I always like to have a supply of some kind of homemade bars (like Peanut Butter Snack Bars) in the freezer for an easy and healthy go to snack and these Quinoa Nut Snack bars can frequently be found in the "snack bin". They are easily customizable and only take about 20 minutes hands on.
The Ingredients
- Almond Butter- Feel free to use another favorite nut or seed butter.
- Honey- Maple syrup or agave syrup can be used as substitutes.
- Medjool dates- Ensure that the dates are pitted. Prior to making these bars, soak the dates in hot water for at least 10 minutes to soften them. You can substitute with regular dates or even raisins- you will need ⅓ cup packed and you should soak them as well.
- Vanilla Extract
- Fine Sea Salt
- Large Flake Oats- Quick oats will also work.
- Quinoa- These bars are made with uncooked quinoa which gives them a nice crunchy texture. Any colour of quinoa will work.
- Nuts and Seeds- You can use all of one kind or a combination of whatever you prefer such as walnuts, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc. If you are using larger nuts, roughly chop them prior to adding.
- Chia Seeds- These can be left out if preferred.
- Crisp Brown Rice Cereal- This can be replaced with additional quinoa, nuts or seeds, chocolate chips, shredded coconut or another add in of choice.
The Method
- Melt almond butter and honey.
- Puree dates with almond butter, honey, vanilla and salt.
- Add remaining ingredients.
- Stir to combine.
- Press unto a prepared baking pan and bake.
- Allow to cool completely and then cut into bars.
Leftover Storage
Store leftover Quinoa Nut Snack Bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy frozen or thawed.
Dietary Notes
If you have dietary restrictions, check the packaging of specific ingredients that you use to ensure they are compliant. This recipe is:
- Dairy Free
- Gluten Free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan - If you use maple syrup in place of honey
And if you liked these Quinoa Nut Snack Bars...
...you might also like these other packable snacks!
- Crunchy Peanut Butter Snack Bars
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
- Honey Spice Zucchini Muffins
- Chocolate Zucchini Muffins (Whole Wheat)
Ingredients
- ½ cup almond butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 5 Medjool dates
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup large flake oats
- ½ cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 cup nuts and seeds roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- ¼ cup crisp brown rice cereal
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 F. Prepare a 9x9 baking pan with a silicone liner or parchment paper to be able to easily remove the bars.
- In a large, microwave safe bowl, add the almond butter and honey. Microwave for 30 seconds until honey is melted and almond butter is soft. Add the dates, vanilla and salt to the bowl.
- Using an immersion blender, blend the ingredients together until combined. Alternatively, you can use a food processor for this step.
- Add the remaining ingredients to the bowl and use a rubber spatula to mix until well combined. You could also mix it all together in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan and press firmly into an even layer and bake for 20-25 minutes until the edges are lightly browned.
- Cool completely on a wire rack. To make slicing into bars easier, chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour prior to removing from the pan and cutting.
Notes
Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months. Enjoy frozen or thawed.
Adapted from Sally's Baking Addiction.
Nutrition
Calories: 186kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 38mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 12IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 66mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know what you thought in the comments below!
More Snacks!
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