Sunflower Seed Oatmeal Banana Energy Bars - FOOD PHOTO SHOOT + 12,000 Followers
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So these bars were something I was trying out that I thought would be a good on-the-go snack grab for the more health-conscious peoples that I feed. I’m not gonna lie, the boys are very satisfied with the cookies/brownies/cupcakes and other goodies that I’ve been making for them, but for the ones who try not to eat all of that I think this is a really yummy alternative.
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A huge problem with so many homemade protein bar recipes is that they have to be kept cold or they turn into a sticky mess. I was trying to work around that with these. Of course, if you don’t mind them a little on the messy side I’d say try dipping them in some chocolate!
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What flavor do you have when there’s not enough cocoa to be considered chocolate but enough not to be overlooked?Cuz I put cocoa in these but I also didn’t want to have to add a lot of extra sweetness to compensate for its natural bitterness so I went really light and the cocoa is more of a side character than the star. I think the sunflower seeds and coconut are what really stand out with these, and of course the bananas. I feel like bananas have kind of become my favorite ingredient for adding moisture or sweetness to healthy baking. I mean, they’ve got it all. They’re really sweet, super healthy, and add great texture. Plus, they’re a fairly cheap ingredient when it comes to healthy options. Yep, bananas and I are having a moment.
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I made a few batches to get one that I was happy with because my first batch turned out a little bland. So if you’re looking for an easy snack that is portable and stands up pretty well in different temperatures than this is it. They are also vegan, dairy free, and gluten-free so they should fit into many people’s eating restrictions.
Okay, so have a great week guys, and make some healthy snack bars!
![DSC_0692.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmfM6Sww2x5Ly4HqEyNbkPqrm8XdYe4y4zvNcDHtpt73A8/DSC_0692.jpg)
Sunflower Seed Oatmeal Banana Energy Bars
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients
1 cup shelled sunflower seeds
4 teaspoons coconut oil
sea salt to taste
4 medium ripe bananas
1/2 cup flax seed meal
1/2 cup unsweetened dried coconut flakes
4 cups old-fasioned rolled oats
1 cup full fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon sea salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1/3 cup maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
1/4 cup cocoa powder
Instructions
- Line a 13x9 inch glass pan with parchment and grease with oil. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (160 C).
- Melt coconut oil in a small frying pan and add sunflower seeds. Stir constantly until browned and toasty then sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Combine the sunflower seeds and all other ingredients in a food processor or blender and pulse until very well combined. Scrape mixture into prepared pan and spread into a smooth layer with a spatula.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges start to darken and the top looks dry. Remove and cool completely then cut into desired size bars. They are best stored in the fridge but should last for many days at room temperature also. If you plan to eat them over a longer period of time than freezing is probably a good idea.
![DSC_0720.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/640x0/https://steemitimages.com/DQmWCgXWLavFP4q7KvqjigHszYjUqU2fuNHtyoKRAnEFgcJ/DSC_0720.jpg)
For more great food ideas, please do not forget to look at my other recent food posts
- Blueberry White Chocolate Almond Oatmeal Cookies
- Homemade 'Nilla Wafers with Banana Pudding
- Carrot & Lentil Salad with Indian Curry Tahini Dressing w/ Vegan Option
- Simple Chocolate Drizzled Blood Orange Cream Tart
- Springtime Vibes Salad+Cilantro Almond Butter Dressing
- Chocolate Dipped Frosting Filled Doughnuts
- Sweet and Spicy Honey Bourbon Chicken
- Strawberries+Cream Fudge Brownie Trifle
- Tropical Bay Breakfast Jars (Vegan)
- Veggies + Lemongrass Wild Rice Stuffed Peppers - FOOD PHOTO SHOOT
ALL CONTENT IS MINE AND ORIGINAL! All of these food photos were taken with my Nikon D5300 and my favorite Lens, the Nikon AF-S FX NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G. You can find out more in my INTRO POST.
