Chewy Quinoa Granola Energy Bars
These chewy quinoa granola energy bars are a delicious and nutritious snack, perfect for on-the-go fuel or a midday pick-me-up. Packed with wholesome ingredients like crunchy nuts, sweet raisins, and rich chocolate chips, these bars are not only gluten-free but also easy to make. They freeze beautifully, making them an excellent choice for batch preparation. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast option or a healthy snack to ward off hunger pangs, these bars will satisfy your cravings while providing a good source of energy. Adapted from a delightful recipe by Lisa Miller of Ontario, these bars may also be customized with different dried fruits or nut varieties according to your taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa flakes
3 cups (dry)
chopped nuts
1 cup (any type, lightly toasted for extra flavor)
raisins
1 cup (optional: chopped apricots or cranberries can be used)
sunflower seeds
1 cup (raw or lightly toasted)
semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (mini chocolate chips can also be used)
low fat sweetened condensed milk
1 (400 ml) can (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and line a 15x10 inch (38x25 cm) pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the quinoa flakes, chopped nuts, raisins (or chosen dried fruits), sunflower seeds, chocolate chips, and sweetened condensed milk. If you prefer, you can use a stand mixer to ensure everything is well-blended, or simply mix it by hand for a more personal touch.
3
Once combined, transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Place an additional piece of parchment paper over the top of the mixture and press down firmly with the back of a spoon or a handle-less rolling pin to compact it well. This will ensure your bars hold together nicely.
4
Bake in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
5
Remove the pan from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, place the bars in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, to set further.
6
After chilling, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan and onto a cutting board. Cut into 48 equal-sized bars. Store the bars in an airtight container; they can also be frozen for longer shelf life.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chewy Quinoa Granola Energy Bars?
They are a nutritious, gluten-free snack made with quinoa flakes, nuts, and dried fruit, perfect for on-the-go energy.
Are these quinoa granola bars gluten-free?
Yes, these bars are gluten-free as they use quinoa flakes as the primary base.
How many bars does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields approximately 48 equal-sized bars when prepared in a 15x10 inch pan.
What is the main ingredient used in these bars?
The main ingredient is 3 cups of dry quinoa flakes.
Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of chopped nuts, and it is recommended to lightly toast them for extra flavor.
What can I use as a substitute for raisins?
You can easily substitute raisins with chopped dried apricots or cranberries according to your preference.
Do I need to toast the sunflower seeds?
You can use either raw or lightly toasted sunflower seeds for this recipe.
What kind of chocolate chips work best?
Semi-sweet chocolate chips are recommended, but mini chocolate chips also work well.
What is the binding agent for these energy bars?
The bars are held together using one 400 ml can of low-fat sweetened condensed milk.
Can I use a stand mixer to combine the ingredients?
Yes, a stand mixer can be used to ensure everything is well-blended, though mixing by hand works too.
What size baking pan is required?
A 15x10 inch (38x25 cm) pan is the ideal size for this recipe.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (160°C).
Why should I use parchment paper?
Parchment paper prevents sticking and allows for easy removal of the bars from the pan once they have set.
How do I ensure the bars hold together and don't crumble?
You must press the mixture down firmly in the pan using the back of a spoon or a rolling pin before baking.
How long do the bars need to bake?
Bake the bars for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
How do I know when the bars are done?
The bars are ready when the top reaches a nice golden brown color.
Should the bars be cooled before cutting?
Yes, allow them to cool completely at room temperature and then refrigerate them before cutting.
How long should the bars stay in the refrigerator?
The bars should be refrigerated for at least a few hours, or ideally overnight, to set properly.
Can these energy bars be frozen?
Yes, these bars freeze beautifully and can be stored in the freezer for a longer shelf life.
How should I store the finished granola bars?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, the large yield and the fact they can be frozen make them excellent for batch preparation and meal prep.
Who is the original creator of this recipe?
This recipe was adapted from a version by Lisa Miller of Ontario.
What is the benefit of using quinoa flakes?
Quinoa flakes provide a good source of energy and make the bars suitable for those on a gluten-free diet.
Can I use full-fat sweetened condensed milk?
While the recipe specifies low-fat, regular sweetened condensed milk will also work for binding.
Why is it important to leave parchment paper overhang?
The overhang acts as handles to lift the entire block of bars out of the pan for easier cutting.
Are these bars crunchy or chewy?
As the name suggests, these bars are designed to have a chewy texture.
Can I add other seeds like chia or flax?
Yes, you can customize the recipe with different seeds, though it may slightly change the texture and binding.
Is this a good recipe for beginners?
Yes, it is considered an easy recipe with straightforward mixing and baking steps.
What makes these bars a healthy snack option?
They contain wholesome ingredients like quinoa, nuts, and sunflower seeds, providing a good source of nutrition.
Can these be eaten as a breakfast replacement?
Yes, they are a convenient and filling option for a quick breakfast on the go.