Pecan date energy bars

These energy bars are the result of my experimenting in the kitchen without using coconut or peanut butter. Those two ingredients tend to be a staple for me, however I have learned that my stomach does not appreciate their overuse.

The ingredients I chose to make up this recipe created a pretty full energy bar. I eat one in the afternoon to help get myself through the day.

You will need:
2 1/2 c. pitted dates
1/2 c. raisins
1 c. gluten free oats
1/2 c. sunflower seed butter
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 c. pecans
1/4 c. cocoa nibs
1/4 c. chia seeds
1 tbs. raw honey
2 tbs. sunflower oil

In a food processor pulse dates, raisins, seeds and nuts. Your mixture should look like this.

 

Add remaining ingredients, and pulse until your mixture is thoroughly combined. Use a spatula to push down the sides if it looks like the mixture is not well incorporated. It should look like this.

 

Press the finished mixture into a parchment lined pan. I used a 9x13 here, but next time I will use an 8x8 to have thicker bars. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for a few hours. Cut into bars. I store mine in the freezer. They seem to hold a shape better once frozen, plus they are delicious cold.