Homemade No-Bake Trail Mix Granola Bars (Freezer-Friendly)

honey

🥗Healthier: maple syrup

💰Cheaper: corn syrup

Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness with a different flavor profile.

peanut butter

🥗Healthier: almond butter

💰Cheaper: sunflower seed butter

Sunflower seed butter is nut-free and often less expensive.

dark chocolate chips

🥗Healthier: cacao nibs

💰Cheaper: milk chocolate chips

Cacao nibs reduce sugar content while adding a chocolate flavor.

mixed nuts

🥗Healthier: pumpkin seeds

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Sunflower seeds are often cheaper and nut-free.

Combine 1 cup of old-fashioned rolled oats, 1 cup of puffed brown rice cereal, 1/2 cup of unsalted chopped almonds, 1/2 cup of roasted and unsalted pumpkin seeds, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl.

Stir the ingredients together.

Add 1 cup of pitted dates to a food processor and pulse until the dates are broken up into little bits.

Add the broken-up dates to the dry ingredients and work them in with your hands until the mixture is sticky.

In a skillet over medium heat, warm 1/3 cup of honey and 1/3 cup of peanut butter.

Turn off the heat and add 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, stirring to combine.

Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix well.

Line an 8 by 8 baking dish with parchment paper.

Press the granola mixture into the baking dish, using the back of a measuring cup to level off the top and pack it down.

Freeze the granola bars for 30 minutes.

Remove the granola bars from the freezer and cut them into even bars.

Place the bars in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze until ready to enjoy.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens