This is one of our favorite granola bar recipes. Even if you make it nut-free the toasted coconut and quinoa give it a warm and nutty taste. Loaded with good for you stuff and no fillers or hard to pronounce ingredients these granola bars are a wonderful snack or on-the go breakfast. We have made them in culinary classes with awesome results so don't be afraid to have your kiddos help you with these.
Superfood Granola Bars
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Coconut (shredded, unsweetened)
2 cups Oats (we use Gluten-Free)
1/2 cup Quinoa, rinsed
1/4 cup Pumpkin Seeds or Favorite Nuts
1 tbsp Orange Juice
1/2 cup Honey
1/4 cup Nut or Seed Butter
1/4 cup Dried Cranberries
3/4 cup Dried Bananas, chopped
1/4 cup Dried Blueberries
2 tbsp Chocolate Chips (optional)
Put the coconut, oats, quinoa, and seeds / nuts on a parchment lined baking sheet and toast in a 325 degree oven or toaster oven for 7-8 minutes. Add mixture to a large bowl and set aside. Stir the juice, honey and nut or seed butter in a saucepan on low heat till smooth. Stir the dried fruit into the toasted mixture then fold in honey mixture. Spread the mixture out on a parchment lined baking pan and press into, shaping to get your desired thickness. Melt the chocolate chips and drizzle on top if desired (or you can mix them in when adding dried fruit). Set in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. Cut them into desired size and store in an airtight container in the fridge. Makes about 20 medium granola bars.
*To make gluten-free use GF certified oats and chocolate. To make vegan use vegan chocolate (we use enjoy life brand) and substitute pure maple syrup for honey. To make nut-free use nut allergy safe seeds and seed butter.