How to Make Yummy Paleo-Friendly Granola Bars with Nuts and Seeds
Switching to a paleo lifestyle doesn’t mean you have to give up on your favorite snacks. One classic snack that many think they might have to forget about is the humble granola bar. But worry not! You can still enjoy this delicious and convenient snack, but with a bit of a paleo twist.
Paleo-friendly granola bars ditch the grains and processed sugars and instead focus on nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners. They’re not just for those following a paleo diet—anyone looking for a healthier snack option can enjoy these. Best of all, you can whip up a batch of these tasty treats at home with just a few simple ingredients and steps. Let’s dive in and make some!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- A pinch of sea salt
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried fruit (like cranberries, cherries, or blueberries) for added sweetness and texture
Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, grab a baking pan and line it with parchment paper. This will help ensure your granola bars don’t stick to the pan.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
Take a large mixing bowl and toss in the almonds, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and shredded coconut. If you have whole nuts, it’s okay; you don’t need to chop them unless you prefer smaller pieces in your bars. Stir these ingredients until they’re well mixed.
3. Warm the Wet Ingredients
Next, take a small saucepan and place it over a low heat. Add your choice of honey or maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt to the pan. Gently warm this mixture just until the coconut oil is melted and everything is well blended—no need to boil.
4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the warm liquid over your dry ingredients in the bowl. Stir everything together until the dry ingredients are thoroughly coated. If you’re adding dried fruit, now’s the time to toss it in and mix well.
5. Press and Bake
Transfer your mixture to the prepared baking pan. Spread it out evenly, then press it down firmly with the back of a spoon or your hands. You want to compact the mixture as much as possible; this helps the bars stick together after baking. Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for around 20-25 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden brown.
6. Cool and Slice
Here’s the hardest part: waiting. After you take the pan out of the oven, you must let the bars cool completely in the pan. This could take a couple of hours, but it’s crucial for them to set properly. Once cool, lift the bars out of the pan using the edges of the parchment paper and transfer them to a cutting board. With a sharp knife, cut into bars or squares, depending on your preference.
7. Store and Enjoy
Store your homemade paleo granola bars in an airtight container at room temperature. They should keep well for up to a week, but chances are they’ll be gobbled up long before then!
Wrapping Up
There you have it—a straightforward way to make delicious, paleo-friendly granola bars that will satisfy your snack cravings without any of the guilt. By making your own, you control the quality of the ingredients and can avoid any unwanted additives found in store-bought varieties. Plus, once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to experiment with different nuts, seeds, and natural sweeteners to find your perfect combination. Happy snacking!
