These chewy, crunchy snacks provide a definitive answer to the question: Why on earth would I DIY a granola bar? So much better than the ones off the shelf!

Source: Midwest Living


Credit: Paul Lowe

Recipe Summary

15 mins
1 hr


Ingredient Checklist


Instructions Checklist
  • Preheat oven to 350°. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some hanging over edges of pan.

  • In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, dates and butter. Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Transfer mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it forms a thick syrup.

  • In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, pecans, pumpkin seeds and pine nuts. Add the warm syrup and mix well.

  • Transfer mixture to prepared pan. Use the back of a spoon to press mixture into bottom of pan and into the corners. (You may need to dampen or grease the spoon to prevent sticking.)

  • Bake until set and lightly browned, about 45 minutes. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack. Use parchment paper to lift bars from pan; transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares. Store in an airtight container or freeze to have on hand for quick snacks.

Nutrition Facts

254 calories; fat 9g; cholesterol 4mg; saturated fat 2g; carbohydrates 40g; mono fat 3g; poly fat 2g; insoluble fiber 4g; sugars 21g; protein 5g; vitamin a 64.5IU; thiamin 0.1mg; riboflavin 0.3mg; niacin equivalents 0.4mg; folate 4.5mcg; sodium 53mg; potassium 252mg; calcium 47mg; iron 1.4mg.