Step 1

Lightly oil an 8-inch square pan and cover the bottom and the sides with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a bit of excess paper to make it easier to remove the bars from the pan.

Step 2

Add the pitted dates and 2 tablespoons of water to a food processor and blend until the dates become like a dough-consistency paste (see note 1).

Step 3

Place the oats, nuts, dry fruits, seeds, vanilla, almond butter, and date paste in a large mixing bowl and mix well.

Step 4

Transfer the mixture into the pan, and press it firmly using your hands or something flat like a measuring cup or a spatula.

Step 5

Refrigerate for 1-2 hours or put in the freezer for 30 minutes until set.

Step 6

Remove from the pan using the extra parchment paper hanging from the sides, and slice into granola bars with a sharp knife into 10 pieces.