Chewy Dark Chocolate Cherry Protein Granola Bars With Chia Seeds Recipes

SUPER SEEDY GRANOLA BARS

Steps:

• Toast your oats and almonds in a 350-degree F (176 C) oven for 13-15 minutes or until slightly golden brown.
• Process dates in a food processor until small bits remain (about 1 minute). It should form a "dough" like consistency (mine rolled into a ball).
• Place oats, almonds and dates in a large mixing bowl. Add seeds and set aside.
• Warm agave and peanut or almond butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir and pour over oat mixture and then mix, breaking up the dates to disperse throughout. Use a spoon or your hands to thoroughly mix.
• Transfer to an 8×8 dish or other small pan lined with plastic wrap or parchment paper so they lift out easily. (Or use 2/3 of a 9×13 // as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size)
• Cover with parchment or plastic wrap and press down with something flat, such as a book, to get them really packed tight. This will help them from being crumbly. Chill in the fridge or freezer for 15-20 minutes to harden.
• Remove bars from dish and chop into 10 even bars (as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Store in an airtight container for up to a few days. I kept mine in the freezer to keep them extra fresh, but it isn't necessary.

HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE GRANOLA BARS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Line an 8x8 baking dish with parchment paper so that it hangs over the edges.
• *Optional - spread oats on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast in the oven for 7-10 minutes shaking the pan occasionally until just starting to turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool a few minutes.
• Transfer the cooled oats to a large bowl and add the dried fruit, nuts, cacao powder and salt, stir to mix.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the applesauce, maple syrup and vanilla until smooth.
• Fold in the chia seeds and cacao nibs if using until combined.
• Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, pressing into the corners and flattening the top.
• Bake for 30 minutes, remove from oven and place on a rack to cool for 10-15 minutes.
• Remove the bars from the dish by lifting the edges of the parchment paper up and place directly on the rack until cooled completely.
• Cut into 8 pieces and store wrapped tightly or in an air tight container. Bars will keep at room temperature for about 5 days or up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.