For the days you forgot to pack a lunch, or on that beautiful Saturday hike, grab these gluten free, on-the-go energy bars to keep your day going as it should be.
By Tori Cooper
So these bars were something I was trying out that I thought would be a good on-the-go snack grab for the more health-conscious peoples that I feed. I’m not gonna lie, the boys are very satisfied with the cookies/brownies/cupcakes and other goodies that I’ve been making for them, but for the ones who try not to eat all of that I think this is a really yummy alternative. A huge problem with so many homemade protein bar recipes is that they have to be kept cold or they turn into a sticky mess. I was trying to work around that with these. Of course, if you don’t mind them a little on the messy side I’d say try dipping them in the coating from these other bars!
What flavor do you have when there’s not enough cocoa to be considered chocolate, but enough not to be overlooked? I put cocoa in these but I also didn’t want to have to add a lot of extra sweetness to compensate for its natural bitterness so I went really light and the cocoa is more of a side character than the star. I think the sunflower seeds and coconut are what really stand out with these, and of course the nanners. I feel like bananas have kind of become my favorite ingredient for adding moisture or sweetness to healthy baking. I mean, they’ve got it all. They’re really sweet, super healthy, and add great texture. Plus, they’re a fairly cheap ingredient when it comes to healthy options. Yep, bananas and I are having a moment. 
I made a few batches to get one that I was happy with because my first batch turned out a little bland. So if you’re looking for an easy snack that is portable and stands up pretty well in different temperatures than this is it. They are also vegan, dairy free, and gluten-free so they should fit into many people’s eating restrictions.
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Sunflower Seed Oatmeal Banana Energy Bars
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Makes 16 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Chewy, naturally sweet energy bars packed with sunflower seeds, bananas, and oats. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack!
Ingredients
- 1 cups (237 ml) shelled sunflower seeds
- 4 teaspoons coconut oil
- sea salt
- 4 medium ripe bananas
- 1/2 cup flax seed meal
- 1/2 cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes
- 4 cups (946 ml) old-fasioned rolled oats
- 1 cups (237 ml) full fat coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Line a 13×9 inch glass pan with parchment paper and grease with oil.
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Melt coconut oil in a small frying pan and add sunflower seeds. Stir constantly until browned and toasty, then sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Combine the sunflower seeds and all other ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until well combined.
- Scrape the mixture into the prepared pan and spread into a smooth layer with a spatula.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 325°F (160°C), until the edges start to darken and the top looks dry.
- Remove from oven and cool completely.
- Cut into desired size bars.
- Store in the refrigerator for optimal preservation. Bars should last for many days at room temperature; freezing is recommended for longer storage.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, toast the oats lightly in a dry pan before adding them to the mixture.
- If your bananas are not very ripe, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to compensate for the sweetness.
- To make these bars vegan, ensure your coconut milk and vanilla extract are certified vegan.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven-Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bar
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 5
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute the sunflower seeds with another type of nut or seed?
Yes, you can substitute sunflower seeds with nuts like almonds or walnuts, or use pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option.
What can I use instead of bananas if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have bananas, you can use unsweetened applesauce or mashed avocado to add moisture and sweetness.
How do I prevent the energy bars from becoming too sticky?
To prevent stickiness, make sure to let the bars cool completely before cutting them, and store them in an airtight container.
