Chewy Chocolate Coconut Pretzel Millet Granola Bars

Chewy Chocolate Coconut Pretzel Millet Granola Bars

Ever tried to make granola bars and they just don't stick together so you end up with granola? I've definitely been there, but I have finally found the solution! The key is to create a paste with dates, figs, honey and peanut butter. The peanut butter is subtle and you actually won't even notice it's in there. The paste makes the bars chewy, while the millet adds the perfect crunch.

Ingredients

Makes about 14 1.5x4in bars

• 23 Medjool dates, pitted

• 6 dried figs, stems removed

• 3/4 cup honey

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

• 3 tbsp coconut oil

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 cups rolled oats

• 1 cup millet

• 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp chia seeds

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

• 1 cup unsweetened coconut chips, plus some for the top

• 1 cup pretzels sticks, roughly chopped

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325° F.

2. Prepare a 9x13 inch pan with parchment paper, making sure the paper goes up the sides of the pan.

3. In a food processor, or strong blender, blend together the dates, figs, honey, peanut butter, coconut oil, and vanilla extract until a thick, smooth paste forms.

4. In a large bowl, combine the oats, millet, cinnamon, chia seeds, and salt.

5. In a bowl of an electric mixture fitted with the paddle attachment, or using your hands, add the date paste to the oat mixture and mix until combined.

6. Mix in the chocolate, coconut and pretzels.

7. Spread mixture evenly into prepared pan.

8. Sprinkle some more coconut flakes on top and press them down into the mixture so they stick.

9. Bake for 20 minutes, until the coconut begins to turn golden brown.