How was your Thanksgiving? I’m so happy I was able to take the weekend off and enjoy some time with my Grandma; we had a wonderful time eating, shopping and laughing.
Unfortunately her wallet was stolen while we were out shopping. Tis the season for thieving? Ugh! Even worse, she had some pretty important documents in there. But the good news is that we got her back on the plane safe and sound (without an ID)! I guess the TSA knows more about you than you think.
Now I’m ready to get back on track regarding eating, working out and work. I haven’t worked out in a week because I’ve been fighting a serious chest infection (or so I think). I can’t really sleep at night because my cough keeps me up. No matter how much ZzzQuil I chug, it’s still there. I think I might have a NyQuil hangover; is that possible?
Speaking of working out and eating right, how have you been holding up on sticking to your goals? I never understand on waiting until January to make a resolution or to get on track. Why not start RIGHT NOW? Yes, I realize there are holiday cookies EVERYWHERE which can be awfully tempting. Instead of indulging in one from those pushy coworkers, how about we replace some of the cookie indulgences with a healthy granola bar instead? Yes, yes, yes.
These granola bars were created in partnership with my friends at Ancient Harvest. My pantry is stocked with Ancient Harvest quinoa because I use it at least three times a week. This time, I wanted to do something a little different and unique: quinoa IN granola bars. And yes, it’s uncooked — or rather, toasted in the oven with the oats. Therefore you get crunchiness and chewiness, something that most granola bars out there lack.
The base of the granola bars are made up of quinoa, oats, peanut butter, honey, chia, vanilla and a touch of coconut oil. That’s it! I love that they are wholesome, simple and modifiable. What’s great about these bars is that they offer over 3g of fiber and nearly 7g of natural protein. Of course, if you’re like me, you probably will enjoy tossing in a few chocolate chips or dried cranberries.
Oh and no big deal, but I made my first YouTube video for these bad boys so you know exactly how to make them:
Since these bars are essentially no bake, they’ll stay chewy and fresh for long after you make them. You can store them wrapped tightly in the freezer for months and take them out whenever you’re in need of one. Enjoy! xo.
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125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Incredible Peanut Butter Quinoa Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 1/2 cup uncooked Ancient Harvest quinoa
- 1/2 cup creamy all natural peanut butter (or your favorite natural nut butter)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Optional: 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Add oats and quinoa to a large baking sheet and spread around evenly. Once oven is preheated, toast the oats and quinoa for 10 minutes. Once done toasting, pour oats and quinoa into a medium bowl and stir in chia seeds.
- While quinoa and oats are toasting, make the peanut butter mixture by adding peanut butter, sea salt, honey, vanilla and coconut oil in medium saucepan over low heat. Stir every so often until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool for a few minutes, then add to the bowl with the oats, quinoa and chia. Stir well to incorporate. If adding chocolate chips, wait a few minutes before stirring in, otherwise they will melt. Another option is to melt the chocolate chips and drizzle them over the top of bars.
- Line an 8x4 or 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper; pour mixture in and spread out evenly, then press mixture down in the pan. Place in freezer for 10-20 minutes or until mixture has hardened. Remove bars from pan and cut into 8 bars. Store bars in the freezer or fridge. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
This post is sponsored by Ancient Harvest. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting Ambitious Kitchen and the brands that help make this site possible!
So good! The texture and flavor are on point and these are quick to make. Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed!
Do you know how long they can stay at room temp and still hold their shape? I’d like to pack them in my son’s lunch box for snack time at school.
They should last during the school day!
These came out great! I love making granola bars and these are now my new favorite. The texture is soft but crunchy. I left mine in for about 12 minutes, maybe a bit too long, but I got the texture I wanted. I usually make granola bars with dates, which creates a more soft chewy texture so a change up was perfect! Followed pretty much exactly but had no extract so I subbed maple syrup. Next time I may play with the recipe a bit and add flax or hemp seeds too.
I’ve made these bars many times and devour them each time! They are so easy and delicious. Highly recommend giving them a try.
So glad you love them! Perfect snack 🙂
These bars are fabulous! Made them today and they are already almost gone. Super easy and six year old approved!
So happy to hear that!
These bars look awesome. If I want to add in protein powder, how should I adjust the recipe? Thanks!
So good! I’ve been making a double batch and freeze half all summer and into the fall. So easy to grab when hungry and want something a little sweet.
Love that idea! Perfect snack or treat 🙂
Well there is nothing incredible about these bars, they are Uneatable, What a waste of good ingredients. Oh and it’s a “bummer” you have deleted my other comment, I wish people could share their honest opinions about recipes, so they do not waste perfectly good food for something that turns it into bland and uneatable. I am assuming you will filter this one too and it will not get posted.
Hi Iris! So sorry to hear that you did not like this recipe. I’m not sure what could’ve happened to your other comment, but I always appreciate honest feedback. If you could provide some further insight into how you made them I might be able to troubleshoot!
These are so phenomenal!!! My kids and husband love them!! They came out perfect with no issues! Make sure you’re buying the drippy peanut butter for this recipe for the ingredients to adhere. Will be making these all the time!!
Amazing! I’m so glad!
These bars are legit! I added unsweetened coconut and cinnamon and they were a win with my kids—all 8 of them! 🤔
Amazing!! So happy to hear that 🙂
Delicious! Used crunchy PB. Doubled and made in an 8 x 8 pan. They’re a hit with my girls, too!
Love it! So happy you all did, too 🙂
These look awesome but I don’t see the nutrition information on these. Where could I find it?
I don’t see the nutrition information on these. Where could I find it?
Hi Alli! The nutrition info should be above 🙂
These are soooo good! I am making all of your protein bars one at a time for my boyfriend who is training for the LA marathon. He loved your peanut butter cup bars and I know he’ll love these! I just put them in the freezer to harden but you can bet your ass I licked the bowl and spoon clean! I love the quinoa crunch. I didn’t have coconut oil so I used butter 🙂
Perfect!! So glad you’re both loving them (and licking the bowl for these might just be the best part…)
Wow, these ARE incredible! They remind me of a healthier version of a Butterfinger bar!
I’m so glad you enjoyed! And YES that peanut butter flavor is the best 🙂
These look like the perfect back-to-school snacks! I love the idea of adding some quinoa in them. YUMMY!
SO great for those afternoon munchies!
Just made these – delicious! I cut down the honey to about half since I don’t like them too sweet…and because I added lots o chocolate. Noms.
These sound brilliant. definitely gonna be giving these a go. Thanks simon
These were great! Sharing with folks at work. Mine came out fine. I used almond butter with cocoa instead of the PB, added a few shopped walnuts, pecans, and cashews I had left over. Will make again, maybe more this weekend. Thanks.
Do you wash the quinoa before you toast it?
I just made these and they are awesome! Thank you for this recipe.
I just made these and they look so good! I did exactly as the recipe asked and when I went to cut them they just crumbled 🙁 Was there not enough honey? How can I save them?
Usually it’s because you either left them in the freezer too long, or it’s because you didn’t use a natural enough peanut butter. I always use smuckers or trader joes pb for these.
Happened to me too, not sure what “natural enough peanut butter” means. I bought organic, natural PB.
Do you wash the quinoa before roasting it in oven
I am so excited to try these!! Have you ever tried using peanut butter powder, like pb2 instead of the peanut butter? Curious if they would still hold together or not!