No-Bake Almond and Cranberry Granola Bars {gf} {sugar free}

INGREDIENTS

*Homemade Date Paste

2 cups

pitted dates

1/2 cup

water

Granola Bars

Homemade date paste from amounts above (equals to about 1 cup)

1/2 cup

peanut butter or nut butter of your choice (preferably creamy and unsalted)

1/4 cup

coconut oil

1 tsp

pure vanilla extract

2 cups

rolled oats

1/2 cup

oat flour (you can also make your own by blending rolled oats in a food processor)

1/2 cup

shredded unsweetened coconut

1 tsp

ground flaxseeds

1/2 tsp

ground cinnamon

1/8 tsp

salt *** (leave out the salt if your nut butter is salted)

2 tbsp

raw almonds (divided)

1 tbsp

dried cranberries (divided (use organic if needed))

1 tbsp

sunflower seeds

Optional add-ins (All add-ins should add up to a maximum of 1/3 - 1/2 cup or else bars may not hold up very well)

Dried organic fruit of your choice

Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds)

Chia Seeds

Dark Chocolate (chopped finely)

Unsweetened all natural cocoa powder