4 Ingredient, Healthy, Dairy-Free Granola Bars
7g of sugar per bar
Why did I list this first? Because this recipe is so easy largely because it uses marshmallows as the binding agent. This may falsely lead some to believe that as a result they must be high in sugar and unhealthy but this certainly isn’t the case. Sugar isn’t our enemy. Large amounts of sugar is. These bars don’t contain any higher amounts of sugar than the average granola bar but they are SO EASY TO MAKE!
My favorite bar so far has used Pumpkin Seed + Flax Organic Granola. Providing 5g of fibre and 31g of whole grains per serving, these bars are an excellent addition to the lunch box and unlike cheap grocery store granola bars they actually leave you feeling full because they provide you with the important nutrients you need.
Can I use other types of cereal?
Yes! You can use whatever cereal you want. Just keep in mind it will change the texture and flavor. Depending on the cereal for example, it could make it a bit drier. I’m sure you’ll find your family’s favorite. This one using the granola is mine, probably because I know there is plenty of healthy goodness in them. My husband and kids enjoyed Vector cereal the best.
This recipe qualifies to be part of my Love More – Waste Less initiative because if you can make yummy heart-healthy granola bars at home, you save all that garbage and recycling that comes with every pre-packaged bar. Save money. Save time! These bars are so quick and easy to prep.
I was buying Cliff Bars for our family and OUCH. That hurts the budget! Especially when you have 5 kids and they can eat an $18 box of cliff bars in a couple of days.
Stop Wasting Parchment Paper and Plastic Wrap.
Look at this simple way to use your silicone mat to make your granola bars…
Place your silicone mat in a 9X13″ pan so the sides flap over the 13″ sides of the pan, it should fit in nicely. Then when your pour in your warm bar mixture all you have to do is fold the end of the mat over the mixture and firmly press down with both hands.
Prepare a 9×13″ pan with a silicone mat…
Pour in the hot bar mix, fold the sides of the silicone mat over the mix and press!
I place a margarine container on top to hold the flaps down. A plate would work great too. Then refrigerate the bars for 5-10 minutes and they are ready to cut!
You also don’t need to waste plastic wrap and individually cover every bar. Once you cut them, just store them in a large container and use as needed. My sister gifted me some beautiful beeswax wraps that work wonderfully for wrapping small amounts of goodies.
You can get your own here! I might receive a small commission if you purchase from this link and that would be greatly appreciated. It will help me maintain this blog!
You have to give these awesome bars a try!
Easiest-Ever, Healthy, Dairy-Free Granola Bars
Ingredients
- 3 cups Nature's Path Organic - Pumpkin Seed + Flax Granola
- 3 cups Rice Krispie Cereal
- 4 cups Mini Marshmallows
- 1/3 cup Becel Vegan Margarine (or butter if not dairy-free)
Instructions
- Take a 9"x13" baking pan and place a silicone mat across the pan so the ends of the silicone mat hang over the 13" edges of the baking pan. Alternatively, you can use parchment paper.
- Combine all the cereal into a large bowl.
- Add mini marshmallows and vegan margarine to a large pot and warm over medium-low heat until completely melted and well combined.
- Pour all the cereal into the melted marshmallow mixture and stir to combine well.
- Quickly pour the granola bar mixture onto the silicone mat in the baking pan.
- Fold the sides of the silicone mat over the mixture and use both hands to press down firmly on the bars.
- Find something not too heavy like a plate, to put on top of the bars to keep the silicone mat flaps from opening and refrigerate the bars for 5-10 minutes.
- Cut the bars into 20 pieces or as desired and transfer the bars to a container.
Notes
Check out my Love More – Waste Less section and find more recipes and ways to help pinch those pennies.
