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4.9 from 264 votes

Healthy Brownie Granola Bars

7-ingredient granola bars that taste just like a raw brownie! No baking required besides toasting the nuts and oats — an optional step. Simple, naturally sweetened, and so delicious.

Prep Time
30 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
45 mins
Servings: 12 (bars)
Calories: 352 kcal
Course: Dessert , Breakfast , Snacks
Cuisine: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups rolled oats (GF for gluten-free eaters)
  • 1 cup raw nuts (roughly chopped // I used half almonds, half pecans)
  • 1 cup raw walnuts
  • 2 cups pitted dates (soaked for 10 minutes in warm water then drained)
  • 3/4 cup Cocoa or cacao powder
  • 1/4 cup agave nectar or maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
  • 1/4 cup natural salted almond butter (or peanut butter)

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Optional step: Toast your oats and pecans in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven for 15 minutes or until slightly golden brown. Otherwise, leave them raw – I prefer the toasted flavor.
  2. Process walnuts in a food processor until a loose meal is reached. Remove from bowl and set aside.
  3. Add dates and process until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a “dough” like consistency. (Mine rolled into a ball).
  4. Add walnut meal and cocoa or cacao powder back in with the dates and process to combine.
  5. Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl and add the (toasted) oats and nuts and stir to combine. You may have to use your hands to really incorporate the mixture well.
  6. Next, warm agave or maple syrup (or honey) and almond butter in a small saucepan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until combined and pourable. Pour over brownie mixture and then thoroughly stir using a wooden spoon. (I opted to put plastic bags on my hands and mix that way to better incorporate the mixture.)
  7. Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to a 9×13 dish (or similar size pan // adjust if altering batch size) lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily.
  8. If using a 9x13, ONLY USE 3/4 of the pan so they have the proper thickness. Otherwise they’ll be too thin. Cover with parchment or plastic wrap and press down firmly to even out the top. Freeze for 15-20 minutes to harden.
  9. Lift bars from pan and chop into 12 even bars (or more if you prefer). Store in an airtight container in the freezer or fridge to keep them extra fresh. They will get a little sticky when left out at room temp.

Notes

  • *Adapted from my 5-Ingredient Granola Bars and 5-Minute Espresso Walnut Brownies*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1bar Calories 352 (18%) Carbohydrates 41g (14%) Protein 8.2g (16%) Fat 20g (31%) Saturated Fat 2.2g (11%) Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 0mg (0%) Sodium 3mg (0%) Fiber 7.4g (30%) Sugar 25g (50%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12(bars)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 352

% Daily Value*

Serving 1bar
Calories 352 18%
Carbohydrates 41g 14%
Protein 8.2g 16%
Fat 20g 31%
Saturated Fat 2.2g 11%
Trans Fat 0g 0%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 3mg 0%
Fiber 7.4g 30%
Sugar 25g 50%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.