Half Baked Harvest blogger Tieghan Gerard wrote that she came up with this recipe while looking for a healthier spin on the granola bars she loved as a kid. And her recipe really delivers—it’s made with toasted buckwheat, coconut oil, almond butter, honey, and a small handful of those glorious cacao nibs.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings 12 Bars
INGREDIENTS
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1 2/3 cups toasted buckwheat* OR brown rice krispies
• 3/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup ground flax meal optional
• 1/2 cup cacao nibs or mini chocolate chips
• 1/2-1 cup dried cherries my recipe for homemade dried cherries is below
• 3/4 cup honey may use brown rice syrup if vegan
• 1 cup creamy almond butter
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• pinch of salt
DRIED CHERRIES
• 4 cups fresh cherries pitted
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the oatmeal, buckwheat OR puffed brown rice cereal, sliced almonds, flax meal, cocoa nibs (or mini chocolate chips) and dried cherries.
3. In a small sauce pan, add the almond butter, coconut oil and honey. Set the pot over medium heat, stirring often until melted and smooth. Once the mixture starts to bubble, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla + salt. Pour the almond butter mixture over the oats and stir until combined. Press into the prepared the pan. I like to use the back of a 1/2 cup measuring cup, spray the flat bottom with a little cooking spray and then really press the mixture into the bottom of the pan using the bottom of the measuring cup. Cover the bars and place in the fridge for at least one hour or until set.
4. Cut into the bars and store in a cool, dark place or in the fridge. The bars will last at least 2 weeks.
DRIED CHERRIES
1. Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Spread the cherries in an even layer over the parchment paper. Place in the oven and cook for 4-6 hours or until the cherries are dried. This may take more or less time depending on where you live. Start checking on them around 3-4 hours. Store in a sealed container.
RECIPE NOTES
*I used toasted buckwheat, which gives the bars a little crunch. When I can find them, I like to use puffed brown rice cereal, which gives the bars a bit of a lighter, chewier texture. **to toast the buckwheat, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread the buckwheat in an even layer and toast for 10-15 minutes or until the buckwheat is lightly golden.