Oatmeal Almond Bars Recipe – Maple Date & Raisin Energy Bites

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Oatmeal Almond Bars Recipe – Maple Date & Raisin Energy Bites

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a healthy snack that actually tastes good. And let me tell you, these Oatmeal Almond Bars are it! I first made these when my kids were constantly asking for something sweet after school, and I wanted to give them something wholesome. They were a hit, and now I’m sharing the love with you. These bars are packed with goodness, super easy to make, and seriously satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These aren’t your average granola bars. They’re chewy, nutty, and naturally sweetened with dates and maple syrup (or honey!). They’re perfect for a quick breakfast, a mid-afternoon energy boost, or a healthy dessert. Plus, they come together in under 30 minutes – seriously! They’re also wonderfully customizable, so you can tweak them to your liking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of these delicious bars:

• 1.5 cups rolled oats (about 150g)
• 0.5 cup rice krispies (about 30g)
• 0.5 cup sliced almonds (about 50g)
• 0.25 cup raw whole almonds (about 25g)
• 0.25 cup coconut oil (about 60ml)
• 0.25 cup maple syrup or honey (about 60ml)
• 1 cup Medjool dates (about 170g), pitted
• 0.25 cup raisins (about 30g)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients! A few little tips can make all the difference.

• Medjool Dates: These are the star of the show! They provide natural sweetness and that lovely chewy texture. Make sure they’re nice and soft – if they’re a little dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before using. Honestly, they’re a little bit of magic. You can use other dates, but Medjool dates really give the best result.
• Coconut Oil: I love using coconut oil for its subtle flavour and health benefits. It helps bind everything together beautifully. You can substitute with melted butter if you prefer, but the coconut flavour is really nice.
• Maple Syrup/Honey: Both work wonderfully! Maple syrup gives a slightly more caramel-like flavour, while honey has a floral note. Use whichever you have on hand. If you’re looking for a vegan option, definitely go with maple syrup.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking (well, no-baking, actually!).

1. First, grab a bowl and combine the rolled oats, rice krispies, sliced almonds, and whole almonds. Give it a good mix.
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the oat mixture onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toast for 13-15 minutes, or until golden brown and fragrant. Keep a close eye on it – you don’t want it to burn! Once toasted, transfer it back to the bowl and add the raisins.
3. Now, for the sticky part! Pop your Medjool dates into a food processor and blend until they form a smooth, sticky dough. This might take a minute or two, and you might need to scrape down the sides a couple of times. Add this date paste to the oat mixture.
4. In a separate pan, gently heat the coconut oil and maple syrup (or honey) for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through. Pour this lovely mixture over the oat and date blend. Now, get your hands in there and mix really well – you want everything to be evenly coated.
5. Line an 8×8 inch baking pan with parchment paper (this makes it SO much easier to get the bars out later!). Press the mixture firmly into the pan. Sprinkle with extra sliced almonds and press them in gently.
6. Pop the pan into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the bars to set. Then, slice into 10 bars and store in an airtight container.

Expert Tips

• Don’t skip the toasting step! It really enhances the flavour of the oats and almonds.
• Pressing the mixture firmly into the pan is key to getting bars that hold their shape.
• If the mixture feels too dry, add a tablespoon of water or maple syrup at a time until it comes together.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure your rolled oats are certified gluten-free.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Substitute the almonds with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
• Spice Level: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or cardamom to the oat mixture for a warming flavour. My grandmother always added a pinch of cardamom to her snacks!
• Festive Adaptations: During Diwali, I like to add a sprinkle of chopped pistachios and a few strands of saffron. For Holi, a touch of rose water is lovely.

Serving Suggestions

These bars are delicious on their own, but you can also enjoy them with a cup of chai or a glass of milk. They’re also great for packing in lunchboxes or taking on hikes.

Storage Instructions

Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to a month.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of nut?

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or cashews would all be delicious.

Can I make these bars ahead of time?

Yes! You can make them a day or two in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

What is the best way to store these bars?

An airtight container is your best bet. They’ll stay fresh and chewy that way.

Can I substitute the maple syrup/honey?

You can try using agave nectar, but it might affect the texture slightly.

How can I make these bars less sticky?

Make sure you’re using soft Medjool dates and that you’re not overmixing the ingredients.

Are Medjool dates essential for this recipe?

While you can use other dates, Medjool dates really give the best flavour and texture. They’re worth it!