Healthy Lunchbox Bars No Bake


Isn't it nice knowing the food you put in your kids lunchbox is home-made, healthy and no nasties in it?   This is such a simple no bake recipe and absolutely delicious.  Note:  This does contain nuts so not suitable for school if they have a nut restriction. 

Ingredients:

  • 1 heaped cup of medjool dates (pitted)
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup or agave nectar (or honey if not vegan)
  • 1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter or almond butter
  • 1 cup roasted almonds loosely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups rolled oats (gluten-free for GF eaters)

Optional Extras:
  • Sugar free chocolate chips, dried fruit, nuts, banana chips, vanilla, etc.

Method:

  1. Process the dates in a food processor (they'll form a sort of ball)
  2. Optional step: Toast your oats (and almonds if raw) in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven for 10-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Otherwise, leave them raw - I prefer the toasted flavor.
  3. Place oats, almonds and dates in a large mixing bowl - set aside.
  4. Warm honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout.
  5. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to a slice tray or cookie tray covered with baking paper.
  6. Press down firmly until uniformly flattened - press down and really pack the bars, which helps them hold together better.
  7. Cover with more baking paper, and let firm up in fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes.
  8. Remove bars from pan and chop into even sized bars.   Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. I kept mine in the freezer to keep them extra fresh, but it isn't necessary.

Recipe adapted from The Minimalst Baker 5 ingredients Granola Bars.  

Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 10 bars)

  • Calories: 217
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 31g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugar: 19g
  • Protein: 6g

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