Chocolate Chip Coconut No-Bake Granola Bars - cooking recipe

Ingredients

12 ounces dates, pitted
1/4 cup water, or as needed
3 cups rolled oats
2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut
2 cups miniature chocolate chips
1 1/2 cups whole raw almonds
2/3 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup salted sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 cup almond butter
1 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preparation

Line a 9x13-inch baking dish with waxed paper so that the paper hangs over the edges of dish.
Combine dates and water in a food processor or blender; process until a paste forms, adding more water if needed to thin it.
Combine oats, coconut, chocolate chips, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Add date paste, almond butter, applesauce, and vanilla extract; mix, using your hands, until wet ingredients are fully incorporated.
Press mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover with another piece of waxed paper and press down using a can or mini roller. Freeze for 1 hour.
Remove dish from freezer and lift out of dish using the edges of the waxed paper. Cut into 25 squares.