Lentil Granola Bars
Packed with wholesome ingredients and infused with a punch of protein, these Lentil Granola Bars are a game-changer for healthy snacking. Featuring the unexpected addition of cooked green or brown lentils, these bars offer a nutrient boost while staying deliciously chewy and naturally sweetened with honey. Rolled oats, chia seeds, and cinnamon add texture and warmth, while peanut butter and dried cranberries create a rich and satisfying balance of flavors. Customize with chopped almonds, dark chocolate chips, or your favorite dried fruits for a personal touch. These easy, homemade bars are perfect for meal prep, ready in just under an hour, and make a versatile and portable snack for busy days. Whether you’re fueling up for an afternoon hike or packing a kid-friendly treat, these Lentil Granola Bars are sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked green or brown lentils
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 0.5 cup honey
- 0.5 cup natural peanut butter
- 0.5 cup chopped almonds (or any nut of choice)
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries (or other dried fruit)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 cup dark chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line an 8x8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, leaving overhangs on two sides for easy removal.
In a large bowl, combine the rolled oats, cooked lentils, chopped almonds, dried cranberries, chia seeds, ground cinnamon, and salt.
In a small saucepan over low heat, warm the honey and peanut butter until smooth and well combined, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
Pour the peanut butter and honey mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is evenly coated and sticky. If using, fold in the dark chocolate chips at this stage.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or your hands (dampen them to prevent sticking) to firmly press the mixture into an even layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan.
Once cooled, use the parchment paper overhangs to lift the granola slab out of the pan. Place it on a cutting board and cut it into 12 bars.
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or in the refrigerator for extended freshness. Enjoy as a quick, healthy snack!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2924 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 122.5 g | 157% | |
| Saturated Fat | 26.0 g | 130% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1110 mg | 48% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 401.2 g | 146% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 65.7 g | 235% | |
| Total Sugars | 198.6 g | ||
| Protein | 97.8 g | 196% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 561 mg | 43% | |
| Iron | 26.6 mg | 148% | |
| Potassium | 3161 mg | 67% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
