Name: Blueberry Quinoa Breakfast Bars
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats; 1 cup cooked quinoa; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/3 cup coconut sugar; 1/4 cup hemp seeds; 1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium); 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons of water); 2 tablespoons nut/seed butter; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon vanilla (powder or extract); 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Why Make This Recipe

Blueberry Quinoa Breakfast Bars are a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. These bars are packed with healthy ingredients, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack. They combine the goodness of oats, quinoa, and fresh blueberries, offering both flavor and energy to keep you going. Plus, they are easy to make and store, which means you can prepare them in advance and enjoy them throughout the week.

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How to Make Blueberry Quinoa Breakfast Bars

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup coconut sugar
1/4 cup hemp seeds
1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 medium)
2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons of water)
2 tablespoons nut/seed butter
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla (powder or extract)
1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 9"x 9" baking sheet with parchment paper and grease the sides with cooking spray.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oats, quinoa, sugar, baking powder, and hemp seeds.
In a separate bowl, mix the mashed bananas, nut butter, flax eggs, lemon juice, and vanilla.
Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients, mixing everything together until fully incorporated. The batter should be moist but not runny.
Fold in the blueberries gently.
Transfer the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Bake on the center rack for 25 – 35 minutes, until the bars are golden brown and firm to the touch.
Remove from the oven and let cool completely in the pan. Once cool, remove from the pan and slice into squares or rectangles.
Store in an airtight container for 4 – 5 days.

How to Serve Blueberry Quinoa Breakfast Bars

These breakfast bars can be served as they are, or you can elevate them by adding a drizzle of nut butter or a sprinkle of nuts on top. They are great alongside a cup of coffee or tea. You can also pack them in lunchboxes for a healthy snack during the day.

How to Store Blueberry Quinoa Breakfast Bars

To keep these bars fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for about 4 to 5 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Wrap each bar individually or place them in a freezer-safe container, and they will stay good for up to three months. Just thaw them before eating.

Tips to Make Blueberry Quinoa Breakfast Bars

Make sure your quinoa is fully cooked and cooled before mixing it into the batter.
Use ripe bananas for natural sweetness. The riper they are, the better!
You can substitute coconut sugar with brown sugar or maple syrup if you prefer.
Feel free to adjust the amount of blueberries based on your taste.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.

Variation

You can switch out the blueberries for other fruits like raspberries, chopped apples, or chopped nuts. For a chocolate twist, add mini chocolate chips instead of berries!

FAQs

1. Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats and check other ingredients for gluten content.

2. How can I make flax eggs?
Mix 2 tablespoons of flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens.

3. Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?
Yes, quick oats are fine for this recipe, but rolled oats provide a different texture.

4. How long do these bars last in the freezer?
These bars can last for up to three months in the freezer when stored properly.

5. Can I replace the nut/seed butter with another ingredient?
Yes, you can use applesauce or yogurt as a substitute for nut/seed butter, but it may change the texture and flavor.