Ingredients:

• 1 heaping cup packed dates (pitted)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar
• 1/4 cup salted natural PB or almond butter
• 1 cup roasted unsalted almonds (chopped)
• 1 1/2 cups GF rolled oats

Optional:

• Chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, banana chips, vanilla

Directions:

• Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 min).
• It should form a "dough" like consistency.

Optional Step:

• Toast your oats (and almonds if raw) in a 350° F oven for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
• Place oats, almonds and dates in a large mixing bowl - set aside.
• Warm maple syrup (or agave) and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
• Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout.
• Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8x8 inch baking dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily.
• Press down firmly until uniformly flattened- I use something flat, like a drinking glass, to press down and really pack the bars, which helps them hold together better.
• Cover with parchment or plastic wrap.
• Firm up in fridge or freezer for 15-20 min.
• Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars.
• Store in an airtight container for up to a few days.

Notes:

• Although not ideal, if your dates don't feel sticky and moist, you can soak them in water for 10 minutes then drain before processing. This will help them blend better and hold the bars together better. But ideally, you can find fresh, sticky moist dates.

Credits:

Minimalist Baker