next day (at the earliest) or freeze them for some future date.
Also.
If I WERE to actually eat allthethings my waistline would have some harsh words for me. I have found that the older I get the more I have to watch what I eat and make a more mindful effort to keep an eye on both what I’m eating and portion sizes.
And.
On a typical work day I simply don’t have time to sit down and enjoy a proper meal. I know it’s the right thing to do but the truth is that when it comes to feeding myself in the middle of a million tasks I want something quick, easy and satisfying. Which is why you’ll find so many bites-and-bars type recipes on this blog!
you’re gonna love these chocolate granola bars!
This no bake chocolatey chewy granola bar is hands down one of my favorites. I make it all the time and never tire of it. With just six ingredients – all of which I always have on hand – it’s an easy recipe that comes together simply and quickly.
You don’t even need a mixer or food processor! And this recipe is refined sugar free, vegan AND gluten free!
Best of all it is super adaptable, so you can change up most of the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry, any food allergies or taste preferences.
what do you need to make these homemade granola bars?
You only need six (!!) ingredients for this recipe:
- dates
- oats
- unsweetened cocoa powder
- nut butter
- your choice of nuts and dried fruits
how do you make them?
To make this granola bar recipe, you’ll start by breaking down the dates with some water in a saucepan, till it thickens.
You’ll then transfer the mixture to a bowl with the rest of the ingredients and stir till combined.
Press into a baking pan that’s been lined with parchment paper, cover and freeze overnight.
Slice into bars and enjoy!
these chewy chocolate granola bars beat store-bought bars any day!
Because I make these bars often they are always around when people come over – and they are always a hit. The chewy texture, delicious, wholesome ingredients and natural sweetness satisfy that midday sweet tooth with zero guilt! As snack bars go you can’t get better.
feel free to switch up the ingredients as you like!
I personally think these are the best granola bars, but you can absolutely adapt this recipe by switching up some of the main ingredients. Here are some ideas:
For the dried fruit: swap in dried cranberries, apricots or raisins (just chop up any larger pieces).
For the nuts: you can use any nut you like – pecans, cashews and walnuts all work (again, chop up any large nuts into smaller pieces).
For the nut butter: I’ve used every type of creamy nut butter and seed butter over the years, from peanut butter and even tahini!
You can also add in more mix-ins if you like! Some of my favorites include sesame seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, chia seeds and sunflower seeds. You can top with a sprinkling of sea salt flakes too for a sweet-salty finish!
Let me know if you try them!
No Bake Chocolate Granola Bars (vegan & Gluten Free)!
Recipe details
- 12 servings
- Prep time: 10 Minutes Cook time: 10 Minutes Total time: 20 min
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