Granola or Granola Bars? Which do you prefer? Well I’ll leave you to choose. Whether it’s full bars or crumbled granola that you prefer, these Raspberry Crumble Granola Bars swing both ways.
This recipe came about because I was looking for a healthy detox granola bar that I could nosh on guilt-free at snack time. I LOVE granola and granola bars, but often find that granola is filled with empty calories from loads of sugar, making it not the healthiest of choices when it comes to snacking. Making your own granola, however is a different story. I find making your own granola the best way to know exactly what you’re getting; so you can eat healthfully, and satisfy that belly and mind.
This Raspberry Crumble Granola is a beautiful healthy granola that is full of flavour! I’ve added some not so common spices to this mix, like cloves and cardamom, with a bit of sea salt to give it a reinvigorated spin on the traditional. (Thank you Goop for the idea). It is divine! I’ve also used loads of healthy nuts and seeds, from almonds to pumpkin seeds, and flax to make it super healthful and satiating.
The stickler with granola, as I mentioned earlier is the heaps of sugar that goes into it. In most of my favourite store bought recipes it can be upwards of 30 grams per serving! But in this recipe I’ve added only a little bit of agave to keep it healthy, and then I’ve tossed in some frozen raspberries, which when cooked oozes into the granola to give it a sweet fruity taste throughout.The outcome is a healthful granola that’s the perfect amount of sweet, to get your afternoon fix.
As to whether or not I prefer these crumble granola bars in granola-form or bar-form, well, it seems I swing both ways. The bar form really feels like you are eating a substantial serving, and the flavours of cardamom and clove really pops. But in granola form, with a little bit of almond milk (esp. the homemade kind), it makes for a creamy cereal that I’d opt in for at any time of day: breakfast, snack time or dessert. I even like the best of both worlds, tossing a bar into a bowl, add pouring some almond milk directly overtop. It sort of reminds me of a more delicious weetabix (let’s hope they don’t steal my idea). But whatever shape or form you fancy, this Raspberry Crumble Granola Bar has you covered.
I will warn you however, that these bars stay true to their title: they’re Crumbly! And that’s because I haven’t added heaps of honey or agave to bind, so keep in mind while you indulge. You might want to have a plate handy to catch those fly aways, or have your little pooch near by, who I’m sure would much appreciate the kind gesture.
All-in-all I will definitely be making these healthful crumble bars again – for a healthy snack when I’m detoxing, or simply looking for a healthful granola. This one surely hits the sweet spot.
Raspberry Crumble Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds 160g
- 3 cups gluten-free oats 360g
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/3 cup shredded coconut
- 1/3 cup flaxseed
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- 1/4 tsp cardamon
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/3 cup + 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1/3 cup + 2 tbsp agave
- 1 cup raspberries fresh or frozen (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F/180C. In a food processor blend almonds and 2 cups oats until they are finely ground.
- Add to a mixing bowl with remaining cup of oats, pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, flaxseed, cinnamon, cloves, cardamon, and sea salt. Mix to combine.
- In a saucepan melt coconut oil, then add to mixing bowl along with agave and stir granola to combine. Pour in raspberries and mix together.
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper (I used a 9-inch x 6-inch dish). Pour granola into baking dish and press to firm. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden. Let cook completely before cutting. Optional to cut into bars (makes 15), or crumble using your fingers.
Notes
Nutrition
VEGAN – VEGETARIAN – GLUTEN-FREE – WHEAT-FREE – DAIRY-FREE – SOY-FREE
