Healthy Granola Squares

This recipe is simple, quick & healthy, and makes for a perfect afternoon pick me up or snack mid hike!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups toasted, rolled oats
• ½ cup of finely chopped dates
• ¼ cup of shredded, unsweetened coconut flakes
• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 tbsp whole flax seeds
• ¼ cup agave syrup
• ¾ cup natural peanut butter
• 1 tbsp hemp hearts
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp cacao nibs
• ¼ melted dark chocolate chips for drizzle

Instructions: 

1. Toast oats in the oven at 375° F for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
2. Finely chop dates.
3. Combine all dry ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
4. Warm peanut butter and agave nectar in a small pan over low heat. Stir dry ingredients into this mixture. Ensure this mixture is thoroughly combined.
5. Line a glass baking dish (I used an 8×8- inch dish) with parchment paper and transfer the mixture into the dish.
6. Firmly press down the mixture with the back of a wooden spoon, until it is evenly spread out. Make sure this mixture is uniformly flattened, and firmly pressed otherwise the squares will easily crumble.
7. Cover the dish and let granola firm up in the freezer for 20-25 minutes.
8. Remove granola from dish, and cut into roughly 16 squares. Top the bars with cocoa powder, or drizzle with melted dark chocolate.
9. Store the squares in a container for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Enjoy!

Anna x