Cherry Quinoa Snack Bars
These protein-rich snack bars combine toasted almonds, quinoa, and a medley of seeds with chewy tart cherries for a nutrient-dense snack. Firmly pressed and baked at a low temperature, they offer a satisfying texture and natural sweetness, making them a perfect plant-based alternative to store-bought energy bars.
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly coat an 8x8-inch baking pan with vegetable oil spray (1) and line it with parchment paper, allowing for an overhang. Spread the almonds (1 cup), quinoa (0.5 cup), pumpkin seeds (0.25 cup), and sunflower seeds (0.25 cup) onto a rimmed baking sheet and toast until golden brown, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.
- 2
Remove the nuts and seeds from the oven and let them cool completely. Reduce the oven temperature to 200°F.
- 3
In a food processor, combine the dried cherries (1 cup), brown rice syrup (2 tbsp), kosher salt (0.75 tsp), and water (2 tbsp). Pulse and process until the mixture reaches a smooth consistency.
- 4
Transfer the cherry paste to a mixing bowl and stir in the toasted almond and seed mixture. Press the combination firmly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the surface is no longer sticky.
- 5
Allow the pan to cool completely before lifting the parchment overhang to remove the block and slicing into 12 bars.
Nutrition Facts
Per portion