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–+ servings
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Naturally Dyed Monster Cookie Granola Bars!

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: dairy free snack recipes, easy granola bar recipe, gluten free granola bar recipe, gluten free snacks, granola bar recipes, healthy granola bar recipe, kid snacks, lunchbox ideas, monster cookie granola bar, monster cookie recipe, naturally dyed, naturally dyed snack ideas, snack recipes
Servings: 16 bars
Author: Renee Kohley - Raising Generation Nourished

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Pre-heat the oven to 325 degrees. If you plan to use granola bar molds, place them on a baking sheet. If you are going to use a baking pan, you can line two 8x8 or 9x9 baking pans with unbleached parchment paper so the paper hangs off the sides (This helps pull them out of the pan to cut them easier later).
  • Put the oats, hemp hearts, almond flour, coconut sugar, sea salt, and baking soda in a medium mixing bowl and stir to combine.
  • Melt the coconut oil and peanut butter in a small sauce pan until it is liquid, and then add the honey to melt. Add the vanilla extract and then mix the melted liquid ingredients completely into the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl.
  • Stir in the naturally dyed candy coated chocolate, and then press the granola bar mixture into your granola bar molds, or into your baking pan. I use the back of a spoon to press them into a granola bar mold. When I make granola bars in a baking pan, I use the bottom of a measuring cup to press the mixture in.
  • Bake the granola bars at 325 degrees until golden on the top. For these small granola bar molds, it takes 15 minutes. For these larger granola bar molds, it takes 25 minutes. The baking pans should take between 25-30 minutes.
  • Let the granola bars COOL COMPLETELY before taking them out. You'll be able to pop the granola bars out of the molds. If you are using a baking pan, pull the parchment paper up to take the granola bars out of the pan, and then cut them with a long sharp knife.

Notes

  • I use these hemp hearts from Costco, but there are other brands, so you can compare prices and choose what works best for you!
  • If you are at a nut-free school, swap the almond flour for ground up seeds of any kind - I would stick with sunflower seeds if you don't want to change the color too much. Pumpkin seeds are great too, but they are green and might turn some kids off. You can also use sunflower butter instead of peanut butter. 
  • I had these naturally dyed candy coated mini chocolates in my pantry to use for these granola bars. It was my last bag, so when I went to order more, I found these newer ones that are a better price per ounce! And then this brand of candy coated chocolates looks more like a typical "M&M" shape, so if your kids will gravitate more toward that, this is a good find at a similar cost. 
  • I have been using these granola bar pans for multiple years now. They are so convenient if you happen to make granola bars often. If this is your first time making them, just use an 8x8 or 9x9 baking pan lined with parchment paper. Simply press the granola bar mixture into the granola bar pan or prepared baking pan before baking. I like to dump the whole bowl onto the granola bar pan, spread it out with a spoon, then press it in. For a baking pan, use the back of a cup or measuring cup to press the mixture into the pan. (By the way! I LOVED these mini granola bar pans when the girls were smaller - it is perfect for households with younger kids and tiny hands!)