maple date granola bars

the perfect way to start the new year - homemade granola bars naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup and filled with oats, nuts, and seeds!

The new year is just a couple days away and while I am not one for resolutions, I do like to start the year off right with healthy homemade treats. In particular, I love a good granola bar and have made so many different granola bar recipes over the years. I am a big fan of granola bars that use nut butters (which is mostly what you'll find if you search online for healthy homemade granola bars), but I wanted to try something a little different this time and thus these maple date granola bars were created. Instead of using a nut butter to bind the ingredients, this recipe uses maple syrup and dates that are simmered together into an amazing gooey mixture that is then used to coat the remaining ingredients like oats, seeds, and nuts. The taste and texture of these granola bars is irresistible (and I mean that literally) - the sweetness of the dates and maple syrup plus the crunchiness of the seeds and nuts results in the perfect crunchy soft granola bar goodness.

As noted, the two natural sweeteners in this recipe are maple syrup and dates. Dates - which are the edible fruit of the date palm tree - are an excellent natural sweetener that add an almost caramel-like sweetness to whatever they're in. In addition, dates are a rich source of potassium, as well as other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Dates are pretty versatile as well and can be included in baking recipes as is or cooked down into a syrup or paste. Maple syrup likely needs no introduction as it is well-known but for anyone who's unfamiliar it is made from the boiled down sap of certain maple trees and is rich in minerals and antioxidants. If you are looking for a good brand of maple syrup, definitely check out Tree Juice (love the name too!).

If you are looking to start the year off right, definitely give these maple date granola bars a try. And if you are looking for other healthy recipes, check out my quinoa cookies with maple syrup or my zucchini muffins with dates and maple syrup. Enjoy and happy new year!

maple date granola bars

ingredients

• 200 grams maple syrup

• 100 grams (about 6) medjool dates, pitted and chopped

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or coconut oil

• 170 grams old fashioned oats

• 60 grams nuts, coarsely chopped

• 60 grams pumpkin or sunflower seeds

• 45 grams hemp hearts

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x9 baking pan, line with parchment paper, and then lightly grease the parchment paper (with nonstick spray or butter).

2. Combine the 200 grams maple syrup and 100 grams dates in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Turn the heat down to medium-low and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture has thickened and the dates have softened and started to break down. Take off the heat and stir in the 2 tablespoons butter. Mash up the chunks of dates as much as possible using your spatula or a fork.

3. In a large bowl, combine the 170 grams old fashioned oats, 60 grams nuts, coarsely chopped, 60 grams pumpkin or sunflower seeds, 45 grams hemp hearts, 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add the date syrup mixture and stir until fully combined. Empty this mixture into the baking pan and spread evenly, making sure to press the mixture down firmly.

4. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, until slightly golden brown and firm in the center.