Pick-me-up bars
GF, DF
Chewy nutritious granola bars that are refined sugar free and will keep you going for hours! These bars are perfect pick-me-up for those fast-paced days, a quick breakfast or as a gift for new and expectant mums.
These bars are so handy to have in the freezer. I love eating them straight from the freezer as they go all hard and extra chewy! Also great eaten straight from the fridge however.
I like to have these on hand for a morning or afternoon pick-me-up. They are such a great gift for expectant or new mums - I lived off these when expecting! The low sugar content is also perfect for those with gestational diabetes (first hand experience here!). Although they do have some sugar (non-refined) they have a lot less in comparison to storebought granola bars which are often packed full or sugar! Oh, and they’re a lot easier on the budget too!
These also work well as a convenient quick breakfast when you don't have time to sit down running after busy toddlers or doing school runs.
What's in this recipe?
Pick-me-up bars
Oats
Rolled oats fill out the bulk of the bars and give them their wonderful chewy texture. Be sure to choose gluten free oats if serving to those with a gluten intolerance. The oats are toasted prior to baking to make them even tastier!
Almonds/cashews & pistachios
I like to use a combination of almonds or cashews and pistachios in this recipe. Almonds and cashews both have a subtle nutty flavour whereas pistachios provide a different flavour that makes these bars stand out! These nuts are toasted prior to being baked as a bar to really make their flavours sing.
Sesame seeds & coconut
Sesame seeds and coconut both add so much flavour to this recipe. Both can be substituted instead of each other if that’s all you have on hand. These ingredients are also toasted prior to baking to really maximise their flavours.
Peanut butter & honey
Peanut butter and honey are combined to make a paste that glues the bars together. Peanut butter adds richness and allows the bars to be chewy. Honey helps to sweeten things up and is refined sugar free sweetener making these bars healthy for the whole family.
Dates
Dried dates are soaked in boiling water, drained and then pureed to create a sweet paste. They are combined with the peanut butter and honey to sweeten the bars and create their delicious chewy texture. They also give the bars a caramel like flavour. I prefer to use dried dates are they are more affordable than Medjool dates.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla extract is added to give the bars a beautiful vanilla flavour that pairs so well with the caramel notes in the dates. Please use real vanilla extract here.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon alos provide flavour to the bars. Can be left out if desired however it really makes these bars moreish and taste a little ‘Christmasy’.
Salt
Salt helps to balance out the sweetness and brings out the toasted flavour of the nuts. Do not be tempted to skip this!
Raisins
Raisins add a wonderful chewy texture to the bars without being overly sweet. Can be substituted with other dried fruit if desired.
Step-by-step photos
Pick-me-up bars
GF, DF
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dried dates
- 1/2 cup natural peanut butter (smooth)
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup almonds (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup pistachios (roughly chopped)
- 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1 cup rolled oats (gf)
- 1/2 cup dried apricots (roughly chopped)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate (roughly chopped) - OPTIONAL
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Line a baking tray (approx 20x20cm) with baking paper.
- Bring a jug of water to the boil. Place the dates in a jug and pour over boiling water. Allow to soak for 10 minutes. Drain (discard water) and place in a food processor with peanut butter, honey and vanilla. Process until smooth & set aside.
- Add the remaining ingredients to a large bowl and stir until evenly combined. Pour over date mixture and mix well with a spatula until evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the lined tin and flatten firmly with the spatula (or the side of a flat glass).
- Bake for 10 - 15 minutes or until golden on the top. Allow to cool completely before cutting into rectangles.
- OPTIONAL: Melt dark chocolate in 30 seconds bursts in the microwave in a small bowl. Pour into a small ziplock bag and snip a small hole in a corner. Drizzle over bars.
Notes
Serving suggestion
I lik
Storing
I free
Nutrition Facts
Calories
243Fat
11 gSat. Fat
2 gCarbs
33 gFiber
5 gNet carbs
28 gSugar
14 gProtein
7 gSodium
74 mgCholesterol
0 mg