And, by the way, to all the minnows out there, my intro post did a huge $0.21. The key to success on Steemit is to be consistent and persistent. Click on the link below for some great tutorials on how you can also succeed on the steem blockchain:
Master Toolkit: Steemit Resource Guide Illustrated by @sndbox
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Also, a huge shoutout to @rigaronib for designing my logo!
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Do you want to learn more about me? Click here to see a recent @wadepaterson interview with me - 20 questions with @gringalicious
In case you didn't catch my previous Travel Series Posts:
Gringalicious in San Diego Travel Series - Part 5 La Jolla Cove
Gringalicious in San Diego Travel Series - Part 4 Seaport Village
Gringalicious in San Diego Travel Series - Part 3 Horton Plaza
Gringalicious in San Diego Travel Series - Part 2 San Diego Zoo!
Gringalicious in San Diego Travel Series - Part 1
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Bar looks yummy. You are right... Now, people are very conscious about health and calories. Perfect recipe.
12,000 FOLLOWERS
thanks so much for your never ending support @noboxes!
Amazing filter!
I am sorry, what do you mean by filter @yummyrum?
These photos are so beautiful and your staging, just amazing. And, congrats on the 12k follower, huge accomplishment, congrats
awww, you are always so sweet and supportive, thanks so much @mamaloves
These look very yummy and like a great grab-and-go kind of snack. Random question, are you vegetarian? If not, I was wondering about incorporating protein powder into a recipe like this. I am a busy mom and an looking for quick snacks that are well-balanced and not too heavy in carbs.
Lovely photography as well. I love that you incorporate nature into so many of your photos. The spirea gives such a nice softness and pop of colour.
I haven't had a chance to browse Steemit as much lately. My twins have become mobile and they are very adventurous, which means I am very busy chasing after them. Did you end up doing a behind the scenes post? I hope I didn't miss it. -Aimee
Ps. Congratulations on hitting yet another amazing milestone! 12,000 followers... Whoot whoot!
I wear no labels. I think adding protein powder would be an amazing idea. You should give it a try and then make your own post about it.
thanks for the kind words on the photos.
I have not done a behind the scenes post, but it is very much on my mind to do.
And thanks for the congrats on the 12k, I am very glad that you are one of them @canadianrenegade.
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I was a manager for many years in supermarkets, I always specialize in the elaborated sectors, I love the bakery sector, in the last years work to change the habit of consumption of people, began to incorporate healthier products, (no trans fats ) and many cereals and other healthier meal alternatives.
I love this proposal, you agree the exquisite with the healthy, thank you very much for sharing the recipe and the step by step of the elaboration
I wish you a great day @gringalicious
very kind words and awesome commenting @jlufer. Managing super markets, that has to be hard work?
I've never been in fond of healthy sweets, thought that they couldn't be tasty. But lastly, something has changed I've decided to try some recipes eg. chocolate avocado dessert, chia pudding or the last one - black bean brownie, and I must say that those were actually very delicious :) your energy bars are going to be the next that I try, they look really yummy and nutritious at the same time 😊
I've done all of those and had some measure of success. Have you tried avocado brownies. I have a recipe for that, maybe I'll share it again soon. I do hope you give these bars a try and I hope it is a success
Wow I've never thought that avocado can be used in brownies! That would be awesome if you share it again! 😊
I’ve never had sunflower seeds. I’ve seen them in various trail mixes at the store, I’ve seen them enrobed in colorful candy-chocolate coatings, and I’ve seen their shells lying around on the ground from when people spit them out, but I’ve never tried them. These cookies look amazing though. 🙂 (I love me an oatmeal cookie!)
I love me an oatmeal cookie also. I do have a recipe for an oatmeal cookie that I have yet to share, I need to do that soon. Thanks so much for the inspiration @tasauver. Great commenting
You put it so well together, I as a reader have to give my best shot too