Chewy Banana Quinoa Bars - Vegan, Gluten and Peanut Free
User Reviews
5
Chewy Banana Quinoa Bars - Vegan, Gluten and Peanut Free
Description
Combining mashed overripe bananas with rolled oats ground into flour, quinoa, sunflower seeds, walnuts, sliced almonds, raisins, maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract yields flavorful bars textured by chewy dried fruit and crunchy nuts. Baking at 350°F until edges just begin to brown preserves a moist interior and soft bite. The recipe's vegan and gluten-free elements come from the choice of ingredients like gluten-free oats and pure maple syrup instead of honey.
Once baked and cooled, these bars can be cut into squares and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. They function well as a convenient snack, energy boost, or on-the-go breakfast. The dense chewiness contrasts with occasional crunch from the nuts and seeds, balanced by fruity sweetness from raisins and maple syrup.
Alternative flour options can be used in place of oat flour, and the bars freeze well for up to six months to extend shelf life. This flexibility makes them adaptable based on what ingredients are available or to suit dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups banana about 3 large bananas, mashed overripe
- 2 cups rolled oats gluten free, or just oat flour, see recipe notes, old fashioned
- 1/3 cup quinoa rinsed
- 3/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/2 cup almonds sliced
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Line an 8X8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- Add the oats to a food processor and blend until floured, about 7-10 seconds.
- In a large bowl, mash bananas and then add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
- Add mixture into pan and smooth into an even layer.
- Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until edges being to brown very slightly. These bars will be soft and chewy and they wont brown much at all - if they're browning a lot, they're burning!
- Store in an airtight container and in fridge for up to a week.
Notes
- Substitute the rolled oats with 1 1/2 cups of oat flour or other preferred flour to adjust texture.
- Store the bars in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Freeze the bars for up to six months to extend their shelf life, thawing before eating.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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