Easy Chewy Granola Bars with Dates and Pumpkin Seeds

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 and 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup crispy cereal

  *see note
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup Medjool dates

  (packed and pitted)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter

  or nut butter of choice
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

• 1 Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It
  should form a paste-like consistency (mine usually rolls into a ball).
• 2 In a large bowl, add oats, crisps, pumpkin seeds, and dried fruit.
• 3 Warm maple syrup (or agave or honey) and peanut butter in a small microwave-safe
  bowl or over low heat in a saucepan. Stir and pour over the oat mixture; mix,
  breaking up the dates to disperse throughout the granola.
• 4 Once thoroughly combined, transfer to a 9 x 9-inch baking dish (or 8 x 8-inch)
  lined with parchment or even plastic wrap to lift out easily.
• 5 Press down firmly and tightly until evenly flat. It's important to press very
  firmly so the bars hold together. Use the back of a spoon, drinking glass, or
  even the bottom of a measuring cup. It's important to pack them in tightly.
• 6 Cover and refrigerate or even freeze for an hour or two before cutting into bars
  or squares.

Nutrition Info