Flax Seed Granola Bars with Pistachios and Goji Berries

Granola bars are thing I make when I’ve gotten fed up with buying overpriced ones that taste like cardboard held together with corn syrup. These have toasted oats as the base, honey or agave for binding, and then goji berries and pistachios layered through for texture and color. Keep it simple. Flax seeds go in without you noticing them, which is exactly how flax seeds should be added to anything. They keep well for about a week in an airtight container, though in my house that’s never been tested. The bars firm up as they cool, so give them real time before cutting, otherwise they crumble instead of slice.

How to Make Flax Seed Granola Bars with Pistachios and Goji Berries

Toast the oats first

Ten to fifteen minutes in a 350°F oven transforms raw oats from bland to nutty. Watch them closely in the last few minutes because the line between golden and burnt is fast. Goes fast. Let them cool fully before mixing, otherwise they’ll steam in the bowl and soften the texture.

Getting the binder right

Warm the honey with the coconut oil and almond butter over medium-low heat until everything is fluid and combined. Pour it over the oat mixture while it’s still warm so it coats evenly. If it cools before you pour, it thickens too fast and you end up with uneven bars.

Press hard, cool fully

After pressing the mixture into the lined baking sheet, use the back of a spatula to pack it firmly and evenly. Bars that weren’t pressed firmly enough fall apart when sliced. Cool to room temperature before cutting, or refrigerate for 20 minutes if you’re impatient.

Flax Seed Granola Bars with Pistachios and Goji Berries

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• Author: Vicky Cohen and Ruth Fox
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Makes 12 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Customizable granola bars packed with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit. A perfect healthy snack for any time of day.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (473 ml) oats
• 1/4 cup shelled salted pistachios, chopped
• 3 tbsp flax seeds
• 1/3 cup honey organic or agave nectar
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp (30 ml) almond butter
• 1/4 cup dried Goji berries

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Arrange oats in a single layer and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, watching to prevent burning.
4. Set aside to cool.
5. Transfer oats to a large bowl.
6. Add chopped pistachios and flax seeds and toss well.
7. In a small saucepan, combine honey or agave with vanilla extract and coconut oil.
8. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until the coconut oil has melted.
9. Whisk in almond butter and continue cooking for 1 to 2 minutes until well incorporated.
10. Remove from heat and add goji berries.
11. Pour mixture over oats and mix well with a wooden spoon, ensuring they are well coated.
12. Coat an 11×7 inch nonstick baking pan with cooking spray.
13. Transfer oat mixture evenly, pressing it well into the pan.
14. Refrigerate until firm (at least 2 hours).
15. Remove from pan and cut into bars.
16. Keep the bars refrigerated.

Notes

• For easier cutting, chill the bars for at least 4 hours, or overnight.
• Toasted oats will enhance the flavour; toast them for 5-7 minutes before adding other ingredients.
• Substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for the flax seeds for a different flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Oven-Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bar
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 10
• Sodium: 50
• Fat: 10
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Unsaturated Fat: 4
• Carbohydrates: 25
• Fiber: 5
• Protein: 4

Also check out this recipe for chewy granola bars.

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