This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. Full Disclosure Policy.
A chewy, healthy quinoa granola bar- packed with and oats, coconut and dried fruit, a favorite of kids and adults alike!
I’m well and truly on the quinoa bandwagon. It’s something we only tried recently, but it’s become a favorite in our household. I love the flavor of it, and the fact that it packs a decent nutritional punch is a major bonus.
But did you know quinoa is not just a side dish? Included here in these granola bars, it adds a ton of protein and fiber – and is delicious!
I threw these together on a Saturday afternoon while the boys napped – and think they’re so good – I might actually hide the next batch from my family. Looking forward to adding them to my lunch bag!
Ingredients:
Full, printable recipe below – just scroll down to the recipe card!
- QUINOA – uncooked quinoa
- 7 GRAIN CEREAL – can sub traditional old fashioned oats – not the quick kind or steel cut
- COCONUT – go for the unsweetened kind!
- CRANBERRIES – dried
- PEANUT BUTTER – sub in some almond butter if you prefer.
- HONEY & MOLASSES
- OIL – Coconut oil is good in this!
- BROWN SUGAR
Want to try this recipe?
Pin it to your favorite Pinterest Boards.
Find me on Pinterest for more delicious recipes!
Quinoa Coconut Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 cup 7 grain cereal or oats (not the quick kind (can sub traditional oats))
- 1/2 cups unsweetened coconut
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup peanut butter
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 Tbs oil
- 3 Tbs dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- Grease a ceramic or glass 9X13 inch baking dish (or use a brownie pan like I did)
- Spread oats and quinoa on a cookie sheet and toast in preheated oven for 8 minutes. Return mixture to a large bowl and add coconut, and dried cranberries.
- In a medium saucepan, combine salt, peanut butter, honey, molasses, oil, and brown sugar.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat and immediately remove from heat.
- Pour over oats mixture and combine until dry ingredients are evenly coated. Pour into baking dish.
- Press mixture down into pan. Bake for 20 minutes, watching carefully – they burn easily. If using a brownie pan, check on them at about 10 mins. Once they are browned on the edges, take them out.
- Let cool, and serve.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Source: Adapted from Superhealthy Kids
Karolin says
what kind of coconut am i suppose to use? shredded coconut? sweetened/unsweetened? and for the oats, can i use organic rolled oats?
Kylee says
Hi, Karolin
I use unsweetened shredded coconut. Yes, for the oats – you can use organic rolled oats. I don’t recommend the “quick” cooking oats for this recipe though.
Hope that helps!
Kylee
Amy says
I am not on the quinoa bandwagon. I’ve only tried it a couple times, but haven’t been a fan yet. However, I haven’t tried it in a sweet recipe. I have a teenage daughter in track and these look like they would make a great healthy snack to pack for meets. I am always trying to find good things to send with her.
Karly says
I’ve just started getting into using quinoa, so I cannot wait to give this recipe a try!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
One of these days i will get around to making my own breakfast bars. Looks good and healthy.
Lucy says
I love molasses, so these bars sound delicious! The perfect post-workout breakfast. Yum!
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I never think to use quinoa this way — I bet these have an amazing crunch!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Kylee, these granola bars look great, love the addition of quinoa.
Maeghan says
These sound like the perfect snack/breakfast when I'm running around doing all things "kid related!"
Ashley Lecker says
These sound amazing for breakfast!