Puffed Amaranth, Pistachio and Dark Chocolate Granola Bars
Sweet, salty and nutritious, these granola bars are sure to become your new favorite snack!
Servings: 12
Calories: 330kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup puffed amaranth
- 1/2 cup hemp seeds
- 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/2 cup shelled pistachios finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries preferably juice sweetened
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest from 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/2 cup honey or brown rice syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chopped and refrigerated
Instructions
- Line an 8 x 8" baking dish with parchment paper then set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the amaranth, hemp seeds, coconut, cranberries, and lemon zest.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the almond butter and honey then melt over medium-low heat. Remove from heat, add the vanilla extract and stir until evenly combined. Allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Once the honey mixture has cooled, pour it into the large bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until evenly combined. Add the (cold) chopped chocolate then stir again to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish then press it firmly into the bottom and out to the sides until the top is a flat, even surface. I like to use a pastry roller to help but if you don't have one you can use another piece of parchment paper on top to keep it from sticking to your hands. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours to set.
- Once the mixture has set, use the parchment paper to lift it out of the baking dish. Using a large, sharp knife cut it into 12 separate bars. Serve immediately or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
Calories: 330kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 55IU | Vitamin C: 1.3mg | Calcium: 86mg | Iron: 4mg