These chewy no-bake granola bars are perfectly chewy, slightly sweet, and a little bit salty. The secret to making them stick together and chewy? Dates. Simply process the dates into a paste which will stick all of the ingredients together. These bars are loaded with oats, pretzels, coconut flakes, almonds, and chocolate, but they’re easily customizable! Swap peanut butter for almond butter, add dried fruit or chia seeds. Mix it up to your liking for the perfect on-the-go breakfast or a satisfying snack.  

No-Bake Chewy Chocolate Pretzel Granola Bars

Makes 14 granola bars

Ingredients

• 1 cup pitted dates, packed

• 2/3 cup peanut butter

• 1/2 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup coconut oil

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 cup oats

• 1 cup pretzels, chopped

• 1/4 cup coconut flakes

• 1/2 cup chopped nuts of choice (almonds used here)

• 2/3 cup chocolate chunks

For the chocolate drizzle (optional):

• 1/4 cup chocolate chunks

• 1/2 tsp coconut oil

For the peanut butter drizzle (optional):

• 1/4 cup peanut butter

• 1 tsp coconut oil

Directions

1. Add the pitted dates to a food processor and process until a paste forms.

2. In a large bowl, melt the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Once creamy, remove from heat and mix in the date mixture. This may take about a minute to mix together.

3. Add the cinnamon, vanilla, oats, pretzels, and nuts and mix to combine.

4. Allow mixture to cool completely before adding the chocolate chunks. (you can add the chocolate while it’s still warm but they will melt).

5. Line a 9x13 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

6. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan.

7. Refrigerate for at least 40 minutes to harden slightly, then cut into 14 bars.

8. For the chocolate drizzle, melt the chocolate with the coconut oil (1/2 teaspoon). For the peanut butter drizzle, melt the peanut butter with the coconut oil (1 teaspoon). Drizzle the bars then serve!

9. Store granola bars in a covered container in the fridge.