Super-Seed Granola Bites (Wanna-be Aussie Bites)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Makes: 24 Mini Granola Cookies

Ingredients

• 2 cups old-fashion whole oats (quick oats are also okay)

• Heaping ½ cup of chopped dried fruit

• 3 tablespoons chia seeds

• ½ cup flax seeds ground

• ¼ teaspoon baking soda

• A pinch of salt

• ½ cup unsalted butter melted (you may also split or substitute with coconut or canola oil) 

• ½ tsp vanilla 

• ¼ cup 100% maple syrup or honey 

Directions

1. Pre-heat oven to 350F. 

2. Combine dry ingredients and then stir in butter, syrup, and vanilla.

3. Divide into a lightly greased (I spritzed olive oil on mine) 24-count mini muffin pan. Fill each spot to about ¾ full and then press down on the mixture to compress it. If you don’t have a mini muffin pan, try filling a normal muffin pan halfway - should make 24.

4. Bake for 12 minutes and then cool (these will cool faster if you place the muffin pan on a cooling rack).

   • It’s going to smell so good but you HAVE to be patient. Do not try to remove the cups until they are cooled completely.

5. Once cooled, carefully remove the granola cups and store in an airtight container for up to 7 days or to 2 weeks in the fridge. 

The Story

I have a really weird relationship with granola/protein bars. In general, I don’t like any of them. This is very unfortunate when it comes to hiking/snacking/needing something to grab on the way out the door.

Occasionally, I’ll find one I like, eat it too often, and then decide I actually don’t like it. I’m either put off by the chalky, dry texture or the sweet, sticky flavor. Trust me when I say, I have tried them all.

The only protein/granola bars that I’ve yet to get bored of are Aussie Bites and Bobo’s Oats Bars (only certain flavors though). I’m sure you are shocked to learn they are both oat-based. I love oats.

Having narrowed down the common denominator of my two favorite nutrition bars, I decided to create my own recipe! This recipe is so easy and so super speedy (<30 mins from start to out of the oven!).

The result is basically a cookie that’s packed with fiber (3-4g per bite!), omega 3s, energy, and even protein! They are super crumbly, but that’ s why they are bite-size. Two or three down the hatch and you’ll be kicking your heels down the trail.