Description
These Salted Quinoa Granola Bars are easy to make and packed with flavor, combining medjool dates, almond butter, seeds, and chocolate for a delightful treat anytime.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 pitted medjool dates (about 100-120g), soaked in hot water for 10 minutes
- 1/2 cup (125g) almond butter
- 1/3 cup (113g) honey
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup (85g) old-fashioned whole rolled oats
- 1/2 cup (85g) uncooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup (70g) coarsely chopped almonds
- 1/2 cup (70g) pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
- 1/2 cup (70g) sweetened dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (feel free to skip)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 ounces (57g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- flaky sea salt, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C). Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring enough overhang to lift the bars out later.
- Drain the soaked dates and process them in a food processor until they form a chunky paste. In a large bowl, combine the paste with almond butter, honey, and vanilla, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, combine oats, quinoa, almonds, pepitas, cranberries, chia seeds, and salt. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients and stir until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan, pressing it firmly into an even layer.
- Bake for 20-22 minutes until lightly browned around the edges and set in the center. Cool completely in the pan on a cooling rack for 1 hour, then refrigerate for another hour.
- Melt the chopped chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second increments, stirring until smooth.
- Lift the cooled bars from the pan, cut into bars, and drizzle with melted chocolate if desired. Sprinkle with sea salt and refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the chocolate.
- Store the bars covered at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Individual wrap for longer freshness.
Notes
Ensure to pack the mixture tightly into the baking pan for better structure.
The chocolate drizzle can be made in advance to save time before serving.
These bars can be customized with your favorite nuts or seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 172
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg