The heart-healthy power bars have all the ingredients one might have on a banana split: made with quinoa, rolled oats, dried cherries, nuts and honey. Plus antioxidants from the cinnamon and chocolate – and they taste good too!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hr
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup quinoa (rinsed well)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 cups quick rolled oats (use gf oats for gluten free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1-1/2 cups very ripe mashed bananas
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1/4 cup raw honey (or pure maple syrup)
- 1 tbsp virgin coconut oil
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup dried cherries (or craisins)
- 1/3 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans
- 1/4 cup mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
- Line a 9 x 13 baking pan with 2 pieces of foil or parchment paper, criss-crossing over so they fold over the pan; spray with non-stick cooking spray.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Combine the quinoa and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 10 to 12 minutes or until liquid is barely absorbed.
- Remove from heat.
- Cover and let stand for 5 to 6 minutes, remove lid and fluff with a fork.
- Transfer to a medium bowl and let it cool completely.
- Mix together the oats, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- Add mashed bananas, egg, honey, oil and vanilla to the cooked bowl of quinoa and stir until just blended.
- Add the banana mixture to the oats mixture and stir until just blended.
- Mix in dried cherries, walnuts and chocolate chips.
- Spread the batter evenly over the prepared pan.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.
- For best results, refrigerate 20 minutes before cutting.
- Using the liner, lift the mixture from the pan and transfer to a cutting board.
- Cut into 16 bars and refrigerate or freeze to store.
Nutrition
Serving: 1bar , Calories: 130kcal, Carbohydrates: 24g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 3.5g, Saturated Fat: 1.4g, Sodium: 54mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 11g
– WW Points: 5