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No-Bake Granola Bar Treats

These granola treats are my favorite snack to enjoy on a Saturday afternoon. With protein from peanut butter and sweetness from chocolate and honey, they’re filling and sure to satisfy.

This recipe calls for peanut butter, but any nut butter works perfectly in this recipe. Don’t hesitate to use whatever nut butter you have on hand, or what you like best. For those using chocolate in this recipe, make sure to add your chocolate after the granola has cooled slightly so it won’t melt. However, if you’d like the batch to be extra chocolaty, feel free to mix it in while the granola is still warm.

The base of this recipe serves as a blank canvas for all kinds of granola bar creations. I have a pretty persistent sweet tooth, so I enjoy making these with sweet additions like chocolate. You can add any kind of nuts, seeds or dried fruits you have on hand and omit the chocolate to make these bars even more nutritious.

Ingredients:

¾ cup peanut butter
½ cup honey
2 T sunflower oil (or any neutral-flavored oil)
1 Tsp vanilla extract
½ Tsp sea salt
2 ¼ cups old fashioned oats
¼ cup milk chocolate chips
¼ cup white chocolate chips

Variations:
½ cup chopped nuts
½ cup dried fruit
½ cup dried shaved coconut
½ cup pumpkin seeds
½ cup chia seeds

Instructions:

Line an 8x8inch pan baking pan with parchment paper. Set it aside.
In a saucepan over medium heat, add your peanut butter, oil and honey. Simmer it until it begins to bubble slightly, stirring occasionally. This may take 7 to 10 minutes.
Add your vanilla extract and salt. Stir the mixture to incorporate it and allow it to simmer for one more minute.
Add your oats and stir until combined, allowing the oats to fully absorb the mixture.
Place your granola to the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing it to cool slightly. Remove it and stir in the chocolate chips until fully incorporated.
Transfer the granola to your baking pan and press it into the pan. Packing the granola down firmly and evenly will help it keep its shape once prepared.
Allow the granola to chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours.
Once cooled, lift the granola out of the pan using the parchment paper. Cut them into your desired shape and enjoy!

Pumpkin Cranberry Granola Bars (Vegan)

Pumpkin season is officially here! These fall-inspired granola bars are easy to make and are packed with pumpkin and dried cranberries. Canned pumpkin puree is a convenient alternative to fresh pumpkin and is rich in vitamin A and fiber. Enjoy these soft and chewy granola bars for a healthy breakfast or snack.

 

 

 

Ingredients:
2 ½ cups rolled oats
2/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 tsp. salt
½ cup pumpkin puree
1/3 cup maple syrup
¼ cup almond butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
2. In a large bowl, mix oats, dried cranberries, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk pumpkin puree, maple syrup, almond butter, and vanilla extract. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and mix well to combine all ingredients.
3. Line a 9 by 9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. Spoon and firmly press granola mixture into baking pan.
4. Bake for 25 minutes. Let cool for 10 minutes before enjoying!

 

By Tiffany Wu / Guest Blogger

Tiffany is a student at JMU, majoring in dietetics. Her family owned a Chinese restaurant when she was growing up, so her passion for food and cooking began at an early age. She especially likes creating delicious and healthy plant-based recipes.