Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Yield: 1 8x8 dish

1 cup peanut butter

2/3 cup honey

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

2 1/2 cups rolled oats

1/3 cup chocolate chips

3 tbsp pumpkin seeds

1. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine peanut butter, honey, vanilla, and salt, and stir until smooth.

3. Add oats, chocolate chips, and pumpkin seeds. The mixture might seem dry at first, but it will come together.

4. Transfer to a prepared baking pan and press down until flat. Use a second piece of parchment paper and the back of a measuring cup to help flatten the mixture.

5. Chill for at least 1 hour.

6. Slice into bars. Store bars in fridge.

https://www.loveandlemons.com/granola-bars-recipe

Peanut Butter Cookie Bar

Yield: 8x8 pan

2 eggs

1 cup coconut sugar (or half brown sugar)

3/4 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup almond flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1/3 cup chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine eggs, coconut sugar, and peanut butter. Mix well.

3. Add coconut oil and vanilla and mix together until smooth.

4. Add almond flour, oats, baking soda, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.

5. Add chocolate chips. Stir to combine.

6. Bake for 20 minutes.

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/peanut-butter-cookie-bars/

Chia, Quinoa, and Banana Granola Bars

Yield: 10-12 bars

1 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup uncooked quinoa

2 tbsp chia seeds

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 large ripe banana

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup chopped pecans

1/4 cup chopped almonds

1/4 cup dried fruit (eg raisins, cranberries, etc)

1/4 cup almond butter

2 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine oats, uncooked quinoa, chia seeds, salt and cinnamon. Stir to combine.

3. Stir in mashed banana and vanilla.

4. Add in almonds, pecans, and dried fruit.

5. Add in almond butter and maple syrup and stir until well combined.

6. Pour into prepared baking pan and press down firmly to help bars stay together. Bake for 25 minutes or until edges turn golden brown.

7. Allow to cool completely before cutting into 10 to 12 bars.

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/chia-quinoa-banana-granola-bars/

Blueberry Crumble Bars

Yield: 1 8x8 pan

Crust:

1 cup coconut manna, warmed

1/2 cup honey, warmed

1/4 cup coconut oil, warmed

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 cups cassava flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

2 tbsp coconut sugar

Filling:

3 cups frozen blueberries

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper. Make sure your ingredients are warmed and pourable (use a warm water bath for 10 minutes to get everything soft).

2. Place the coconut manna, honey, coconut oil, and lemon juice in a food processor and process until combined.

3. In a small bowl, combine the cassava flour, baking soda, and salt.

4. Add about 3/4 of the dry mixture to the food processor and pulse until just combined. Do not overmix. Add the remaining mixture and pulse once to combine.

5. Scoop out half of the crust mixture into prepared baking dish. Press the mixture to form an even layer on the bottom, working into the corners. Bake for 10 minutes.

6. While the base is baking, place all of the filling ingredients in a saucepan on medium heat. Bring to a boil and cook, stirring, for 10-15 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and sticky.

7. Pour the filling on top of the base, using a spatula to spread evenly over the surface.

8. Sprinkle the coconut sugar over the remaining crust in the food processor. Pulse once to barely incorporate. Preserving the crumbly texture of the mixture by using your hands, pour on top of the filling. Don't press, but work the crumbles in to cover all the surface area. Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly browned on top.

9. Remove from oven, score into 9 squares with a knife, and let cool to room temperature before serving.

https://autoimmunewellness.com/cranberry-crumble-bars/

Peanut Butter Granola Bars (with dates)

Yield: 1 8x8 dish

1 1/2 cups packed pitted dates

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 cup rolled oats

1. If your dates are not sticky and moist, soak in warm water for 10 minutes and then drain. Otherwise, proceed to step 2.

2. Add dates to a food processor and pulse until only small bits remain. You want the dates to clump into a ball.

3. Add peanut butter and oats and pulse a few more times until incorporated, stirring and scraping down sides as needed.

4. Transfer to a parchment-lined 8x8 dish and press down until flat. Transfer to freezer to set.

5. Slice into 8-10 bars and store in the fridge or freezer to keep fresh. 

6. Will keep in the fridge for several weeks and in the freezer for up to a couple months or more.

https://minimalistbaker.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-granola-bars/

Pumpkin Pie Bars

Yield: 8x8 pan

Crust:

1/4 cup coconut oil, melted

1/3 cup coconut sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup almond flour

2 tbsp coconut flour

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

Filling:

1 can pumpkin puree (15 ounces)

2 eggs

1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk)

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup coconut sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 tsp ground ginger

1/4 tsp allspice or cloves

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8 baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the crust first. In the bowl of a food processor, add in coconut oil, sugar, egg, and vanilla extract. Process until well combined.

