Quinoa Granola Bars

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 100g date & pecan granola
• 4 tbsp cooked British quinoa
• 2 tbsp sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 50g chopped nuts
• 3 tbsp ground almonds
• 2 tbsp flaxseeds
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp mixed spice
• 3 tbsp cacao nibs
• 2 large ripe bananas, mashed
• 2 tbsp melted coconut oil

For the date paste

• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 75g medjool dates, pitted
• 60ml water

For the topping

• Chopped nuts
• A sprinkle of granola

Method

1 – In a mini chopper or blender, blend the almond butter, dates and water to make a paste. Set aside. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/fan 160°C/gas mark 4.

2 – Mix all the dry ingredients in a large bowl and add in the mashed bananas. Heat the coconut oil gently in a saucepan until melted then add the date paste.   Stir to combine then add to the dry mix.

3 – Stir until everything is combined – the mix shouldn’t be too wet. Line a baking tray with grease proof paper & spread the mix on top, around an inch thick. Add the toppings.

4 – Bake for 20 minutes – test the middle of the bars with a knife to ensure they are cooked through. If not bake for a further few minutes and test again.

5 – Remove from the oven and leave to cool slightly & then divide into bars.