Easy Date Granola Bars

My Easy Date Granola Bars are made with oats and packed full of delicious dates, apricots and cranberries. Then for added crunch I add a combination of nuts and seeds to the mix. These date oat bars are no bake, everything is combined in 5 minutes, then left to set in the refrigerator. This recipe could not be any easier and make a great kid-friendly snack! 

My kids do a lot of after-school activities whether it is sports, karate or cub scouts my kids are on-the-go a lot. It is always nice to have healthy snacks on hand that I can feel good giving to my kids. 

These Easy Date Granola Bars are a favorite on my kids and something I can easily make and keep on hand. 

My easy date granola bars are great to prep ahead, in only 5 minutes. They are no-bake which makes them super easy to throw together. 

Once made, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 month, assuming they last that long!

They make the ideal quick snack; or easy grab-and-go breakfast. These healthy granola bars contain no refined sugar and a lot less salt than any store bought alternatives.

Making your own homemade granola bars means you know exactly what ingredients are going into them. You can also play with the ingredients, adding your own favorite combination of dried fruits, seeds and nuts.

As preparation is minimal, this is a kid friendly recipe too. I like to get my kids involved so they can choose the ingredients they want to include in the bars. My kids do a lot of after-school activities whether it is sports, karate or cub scouts my kids are on-the-go a lot. It is always nice to have healthy snacks on hand that I can feel good giving to my kids. 

A few other snack ideas that my family loves are these Date Protein Balls, Peanut Butter Oatmeal No Bake Bites, Homemade Oatmeal Banana Cookies or these Cranberry Almond Energy Bites. 

Recipe Ingredients

• Dates: I use a cup of date paste which not only adds flavor to the granola bars, but also helps bind the bars together. If you can’t find date paste in your stores you can buy it online or you can make your own here or if you don’t want to use date paste you can use 1/2 cup of honey for every 2/3 cup of date paste.
• Sugar: Rather than using refined sugar, I prefer to use an unrefined sugar like honey or maple syrup to sweeten the bars.
• Coconut Oil: Melted coconut oil helps bind the bars together.
• Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds great flavor to the bars. I always use extract as it has a richer flavor than vanilla essence, but essence would work in a pinch.
• Oats: 2 cups of rolled oats are added to these no bake date oat bars.
• Dried Fruit, Nuts and Seeds: I used a combination of dried apricots, cranberries, mixed nuts, coconut chips and mixed seeds to add crunch and flavor to these bars.
• Salt: A 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the bars to balance out the sweet flavors in these bars.

How to Make Granola Bars

Step 1: Line Baking Pan: Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper covering the bottom and around the edges. Spray baking oil on the paper.

Step 2: Make the Paste: Add the date paste and honey to a microwave safe bowl. Place the bowl into the microwave and melt on low/medium heat for a few seconds. Then remove the paste and stir in the coconut oil and vanilla extract.

Step 3: Mix Together the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the oats, apricots, mixed nuts, coconut chips, cranberries, mixed seeds and salt.

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients with the Dry: Pour the date mixture into the mixing bowl with all the dry ingredients. Mix together with a spatula, making sure everything is moistened and well combined.

Step 5: Set the Granola Bars: Transfer the mixture into the earlier prepared baking pan.

Press into an even layer with the spatula then place the bars in the refrigerator to set. Leave for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Step 6: Store the Granola Bars: Remove the baking pan from the refrigerator and cut the mixture into 12 even-sized bars, using a sharp knife. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 month.

Recipe Modifications

• Swap the Dried Fruits: I have used dried apricots and cranberries in these bars, but you could substitute with any dried fruits like dried mango, papaya, figs, cherry, or raisins.
• Add Any Combination of Nuts: Use any variety of seeds and nuts that you enjoy eating. Here are some ideas: hazelnuts, almonds, pecans, cashews, pistachios.
• Add Any Combination of Seeds: You can add the seeds you like to eat, including sunflower seeds, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseeds, sesame seeds.
• Try Adding Spice: If you fancy a touch of warm spice, add some ground cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the mix.

Are Granola Bars Good for You?

Granola bars are a convenient snack or breakfast-on-the-go option. They are a great source of protein and fiber which keep you fuller and feeling satisfied for longer. However, be aware that they do contain sugar in the date paste, dried fruits and oats.

What Makes Granola Bars Stick Together?

The combination of date paste, along with the coconut oil and honey, help bind these no bake granola bars together, ensuring they stick together once set in the refrigerator. If you can’t find date paste in your stores you can buy it online or you can make your own here or if you don’t want to use date paste you can use 1/2 cup of honey for every 2/3 cup of date paste.

Recipe FAQ

Storage Tips

Store these bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to two months. Remove them from the freezer about 30 minutes before you are ready to eat them.  

Wrap individually for grab-and-go convenience.

Other Snack Recipes You Might Like:

If you are looking for easy snack ideas try one of these recipes!

• Frozen Greek Yogurt Fruit Bites
• Frozen Chocolate Coconut Banana Bites
• Frozen Yogurt Granola Bites
• Cranberry Almond Energy Bites
• Easy Date Protein Balls

If you try it, please leave me a star rating and comment below, and follow me on Instagram @acedarspoon for more delicious recipes!