My Raw Bar Recipe Is Finally Here!

I have been making these raw bars at home for a few months now ever since influencer Aimee Song posted about it! I cannot get enough of them! The key ingredient in these bars are dates, now some people always say to me ‘aren’t dates really high in sugar?’ well, yes, but in moderation dates are actually extremely beneficial for your health. They are an amazing  source of energy (which is why I love them for breakfast), and contain tons of fiber. They also have essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc PLUS vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin K!! Again, everything in moderation!

Another key ingredient is chia seeds, and they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids (which is so important for me as I do not eat any fish!) rich in antioxidants, and they provide fiber, iron (I only eat chicken so iron is good!), and calcium. Fun Fact: Omega-3 fatty acids help raise HDL cholesterol, the “good” cholesterol that protects against heart attack and stroke! YAY CHIA SEEDS!

Let’s get to the making of this magical simple raw bar shall we? Here is the list of ingredients:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Quick Oats (can also use gluten-free option)
• 4 tbsp Chia Seeds
• 1/4 cup Sunflower Seeds
• 3 tbsp Coconut Oil
• 12 Dates
• Coconut Flakes  (Unsweetened for healthier option)
• 1/2 cup Chopped Walnuts
• Parchment Paper

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 350 degree Fahrenheit.
2) Mix the oats, chia seeds, walnuts, sunflower seeds and a bit of coconut flakes to your desire together with the coconut oil in bowl (TIP: melt to coconut oil and then pour it onto everything else, it will be easier to mix), mix evenly coating all of the oats mixture with the oil. 3) Spread on the parchment paper.

4) Bake for 15 minutes, stir, and then bake for 5-10 minutes more, or until golden brown. While this is baking, pit your dates and chop them up into small pieces. 
5) Once oats are ready, take them out of the over and carefully pour them on top of the chopped dates, this helps soften to dates and makes it SO much more easier to mix them in together to the oats. Once you’ve poured your oat mix onto your dates, wait about 10 minutes for it to cool off enough for you to use those hands to mix! The dates have to be completely combined and sort of melted into the mix.

7) Line a glass dish or container with parchment paper, and evenly press the date and granola mix in evenly. Sprinkle coconut flakes on top.
8) Cover the top with plastic wrap, and freeze the bars for two to three hours.
9) Slice and serve!
10) To store, wrap the bars in parchment paper and store in the refrigerator

I hope you love this simple raw bar recipe as much as I do and can’t wait to see yours! Make sure to tag me if you make them! @lifewithlibby