Title: Easy-Peasy Paleo-Friendly Granola Bars with Almond Butter
Granola bars are the superheroes of snacks: quick to grab, simple to eat, and scrumptiously satisfying. But for folks following a paleo diet, finding a granola bar that fits the bill can be a bit like trying to find a needle in a haystack. Don’t worry, though! Making your own paleo-friendly granola bars at home is as easy as pie – or, in this case, as easy as mixing up some nuts and seeds! Today, we’re diving into a straightforward recipe for granola bars that are not just delicious but also packed with the goodness of almond butter. Whether you’re a paleo pro or just looking to snack on something a tad healthier, these granola bars are for you.
What You Need
Before we start, let’s get our ducks in a row with the ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 cup of almonds (whole or chopped, your choice)
- 1 cup of mixed seeds (think sunflower, pumpkin, or chia seeds – or a combo of your favorites)
- 1/2 cup of unsweetened shredded coconut
- 1/4 cup of almond flour
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt (a pinch to bring out all the flavors)
- 1/2 cup of almond butter (creamy or crunchy based on your preference)
- 1/4 cup of coconut oil
- 1/4 cup of honey (or maple syrup for a vegan twist)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Got everything? Great! Now, roll up your sleeves – it’s time to make some granola bar magic happen.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (or about 175°C). Next, grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later on.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, toss together the almonds, mixed seeds, shredded coconut, almond flour, and salt. This mix is the heart of your granola bars, so feel free to get creative with the nuts and seeds based on what you like or have on hand.
3. Warm Up the Wet Ingredients:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the almond butter, coconut oil, and honey. Stir them around until everything is nicely melted and mixed together, then remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. This liquid gold is what will hold your bars together, so make sure it’s well combined.
4. Combine and Press:
Pour the warm almond butter mixture over the dry ingredients in your bowl, and give everything a good mix until it’s all evenly coated. Once mixed, transfer it to your prepared baking pan. Press the mixture down firmly into an even layer – this helps the bars stick together once they cool.
5. Bake, Cool, and Slice:
Pop your pan into the oven and let it bake for about 20 minutes or until the edges begin to turn golden brown. When it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely in the pan. This patience part is crucial – the bars need to set and firm up to stay together. Once cool, lift the bars out using the parchment paper edges, then slice them into your preferred size.
And, voilà! You now have a batch of homemade paleo-friendly granola bars rich with the nutty goodness of almond butter. These bars are not just a treat for your taste buds but also packed with nutrients that’ll keep you energized throughout the day. They’re perfect for breakfast on-the-go, a mid-afternoon snack, or anytime you need a quick, satisfying bite.
Wrapping Up
Making your paleo-friendly granola bars with almond butter is simple, fun, and best of all, customizable. Feel free to play around with the mix-ins and flavors to match your taste and keep things interesting. Homemade granola bars not only taste better, but they’re also healthier, free from preservatives, and full of love and good energy. So, next time you’re in need of a snack, skip the store, and try your hand at these delightful and nutritious treats. Happy snacking!
