Healthy Cherry Almond Granola Bites & Maple Trail Mix Granola Bites, Oh My!
When you need something quick to eat, these gluten-free granola bites are perfect as an on-the-go satisfying snack to tide you over until you can eat a wholesome meal, a pre-or post-workout bite, or to grab as a convenient and healthy treat to energize you between meals.
You should know that...
Among the foods considered healthier by the public than by experts is Granola Bars. They’re considered healthy because they’re often made with grains, which are high in fiber and contain protein-rich nuts and dried fruit. But despite their healthy perception, most are posing as candy bars in disguise. The truth is that most pre-packaged granola bars are made for consumer convenience, not nutrition. According to nutritionists in a 2016 New York Times survey, most pre-packaged granola bar ingredients reveal that they are not so healthy after all.
Most pre-packaged granola bites are full of added sugars, carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats and are boosted with protein powder. They’re also low in fiber. And few are certified gluten-free.
I’ve always been a big fan of using ingredients packed with fiber, protein, and good-for-you superfoods in my kitchen. Using healthy ingredients keeps you full and satisfied until your next meal. To that end, I believe that granola bars, or bites, in this case, should be eaten to support a balanced meal, not as a meal replacement. With that said, I’ll be the first to admit that I eat bars (bites) occasionally instead of an actual meal when I’m in a hurry and pressed for time. And, while I know it can be tricky to make healthy snacking choices when juggling schedules or constantly on the go. Perhaps the best we can hope for is to be mindful of our choices.
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Don't Despair!
The Good News is...
Making homemade granola bars and bites is incredibly simple. Most importantly, by making them yourself, you can ensure they contain gluten-free ingredients and have the highest nutritional value possible.
Customizing your recipe to your specific likes is easy by switching out ingredients with similar food options. Try switching to nut butter. Use dried fruits, seeds, and other goodies to make nutrient-dense snacks full of your favorite flavors and tastes.
My favorite way to divide a pan full is to cut it into 1 x 1-inch bites. The tiny bites are a convenient way to eat them on the go or in a hurry. They are super great for traveling and the perfect size for revving up your energy mid-day in just a bite or two!
Let me know when you try this recipe in the comments below. It’s a super easy snack to make at home and one you can feel good about eating. They’re packed with fiber, protein, and good-for-you ingredients to keep you full and satisfied for whatever your day holds in store. So why not indulge?
Happy cooking.
XXO
Kymberley
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Cherry Almond Granola Bites, Maple Trail Mix Granola Bites... Oh My!
@ GfreeDeliciously
EQUIPMENT
- 13 x 9 Baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Small saucepan
- Large mixing bowl
INGREDIENTS
For the Cherry Almond Granola Bites
- ¼ cup Coconut Oil
- ½ cup Blue Agave
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 2 ¼ cups gluten-free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats Not instant
- ¾ cup Slivered Almonds
- ¾ cup Dried Cherries
- ¾ cup unsweetened shredded Coconut
- ½ cup Sunflower Seeds unsalted, shelled and roasted
- 2 tablespoons Flax Seeds
Flavor Option: Maple Trail Mix Granola Bites
- ¼ cup Coconut Oil
- ½ cup Maple Syrup
- ½ cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 2 ¼ cups gluten-free Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats Not instant
- ¾ cup chopped Pecans
- ¾ cup dried Cranberries and Golden Raisins Equal amounts of each to make 3/4 cup
- ¾ cup unsweetened shredded Coconut
- 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds
- ½ cup gluten-free Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips*
- 1 teaspoon gluten-free Vanilla
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Nutmeg
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1
- Preheat oven to 325ºF
- Line a 13 x 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper leaving one-inch extending past each end for lifting to remove from pan. Spray parchment with gluten-free nonstick food spray.
For the Cherry Almond Granola Bites - Follow Step 1 above.
- In a small saucepan combine coconut oil, agave, sugar, and salt. Simmer over medium heat until the oil melts.
- Combine oats, almonds, cherries, coconut, sunflower and flax seeds in a large mixing bowl. Add the melted oil and sugar mixture, stirring to combine.
- Spread the mixture in the prepared pan, pressing into an even layer.
- Bake for 15 minutes, turn the pan, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the edges are lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
- Using the parchment paper, lift the cooled bars. And place on a cutting board. Cut the bars into 1 x 1-inch squares (for larger bars cut into 18 equal-size bars).
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze up to three months.
For the Maple Trail Mix Granola Bites - Follow Step 1 above.
- In a small saucepan combine coconut oil, maple syrup, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Simmer over medium heat until the oil melts.
- Combine the oats, pecans, cranberries and raisins, coconut, and chia seeds in a large mixing bowl. Add the melted oil and syrup mixture, stir to combine.
- *Let the mixture cool slightly and add the chocolate chips, stir to combine.
- Spread the mixture in the prepared pan, pressing into an even layer.
- Follow the above method to bake, cool, and cut into the desired serving size.
- Melt the remaining gluten-free Semi-Sweet Mini Chocolate Chips (approximately 5 ounces) in a microwave-safe bowl for 30 seconds. Stir and continue heating for additional 30-second intervals until the chocolate is thin and completely melted.
- Working quickly, spoon a thin layer (about half) of the melted chocolate on a clean sheet of parchment large enough to hold all the bars.
- Arrange the cut bars on top of the layer of chocolate, then drizzle the remaining chocolate over the top and let sit until the chocolate is cooled and set.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze up to three months.
YOUR OWN NOTES
Nutrition
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(Nutritional values are an approximation. Actual nutritional values may vary due to preparation techniques, variations related to suppliers, regional and seasonal differences, or rounding.)
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