Whenever I leave the house I make sure I have snacks in my purse.
For the kid?
Nope.
For me.
If I don’t have time for a meal, I want to make sure I don’t starve… or have to stop somewhere if I have a busy day planned. These homemade granola bars are awesome. They are not only Gluten Free and Vegan…. they taste GOOD… and the kid loves them.
They are packed with healthy ingredients like flax and chia seed, as well as a variety of nuts… and the chocolate chunks are an added bonus. I store them in the freezer and whenever I’m running out the door toss a few in my purse. These granola bars are the perfect snack for any time of day and on the go!
Ingredients:
1 1/2 C. Chopped Pitted Dates
3 T. Whole Flax Seed
1/2 C. Peanut Butter {or other nut or seed butter if your nut free}
1/3 C. Chia Seed
1 1/2 C. Oats {make sure they are Certified GF if needed}
1/2 C. Flax Seed Meal
1/3 C. Peanuts
1/2 C. Chopped Almonds
1/3 C. Pecans
1/4 C. Pepitas {raw pumpkin seeds}
1/2 Chocolate Chunks {for Vegan and GF option I love Enjoy Life Mini Chips}
1/2 C. Whole Almonds
Get Mixing.
{Warning your mixing arm may become tired}
Combine Pitted Dates, Whole Flax Seed, Peanut Butter, and Chopped Almonds in Vitamix or Food Processor… stirring as you go. If the mixture becomes too sticky add 1/4 C. Water to help get things moving.
Once combined and dates are blended smooth {for the most part}, remove from blender and place in large mixing bowl.
Stir in Chia Seed, Flax Seed Meal, and the Oats until combined.
Add Peanuts, Pecans, Pepitas, and Chocolate Chips.
The mixture will be extremely difficult to mix. At this point its more of mushing the ingredients in with a large spoon.
Do not add the 1/2 C. Whole Almonds. Scoop the mixture out and pat into an 8x8 glass baking dish. Take remaining almonds and spread out over the top of the mixture, then gently press with a spatula or your hands. Place dish into fridge for an hour. Slice into bars and then store in freezer. Enjoy!!!