Homemade cereal grain bars are not only more delicious than store-bought ones but also much healthier. Made with wholesome ingredients like oats, flaxseed meal, and honey, they can be easily adapted to be vegan or gluten-free.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups fresh or frozen organic blueberries (or any preferred berries)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 4 drops liquid stevia (optional)
- 1 1/3 cups unbleached all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup flaxseed meal
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon melted coconut oil or butter
- 1-2 tablespoons milk (any type)
- Raw turbinado sugar (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare the Blueberry Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the berries and lemon juice. Cook, stirring frequently, until the berries break down and thicken into a jam-like consistency, about 15 minutes. Adjust sweetness with stevia if needed. The filling should taste sweet, as the pastry itself is mildly sweet. Allow the filling to cool.
- Preheat the Oven: Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Make the Dough: In a food processor or blender, combine the flour, flaxseed meal, and baking powder. Pulse until mixed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, vanilla extract, egg, and melted coconut oil or butter. While the processor is running, slowly pour in the wet ingredients to combine. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together but isn’t too wet.
- Shape the Dough: Roll the dough into a 10” x 12” rectangle on a sheet of wax paper, patching as needed. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to divide the dough lengthwise into thirds. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the berry filling down the center of each strip. Carefully fold one side of the dough over the filling, then the other side, gently pinching to seal the edges. Use a bit of water to help the dough stick if needed. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar, pressing lightly if using.
- Bake the Pastries: Transfer the dough strips seam-side down onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Cut each strip into three pieces. Bake for 15 minutes, then let cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
NOTES
- Filling Variations:
- In a hurry? Substitute jarred jam for the filling, though freshly cooked berries offer the best flavor.
- Peanut Butter-Chocolate Chip: Swap out the berry filling for peanut butter. Sprinkle with mini chocolate chips and proceed with the recipe.
- Vegan Option:
- Replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture: Combine 1 tablespoon flaxseed meal with 3 tablespoons water, let sit for a few minutes, and use as a substitute.
- Swap honey for agave syrup.
Enjoy your freshly baked cereal bars, packed with wholesome flavor!
