Quinoa Granola Bars
Quinoa Granola Bars Recipe with steel cut oats, flaxseed, chocolate chips and small amount of brown rice syrup for kids approved homemade healthy granola bars.
Quinoa Granola Bars Recipe with steel cut oats, flaxseed, chocolate chips and small amount of brown rice syrup for kids approved homemade healthy granola bars.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup quinoa
- cooking spray (i use misto)
- 1/2 cup coconut oil melted
- 1 cup quick oats*
- 1/2 cup steel cut oats (or sub with quick oats)*
- 1/2 cup almonds coarsely chopped**
- 1/2 cup flax seed ground
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (i used enjoy life)
- 2 - 3 large or 1/2 cup egg whites
- 1/2 cup brown rice syrup or honey warmed up if necessary
- Carbohydrate 11.2340096483137 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 11.3390080150158 g
- Fiber 2.78588852855655 g
- Protein 3.58718955357832 g
- Saturated Fat 6.28493036829576 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (29g)
- Sodium 2.3126748738227 mg
- Sugar 8.44812111975712 g
- Trans Fat 0.664758883147857 g
- Calories 156 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F and spread quick oats, quinoa, steel cuts oats and almonds on a large rimmed baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 - 15 minutes or until lightly brown, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the oven, transfer to a large mixing bowl and let cool completely.
- Stir in flax seed, chocolate chips and salt into cooled oats.
- In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg whites, add brown rice syrup/honey and coconut oil.
- Mix well to combine, pour over the dry ingredients and mix well again.
- Line 9 x 13 baking dish with parchment paper and spray with cooking spray.
- Transfer mixture into the baking dish and using spatula or wet hands press it firmly. You have to press really well for the bars to hold together!
- Bake for 30 minutes, remove from the oven and let cool completely.
- I usually let the bars cool in the pan for an hour and then, holding by the parchment paper flaps, transfer on a cooling rack for another hour or so.
- Cut into 16 bars.
Quinoa Granola Bars: A Busy Mom's Secret Weapon
Mornings in our house are a whirlwind. Between getting myself ready for work, making sure my kids are dressed and fed, and wrestling with lunchboxes, there's barely a moment to breathe. Finding healthy, convenient snacks for my little ones is always a challenge. Store-bought granola bars are often loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients, leaving me feeling guilty and searching for a better alternative. That's where my Quinoa Granola Bars come in. These homemade bars are not only incredibly delicious, but they also offer a nutritious and satisfying treat that the whole family can enjoy. They're quick to make (once you get the hang of it!), and perfect for busy weekdays. What's more, they allow me to control the ingredients, ensuring they're packed with wholesome goodness, not artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. I've adapted it over time, tweaking the ingredients to suit my family's ever-changing preferences. Sometimes I add dried cranberries for a burst of sweetness and tartness. Other times, I experiment with different nuts and seeds. The base, however, remains consistently fantastic: a delightful blend of quinoa, oats, flaxseed, and a touch of brown rice syrup for just enough sweetness to please even the most discerning palate. The chocolate chips? Well, those are purely for a little bit of extra indulgence and a secret weapon for convincing my kids these are a treat! And believe me, it works. What’s also great is that these are also suitable for packed lunches. They hold up well in lunchboxes, providing a sustained energy boost to get my kids through their school day. Because they’re not overly sweet, they’re also a fantastic treat for myself for a post-workout snack or afternoon pick-me-up.
Making these bars has become a ritual for me, a small act of self-care amidst the chaos of daily life. It's a chance to slow down, measure ingredients with precision, and pour some love into creating something nourishing for my family. The aroma of the baking granola fills the kitchen with warmth, and the satisfying crunch of the finished bars brings a smile to my face every time. So if you're a busy mom (or simply anyone looking for a quick and healthy snack), I urge you to try this recipe. It's a true game-changer.
Beyond the convenience and health benefits, making these bars has become a wonderful way to connect with my children. Sometimes, I’ll even let them help with the mixing and pressing – obviously under careful supervision! It's a fantastic opportunity to teach them about healthy eating and the importance of wholesome ingredients. And nothing beats the pride on their faces when they see their own contribution transform into delicious, homemade granola bars. This recipe offers so much more than just a snack. It's a testament to the simple joys of creating something meaningful and delicious for those you love, while simultaneously making life a little bit easier – something we busy moms always appreciate.
This is more than just a granola bar recipe; it's a time-saving strategy, a healthy snack solution, and a cherished family moment all rolled into one. The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by the demands of your day, remember that a simple act like baking these bars can provide a sense of accomplishment, a nutritious treat, and a reminder that amidst the chaos, there’s always time for a little love – and a delicious snack!
