Back-to-School Chewy Puffed Quinoa Granola Bars

Serves 12

These deliciously chewy bars are such a great recipe to save because it’s actually two for the price of one…and who doesn’t love a bargain?! When I make a batch, I keep half as they are for a quick grab ‘n go breakfast, and the other half I cover in melted chocolate for a wonderfully nutritious after school snack for the kids, or a delightful 4pm pick-me-up with a coffee for me! They also freeze very well or keep for at least a week in the fridge in an airtight container…but it’s highly unlikely they’ll even last that long without being devoured!

They are great on their own, but my favourite way to enjoy them at breakfast time is to dip them in some creamy protein-rich Greek yoghurt and berry chia jam, like in this photo.  They really are full of wholesome and healthy ingredients like oats, nuts, seeds, quinoa and dried fruit and make a really lovely change if you are stuck in a breakfast cereal rut. I also find them a total god-send on those rushed school mornings because if there’s anything that can help me snooze for even 5 minutes longer, I’ll take it!

I am always on the perpetual hunt for low-sugar, protein and fibre-rich snacks to give the kids after school and when drizzled with some dark chocolate, these are a total winner.   They absolutely satisfy their craving for something sweet but simultaneously satisfy my desire to give them something nutrient dense. 

One portion (of the bar alone) provides 170 calories, 5g of protein, 5g of fibre and over 20% of my daily calcium requirements.

I have to say – as much as I loved the slower pace of the summer holidays, I am so ready for the kids to go back to school.  We were fortunate enough to be able to get abroad this summer which I am so very thankful for, but I am excited for a teeny bit of peace and quiet (well, as much as one can expect with a baby still crawling at my feet!).

Healthy Ingredients: 

* 80g Oats
* 70g Nuts (I used 35g Hazelnuts & 35g Flaked Almonds)
* 60g Dried Cherries (any dried fruit would work well too)
* 50g Almond Butter
* 2 Bananas
* 90g Puffed Quinoa
* 20g Chia Seeds
* 20g Hemp Seeds
* 40g Syrup of your choice - I used Sukrin Gold Sugar Alternative

Easy Method

* Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees.
* In a blender, blitz the syrup, almond butter and bananas.
* Tip the mixture into a large bowl and slowly add all of the remaining ingredients until fully combined. I use my hands but it does get messy!
* Line a tray with parchment paper and flatten the mixture onto it and spread until it is approximately 1.5cm thick.
* Bake in the oven for 22-25 minutes until it is just starting to turn golden brown.
* Allow to cool and slice into bars.
* Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days or else freeze.

NUTRITONAL INFORMATION

Calories – 170
Protein - 5g
Fat – 8g
Carbohydrates – 23g
Fibre – 5g
Sugar – 6g
Calcium - 21%

NOTE: This recipe is based on a lovely thermomix recipe so check them out on Cookido if you have an account.