A chewy, healthy treat – packed with quinoa and oats, 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!
Want more back to school recipes? Of course you do!
Quinoa Coconut Granola Bars
A chewy, healthy treat - packed with quinoa and oats, a favorite of kids and adults alike!
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 brown sugar
Directions
-
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.
Source: Adapted from Superhealthy Kids
Ashley Lecker says
These sound amazing for breakfast!
Maeghan says
These sound like the perfect snack/breakfast when I'm running around doing all things "kid related!"
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Kylee, these granola bars look great, love the addition of quinoa.
sue|theviewfromgreatisland says
I never think to use quinoa this way — I bet these have an amazing crunch!
Lucy says
I love molasses, so these bars sound delicious! The perfect post-workout breakfast. Yum!
peter @feedyoursoultoo says
One of these days i will get around to making my own breakfast bars. Looks good and healthy.
Karly says
I’ve just started getting into using quinoa, so I cannot wait to give this recipe a try!
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.
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