fruit and seed bars fruit and seed barsThese Fruit and Seed Bars deliver the goods: sunflower seeds are packed with protein and vitamin E, pumpkin seeds with magnesium, and flax seeds with an off-the-charts amount of omega-3 fatty acids. Consider all the other healthful ingredients in this recipe and these bars are just as sweet, crunchy, healthy, and delicious as any nut-filled protein bar you’ll find in stores. My kids can’t seem to get enough of them, and they’re a treat that most schools will happily welcome.
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
½ cup raw pumpkin seeds (also known as pepitas)
½ cup raw sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons flax seeds
1 cup dried fruit (blueberries, raisins, currants, cranberries, and/or cherries)
½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
⅓ cup honey
½ cup sunflower butter
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease an 11 × 7- or 9 × 9-inch baking pan, then line it with parchment, allowing the parchment to come up two sides of the pan.
2. In a food processor, pulse the oats, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flax, dried fruit, and coconut until finely chopped (it’s okay if there are a few coarsely chopped pieces).
3. Add the honey and sunflower butter and pulse until the mixture is combined.
4. Pour the mixture into the pan and spread it out evenly.
5. Bake for 25 minutes, or until firm to the touch.
6. Let cool completely, then use a serrated knife to cut into fifteen 2-inch bars.
TO FREEZE: Cool, place in ziplock bags, label, and freeze. Defrost to room temperature and enjoy!
MAIJA: I have made the Fruit and Seed Bars for my boys and they are the perfect, healthy version of the typical sugar-laden granola bar. My boys love them for an afterschool snack or on the go to a sports activity.
JENNIFER: The Fruit and Seed Bars are a staple in our house. I make a double batch and freeze half so that we always have these bars on hand! My son will ask for them by name and loves to help make them! Thank you so much for this recipe!
