This delicious homemade granola bar recipe is protein-rich, full of healthy fats, and the perfect way to start your day. Did I mention it is a one-bowl recipe that takes just 2 minutes to prep? Be sure to use gluten-free oats and free-from contamination nuts, seeds and dried fruits if you need this to be a gluten-free recipe. You can leave out the nuts to make this recipe nut-free (or substitute with additional seeds).
Ingredients
1½ cups rolled oats (I used thick oats, but quick oats would also work)
1 cup tahini paste
½ + 1 tbsp maple syrup (or silan; increase this to ¾ cup if you have a sweet tooth)
¼ cup unsweetened grated coconut
6 tbsp dried cranberries
5 tbsp slivered almonds or crushed walnuts (leave out to make nut-free)
4 tbsp pumpkin seeds
4 tbsp sunflower seeds
4 tbsp hemp seeds
¼ cup dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs, or carob nibs
Instructions
Pre-heat the oven to 180 C.
Line a baking sheet or 8" baking dish with parchment paper and set aside.
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
Transfer the mixture to the baking sheet, distributing evenly across ⅔ of the surface.
Using a square of parchment paper (between your hand and the mixture), press the mixture into a flat, dense, evenly thick bar (aim for about 1 cm thick), paying attention to the corners and edges to make sure that they are firmly pressed.
Bake in the oven for 12-14 min for a chewy breakfast bar (bake for 16 min for a crunchy bar)
Remove from the oven and let cool before cutting into bars or squares.