Apple Quinoa Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut oil
- 1/3 cup coconut nectar , can also sub with maple syrup 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 as neeeded
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans OR walnuts
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup toasted uncooked quinoa OR puffed quinoa , leave out if preferred
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds , optional
- 1/2 cup dried apples , chopped
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 F. Line an 8 x 8 baking dish with parchment paper. Set aside.
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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 and salt until combined.
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Using a rubber spatula, add the oats, chopped nuts, toasted quinoa, coconut and hemp seeds. Fold in dried apples.
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Transfer the granola mixture into the prepared pan. Using a spatula, press down firmly to flatten and compact tightly.
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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).
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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.