Granola bars

Looking for the perfect snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping you energised? These homemade granola bars are your answer!

Whether you need a quick breakfast on-the-go or an afternoon pick-me-up, these granola bars deliver on both nutrition and flavour. Plus, they keep beautifully in the fridge for up to five days – if they last that long…

Ingredients

2 cups (240g) oat bran

¾ cup (75g) almond flour

16 fresh medjool dates, pitted

½ cup (125ml) melted coconut oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

500g mixed frozen berries

1 tablespoon black chia seeds

1 ½ tablespoons cornflour

¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup

1/3 cup (50g) sunflower seeds

1/3 cup (55g) pepita seeds

1/3 cup (40g) natural flaked almonds

2 tablespoons maple syrup, extra

Method

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced). Line a 20cm x 30cm slice pan with non-stick baking paper, allowing 3cm overhang.

Place the oat bran, almond flour, dates, oil and vanilla in a food processor and process for 3 minutes or until the mixture comes together. Place one cup of mixture into a medium bowl and set aside.

Spoon the remaining mixture into the prepared pan. Using the back of a spoon, press the remaining mixture firmly into the base of the pan. Bake on lower shelf for 20 minutes or until light golden.

While the base is baking, make the berry filling. Place the frozen berries and chia seeds in a medium saucepan over low heat and cook until the fruit is defrosted.

Whisk the cornflour and maple syrup together and stir into the berry mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring, for 5-8 minutes, stirring until very thick. Set aside to cool.

Add sunflower seeds, pepitas, almonds and maple syrup to the reserved base mixture and mix to combine.

Spread the cooled berry mixture over the base and sprinkle over the topping, pressing down gently.

Bake on the middle shelf for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before refrigerating until cold.

Cut into 14 granola bars using a sharp knife.

How long will homemade granola bars stay fresh?

Granola bars sliced into 14 pieces

Make these granola bars on the weekend, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze, place granola bars between sheets of baking paper and store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator for 2 hours before serving.