Simply Wanderfull
There’s nothing better than having a great recipe for a homemade granola bar. What makes a great granola bar? They must be healthy, naturally sweetened, and easy to make. This recipe for no-bake date and peanut butter granola bars checks off all of these boxes. They are chewy, perfectly sweetened, incredibly satisfying and packed with nutrition.
Over the years, I’ve experimented with a variety of recipes, but homemade granola has always been a staple in my home—especially delicious over yogurt. I also make Healthy Protein Bars with protein powder that are rich and chocolatey, as well as another favourite, Jojo’s Protein Bars. These stay in the freezer and are incredibly good, with peanut butter and espresso flavours that make them seriously addictive. Between the granola and the two bar recipes, there are three different varieties to enjoy. I truly believe it’s important to include nuts and seeds in our daily diet, and there’s no better—or tastier—way to do that than with a bar or granola.
There’s something comforting about having a homemade snack ready to grab — especially when it’s made with simple ingredients and doesn’t require turning on the oven. These no-bake date and peanut butter granola bars are chewy, naturally sweet, and incredibly satisfying. They’re the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again.
Dates and peanut butter work together to create a sticky, sturdy base that holds everything together beautifully, while oats, seeds, and dried fruit add texture and crunch. Whether you need a quick breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a healthy snack to keep on hand, these bars are easy, flexible, and endlessly snackable.
Why You’ll Love These Granola Bars
No baking required
Naturally sweetened with dates
Made with simple pantry staples
Holds together well (no crumbly bars)
Perfect for meal prep and grab-and-go snacking
No-Bake Date & Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped and packed
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (creamy)
- 2 cups rolled oats (old fashioned)
- 1/3 cup dried fruit: cranberries, cherries, apricots
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 2 tbsp. ground flaxseed
- 2 tsp. cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- 1-2 tbsp. water
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tbsp. chia seeds
Instructions
1. Soften the dates
If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Drain well before using.
2. Make the date paste
Add the dates to a food processor and blend until a thick, sticky paste forms. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add the peanut butter & vanilla
Add the peanut butter, vanilla extract and salt (if using) to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
4. Mix in the dry ingredients
Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the oats, dried fruit(s) of your choice, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds until everything is evenly coated.
If the mixture feels dry or crumbly, add warm water one tablespoon at a time until it sticks together when pressed.
5. Press into a pan
Line an 7×11 pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into an even layer — pressing well helps the bars hold together.
6. Chill and set
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or place in the freezer for about 30 minutes. They will cut better if you freeze them first.
7. Slice and enjoy
Lift the slab out using the parchment paper, slice into bars, and enjoy.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months — perfect for grab-and-go snacks
Simply Wanderfull Tip
These bars are wonderfully flexible. Swap peanut butter for almond butter, add shredded coconut or dark chocolate chips. Make them your own.
No-Bake Date & Peanut Butter Granola Bars
Ingredients
Method
- If your dates are firm, soak them in hot water for 5–10 minutes. Drain well before using.
- Add the dates to a food processor and blend until a thick, sticky paste forms. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed.
- Add the peanut butter & vanilla
- Add the peanut butter, vanilla extract and salt (if using) to the food processor. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a large bowl. Stir in the oats, dried fruit(s) of your choice, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds until everything is evenly coated.
- If the mixture feels dry or crumbly, add warm water one tablespoon at a time until it sticks together when pressed.
- Line an 7x11 pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture firmly into an even layer — pressing well helps the bars hold together.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or place in the freezer for about 30 minutes. They will cut better if you freeze them first.
- Lift the slab out using the parchment paper, slice into bars, and enjoy.
A Healthy Treat You’ll Make Again and Again
I hope you love these no-bake peanut butter granola bars as much as we do. Sweetened naturally with dates and packed with nourishing ingredients, they’re proof that healthy snacks can still feel like a treat. Whether you enjoy one for breakfast, a post-workout bite, or an afternoon pick-me-up, I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your kitchen. Let me know if you give them a try—I’d love to hear what you think!
