no-bake dark chocolate peanut butter granola bars

old fashioned oats, also called rolled oats - You can also make these gluten-free by using gluten-free oats.

(approx 7-8 large) pitted medjool dates - You don't need to buy pitted dates, just get the regular medjool dates and de-pit them

unsweetened shredded coconut - I love the brand from Let's do Organic

bar 70% good quality dark chocolate, chopped into chocolate chunk sized pieces - I love the 70% chocolate from Green and Black

honey or maple syrup to make these bars vegan

creamy salted natural peanut butter, you could also use almond butter, but note that almond butter doesn't have the same smoothness as peanut butter - I adore the no stir peanut butter from MaraNatha

optional - 2 tablespoons chia seed -these add some Omega 3 fatty acids, protein and fiber