Over quinoa? Has the sun set on this little fiber and protein-rich powerhouse? Did its popularity rise, then fade into oblivion like the cupcakes and Krispy Kremes of yore? Or could my sister just have been toying with my emotions? I’m hoping it’s the latter, because in addition to a fierce addiction to these Chicken Quinoa Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers, I have enough quinoa squirreled away in my basement to feed a small football team, assuming that football team is, you know, into quinoa.
About This Healthy Chewy Granola Bar Recipe
Since my sister is due to pop any second with my very first niece or nephew (yes, I am going to be an aunt!), I thought that the least that I could do would be to create a recipe for her that was mommy-friendly—no baking, one bowl, freezer friendly, healthy, endlessly flexible, kid-approved, and super-powered—and was quinoa-free. It was also a good challenge to myself to incorporate new ingredients and grains that would still provide fabulous nutrition benefits, without involving the q-word. The first thing that you should know about this healthy granola bar recipe is that it is ultra versatile. The base is peanut butter, oatmeal, and honey (just like these No Bake Granola Bars and Healthy Granola Bars), and from there, how you customize the no bake bars is up to your preferences (or what is immediately available in your pantry). I stirred in a generous handful of nuts for protein, chia seeds for fiber, and millet for crunch. If you’ve never had millet, it’s a whole grain that’s ridiculously affordable, nutritious, and most commonly associated with bird seed, but do not be fooled. Cooked, it makes a refreshing swap for oatmeal or rice, and raw it adds an addictive crunch to everything from Pumpkin Granola to these Buttermilk Crunch Muffins. If you don’t have or prefer not to purchase millet, you can swap it for additional rolled oats, extra chia, or for a similar crunchy texture, uncooked quinoa (sorry sis). Peanut butter base secured, it’s time for fun part of any homemade healthy granola bar recipe: the mix-ins! I loaded my chia bars with walnuts and chopped dates, but feel free to swap any combo of dried fruits and nuts you love—or just go with a giant handful of chocolate chips. Whichever homemade granola bar path you choose, I am confident in your decision.
No Bake Granola Bars Storage Tips
To Store. Store leftover bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.To Freeze. To freeze, individually wrap in plastic, place in a ziptop bag, then freeze for up to 2 months.
More Granola Bar Recipes
Trail Mix Peanut Butter Granola BarsSalted Chocolate Almond No Bake Granola BarsOrange Almond Healthy Granola BarsCranberry Almond Granola Bars
These no bake healthy granola bars are soft, chewy, loaded with smooth peanut butter and honey flavor, and best of all, they are great for you too. They’re also freezer-friendly, so you can use these last few weeks of summer to stock up before the back-to-school madness strikes. Or in the case of our family, baby madness!
