ABC Granola Bars

5/15/2016

ABC Granola Bars (FODMAP friendly, gluten free, peanut free, refined sugar free, vegan)

Delicious, nutritious and as easy as ABC to make! These almond banana coconut (ABC) granola bars are not only vegan, but are also FODMAP friendly and free from gluten, peanuts and refined sugar.

ABC Granola Bars - Chewy, moist and flavourful!

Creating a new granola bar recipe was on my to-do list when my networking group put out the challenge to create a snack recipe containing almonds. I wanted to create a granola bar that was slightly chewy and moist without the addition of any dried fruit. After several test batches the final product is indeed soft and chewy with a delicious melding of subtle flavours: Toasted oat, almond, banana and coconut. There's a sweet hint of maple syrup, too. And the optional dark chocolate drizzle just takes it over the top with a touch of decadence.

ABC Granola Bars - Spread mixture evenly in pan and pat down

Lining the pan with parchment paper makes for easy removal and cleanup. Then you simply spread the mixture evenly in the pan and pat down.

ABC Granola Bars - First cut granola into 4 large squares

As the granola is baking in the oven the aroma in the kitchen is simply divine. You simply must, however, wait for the granola to cool slightly (about 15 minutes or so) before removing it from the pan so that it will be firm enough to cut into bars without breaking apart. After that they are ready to serve plain or topped with a drizzle of dark chocolate. Perfect to have on hand for a mid-afternoon snack! Or perhaps even for dessert! Check out one of my other posts to find out about another way I enjoy these granola bars! You might like to try this, too!

"These granola bars are delish and as easy as ABC to make!"

ABC GRANOLA BARS

Delicious, nutritious and as easy as ABC to make! These almond banana coconut (ABC) granola bars are not only vegan, but are also FODMAP friendly and free from gluten, peanuts and refined sugar.

AUTHOR: Beverley Noseworthy
MEAL: Dessert, snack
DIETARY INFO: Fodmap friendly, gluten free, peanut free, refined sugar free, vegan
MAKES: 12 rectangular bars

INGREDIENTS

DRY INGREDIENTS

2 cups rolled oats, quick cooking or large flake, and gluten free
1/3 cup desiccated coconut, unsweetened
1/3 cup almond meal
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt

WET INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup almond butter
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup mashed, ripe banana
1/4 cup almond non-dairy beverage, unsweetened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla

TOPPING (Optional)

1/2 ounce dark chocolate, melted

METHOD
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8-by-8-inch metal pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, add the dry ingredients and stir to combine.

3. If the almond butter is firm, soften it by heating it in a small saucepan for a few minutes. Then in a medium bowl, add the almond butter along with the other wet ingredients and stir to combine.

4. Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir to evenly coat.

5. Spread the granola evenly in the pan and use a spatula or large spoon to pack the mixture down firmly.

6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is firm and the edges are golden brown.

7. Remove the pan from the oven and place on a rack to cool. Then use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the granola from the pan and place on a cutting board. To cut into bars, first cut the granola in half lengthwise and then crosswise, forming 4 squares. Next cut each square into three bars, for a total of 12.

8. When the granola bars have cooled completely you may drizzle melted chocolate on top, if desired.

9. Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

COOKING TIP Check the ingredient list on the food packaging to ensure that each food item used in the recipe meets your dietary needs (e.g. gluten free or peanut free).

PER SERVING (One rectangular bar, not including optional chocolate drizzle)
Calories: 179
Carbohydrate: 20 g
Fibre: 3 g
Sugars 7 g
Fat: 10 g
Protein: 5 g

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