3. Add almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, and salt. Process until a dough forms. Allow dough to rest for 5 minutes.

4. Add dough to the prepared baking pan. Use your hands to spread the dough evenly towards the edges.

5. Bake for 9 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool for a 3-5 minutes.

6. To make the filling, in a large bowl, mix together all filling ingredients until smooth.

7. Pour over the crust, and tap gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

8. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until set and filling no longer jiggles.

9. Remove and allow to cool completely at room temperature. Cover with plastic wrap and transfer to the fridge to cool for at least 6 hours or overnight.

10. Cut into 12 bars and serve with whipped cream or powdered sugar. Store bars in fridge for up to 5 days.

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/paleo-pumpkin-pie-bars-with-almond-flour-sugar-cookie-crust/

Chocolate Avocado Bars

Yield: 1 loaf pan

Bottom Layer:

1/2 cup almond flour

1/2 cup coconut flakes

3 tbsp cacao powder

3 tbsp coconut oil, melted

10 drops liquid stevia

Middle Layer:

1 avocado, mashed

1/4 cup coconut oil

15 drops liquid stevia

1-2 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)

Top Layer:

1/2 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup cacao powder (or 1/2 cup melted dark chocolate)

10 drops liquid stevia

1. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.

2. To make the bottom layer, in a bowl, combine all the ingredients together.

3. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined pan and set aside.

4. For the filling, put all the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy.

5. Transfer the filling to the pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly over the bottom.

6. In a separate bowl, combine the ingredients for the top layer together. Mix until smooth, then pour over the avocado filling.

7. Place the pan in the freezer for 10 minutes, then transfer the pan to the refrigerator for an additional 2 hours.

8. Remove from fridge for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve chilled.

https://drjockers.com/chocolate-avocado-dessert-bars/

Lemon Bars

Yield: 8x8 pan

Filling:

1 cup cashews

1 cup coconut cream

2 tbsp arrowroot or cornstarch

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 tbsp lemon zest

pinch salt

1/4 cup maple syrup

2 tbsp icing sugar

Crust:

1 cup oats

1 cup almonds

1/4 tsp salt

2 tbsp coconut sugar

1 tbsp maple syrup

4-5 tbsp coconut oil, melted

1. Add cashews to a small bowl and cover with boiling hot water. Let soak for 1 hour, then drain thoroughly.

2. In the meantime, preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8 inch baking dish with parchment paper.

3. Add oats, almonds, salt, and coconut sugar to a high speed blender and mix on high until a fine meal is achieved.

4. Transfer to a medium mixing bowl and add maple syrup and coconut oil, starting with lesser end of range. Stir with a spoon to combine until a loose dough is formed. You should be able to squeeze the mixture between two fingers and form a dough instead of it crumbling. If too dry, add a bit more melted coconut oil.

5. Transfer mixture to prepared dish and spread evenly. Press down firmly until evenly distributed and well packed.

6. Bake for 15 minutes, then increase heat to 375F and bake for 5 to 8 minutes more, or until the edges are golden brown and there is some browning on the surface. Remove from oven to cool slightly, then reduce oven heat to 350F.

7. Once cashews are soaked and drained, add to a high speed blender with coconut cream, arrowroot starch, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and maple syrup. Mix on high until very creamy and smooth.

8. Pour filling over the pre-baked crust and spread into an even layer. Tap on counter to remove any air bubbles.

9. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes or until the edges look very slightly dry and the center appears jiggly but not liquidy.

10. Let rest for 10 minutes, then transfer to refrigerator to let cool completely (uncovered) for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

11. To serve, slice and sift with icing sugar (optional). Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, up to 4 days, though best within the first 2 days.

https://minimalistbaker.com/creamy-vegan-lemon-bars/

Coconut Flour Pumpkin Bars

Yield: 8x8 pan

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup almond butter (or nut butter of choice)

1 tbsp unsweetened almond milk

2 eggs

1/2 cup coconut flour

3/4 tsp baking soda

1/8 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp ginger

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/8 tsp cloves

1/3 cup dark chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. To a large bowl, add pumpkin puree, maple syrup, vanilla extract, almond butter, almond milk, and eggs. Mix until well combined.

3. Add coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and spices. Stir to combine.

4. Gently fold in chocolate chips.

5. Spread batter evenly in prepared pan, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean in the middle. Transfer pan to a wire rack to cool.

