Homemade Clif Bars

So I mentioned that I made homemade Clif bars last night. I used this recipe to start.  I also added mini chocolate chips – it was a good thing too as these turned out (just) okay. I like the texture, but the flavor left a little to be desired.  I think the next time I make them I’ll try adding some honey, PB/peanuts, raisins or dried cranberries, or cocoa powder.

I do like the fact that these were easy to make, came together quickly, and only have 5 ingredients (well 6 counting the water!).

Homemade Chocolate Chip Clif Bars

Ingredients

1 C raw almonds

1 C rolled (old-fashioned) oats

15-17 dates, pitted

1/2 C shredded coconut

3/4 C water

1/2 C mini chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat oven to 325. Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper leaving enough paper sticking out on each side so you will be able to lift the bars out when done.

Grind up the oats and almonds in the food processor. When they have a crumbly consistency, add the dates and coconut; pulse a couple of times to get the dates and coconut broken up a little. Add the water slowly as you pulse the ingredients until a dough forms. Stir in the chocolate chips.

Spread batter evenly out to all the sides in the pan. Press mixture down with a spatula to get it firm. Bake in the oven for about 20 minutes. Let cool completely before removing intact. I cut my bars into about 12 pieces. Enjoy!