Date Nut Granola Bars & Crumble (Raw/Grain Free)

Everytime I make a batch of granola I feel at home.

There’s something about the homemade version you can’t find in a package.

Love? Maybe.

Soul? Maybe.

Blood, sweat and tears? Hopefully not.

Whatever it is, it’s just so darn good.

This particular batch of granola isn’t my normal approach, either. No, this one’s a bit different. Sticky. Soft and crumbly. Sweetened only with dates. Oh, it’s raw and grain free, too.

Normally, I make a crunchy, dry roasted granola with chopped nuts, whole seeds, oats and honey (like this one and this one). Closer to the standard granola we’re all used to.

Obviously, there are pros and cons to each. The dry roasted version will store at room temperature in an airtight container for quite some time, while this one’s best stored in the fridge or freezer. The crunchy version is, well, crunchy, and this one’s got more of a crumbly, soft texture.  The roasted version also requires some baking and stirring time, while this version only needs to rest in the fridge or freezer for a little bit to set.

Now I know I said this recipe makes bars and a crumble type version of granola, but I must warn you, the bars are best stored in the freezer and eaten promptly after you take them out of the freezer. That’s because as they warm, they’ll crumble pretty easily. That being said, these might not be your best bet as a granola bar on the go, but you could most definitely crumble it up into a to-go container and pack a spoon.

It really doesn’t matter how you eat it, it’s delicious, so just eat it however you want to. Deal?

DATE NUT GRANOLA BARS & CRUMBLE

Ingredients

3 cups nuts (I used 1 cup each of pecans, almonds, walnuts)

1 cup unsweetened, flaked coconut

1 cup pitted medjool dates

1 1/2 cups seeds (I used 1/2 cup each sesame, ground flax, chia) 

1 tbsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Pulse nuts and coconut in a food processor (fits nicely in my 11-cup food processor) just until mixed a bit, then add the dates and let it run until the mixture is crumbly and just starts to come together, about 30 seconds. Next, add the seeds and vanilla extract, and pulse until combined, about 15-30 seconds.

If you want the whole batch more of a crumble, you’re pretty much done at this point. Simply transfer into an airtight container and store in the fridge. For bars, firmly press into a lined baking sheet or dish and freeze until ready to serve. Serve the bars promptly after taking them out of the freezer.

I’d love to know what you think! Leave a comment below letting me you how you like to eat granola.