These homemade granola bars have quickly become one of my favorite snacks to keep on hand. They’re made with simple, wholesome ingredients, naturally sweetened with local honey and Medjool dates (my favorite), and packed with dark chocolate chips because why not!
I also love adding hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds because they’re tiny nutritional powerhouses. Hemp seeds provide healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based protein that support heart health and digestion, while pumpkin seeds are rich in magnesium, which may support relaxation and restful sleep.
Makes: 8-10 bars Prep time: 30 minutes Chill time: 2 hours
Ingredients
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 8 Medjool dates, pitted (about 1 cup packed)
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp hemp seeds
- 1/3 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 2–4 tbsp warm water, if needed
Instructions
- Line an 8×8-inch baking pan or loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Add the dates to a food processor and blend until they form a sticky paste.
- Add the peanut butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt. Blend/mix until smooth and combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and stir in the oats, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds.
- If the mixture feels dry, add warm water one tablespoon at a time until it holds together when squeezed.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Press the mixture firmly into the prepared pan. Really pack it down—this is the secret to bars that stay together.
- Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips, pumpkin seeds, and sea salt on top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, then slice into 8–10 bars.
Abbey’s Notes 🤍
- Toast the oats in the oven before at 350 F for 8-10 minutes to give the bars (and your kitchen) a little extra nutty flavor!
- If you don’t have a food processor, just soak the dates a little longer and mash with a fork. Less cleaning too!
- Chia seeds can replace hemp seeds if needed.
Make with love and enjoy!
Xoxo, Abbey