6. Cut into 12 bars.

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/chocolate-chip-coconut-flour-pumpkin-bars/

Pumpkin Oat Bars

Yield: 16 bars

3 cups oats

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp cinnamon

1/8 tsp nutmeg

pinch ground cloves

1 cup canned pumpkin

1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce

1/2 cup coconut sugar

1 tbsp olive or coconut oil

2 tsp vanilla extract

1/3 cup chocolate chips, plus 2 tablespoons for sprinkling on top

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line a 9-inch baking pan with parchment paper.

2. Place oats into a high-speed blender. Blend for 15 to 30 seconds, or until oats resemble flour. Measure out 2 1/2 cups of the oat flour.

3. In a medium bowl, add oat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. Set aside.

4. In a separate large bowl, whisk together pumpkin, applesauce, coconut sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

5. Slowly add oat flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.

6. Gently fold in 1/3 cup of chocolate chips.

7. Pour batter into prepared pan and sprinkle remaining chocolate chips on top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until knife inserted into center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

8. Cool for 15 minutes on wire rack. Cut into 16 slices.

https://www.ambitiouskitchen.com/healthy-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-oat-bars-vegan-gluten-free/

Lemon Bars (Paleo, Nut-Free)

Yield: 16 bars

Crust:

1/4 cup honey

1/3 cup ghee or butter, melted, room temp

1 egg, room temp

1 tsp vanilla extract

2/3 cup coconut flour

1/4 cup tapioca flour

1/8 tsp salt

zest of 1 lemon

Filling:

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 4 lemons)

zest of 1 lemon

1/3 cup + 1 tbsp honey

3 eggs

1 egg yolk

1 tbsp tapioca flour

1/2 tsp coconut flour

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper.

2. To make the crust, in a medium bowl, whisk together honey, liquid ghee, egg, and vanilla until smooth.

3. Add coconut flour, tapioca flour, salt, and lemon zest. Combine to form a dough.

4. Press crust into bottom of prepared pan as evenly as possible. Poke all over with a fork.

5. Bake crust for 10 to 12 minutes, or until lightly brown around the edges.

6. While crust bakes, in a large bowl, whisk together all filling ingredients until very smooth.

7. As soon as crust is done, whisk filling mixture one last time and pour over HOT crust (important!).

8. Lower oven temperature to 325F. Bake another 15 minutes, or until filling is just set in the center.

9. Allow bars to cool completely, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

10. To serve, cut cooled bars into 16 squares.

https://www.paleorunningmomma.com/paleo-lemon-bars-nut-free/

Chocolate Almond Butter Bars (No-Bake)

Yield: 1 8x8 pan (24 bars)

Crust:

1 1/2 cups almonds or walnuts (can use almond flour as well)

1/4 cup cocoa powder

pinch salt

1 cup packed dates

Almond Layer:

1 cup almond butter (creamy or crunchy) (or sub other nut or seed butter)

2 tbsp maple syrup

pinch salt

Ganache:

1 1/4 cup (9 ounces / 255 g) vegan dark chocolate, very finely chopped

7 tbsp light coconut milk

1 tbsp coconut oil

1. Prepare crust by adding nuts, cocoa powder, and salt to a food processor and blending into a meal. Remove from bowl and set aside.

2. Add dates to the food processor and pulse until small bits remain or a ball forms. Break up the dates so they are not all in one clump.

3. Add the nut-cocoa mixture back in and blend to combine until a loose dough is formed.

4. Transfer the dough to a parchment-lined 8x8-inch baking dish and spread with fingers to evenly distribute. Use a flat-bottomed object to press and pack the crust into a solid, even layer. Set aside.

5. Add almond butter to a small mixing bowl along with maple syrup and sea salt. Stir to combine. 

6. Place spoonfuls of the almond butter mixture on top of the crust. Use an offset spatula to spread and pack the mixture down into a flat, uniform layer. Set in freezer to chill.

7. Add finely chopped dark chocolate to a medium mixing bowl.

8. Add coconut milk and coconut oil to a small saucepan. Heat until very hot but not boiling. Pour the coconut milk directly over the chocolate, and stir to combine.  

9. Cover with plastic wrap and let chocolate melt for 5 minutes. Whisk to combine. The mixture should be entirely melted and smooth. If not, heat in the microwave in 15 second increments until entirely smooth and no chunks remain. 

10. Remove pan from the freezer and pour the ganache on top. Spread with offset spatula until smooth. Place back to the freezer to set for 5 to 10 minutes.

