Homemade granola bars are a great healthy snack that are not only easy to make, but gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian. They work for a quick option in lunch boxes or as an afternoon snack before sports.
Loaded with oats, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, blueberries, tahini, honey and topped with a drizzle of chocolate, they aren’t just healthy but filled with delicious grains that help your body work better.
Homemade Vegan Granola Bars
Recently, my sister-in-law asked me for an easy granola recipe that she can prepare for my niece who is always running from school to an activity.
We chatted for a while about how busy our kids are and the afterschool snack struggle. The kids are always hungry, but I don’t want to ruin our appetites for a healthy dinner with a sugary treat or other option that leaves them tired when homework time rolls around.
Granola bars are a great answer to satisfying everyone’s hunger. They are portable and easy to eat in the car or on the go.
The problem with store bought granola bars is all the added preservatives and sugar that you don’t want your tired child eating on an empty stomach.
How to Make Homemade Granola Bars
These granola bars are loaded, and I mean loaded, with healthy high fiber and high protein ingredients. They make the perfect source of fuel we need to make it through to dinner.
To make these homemade granola bars, you’ll mix all the ingredients together and bake them for about 25 minutes. It’s a really simple process that is actually great to do on the weekend and is easy enough the kids can help!
The great thing about making them at home is that you can make them into smaller bite-size pieces or break them into larger bars, depending on your family’s needs.
What is Tahini?
If you’re not familiar with Tahini and why you should have some in your kitchen, Tahini is simply the paste from ground sesame seeds.
It’s a simple, clean ingredient that is loaded with tons of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, potassium and iron. It is also a great source for calcium and protein. It actually has a higher protein percentage then most nut butters.
How to Store Homemade Granola Bars
Once your granola bars have cooled, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for a about 7 days or freeze them for later.
If you are going to freeze them, be sure to wrap them individually with wax paper so that they don’t stick together.
Granola bars are a healthy option at any time of day and can be made with or without the use of dairy products, gluten-free and vegan.
Homemade granola bars have less sugar than store bought varieties, but they’re also easy to freeze for later on in the week when you need something quick to eat.
They make an excellent source of clean energy before sports practice or your afternoon workout – just remember that it is important not to overdo these tasty treats!
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Homemade Granola Bars
Ingredients
Granola Bars
- 2 cups gluten free whole oats
- 1 cup brown rice cereal I like Erewhon
- 1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup dried blueberries
- ¼ cup flaxmeal
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup Tahini {found in your middle eastern section of grocery store}
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 cup honey
- ¼ cup non-dairy chocolate chips {I used enjoy life brand}
Chocolate Drizzle
- ½ cup nondairy chocolate chips {I used enjoy life brand}
Instructions
Granola Bars:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Line a 9x13 pan with parchment paper (make sure its long enough for the ends to overhang) and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the oats, brown rice cereal, coconut, blueberries, flax meal, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, cinnamon and salt. Mix well.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together the tahini, vanilla and honey.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients while continually stirring to mix well. Add the chocolate chips, and mix well.
- Once everything is incorporated well, pour the mixture 9x13 pan lined with parchment paper. Press the mixture down into an even layer with your fingers.
- Bake for 25-28 minutes until golden on the top and starting to firm up. The bars will continue to firm up as they cool.
- Cool in the pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
Chocolate Drizzle:
- In a small bowl add chocolate chips, microwave for 30 seconds, remove and stir. Place back in microwave and heat an additional 30 seconds. Remove and stir. Should be smooth, if not microwave for 15 seconds more.
- Once bars are completely cook, drizzle chocolate over.
- Let chocolate set, cut and enjoy.
Categories:
The coconut, tahini and chocolate are a glorious combo!!
Thanks Maria.
I’m trying to find a granola recipe to teach my grade four students to make. My personal preference is to make it low-carb too. What role is the brown rice cereal playing? It isn’t something that most parents will have on hand, and I’m trying to make the recipe as accessible as possible. What everyday ingredient could be substituted?
Hi Shannon,
The brown rice cereal is found in your cereal isle, it should not be hard to find. It adds a good crunch to the bars. You can remove it if you like.