One of the philosophies I have been trying to embody with my recent healthy living kick is to avoid processed food and to cut back on sugar, especially unnecessary added sugar which often appears in processed food. This does mean than grabbing portable, quick food on the go can be a bit of a challenge, especially for breakfast. That’s where these bars come in. They have no added sugar, they’re vegan, they’re wheat-free and they are delicious! They’re also packed with fibre and healthy fats and will give you a great energy boost first thing in the morning or just before a workout.
Sugar free, vegan energy bars
250g porridge oats
75g dried cranberries
40g sunflower seeds
40g pumpkin seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
60g coconut oil (or butter if you don’t have coconut oil but obviously then they’re no longer vegan)
2 overipe bananas
Preheat your oven to 200 C (or 180 C for a fan oven). Grease and line a medium baking dish with grease proof paper.
In a large bowl mix together the oats, cranberries, seeds and cinnamon.
Put the coconut oil (or butter) in the microwave for 30 seconds to melt. Pour the coconut oil into the oats mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
Mash up the bananas and then add them to the oats mixture. Squish everything together. (I do this by hand… it’s very satisfying). Press the mixture into the prepared baking dish firmly.
Bake for 25 minutes and then leave to cool completely in the baking dish. Otherwise it will fall apart. Once cold cut into 24 squares.
Makes 12 – 263 calories per square
Filed under: Food, recipes Tagged: baking, coconut oil, food, healthy baking, oats, pumpkin seeds, recipes, sugar free vegan energy bars, sunflower seeds, vegan baking
