Chocolate Chip Granola Bar Bites

Ohh Christmas time! I love love love it! Maybe because my mom starts playing Christmas music on September first or because there are lots of chances to eat treats.. But really I think I love it more now than ever because it’s a time when my whole family is together again. So many reasons to love Christmas! Anyways, we were talking about treats here right? Christmas time is a time of treats and I always attempt to create a few things that feel more indulgent than they are. Here’s healthier Christmas treat number one! Hopefully of many more this year.

There is a super simple version below and one if you have a bit more time! 

These granola bites remind me of the days when I wasn’t checking labels therefore ate a lot of tasty but very processed and not so great for me foods. We’ve all had the Quaker granola bars, they’re so tasty! And just as horrible for you. Now I’m not sure if it’s because I haven’t had one in a while but these taste like a much health friendlier version of those and I’m now in love. The ingredients in this recipe are ones you can feel a whole lot better about. These are full of vitamins and minerals from the dates, like vitamin B6 and potassium, fiber from dates and oats plus a little bit of healhty fat from the coconut oil.

Another wonderful thing about these is they’re ultra simple (especially if you use the super simple recipe and directions!). One of those blend it all together and you’re done type recipes that makes all of my fellow non chef type people smile on the inside. So, on to the recipe!

What you’ll need:

 

Chocolate Chip Granola Bites sugarysixpack.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.5 Cups of Toasted Oats ( I used coach’s toasted oats but toast them for about 5 minutes stove top (stirring) or about 10 minutes in the over at 325 degrees F. This is just for the flavor!)

12 Dates

1/4 Cup Dark or Bittersweet Chocolate Chips

1 Teaspoon Melted Coconut Oil

The super simple version (aka what I usually do):

1.5 Cups of oats (I really like sprouted but any work besides steel cut)

12 Dates

1/4 Cup Dark or Bittersweet chocolate chips

What to do:

 

-If you want to toast your oats:

In a stove top pan- stir oats around for about 5-8 minutes until they start to turn a more golden color.

In the oven- spread oats on a pan and bake for about 10 minutes at 325 degrees F.

-Add Oats and dates to the food processor or blender (I used a food processor) process/blend until well combined.

-Add 1 tsp of melted coconut oil.

-Pour out the mixture into a bowl or onto a clean surface and mix in chocolate chips (I crushed mine up a little bit to they spread out more!)

This recipe will make 10-14 bites depending on the size. Store in an airtight container.

And you’re done! Now go and enjoy some granola bites 🙂

Super simple version:

Add dates and oats to the food processor and process until well blended. I let them go for the full minute my processor-blender combo will do then start it again and let it go for another 30-45 seconds. It looks like the two may not combine but they do! It’ll scrape the processor clean if you let it!

Add dark or bittersweet chocolate chips and let them chop up and blend in.

This version is going to look a bit uglier and be a bit messier. The ‘dough’ has gotten pretty warm from the blending and the chips get melty. Be prepared for that when making into bites!

Sweat, Smile, Repeat!

xx Niki