Vegan Granola Bars

(186)
Yield:
8

Oats bring a pleasant chewiness and an old-fashioned goodness to these vegan, nutrient-dense bars. Pureed dates lend just enough sweetness to this convenient breakfast or snack. Nuts, ground flax, and dried fruits add antioxidants, vitamins, good fats, and flavor.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (9 ounces) pitted dates

  • Vegetable-oil cooking spray

  • 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats, finely ground, or 1 cup quinoa flakes

  • 4 ½ ounces (1 cup) pecans, toasted, ½ finely ground and ½ coarsely chopped

  • 2 ounces (½ cup) unsalted macadamia nuts, toasted, ½ finely ground and ½ coarsely chopped

  • 2 ¼ ounces (⅓ cup) dried papaya, cut into ½-inch pieces

  • 1 ¾ ounces (⅓ cup) dried cherries, chopped

  • 2 ounces (⅓ cup) dried blueberries

  • 2 tablespoons oat bran

  • 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed

  • 2 tablespoons wheat germ

  • ½ teaspoon coarse salt

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • 3 tablespoons brown-rice syrup or honey

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place dates in a small saucepan, cover with cold water, and bring to a simmer. Drain. Puree in a food processor until smooth.

  2. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray. Mix oats or quinoa flakes, nuts, papaya, cherries, blueberries, bran, flaxseed, wheat germ, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Mix in date puree and brown-rice syrup or honey. Press mixture into pan.

  3. Bake until center is firm and edges are golden, about 25 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 8 bars.

    vegan granola bars
    Bryan Gardner

Cook's Notes

Protein-rich quinoa flakes, which have a nutty flavor, also work well in this recipe.

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