Energy bars - Five Minute, No Cook Vegan Granola Bars

A friend recently posted this on Facebook and I made it as soon as I saw it. The author notes that you can use different nuts, dried fruit or nut butters which is good because I had to make a few substitutions. Still, these are fantastic, very easy to make and a great replacement for energy bars.

Five Minute, No-Bake Vegan Granola Bars
By Gena Hamshaw

Serves 10-12

2 1/2 cups rolled or quick oats
1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/2 cup raisins
2/3 cups peanut or almond butter
1/2 to 2/3 cup agave nectar or brown rice syrup (adjust based on how well things stick together)
1/8 teaspoon sea salt (adjust based on which nut butter you use)

Mix oats, pumpkin seeds, and raisins in a large bowl. Whisk together nut butter, sweetener, and sea salt. Pour into oat mixture, and mix well, till everything is sticky and combined. If it’s too dry, add a bit more agave. Press mixture into a shallow baking dish that you’ve lined with foil or saran wrap. Cover with more foil/saran, press well into the baking dish, and refrigerate for 4 hours. Cut into bar shapes, wrap, and keep refridgerated till ready to use. They will last two weeks in the fridge.

Because I was short some ingredients, I made mine with raw sunflower seeds instead of the pepitas and I used real maple syrup as a sweetener. I am not kicking myself for now buying the carob chips I had in my hand at the store yesterday. They would’ve been a great addition. Oh well, next time.

Tons of great looking recipes at Food52. Check it out.