Cherry Almond Red Lentil Granola Bars are an excellent choice for a wholesome snack that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Packed with protein, fiber, and the natural sweetness of dried cherries and maple syrup, these bars make for a perfect on-the-go treat or a satisfying breakfast option. They are not only delicious but also simple to make, making them a great addition to your healthy eating routine.
What You’ll Need for Cherry Almond Red Lentil Granola Bars
To create these delightful granola bars, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup dry red lentils (200 g)
- 1 cup oat flour, gluten-free if needed (100 g)
- 1 cup rolled oats, gluten-free if needed (90 g)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (3 g)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (5 g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted almonds, chopped (70 g)
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped (75 g)
- 1/4 cup flax meal (30 g)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (30 g)
- 2/3 cup almond butter (160 g)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce (125 g)
- 1/2 cup maple syrup (120 ml), use 2/3 cup for a sweeter bar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste (15 ml)
Directions for Cherry Almond Red Lentil Granola Bars
Follow these simple steps to whip up your Cherry Almond Red Lentil Granola Bars:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the red lentils and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 10 minutes or until the lentils are just tender. If there’s excess liquid, drain it off.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with foil, making sure to spray it gently with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large bowl, mix together all the remaining ingredients: oat flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, chopped almonds, chopped dried cherries, flax meal, coconut flakes, almond butter, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Add the cooked lentils to the mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for about 25-35 minutes, or until the center feels firm to the touch and the edges are lightly browned.
- Allow the bars to cool slightly in the pan, then cut them into bars while still warm.
- Store the bars in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature, or wrap them individually and freeze for longer storage. If kept at room temperature for too long, the bars may become crumbly, so freezing is a good option for keeping them fresh.
How to Serve Cherry Almond Red Lentil Granola Bars
These bars are best enjoyed when slightly warm or at room temperature. Here are some fun serving ideas:
- Pair them with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt for a nutritious breakfast.
- Include them in lunchboxes for a quick snack during school or work.
- Crumble them over ice cream or nondairy alternatives for a crunchy topping.
- Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon snack.
Expert Tips for Cherry Almond Red Lentil Granola Bars
Here are a few handy tips to perfect your granola bars:
- If you prefer a chewier texture, consider increasing the amount of applesauce or almond butter.
- Feel free to substitute dried cherries with raisins or cranberries for a different flavor profile.
- Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or seeds for extra texture and taste.
Cherry Almond Red Lentil Granola Bars FAQs
1. Can I make these granola bars nut-free?
Yes! You can easily replace the almond butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini.
2. Can I use other types of flour?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat flour or any gluten-free flour that you prefer.
3. How long do these bars last?
If stored properly, the bars will last 2-3 days at room temperature or can be frozen for up to 3 months.
These Cherry Almond Red Lentil Granola Bars are not just a delicious treat but also a smart option for those looking for healthy snacks. Take a moment to try these bars, and you may find a new favorite!
Cherry Almond Red Lentil Granola Bars
These granola bars are a wholesome snack packed with protein, fiber, and the natural sweetness of dried cherries and maple syrup. Perfect for on-the-go or a satisfying breakfast.
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup dry red lentils ((200 g))
- 1 cup oat flour, gluten-free if needed ((100 g))
- 1 cup rolled oats, gluten-free if needed ((90 g))
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon ((3 g))
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt ((5 g))
- 1/2 cup unsalted almonds, chopped ((70 g))
- 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped ((75 g))
- 1/4 cup flax meal ((30 g))
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes ((30 g))
Wet Ingredients
- 2/3 cup almond butter ((160 g))
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce ((125 g))
- 1/2 cup maple syrup ((120 ml), use 2/3 cup for a sweeter bar)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste ((15 ml))
Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, combine the red lentils and 2 cups of water. Bring it to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 10 minutes or until the lentils are just tender. If there’s excess liquid, drain it off.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with foil, making sure to spray it gently with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mixing
- In a large bowl, mix together all the remaining ingredients: oat flour, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, chopped almonds, chopped dried cherries, flax meal, coconut flakes, almond butter, applesauce, maple syrup, and vanilla.
- Add the cooked lentils to the mixture and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for about 25-35 minutes, or until the center feels firm to the touch and the edges are lightly browned.
- Allow the bars to cool slightly in the pan, then cut them into bars while still warm.
Storage
- Store the bars in an airtight container for 2-3 days at room temperature, or wrap them individually and freeze for longer storage.
If you prefer a chewier texture, consider increasing the amount of applesauce or almond butter. Replace dried cherries with raisins or cranberries for different flavors. Add a sprinkle of chocolate chips or seeds for additional texture.
