No-Bake Cocoa Granola Bars
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Prep time: 
Total time: 
Serves: about 15
 
Ingredients
  • 1 cup oats
  • 1 tightly packed cup pitted dates
  • 1 cup walnuts [or raw almonds, raw cashews or a mixture of raw nuts]
  • ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • ¼ cup ground flax
  • ¼ cup cacao nibs
  • ¼ cup 100% cocoa powder
  • ¼ tsp sea salt
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • ½ cup almond butter [or another nut butter of your choice]
  • ¼ cup maple syrup [or honey or a combination of the 2]
  • about 3 tbsp water
  • Optional add ins: dried fruit, hemp seeds, protein powder
Instructions
  1. In food processor, process dates until finely chopped and they form into a ball.
  2. Add dates to large mixing bowl.
  3. In the same food processor, add walnuts and process until finely chopped.
  4. Meanwhile, add maple syrup, almond butter and vanilla to small saucepan on low heat and stir until mixture is smooth and uniform. Remove from heat.
  5. To the large mixing bowl with dates, add all other ingredients [oats, shredded coconut, ground flax seeds, walnuts, maple syrup/almond butter mixture, cocoa powder, cacao nibs and salt].
  6. Using a wooden spoon stir mixture until all ingredients are evenly distributed [this may take a few minutes to get everything incorporated].
  7. If the mixture is still pretty dry add a tbsp of water and continue mixing. Add more water by the tablespoon (I used about 3 tbsp) until your mixture sticks together well.
  8. Line an 8×8 baking dish with parchment paper.
  9. Add mixture to baking dish, press firmly and evenly.
  10. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze for a couple of hours or overnight.
  11. Cut into bars and store in an airtight container for up to one week.
  12. You can store in the refrigerator or freezer as well.
  13. Enjoy!
Recipe by Angela Freed at https://www.angelafreed.com/no-bake-cocoa-granola-bars/