DIY Snack Bars

diy snack bars
Photos by Jake Adams

As I was doing my weekly grocery shopping at Whole Foods Market, Amanda, the Healthy Eating Specialist, introduced me to a delicious recipe for diy snack bars that are great to take hiking. I decided to try it out and have a go at making my own bars that fit my family’s tastes.

This simple recipe makes it easy to put your own spin on it to make it the way you like. Plus, these bars have no added oil, are high in good fats and the seeds offer ample protein.

Ok, enough about how awesome they are. Let’s get baking!

What you will need:

  • 3 Medium Bananas
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 2 cups Rolled Oats
  • 3/4 cup Raisins
  • 1 cup Walnuts, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Sunflower Seeds
  • 1/2 cup Pumpkin Seeds
  • 1/2 cup sliced Almonds
  • 1/4 cup hulled Hemp  Seeds
  • 1 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

How to:

1.  Preheat oven to 350F. Line baking dish with parchment paper. I prefer to make thicker bars, so I use  a 1.5 quart baking dish. If you prefer thinner bars, try using a cookie sheet.

2.  In a large bowl, mash the bananas until creamy. Stir in vanilla extract.

3.  Combine oats and other ingredients into the banana mixture.
diy snack bars

4.  Pulse oats in a food processor or blender (I used my Vitamix) until coarsely ground.

diy snack bars

5.  Pour mixture into desired pan and press firmly to create an even texture.

diy snack bars

6.  Bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 10 minutes then lift out of the pan holding onto the parchment paper. Flip upside down and remove paper. Allow them to cool for another 10 minutes before cutting.

7. Slice into bars and enjoy!
diy snack bars