Nutritious Quinoa Crunch Bars
These Nutritious Quinoa Crunch Bars are a delightful blend of wholesome quinoa flakes, natural sweeteners, and dried fruit, perfect for a quick breakfast or a satisfying snack. Adapted from Essential Eating's inspired recipe showcased on WNEP, these bars are not only packed with flavor but also a great source of energy. Their crunchy texture and aromatic cinnamon touch make them irresistibly delicious and equally healthy.
5
Servings
300
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
quinoa flakes
2 cups
maple syrup
1/4 cup
vanilla or almond extract
2 teaspoons (choose either vanilla or almond)
maple sugar
1/2 cup (or substitute with brown sugar)
melted butter
2 tablespoons (melted)
large egg whites
2 (lightly beaten)
chopped dates or apricots
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
cinnamon
3 teaspoons (to sprinkle on top)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) to ensure even baking.
2
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sequentially combine the quinoa flakes, maple syrup, vanilla or almond extract, maple sugar, melted butter, and egg whites. Stir until the mixture is evenly moistened.
3
Gently fold in the chopped dates or apricots to infuse some fruity sweetness.
4
Prepare an 8 or 9-inch baking dish by greasing it lightly.
5
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly using a fork or your fingers, slightly moistened for ease.
6
Finish by sprinkling the cinnamon evenly over the surface.
7
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes.
8
Remove from the oven, and while still warm, carefully cut the mixture into bars.
9
Return the pan to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the bars to crisp up perfectly.
10
Once done, remove the pan and set the bars on a wire rack to cool completely.
11
Note: This recipe can be easily scaled up to fill a jelly roll pan (11x17 inches) for larger batches. The bars freeze well, making them perfect for prepping in advance.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
46g
Carbs
6.4g
Protein
4g
Fiber
22g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Nutritious Quinoa Crunch Bars?
They are a delightful blend of quinoa flakes, natural sweeteners, and dried fruit, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
What is the main grain used in this recipe?
The main grain used is quinoa flakes.
How many calories are in one serving of these bars?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What is the protein content of these bars?
Each serving provides 6.4 grams of protein.
How much sugar is in each bar?
There are 22 grams of sugar per serving.
Are these bars a good source of fiber?
Yes, they provide 4 grams of fiber per serving.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) for even baking.
How long do the bars bake initially?
The bars bake for an initial period of 45 minutes.
Why do the bars go back into the oven for 10 minutes?
They are returned to the oven to crisp up perfectly after being cut.
Can I substitute maple sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute maple sugar with brown sugar.
What dried fruits are recommended for these bars?
Chopped dates or apricots are recommended to infuse fruity sweetness.
What type of extract can I use for flavoring?
You can use 2 teaspoons of either vanilla or almond extract.
How many egg whites are required?
The recipe calls for 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten.
Should the butter be melted before mixing?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
What size baking dish should I use?
Use an 8 or 9-inch baking dish for a standard batch.
Can this recipe be scaled up for larger batches?
Yes, it can be scaled up to fill a jelly roll pan (11x17 inches).
How can I prevent the mixture from sticking to my fingers while spreading?
Slightly moisten your fingers or use a fork to spread the mixture evenly.
What is the total baking time for these bars?
The total baking time is 55 minutes (45 minutes initially, plus 10 minutes after cutting).
When should I cut the mixture into bars?
Carefully cut the mixture into bars while it is still warm after the first 45 minutes of baking.
How should the bars be cooled?
Set the bars on a wire rack to cool completely after the final baking step.
Can these quinoa crunch bars be frozen?
Yes, these bars freeze well, making them excellent for meal prep.
What food category do these bars belong to?
They are categorized as a Breakfast item.
Are these bars considered a granola alternative?
Yes, they are tagged as a healthy granola alternative.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving contains 46 grams of carbohydrates.
How much cinnamon is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3 teaspoons of cinnamon.
Do I mix the cinnamon into the batter?
No, the cinnamon should be sprinkled evenly over the surface before baking.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
The recipe yields 5 servings.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe was adapted from Essential Eating's inspired recipe showcased on WNEP.
What is the texture of the Nutritious Quinoa Crunch Bars?
They have a crunchy texture with an aromatic cinnamon touch.