These bars a great little snack that made to combine the flavors of fall into a healthy grab and go treat! Pumpkin is everywhere this time of the year so I wanted to make sure to include this fall favorite without it stealing the show.. and peanut butter. Need is say more? I hope you enjoy these as much as we do!
WHY you should give it a try:
Almonds
- Almonds are a great source of vitamins that have been known to increase brain health. They are connected to increased brain activity and therefore are a great food for growing children.
- They are great for raising good cholesterol levels (HDL) and lowering bad cholesterol levels (LDL).
- Almonds are full of good fat- vitamin E which is a rich antioxidant that protects the bodies cells from oxidative damage. Studies show that increased amounts of vitamin E in the diet are linked to lower rates of heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
- This nut is high in an essential vitamin that many of us are lacking, magnesium. Magnesium is involved in more than 300 bodily processes and almonds happen to very high in it. The consumption of just 2 ounces of almonds can provide your body with nearly half the recommended daily value of magnesium (150 mg) that can help with controlling blood sugar, and lowering blood pressure.
Peanut Butter
- Peanuts have only unsaturated fats so they can be consumed regularly.
- High protein
- They are full of vitamins as well. Vitamin A for eyesight, vitamin C for immune function and vitamin E which helps dissolve fat blockages in the arteries.
- You will also find a number of antioxidants, one known as resveratrol is good for lowering cardiovascular disease and cancer risk, and also reduces inflammation.
Walnuts
- Walnuts are high in omega-3s, monounsaturated fats, and others essential fatty acids. The consumption of walnuts has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol in the blood and raise HDL levels which leads to lowered risk of heart disease and blood pressure.
- These healthy nuts have been long considered brain food due to the high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids. When these fatty acids are paired with selenium and iodine (which are all present in walnuts), they have been proven to increase brain function.
- The minerals present in walnuts, manganese, copper, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, have all been shown to help contribute to metabolic activities like growth and development, and digestion.
WHERE to get the goods:
- Peanut butter is easy to find just about anywhere. I would recommend finding one as close to natural as possible, meaning no added sugars, flavors, etc. Or you can learn to make your own!
- Almonds are walnuts are readily available at almost all grocery stores. Nuts are an item that I recommend buying raw (not roasted) and in bulk in order to save a little money.
HOW to enjoy it:
- Since we are peanut butter addicts at our house, I like to top them with more peanut butter and add half of an apple for a great breakfast or healthy dessert.
- Kids love them and they are packed full of beneficial vitamins and minerals for their growing bodies.
- These granola bars also make a great snack on the go!
Thanks for stopping by!
Em
Granola Bars with Pumpkin and Peanut Butter
2015-11-12 09:26:54
Yields 8
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
40 min
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup pecans
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 6 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- sprinkle of salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- In a food processor or high speed blender, roughly chop almonds, pecans and pumpkin seeds. Add to a medium bowl with the almond flour, chia seeds, cinnamon and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin, honey/maple syrup, coconut oil, peanut butter and mix well.
- Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix until combined.
- Line 8x8 pan with parchment paper and press mixture into pan. Use a rolling pin or glass to pack it tightly so the bars will stay together after baking.
- Bake at 350 degrees until the edges are golden (25-30 minutes). Remove from the oven and let cool completely before cutting with a sharp knife.
- Store in refrigerator for up to one week.
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