Apple Quinoa Granola Bars

Prepared and photographed by NutraMilk nutritionist, Florencia Tagliavini.

Recipe inspired byLifemadesweeter.

We love these easy to make granola bars by Lifemadesweeter. We made a few changes to their recipe and of course, added our homemade creamy peanut butter which helps bind everything together, adds a creamy and chewy texture and a load of healthy nutrients including fiber, protein, heart-healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These bars are especially rich in magnesium, a vital mineral that helps regulate muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels and blood pressure. One single bar provides 33% of the magnesium you need daily!

They are the perfect on the go snack that will leave you satisfied and nourished. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

For peanut butter

• 1 cup of raw peanuts
• pinch of Himalayan salt (optional)

For granola bars

• 3 tbsp peanut butter made with the NutraMilk
• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/3 cup maple syrup or sub for coconut nectar or brown rice syrup
• 3 tablespoons coconut sugar packed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup apple sauce or pureed apples
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 3/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats, use gluten-free if you prefer
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 cup toasted uncooked quinoa or puffed quinoa (optional)
• 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
• 1/2 cup dried apples, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

• First, make the peanut butter.
• Place peanuts in the NutraMilk container.
• Press Butter cycle, set for 2-3 minutes.
• Press Start.
• Open the container lid and take out peanut butter.

• Preheat oven to 350 F. Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
• In a large pot, heat coconut oil, coconut nectar, and coconut sugar over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring constantly. Lower the heat and simmer until the mixture is slightly thickened (about 2 minutes). Remove pot from heat. Stir in vanilla, apple sauce, peanut butter, and salt until combined.
• Using a rubber spatula, add the oats, chopped nuts, toasted quinoa, coconut and hemp seeds. Fold in dried apples.
• Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared pan. Using a spatula, press down firmly to flatten and compact tightly.

• Bake in preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, until edges are slightly brown. (For no-bake granola bars - freeze pan for 1 hour, or until bars are set).
• Remove from oven and allow to cool completely. Once cooled, remove bars, use the parchment overhang to transfer the uncut bars to a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut into even rectangles.