11. Slice into desired number of bars, say 24. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 1 week or in the freezer up to 1 month.

https://minimalistbaker.com/no-bake-almond-butter-cup-bars/

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Bar

Yield: 8x8 pan

Crust:

1 cup rolled oats

1 cup almonds

4 medjool dates, pitted

3 tbsp coconut sugar

2 tbsp unsweetened shredded coconut

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

5 tbsp coconut oil, melted

Filling:

2 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

1 cup strawberries, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tbsp maple syrup

1 tbsp chia seeds

Crumble Topping:

3 tbsp coconut sugar

2 tbsp almond flour

1/4 cup rolled oats

1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 1/2 tbsp coconut oil

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper.

2. Add oats, almonds, dates, coconut sugar, coconut, cinnamon, and salt to a food processor or high-speed blender and pulse into a fine meal, making sure no large pieces remain.

3. Add melted coconut oil and pulse to incorporate. It should form a loose dough that forms when squeezed between two fingers. Add more melted oil if too dry.

4. Spread the mixture into the lined baking dish and press down into an even layer with your fingers or a flat object (such as a drinking glass).

5. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the crust is fragrant and the edges are slightly golden brown. Set aside.

6. In the meantime, add rhubarb, strawberries, orange juice, and maple syrup to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until slightly softened and bubbly, about 5 to 10 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. In the last minute of cooking, add the chia seeds and stir to ensure all the chia seeds are evenly distributed. Remove from heat and set aside.

7. Prepare crumble by adding all ingredients to a small mixing bowl and using a fork or your fingers to mix ingredients into a crumble. Set aside.

8. Spoon the strawberry-rhubarb mixture over the pre-baked crust and spread into an even layer. Top with crumble topping and spread evenly to cover fruit.

9. Return pan to the oven and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes or until the fruit is warm and bubbly and the crumble is golden brown.

10. Remove from oven and let cool completely, at least 1 hour. Once cooled, gently lift bars from pan and slice into squares or bars.

11. Store leftovers in a well-sealed container at room temperature for 2 days, in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or the freezer up to 1 month.

https://minimalistbaker.com/strawberry-rhubarb-crumble-bars-gf/

Crunchy Granola Bars

Yield: 8x8 pan

1 cup rolled oats

1/3 cup sliced almonds (or sunflower seeds or other nut)

1/4 cup flaxseed meal

2/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut 

1/4 tsp salt

5 medjool dates, finely chopped

2 tbsp almond butter (or other nut or seed butter)

2 tbsp coconut oil

1/4 cup maple syrup (or brown rice syrup)

Topping (optional):

1/2 cup vegan dark chocolate

1 tbsp coconut oil

1 tsp sea salt or hemp seeds

1. Preheat oven to 325F. Line an 8x8 square pan with parchment paper.

2. In a large bowl, combine oats, almonds, flaxseed meal, coconut, and salt. Stir to combine.

3. Add dates to the bowl. Using your hands, mix dates into the oats, ensuring dates are evenly dispersed.

4. In a small saucepan, add almond butter, coconut oil, and maple syrup. Bring to a low boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and immediately add to the oats. Stir to coat all the dry ingredients.

5. Place the mixture in the prepared baking pan and spread into an even layer. Then top with another layer of parchment paper and press down with something flat to press into an even, uniform layer.

6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool in the pan. 

7. Once cooled, lift out of the pan and slice into desired number of bars. 

8. Topping (optional): Melt dark chocolate and coconut oil in a small mixing bowl over a double boiler on the stovetop. Spoon a small amount over the bars in a drizzle pattern or cover half of the bar with chocolate. Top with sea salt or hemp seeds.

9. Once bars have dried/cooled, store covered at room temperature for 5 days or in the freezer up to 1 month.


https://minimalistbaker.com/crunchy-baked-granola-bars/

Granola Bars (No-Bake)

Yield: 8x8 dish (about 12 bars)

1 1/2 cups rolled oats 

1 cup nuts (almonds, walnuts, pecans), roughly chopped

1 cup pitted dates (deglet nour or medjool)

1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey or agave nectar)

1/4 cup peanut butter (or almond butter)

optional: chocolate chips, dried fruit, seeds, vanilla

1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper. 

2. Toast oats and nuts in oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until slightly golden. Place in a large mixing bowl.

3. In a food processor, process dates until it forms a dough-like consistency and comes together into a ball, about 1 minute. Add to mixing bowl with oats and nuts. 

4. In a small saucepan over low heat, warm maple syrup and peanut butter. Pour over oat mixture and thoroughly mix.

5.Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Press down firmly until uniformly flattened.

6. Cover with parchment or plastic wrap, and let firm up in fridge or freezer for 15 to 20 minutes.

7. Remove bars from pan and chop into 12 even bars. Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. 

http://minimalistbaker.com/healthy-5-ingredient-granola-bars/