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These chewy granola bars are incredibly easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Naturally sweetened with dates and packed with crunchy walnuts, they’re the perfect snack!
Dates and walnuts are a combination I grew up with and have always loved. This classic pairing is a staple in Persian and Middle Eastern cuisines. One of the easiest snacks I enjoyed as a child was simply placing a walnut inside a pitted date—effortless yet so delicious. That simple treat inspired this chewy granola bar recipe, turning a nostalgic favorite into a wholesome, grab-and-go snack that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon energy boost.
Like these date cookies, date walnut cheesecake bites, date walnut babka, maamoul, apple walnut cake bars, tahini date cake recipe, this chewy granola bar recipe is one to keep on hand when you want something sweet. And the best part? You only need four simple ingredients to make it!
Table of Contents
Chewy Granola Bars Ingredients
- Medjool Dates: The natural sweetener and binder of this granola bar recipe. I love using Medjool dates because of their soft, chewy texture, but any variety works. If your dates are dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain before using.
- Walnuts: Adds a nutty crunch and pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of dates. You can also use almonds, pecans, or cashews.
- Old-fashioned oats: These provide a chewy texture and help bind everything together. Use gluten-free oats if needed.
- Ground cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the flavors. You can also add cardamom or nutmeg for extra warmth.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: A layer of melted chocolate on top adds richness. Use dark chocolate for an intense flavor or mini chocolate chips for easier melting.
- Unsweetened shredded coconut: This adds a hint of natural sweetness and texture. You can swap it for chia seeds or crisp rice for extra crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Blend the Base
If your dates are not soft enough, place them in a large bowl and pour hot water over them. Let them sit for ten minutes, then drain the water. The dates will have absorbed the moisture and softened, making them easier to blend.
Now, place the softened dates, walnuts, oats, and cinnamon in a food processor. Blend for about 1 minute on low, then increase to high for another minute or until the mixture comes together and is slightly sticky.
Step 2: Shape the Bars
Line a 9×9-inch pan with parchment paper. Transfer the oat mixture to the prepared pan and use a spatula to press the mixture firmly into an even layer.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle the chocolate chips, chopped walnuts, and shredded coconut evenly over the top. Gently press the toppings into the base to help them stick.
Step 4: Chill and Slice
Chill the bars in the freezer for 20 minutes, and once they’re firm, cut them into rectangle or square bars.
Pro Tips
Use soft dates. I like using Medjool dates because they have a soft flesh that blends beautifully, but any other kind of date works too. If your dates are on the drier side, just soak them in hot water for 10 minutes, drain, and they’ll be good to go!
Press firmly. The key to bars that hold together is packing the mixture tightly into the pan. I always use the back of a spatula or my hands to press it down as much as possible before freezing.
Customize your flavors. One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easy it is to switch things up. Swap walnuts for pecans, throw in a handful of dried cranberries for a tangy twist, or mix in a spoonful of peanut butter for extra richness. You really can’t go wrong!
Variations and Substitutions
Nutty Crunch: Increase walnuts or add almonds, pecans, or cashews.
Warm Spices: Add cinnamon, cardamom, or espresso powder for depth.
Fruity Twist: Mix in dried apricots, raisins, cranberries, or shredded coconut.
Nutritional Boost: Add chia, flax, or hemp seeds for extra nutrients.
Creamy Texture: Use peanut butter, almond butter, or tahini.
Storage
This healthy granola bar recipe is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and store them for easy snacking.
Short-Term Storage (Up to 3 Days): If you’re planning to eat them within a couple of days, you can keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Place a sheet of parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.
Refrigerator: Wrap each granola bar individually in parchment paper or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps them firm and fresh for up to one week.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the bars individually and thaw them overnight in the fridge when ready to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
These homemade granola bars are made with simple, wholesome ingredients, naturally sweetened with dates, and contain no refined sugars, preservatives, or high-fructose corn syrup. Unlike store-bought bars, they’re free of artificial flavors, soy lecithin, and palm oil—just pure, delicious ingredients!
Yes! Almonds, pecans, or cashews work great in this recipe.
As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these bars are completely gluten-free!
No baking is required! These chewy granola bars set perfectly in the fridge or freezer. If you prefer a baked granola bar recipe, try toasting the oats and nuts for a slightly different flavor.
Of course! Simply skip the chocolate chips or replace them with carob chips or cocoa nibs for a different twist.
If you like a sweeter bar, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to the base mixture before blending.
More date recipes you must try:
Dessert
Date Walnut Cheesecake Bites
Cakes and Cupcakes
Date Cake with Walnuts Recipe
Dessert
15-Minute Date Balls Recipe
Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!
Chewy Granola Bars Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cup Medjool Dates, Pitted (see Note #1)
- 1 ½ cup Walnuts
- 1 cup Old Fashioned Oats
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
To Top:
- ½ cup Semi Sweet Chocolate Chips
- ⅓ cup Walnuts, Chopped
- ¼ cup Unsweetened Shredded Coconut
Instructions
- Place dates, walnuts, old fashioned oats, and cinnamon in a food processor.
- Blend on low for a minute and then high for another minute or two, until all the ingredients are combined together.
- Coat a 9X9 pan with non stick spray and line with a parchment paper. Transfer the date walnut mixture into the pan and spread evenly using a spatula.
- Top with chocolate chips, walnuts, and shredded coconut (optional).
- Put the bars in the freezer for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, take them out of the freezer and out of the pan onto a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut the slab into 8 pieces (or more smaller pieces).
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
So easy to make and delicious!!
Thank you!
Love this recipe! Perfect for a bring to work snack for me 🙂 I’ve never made homemade granola bars before, and I love that you can control what’s going into them.
Thank you Danielle! Once you try homemade granola bars, you’ll love them!
What amazing-looking healthy granola bars. They look absolutely delicious.
Thank you Kate!
These are such a great after school snack! Homemade is always so much better!
That’s right!
Gorgeous recipe, Shadi…and gimme ALL the walnuts! I really need to try this and switch it up from my usual bars I always make. Pinning these for later! Thanks for the inspiration!
Always Traci! Hope you love these!
I love that the dates acts a sweetener and binder for this recipe. So simple and so yummy!
Thank you Katie!
How yummy do these look!? I tried a granola bar recipe but it was a fail. The granola fell apart. I want to try them again so I’ll be trying yours out. Can’t wait!
Hope you like these April!
I love making granola bars at home and these look absolutely fabulous! Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Hope you like it!