Why Make This Recipe
Nut & Seed Bars – Heart Healthy Greek are a delicious and nutritious snack. They are packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, making them a perfect choice for breakfast or a quick energy boost. Moreover, they are super easy to make at home, and you can customize them to suit your taste.
How to Make Nut & Seed Bars – Heart Healthy Greek
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts)
- 1 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, flaxseed)
- 1 cup oats
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut or almond)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Optional: dried fruit or chocolate chips
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the nuts, seeds, and oats.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey or maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat on low until melted and well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- Press down firmly to pack the mixture tightly.
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.
How to Serve Nut & Seed Bars – Heart Healthy Greek
These bars can be enjoyed on their own as a snack or served with fresh fruit for breakfast. They are also great for a quick energy boost before or after a workout.
How to Store Nut & Seed Bars – Heart Healthy Greek
Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one week. For longer storage, you can keep them in the fridge or freeze them for up to three months.
Tips to Make Nut & Seed Bars – Heart Healthy Greek
- Make sure to pack the mixture firmly in the baking dish to keep the bars together.
- Feel free to adjust the types of nuts and seeds based on what you have on hand.
- For added flavor, consider toasting the nuts and seeds before mixing them with the other ingredients.
Variation
You can add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a sweeter taste. If you’d like a chocolatey treat, mix in some dark chocolate chips.
FAQs
1. Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?
Yes, you can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or even brown sugar as alternatives.
2. Are these bars gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use certified gluten-free oats, these bars can be gluten-free.
3. Can I make these bars vegan?
Absolutely! Just use maple syrup instead of honey and any plant-based nut butter.
Nut & Seed Bars – Heart Healthy Greek
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts)
- 1 cup mixed seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, flaxseed)
- 1 cup oats Use certified gluten-free oats for a gluten-free version.
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup Maple syrup makes it vegan.
- 1/4 cup nut butter (peanut or almond) Substitute with any preferred nut butter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
- dried fruit or chocolate chips For added sweetness or a chocolatey treat.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the nuts, seeds, and oats.
- In a small saucepan, combine the honey or maple syrup, nut butter, vanilla extract, and salt. Heat on low until melted and well combined.
- Pour the mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper and spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
- Press down firmly to pack the mixture tightly.
Baking
- Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool completely before cutting into bars.