Are you ready to indulge in a deliciously healthy treat that will satisfy your sweet tooth without the guilt? Introducing our Dark Chocolate Chunk Quinoa Granola Bars! Bursting with rich flavors and packed with nutritious ingredients, these bars are not just a snack; they're a wholesome energy boost perfect for any time of day. Whether you're looking for a quick breakfast on the go, a post-workout refuel, or a delightful afternoon pick-me-up, these homemade granola bars are sure to become your new favorite. Trust us, once you try them, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought snacks again!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Healthy
Serves: 12 bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x9 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa and rolled oats. Ensure the quinoa is cooled to room temperature to prevent moisture buildup.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, warm the almond butter and honey (or maple syrup) for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add vanilla extract and salt to the almond butter mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute the flavors evenly.
- Pour the wet ingredients over the quinoa and oats. Mix gently but thoroughly, ensuring all dry ingredients are coated.
- Fold in the dark chocolate chunks and chopped nuts (if using), distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing firmly and evenly with the back of a spatula or clean hands to create a compact layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 22-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool completely in the pan for at least 1 hour. The bars will firm up as they cool.
- Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the entire block out of the pan and cut into 12 even bars using a sharp knife.
- Store the granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.
Tips
- Use Cooked Quinoa: Make sure your quinoa is cooked and cooled to room temperature before mixing it with the oats. This helps prevent excess moisture, which can affect the texture of your bars.
- Customize Your Sweetener: Feel free to substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan option. Adjust the sweetness to your taste by adding more or less sweetener based on your preference.
- Mix Thoroughly: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, ensure everything is well-coated to achieve a uniform flavor and texture in every bite.
- Press Firmly: When transferring the mixture to the baking pan, press down firmly to create a compact layer. This helps the bars hold their shape once baked.
- Cool Completely: Allow the granola bars to cool completely in the pan for at least an hour before cutting. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect chewy texture.
- Storage Tips: Store your granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate them for longer freshness. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months for a quick grab-and-go snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
