Simply Sugarless: Almond Coconut Granola Bars

Welcome to Simply Sugarless, our monthly sugar-free recipe column written by Starr Struck's own Sara Meeks. Once per month, Sara picks a "regular" recipe and adapts it into a sugar-free version of that same recipe using only natural sweeteners (fruit, sweet veggies, etc.). A perfect option for those trying to eat less added sugar on a daily basis...

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Have you ever looked at the ingredients that go into most granola bars? Even the “healthy" ones? It’s horrifying. Having said that, my kids (and I) love them and they’re such an easy go-to snack. I’ve been tempted several times to make my own but just never had the motivation…until now.

The granola bars in the recipe below aren’t as cheap as the ones you can find on the grocery store shelf, and they’re not quite as convenient as just ripping open packaging to enjoy, but let me tell you, these bars are delicious.

​I was convinced that my chocolate-granola-bar-loving-self wouldn’t be satisfied with these, but boy was I wrong. They might just be the perfect combination of sweet (thanks honey and dates) + savory + satisfying. If you can get up the motivation to give them a try, you won’t be disappointed.

Enjoy!

ALMOND COCONUT GRANOLA BARS
Cooking time: 20 minutes prep time, 5 minutes cooking, 25 minutes total time
Yield: 12 bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup packed dates, pitted
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (I use Trader Joe’s Natural Creamy Peanut Butter)
• 1 cup roasted almonds (no-salt or low-salt preferably), chopped
• 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut

Directions:

• Process dates in a food processor or blender until a paste forms (it’s fine to have small pieces remain).
• Place oats, almonds, coconut, and dates in a large mixing bowl.
• Warm honey and peanut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stirring frequently.
• Pour honey mixture over oat mixture and then stir, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout (I ended up having to use my hands to get the prunes mixed in).
• Once thoroughly mixed, transfer to an 8x8-inch baking dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily. I parted with my 8x8 pan a few months ago so I had to use a 9x13 pan and just used one side of it. No problem.
• Press down firmly until uniformly flattened. Really pack the bars down, which helps them hold together better.
• Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let firm up in freezer for 15-20 minutes.
• Remove bars from pan and chop into 10 even bars. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator for up to a few days.

{Created by modifying this recipe.}

MEET SIMPLY SUGARLESS:

Each month, I’ll be scouring the internet and my own personal recipe box for simple, sugarfree recipes that you can make without a bunch of exotic (and expensive) ingredients. I’m not suggesting that all the recipes will be super healthy (we’re still talking about baked goods and sweets, people), but I promise the recipes highlighted will be *healthier* versions of delicious treats, yummy snacks, and long-time favorite eats.

My goal here is to completely avoid refined white sugar and/or any of the artificial sweeteners that are usually present in sugar-free recipes. I’m also going to try my very hardest not to use any super-sugary syrup substitutes like honey and agave  (although maple syrup and molasses might make a cameo every now and then because they have a few more beneficial qualities in the form of vitamins + minerals). 

And one final note: you’ll notice that the recipe is listed right at the top of this post. Does it drive anyone else crazy when you have to scroll down forever to reach the actual recipe on most websites? Hope this intentional formatting makes your life just a bit easier ;)
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MEET SARA:

​My interest in finding sugarfree recipes stems from my quest to find healthier snack options for my sons (3.5 and 1.5 years).

As it turns out (spoiler alert!) sugar is in everything. I started substituting different ingredients for sugar and have realized that a lot of times I don’t miss it at all.

When I’m not dreaming up or testing new yummy recipes, I love spending my time with my husband and our boys, crafting, practicing yoga, reading, and taking photographs.

​If you’re interested in learning a little more about me, here’s the introduction Mary Catherine wrote up when I joined the Starr Stuck team and here’s my little one-photo-a-day blog that journals the daily adventures of living with little ones in Washington, D.C.

​Wow, I am *SO* impressed by these. They look like real granola bars! I know that's the point, but as a non-skilled cook/baker, I'm still always surprised when things look just like the things they're supposed to look like (hehe)!

Hope having a baby will give me the motivation to make healthy snacks like these... ;) 

​Thanks for sharing, Sara!