Since my oven broke I’ve been living every food lover’s worst nightmare. I’ve not been able to make some of my favourite treats, and for me, that definitely includes granola. I always make sure that I have a big batch made up, ready to keep me going when hunger calls. But, with no means to bake any, I had to go looking elsewhere and find some sort of alternative. That’s how I discovered my love of rawnola. A completely raw (i.e. no baked) granola made from only a few simple ingredients. I couldn’t believe just how tasty rawnola is, and how simple it is to make.
I’ve tried all different flavour combinations, but this one is definitely my favourite; lightly flavoured with desiccated coconut and a pinch of cinnamon. It really does taste like an oat cookie! With that in mind, it’s really important to mention that although it is a granola alternative, the texture couldn’t be more different. This doesn’t come out anything like a crunchy, traditional granola. Instead, the dates make it a lot softer and give it a more sticky texture; much more like a healthy cookie dough than a traditional granola.
You can use either fresh or dried dates. But if you’re using dried dates make sure that you soak them in boiling water for about 30 minutes prior to blending, this helps to soften them and makes the whole blending process a lot easier. Another little tip is, don’t worry if you don’t have any chia or flax seeds – they are completely optional. I try to add one – or usually both – of these superfoods to everything thing I make to up the nutrition benefits.
This couldn’t be more simple to make. You can either combine all the ingredients together with your hands, or put everything in the blender and lightly blitz until it just about comes together, making sure you leave big chunks of date and oat clusters. If you use a blender, make sure you don’t blitz the mixture for too long or you’ll be left with a paste – and that is not what we’re after!
Sweet, sticky, chunky rawnola which takes hardly any time to make and is the perfect topping to yogurt, smoothie bowls or even just as a snack. This 5 ingredient no bake alternative to granola is great when you just need a quick sweet pick me up!
Rosie x

Prep Time | 30 Minutes |
Cook Time | 5 Minutes |
Passive Time | 30 Minutes |
Servings |
Servings
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- 1 Cup (Roughly 25) Dried Dates pitted and soaked in boiling water for 30 minutes
- 1 Cup Jumbo Oats gluten free if required
- 4 Tablespoons Desiccated Coconut
- 1/2 Teaspoon Cinnamon Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Chia/Flaxseed optional, you can use a combination of both if preferred
Ingredients
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- Start by soaking your dates in boiling water (from the kettle is fine) for about 30 minutes, until they start to go nice and soft. Once soft, drain all the water and place into your food processor or bowl. Add the oats, cinnamon powder, seeds and 3 Tablespoons of desiccated coconut
- Whether you're using a food processor/blender, or your hands, mix the ingredients until they start to come together
- When the desired consistency is reached, stir the last Tablespoon of desiccated coconut through the rawnola
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for roughly 5-7 days. Enjoy as a little snack, or placed on top of a delicious yogurt or smoothie bowl, or on top of your favourite ice/nice cream
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