No-Bake Chocolate Almond Oat Bars

I love having a variety of healthy snacks on-hand whenever I need a pick-me-up – typically mid-morning or mid-afternoon. These bars are a great balance of carbs, protein and fat and are naturally sweetened. I used almonds and dried cranberries for my add-ins, but feel free to use whatever dried fruit and nuts you have in your pantry.

1. Soak dates in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain.

2. Toast oats in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly golden brown, about 5 minutes.

3. Place dates, almond butter and salt in a food processor and pulse until smooth.

4. Transfer date mixture to a bowl and stir in the toasted oats, almonds, dried cranberries and chocolate chips.

5. Line a square pan with nonstick foil or parchment paper. Press dough into the pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Refrigerate until firm, about 1-2 hours. Cut into 10 bars. Store in an airtight container.

No-Bake Chocolate Almond Oat Bars

Makes 10 bars

All you need:

1 cup pitted medjool dates

1 1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup almond butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds

1/4 cup dried cranberries

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips, plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling on top

All you do:

1. Soak dates in hot water for 10 minutes. Drain.
2. Toast oats in a dry skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, until fragrant and slightly golden brown, about 5 minutes.
3. Place dates, almond butter and salt in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
4. Transfer date mixture to a bowl and stir in the toasted oats, almonds, dried cranberries and chocolate chips.
5. Line a square pan with nonstick foil or parchment paper. Press dough into the pan and sprinkle with chocolate chips. Refrigerate until firm, about 1-2 hours. Cut into 10 bars. Store in an airtight container.