15-Minute Grain-Free Granola Bars

Prep: 5 min9 servingsmediumAmerican
Grain-Free Granola Bars with Almonds and Coconut

These naturally sweetened granola bars combine dates, almonds, and coconut for a satisfying snack that requires no baking. The mixture of coconut butter, maple syrup, and collagen creates bars that hold together well while delivering protein and healthy fats. Perfect for meal prep or on-the-go snacking, these bars set firm in the refrigerator and offer customizable add-ins like dried blueberries and chocolate chips. The recipe includes AIP modifications for those avoiding nuts.

VeganVegetarianGluten-FreeDairy-Free

Ingredients

9 servings
  • 8 dates, pitted
  • 2 cups almonds
    sliced tigernuts1:1aipnut-freetree_nuts-free

    For AIP compliance

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup coconut chips
  • ⅓ cup coconut butter, melted
  • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
    honey1:1none

    Natural sweetener swap

    Full guide →
  • ¼ cup dried blueberries
  • 2 tbsp dairy free chocolate chips(optional)
    omit0:1aip

    For AIP compliance

    Full guide →
  • 4 tbsp collagen
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

  1. 1

    Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper and set aside

  2. 2

    Soften dates in warm water for 10 minutes if they are hard

  3. 3

    Process the dates in a food processor for 10-15 seconds

  4. 4

    Add almonds and coconut chips and process for another 10 seconds, leaving some chunks

  5. 5

    Transfer mixture to a large mixing bowl and stir in remaining ingredients until fully combined

  6. 6

    Pour granola bar mixture into the prepared baking pan and flatten with your hands

  7. 7

    Refrigerate for at least 3 hours to fully harden

  8. 8

    Remove from fridge and let sit for 5 minutes before removing from pan

  9. 9

    Place on cutting board and slice carefully into 9 bars

  10. 10

    Serve chilled

Tips

Tip 1

Substitute sliced tigernuts for almonds to make this AIP and nut-free compliant

Tip 2

Omit chocolate chips for strict AIP adherence

Tip 3

Make sure dates are soft before processing for smoother texture

Good to Know

Storage

Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week in airtight container

Make Ahead

Can be made 3 days ahead and stored covered in refrigerator

Serve With

Serve chilled directly from refrigerator for best texture

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip chilling time or bars won't hold together

Watch

Process dates first before adding nuts to avoid over-processing

Substitutions

Nut-Free Alternatives

almonds→
sliced tigernuts1:1aipnut-freetree_nuts-free

For AIP compliance

Full guide →

General Alternatives

chocolate chips→
omit0:1aip

For AIP compliance

Full guide →
maple syrup→
honey1:1none

Natural sweetener swap

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make these nut-free?

Yes, substitute sliced tigernuts for almonds to make this AIP and nut-free compliant while maintaining similar texture and crunch.

How long do these bars keep?

Store in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container. They maintain best texture when kept chilled.

Can I freeze these granola bars?

Yes, wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in refrigerator before serving for best texture.